Fresh Air Trump's Options To Subvert The 2026 Midterms
84 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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High Stakes And Multiplying Interference Risks
- David Graham warns that 2026 stakes are far higher and interference opportunities multiply compared with smaller special elections.
- He argues Trump will use federal pressure and narrative control to tip close midterm outcomes.
Redistricting As An Arms Race
- Graham describes an arms race of map-drawing where both parties squeeze competitive districts to gain a few seats.
- He highlights the White House pressuring state Republicans to redraw maps as a key tactic.
Monitors Could Normalize Federal Presence
- The Justice Department's monitors targeted races important to Democrats, which experts see as a potential dry run.
- Graham warns such monitoring can intimidate voters and normalize federal presence at polls.
