The Source with Kaitlan Collins Trump, Hegseth Say They Didn’t Know About Second Strike
Dec 3, 2025
This episode features John King, a CNN political correspondent known for his insightful electoral analysis; Congressman Jason Crow, an Army veteran focused on military law and national security; and Senator Angus King, who addresses legal questions on military engagements. They dive into the implications of a tight special election in Tennessee, the dynamics of Republican messaging under Trump, and a critical look at rules of engagement amid controversy over a second military strike. The conversation highlights the tension within the GOP and the shifting landscape of both parties.
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Special Elections Shift The Political Map
- Special elections this year show Democrats overperforming in places Republicans once considered safe, shrinking margins dramatically.
- John King warns this pattern could reshape the 2026 battlefield and make many Republicans nervous about vulnerable districts.
Affordability Drives Voter Behavior
- Affordability is the dominant issue driving Democratic gains and worrying Republican incumbents.
- White House messaging denying the problem risks alienating swing voters and split the GOP on strategy.
Democrats Face Candidate Identity Choice
- Democrats face a strategic debate after close races about whether to run more moderate or progressive candidates in rural districts.
- John King predicts Afton Bain's strong showing will fuel that national conversation about candidate selection.
