Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain

The election is over, but the Republican Party's problems are just getting started. Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome Democratic strategist, former Obama staffer and Lost Debate host Ravi Gupta for a wide-ranging conversation about the fallout from the 2026 midterms, the future of MAGA and whether either political party has learned anything from the voters. Meghan is still processing the results, but she's already found herself in another political fight. After Turning Point USA's Tyler Bowyer publicly criticized her and the McCain family over Arizona's Republican losses, Meghan fires back, defending her father's legacy and questioning why the organization continues blaming moderate Republicans and independents instead of examining its own record. Miranda asks a pointed question: If Turning Point can't deliver victories in its own backyard, what does that mean for its national political influence? Meanwhile, the race for 2028 is already taking shape. JD Vance is trying to distance himself from the war in Iran while remaining Trump's political heir, and Meghan, Miranda and Ravi have serious questions about whether he can pull it off. They also discuss Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio, Glenn Youngkin, Jon Ossoff and the possibility of an entirely different kind of presidential election. Then there's the White House. Trump has elevated Stephen Miller following Susie Wiles' departure, raising questions about the administration's direction, immigration policy and whether Trump is prepared to work with the newly elected Democratic Congress. Ravi also shares his firsthand experience working on the Democratic campaign in Kansas, where he says the winning coalition included Republican crossover voters. What can both parties learn from candidates who appeal beyond their political bases? And in a particularly bizarre turn, the conversation shifts to a controversy involving Nvidia, an alleged affair and potential national security concerns. Ravi explains why the story could be about much more than someone's personal life. Plus, Meghan and Miranda take questions from Citizens across the country, debate the emerging 2028 Democratic field and discuss why voters may be looking for something politics has been missing for a long time: basic decency, accountability and normalcy. Subscribe to Citizen McCain, turn on notifications and join Meghan and Miranda for honest conversations, political disagreements and a little chaos along the way. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Cozy Earth: Visit https://cozyearth.com and use code MCCAIN for up to 20% off home and sleepwear. Quince: Visit https://www.quince.com for free shipping and 365-day returns, or download the Quince app for exclusive offers. Let them know you heard about Quince on Citizen McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The votes are in, the dust is settling, and Republicans are waking up to a political nightmare. Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins are back for a special post-election edition of Citizen McCain, breaking down the 2026 midterm results, the Democratic victories across the country, and what Meghan calls an "extinction-level event" for the Republican Party. From Texas and Ohio to Michigan, South Carolina and Arizona, the political landscape looks very different after Election Day. Meghan lays out her list of reasons Republicans lost, including the cost of living, the war in Iran, government corruption, political extremism and a Trump administration she says has become more interested in social media than governing. Miranda adds another major concern: the growing influence of Big Tech, AI and the expansion of data centers into American communities. Then there's JD Vance. The vice president is already distancing himself from Trump's handling of Iran, but can he separate himself from an administration he's been part of? Miranda thinks Vance's presidential ambitions are finished, while Meghan isn't ready to write him off. And with Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio and other Republicans potentially looking toward 2028, the fight for the future of the GOP is just beginning. Conservative commentator and radio host Ben Ferguson joins the conversation to offer his perspective on the election, the role of affordability and gas prices, and why he believes Republicans still have a path forward. Plus, Meghan and Ben discuss Ted Cruz, the new balance of power in Washington and the political consequences of failing to deliver on campaign promises. And this wouldn't be Citizen McCain without our Citizens! Viewers from across the country join Meghan and Miranda to share their reactions, concerns and hopes for what comes next. Can Republicans learn from their losses? Will Democrats overreach? And is there still room for the politically exhausted center? Plus, Meghan makes her early 2028 Democratic ticket prediction, Miranda delivers a particularly brutal assessment of JD Vance, and we check in on one of the show's most unforgettable long-shot candidates. Whether you're celebrating, mourning or just completely exhausted by politics, there's a seat for you here. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Cozy Earth: Visit https://cozyearth.com and use code MCCAIN for up to 20% off home and sleepwear. ZBiotics: Visit https://zbiotics.com/mccain and use code MCCAIN for 15% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Election Eve, and the political world is officially losing its mind. Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome Fox News contributor and podcast host Mary Katharine Ham for one last look at the 2026 midterms, where Republicans are bracing for a potentially brutal Election Day and Democrats are suddenly dealing with a shocking betrayal from within their own party. In Michigan, former Democratic Senate candidate Haley Stevens has stunned the political establishment by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over her party's nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. Meghan is thrilled, Miranda has some serious questions, and Mary Katharine breaks down what this bombshell says about the growing divide between establishment Democrats and the progressive left. Plus, the backlash against Stevens is getting downright ugly, with accusations about her mental health, her husband and a particularly vicious attack from James Carville. Meanwhile, the GOP's midterm problems are piling up. Could Republicans really lose South Carolina? Is Texas about to flip? And has Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad against Amy Acton done lasting damage not just to his own campaign, but to JD Vance's political future? The conversation also turns to government corruption, Trump's reaction to a reported $50 million deal involving former attorney Alina Habba, and why so many voters are exhausted by politicians acting like social media influencers while ordinary Americans struggle with the economy. Mary Katharine offers her final Election Day predictions, including which races could deliver some genuinely surprising results. Plus, Meghan and Miranda preview their LIVE Election Night special, featuring Cindy McCain, Alicia Krause, Nikki Schwab and the debut of Ashley's Decision Desk! Subscribe to Citizen McCain, turn on notifications and join us for Election Night coverage. We're watching the results, taking your questions and breaking down the political chaos together. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Cozy Earth: Visit https://cozyearth.com and use code MCCAIN for up to 20% off home and sleepwear. ZBiotics: Visit https://zbiotics.com/mccain and use code MCCAIN for 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Republicans heading for a midterm bloodbath? And could a Senate seat in deep-red South Carolina actually be in play? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins accidentally show up in matching skeleton sweaters for a spooky pre-Halloween edition of Citizen McCain, but the real scares may be coming for the Republican Party on Election Day. Political strategist Ryan Girdusky is back with a fascinating breakdown of the latest polling, early voting numbers and the warning signs that have Republicans sweating. With CNN's Harry Enten forecasting a potential Democratic blowout, Ryan explains why unusually high Democratic enthusiasm, lagging rural turnout and surprising developments in states like Kansas and North Carolina could spell serious trouble for the GOP. Then, the race to succeed Lindsey Graham in South Carolina is suddenly looking much closer than anyone expected. Meghan reflects on her personal history with the late senator while Ryan questions whether his sister Darlene Graham was ever prepared for a statewide campaign. Could Republicans really lose a seat that should have been safely theirs? The conversation turns to Ohio, where Vivek Ramaswamy is facing growing backlash over his controversial attack ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother. Ryan shares what he's hearing from Republican political insiders about how the ad came together, why it may have backfired and whether Vivek's biggest political obstacle is actually his own personality. Plus, Halloween candy prices are through the roof, consumer confidence is sinking and families are feeling squeezed. Meghan and Miranda discuss how everyday affordability concerns could shape the election, while Ryan explains why Trump's messaging on the economy and the Iran war is failing to connect with voters. It's political gossip, campaign analysis and a little Halloween chaos, all on Citizen McCain! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could Texas actually turn blue? And has Vivek Ramaswamy just blown his chances of becoming Ohio's next governor? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome back Daily Mail White House and political reporter Nikki Schwab for a final look at the biggest races heading into the 2026 midterms. Fresh off the campaign trail in Texas, Nikki shares what she's hearing directly from voters about the surprisingly competitive Senate showdown between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. Is Talarico winning over independents, or are Texans simply exhausted by Paxton's scandals? The trio also digs into Michigan's Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers, Barack Obama's jokes about Donald Trump's gold-covered White House renovations, and whether Democrats are finding the right candidates to compete in traditionally Republican states. Then, Meghan isn't backing down from her criticism of Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad targeting Amy Acton's estranged mother. After watching Acton respond publicly, Meghan, Miranda and Nikki discuss the political fallout, JD Vance's defense of the campaign and whether Republicans have crossed a line that voters won't forgive. Plus, Meghan and Miranda have some serious