The Powers That Be: Daily Congress’s Recess Reckoning
Aug 12, 2025
Abby Livingston, an insightful Hill correspondent, joins Julia Ioffe to dissect Congress's August recess. They explore how some members avoid town halls while others confront fierce public backlash over the Big Beautiful Bill and the Epstein fallout. The conversation shifts to the intense Texas redistricting battles and their significance as the 2026 midterms approach. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolving strategies of both parties and the shifting dynamics of political engagement in today's climate.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Viral Town Hall Launches A Star
- Mike Flood held a wildly rowdy town hall that went viral on social media.
- The spectacle turned him into a political celebrity and drew bipartisan admiration for showing up.
Social Media Turns Town Halls Into Spectacle
- Social media amplifies heated town halls far beyond districts and rewards spectacle.
- Abby Livingston says that makes town halls 'fodder for Twitter' and discourages some incumbents.
Phone Town Halls Are Heavily Screened
- Republicans increasingly use teletown halls to reach thousands while controlling participation.
- Abby Livingston warns these events are heavily screened and limit spontaneous constituent pushback.