The Playbook Podcast Republicans privately brace for House defeat
8 snips
Oct 14, 2026 
Megan Messerly, POLITICO’s White House reporter, and Will Staken, a congressional politics journalist, examine Republicans’ private fears of losing the House and their scramble to protect the Senate. They explore Trump’s midterm drag, GOP candidates breaking with him, Katie Zachariah’s shaky briefing debut, Kimberly Guilfoyle’s resignation, and Kamala Harris keeping her 2028 plans open.
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Republicans Quietly Abandon Hope For The House
- Top Republicans privately see holding the House as increasingly impossible and are shifting toward damage control.
- Their stated goal is saving Republican seats and protecting the Senate while blaming Trump for making the election about himself.
GOP Strategists Begin Choosing Which Seats To Lose
- Republican leaders are already positioning themselves for a post-election blame game involving Trump, candidates, and MAGA Inc.
- Party groups are abandoning districts including seats held by Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Tom Kean Jr., and retiring Representative Don Bacon.
Campaign Spending May Be Hurting Republicans
- Massive campaign spending may produce diminishing returns when voters care more about affordability, living costs, and gas prices.
- Democrats’ anti-money message gained traction after Abdul El-Sayed won a primary despite being significantly outspent.