questions for former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, whose new AI assistant has them wondering why Silicon Valley thinks parents need technology to tell them what they love about their own children. From privacy concerns to the environmental impact of data centers, the ladies are officially over Big Tech telling everyone how to live. And there's more: Ilhan Omar addresses the longstanding allegations about her former marriage, Nicki Minaj makes another appearance in Trump's political orbit, and Nikki shares where she's headed next on the campaign trail. Finally, Meghan and Miranda reveal details about their upcoming election night special, featuring special guests, live reactions and an appearance from Cindy McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has Vivek Ramaswamy finally gone too far? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome back comedian, attorney and Fraudsters podcast host Seena Ghaznavi for a fiery conversation about the Ohio governor's race, Donald Trump's political troubles, the MAGA podcast backlash and the rapidly approaching midterm elections. First, Meghan is furious over a controversial campaign ad featuring Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton's estranged mother, who attacks her daughter's character and disputes her account of her childhood. With Acton's documented history of childhood abuse at the center of the controversy, Meghan, Miranda and Seena question the judgment behind the ad, whether family trauma should ever become campaign ammunition and whether Vivek has seriously damaged his chances in Ohio. Then, as new polling raises questions about Trump's approval and the Republican Party's prospects in November, the trio examines why government corruption and affordability are resonating with voters. Are Americans finally connecting political privilege, tax policy and their own rising bills? Plus, are the MAGA podcast bros losing their influence? With new polling suggesting declining favorability for figures including Joe Rogan, Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson among young men, Seena weighs in on the comedians and influencers who helped elect Trump and whether their audiences are beginning to turn on them. The conversation also heads to Michigan, where Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing scrutiny over his comments about Black Detroiters' experiences with Arab and Middle Eastern store owners. Seena offers his perspective as an Iranian American, while Meghan and Miranda debate El-Sayed's political instincts and whether he can win over skeptical voters. And looking ahead to 2028, is JD Vance already the chosen Republican nominee? Could Marco Rubio surprise everyone? Meghan makes the case for Jon Ossoff as a formidable Democratic contender, Miranda pitches an Ossoff-Gretchen Whitmer ticket, and Seena explains his enthusiasm for JB Pritzker. Plus, Meghan and Miranda tease their upcoming interview with Theranos whistleblower Tyler Shultz following their viewing of the Elizabeth Holmes film You Can See Everything. It's an episode full of sharp disagreements, unexpected common ground and plenty of laughs on Citizen McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kimberly Guilfoyle is out, Trump's new White House press secretary is already making headlines, and somehow Kelly Clarkson's $15,000 mechanical bird is STILL causing drama. Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome their friend Kevin Walling, Democratic strategist and co-host of 2WAY's The Morning Meeting, for a wide-ranging conversation about Washington dysfunction, political corruption, the midterms and the stories they simply cannot stop talking about. First, the Kelly Clarkson Birdgate saga continues! New surveillance footage from Brooklyn's Art of Play has Meghan doubling down on her defense of the store, while Miranda remains firmly Team Kelly. Is this a celebrity punching down on a small business, or an absurd feud between wealthy people over a mechanical bird that isn't even for sale? The hosts also discuss actress Selma Blair's reported legal troubles following an alleged incident aboard a flight, and the challenges facing airline crews. Then Kevin joins the conversation for a truly unforgettable clip of Indiana political candidate Jamie West at a local candidate forum. Let's just say the three of them have some questions, and Miranda may have found her new Halloween costume. On the political front, Meghan, Miranda and Kevin dissect the rocky debut of new White House press secretary Katie Zachariah. Can she recover from a widely criticized first briefing, or has the administration created another unnecessary distraction just weeks before the midterms? The conversation turns serious with Kimberly Guilfoyle's reported dismissal as U.S. ambassador to Greece amid allegations of financial misconduct, which she denies. Meghan shares her personal experience working with Guilfoyle and explains why the allegations are particularly troubling given her family's history in public service. Miranda questions whether meaningful oversight is possible when politically connected families appear to be accumulating extraordinary wealth, while Kevin argues that corruption needs to be challenged regardless of political party. Plus, why are Republicans struggling in Arizona? Can Darline Graham hold on in South Carolina against Dr. Annie Andrews? And what happens when political connections matter more than qualifications? Finally, the trio lightens things up with The Diplomat, the upcoming Elizabeth Holmes documentary and the return of HBO's Girls. It's politics, pop culture, questionable behavior and plenty of laughs with Meghan, Miranda and Kevin on Citizen McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the predicted Democratic midterm wave really coming, or is everyone panicking a little too early? