Fresh Air Trump's Options To Subvert The 2026 Midterms
87 snips
Nov 6, 2025 
David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in election threats, delves into alarming potential strategies for how Trump might disrupt the 2026 midterms, including military presence at polling places and pressure tactics on election workers. He discusses the significance of misinformation, recent legislative maneuvers, and a hypothetical worst-case scenario in Maricopa County. Meanwhile, Maureen Corrigan, a book critic and literature professor, shares her insights on Patti Smith’s memoir, 'Bread of Angels,' exploring its connection to her earlier work.
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Local Officials Under Pressure
- Election administration relies on local, often unpaid officials who face intense harassment and threats.
- Graham notes this exodus and funding cuts weaken security and operational capacity.
Price For Standing Up In Maricopa
- Former Maricopa recorder Stephen Richer stood up to fraud claims and then lost his primary to a MAGA challenger.
- Graham uses this to show political costs for Republicans defending election integrity.
Faster Spread Of Unchecked False Narratives
- The information ecosystem has shifted: mainstream outlets are more pliant and platforms reduce misinformation moderation.
- Graham warns false narratives will spread faster and meet less pushback than in 2020.