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome veteran political journalist Salena Zito for a look at the 2026 midterms, the races that could determine control of Congress and what she's actually hearing from voters on the ground. While some election forecasts point toward major Democratic gains, Salena offers a different perspective based on her reporting in Ohio's Mahoning Valley. She breaks down the Senate races, explains why she isn't convinced Republicans are headed for a catastrophic election night and shares what political insiders may be missing about working-class voters. Then things get heated over James Talarico's absence from the Texas Senate campaign trail. Meghan questions his explanation and the campaign's handling of the situation, while Miranda pushes back on the conspiracy theories and asks why a candidate recovering from the flu has become such a political spectacle. The conversation also turns to 2028. Is JD Vance already the presumptive Republican nominee? Could Marco Rubio end up on the ticket? And do Democrats have a stronger contender in Josh Shapiro, Andy Beshear or someone else entirely? Plus, Salena shares some exciting behind-the-scenes news about the film adaptation of her book about the Trump assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. But first, Meghan and Miranda have VERY different reactions to Kelly Clarkson's feud with a Brooklyn shop over a $15,000 mechanical bird. Is Kelly punching down on a small business, or is the store being unnecessarily precious about a bird that sings? It's midterm anxiety, presidential speculation, celebrity drama and another lively Monday with Meghan and Miranda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three years after the October 7 attacks on Israel, where are we now, and why does antisemitism seem to be getting worse? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome journalists Jamie Kirchick and Eve Barlow for a candid, emotional and sometimes heated conversation about the anniversary of October 7, the rise of antisemitism and the political and cultural fallout that continues to divide the country. Jamie explains the phenomenon of the “October 8th Jew,” while Eve weighs in on the growing pressure for celebrities to publicly declare their positions on Israel and Gaza. The conversation turns to Tucker Carlson's bizarre World War II debate with Jacob Rees-Mogg, his relationship with JD Vance and what it could mean for the Republican Party heading into 2028. Then there's Hollywood. Adam Brody's comments about Gaza have sparked a public rebuke from the rabbi who advised him on 'Nobody Wants This,' while Zach Bryan's “Free Palestine” shirt has Meghan, Miranda and their guests debating celebrity activism, social pressure and whether taking a political stand has become its own form of publicity. The panel also examines divisions within the Democratic Party, Michigan's Senate race and why the Palestinian cause has become intertwined with other political and social movements. Plus, a Citizen McCain viewer joins the conversation with a question for Jamie and Eve. But first, Meghan and Miranda tackle the disturbing discourse surrounding the Cornell sexual assault allegations, including Megyn Kelly's comments about the accuser's appearance. The two discuss consent, compassion, victim-blaming and why a woman's looks have absolutely nothing to do with whether she was assaulted. And because it's still Citizen McCain, there's also an explorer voluntarily taking an inflatable raft into the Congo, some very cozy fall recommendations and a little Halloween excitement. It's a serious anniversary, an important conversation and an episode that doesn't shy away from difficult subjects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly is happening with Tucker Carlson? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins are trying to figure that out after Tucker's bizarre debate with former British cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg somehow turned into a conversation about whether Britain should have fought Hitler in World War II. Writer and comedian Bridget Phetasy joins them to unpack the clips, the internet rabbit holes fueling this stuff and the much bigger political question: What does Tucker's relationship with JD Vance mean heading toward 2028? Meghan also shares some behind-the-scenes stories from her years at Fox News, while Bridget weighs in on the changing political mood in Texas, Ken Paxton and whether Republicans risk losing independent and suburban voters. Then the conversation gets more personal as Meghan, Miranda and Bridget talk about Israel, the increasingly intense pressure to publicly declare a side on social media and the antisemitism Jewish Americans are experiencing right now. Plus, Tom Cruise has a massive box office bomb, Meghan and Miranda are VERY ready for Nathan Fielder's Elizabeth Holmes movie, Ashley may have encountered a haunted antique doll, and there's more Citizen McCain salon news. Bridget Phetasy is always one of our favorite people to have on, and this one goes everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices