Podcast
10 Minute Drill
Hosted by Matt Whitlock · EN
Your morning 10-minute rundown of the most important stories in news and politics, hosted by veteran political strategist Matt Whitlock. We’re keeping it fun, fast, and light because you’ve got enough going on. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
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Episodes
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Supreme Court Justices Testify on Safety Threats, DSA Wants to Abolish the Senate
Yesterday00:16:20Summary readyOn today's episode of Ten Minute Drill, Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testify before Congress about escalating threats against the Supreme Court, including a swatting call at Barrett's home. We also cover the Democratic Socialists of America's push to abolish the U.S. Senate, restructure the Supreme Court, grant amnesty to all immigrants, and defund the Department of War. Plus: growing bipartisan calls to investigate foreign influence campaigns targeting U.S. AI data center projects, a new report on how private climate risk scores from First Street — tied to BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street — may be quietly lowering American home values with no appeals process, and our Waste Wednesday segment on a Texas hospital using taxpayer-subsidized 340B funding to advertise "birth packages" to expectant mothers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. We close with the latest from the Michigan Senate race, where Medicare for All candidate Abdul El-Sayed faces scrutiny over his wife's private medical practice, plus an update on Haley Stevens' campaign. 0:00 - Intro 1:01 - SCOTUS Safety Concerns 4:13 - The DSA’s Agenda is WILD 6:53 - Data Center’s & China 8:35 - Zillow and Climate Change 10:45 - Waste Wednesday 13:22 - The Michigan Senate Mess
SummaryDSA Rebellion, Lindsey Graham's Legacy, & Katie Porter's Yelp Mess
2d ago00:13:26Summary readyMatt Whitlock breaks down the biggest political stories of the day: the scramble to replace Lindsey Graham in the U.S. Senate and on the 2026 South Carolina ballot, new U.S. strikes on Iranian naval assets, backlash over Ro Khanna's controversial comments on Israeli security officials, fresh scrutiny of Graham Platner's campaign team, and old Yelp reviews resurfacing in Katie Porter's California Senate bid. Who replaces Lindsey Graham in the Senate? Trump's pick for the interim appointment, South Carolina's special election timeline, and the GOP field — Russell Fry, Joe Wilson, Ralph Norman, and Pam Evette — plus a furious response to Nancy Mace floating her own name for the seat. U.S. forces strike Iranian submarines and ship maintenance facilities near the Strait of Hormuz, as a War Powers fight brews in Congress over the legality of continued military action. Ro Khanna faces backlash after viral bodycam footage appears to contradict his account of an incident involving Israeli security officials. New reporting details Graham Platner campaign strategist Morris Katz, as members of the Democratic Socialists of America call to cut ties with him. Separately, Abdul El-Sayed blames AIPAC amid new questions over his tax returns. And Katie Porter's old Yelp reviews resurface, including complaints about a Sherman Oaks spa and a hair stylist — reviews critics say are ironic given other reporting on her treatment of staff. Subscribe to Ten Minute Drill for daily political news and analysis with Matt Whitlock, in ten minutes or less. 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - South Carolina Fallout 4:54 - Clarity Act for Graham 6:15 - Iran Bombing Restarts 7:24 - Ro Khanna’s Fake Detainment 9:51 - Fight Agency 11:20 - Katie Porter the Yelper
SummaryZohran aide attempts light treason; Ro Khanna’s Mideast Misadventures; Remembering Lindsey Graham
3d ago00:12:19Summary readyAn aide to NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was caught scheduling a meeting with the Iranian ambassador to the United States — a major red flag that's not getting the attention it deserves. Plus, a tribute to Lindsey Graham's most heroic political moments and his surprising life story, why Ro Khanna says he's "seriously" considering a presidential run after a strange trip to Israel. And why the Israeli embassy is asking questions after being left out of coordination that Palestinian activists were reportedly part of. Also in this episode: a Texas hospital under fire for advertising discounted birth packages across the border in Mexico — a tax-exempt facility seemingly promoting birth tourism on the taxpayer's dime. And a new campaign fighting what critics are calling the "Jamie Dimon Tax," as rumors swirl that a new open banking rule could drop this week. All the news that matters, in 10 minutes or less. In this episode: Lindsey Graham tribute: fighting for Brett Kavanaugh and his lesser-known life story Ro Khanna on 2024 speculation Israeli embassy questions coordination gap Zohran Mamdani aide's Iran ambassador meeting Foreign influence in the data center policy debate Texas hospital's birth tourism advertising controversy The "Jamie Dimon Tax" and the open banking rule fight 🕰️ Time Stamps 0:00 - Intro 0:33 - Tribute to Lindsey Graham 1:20 - Lindsey’s Finest moment - defending Brett Kavanaugh 3:08 - Getting to know Lindsey Graham 4:07 - Lindsey Graham and Donald Trump 5:23 - The great untold story of Lindsey Graham’s upbringing 7:13 - Ro Khanna’s performative Israel Adventures 9:59 - Zohran aide does light treason 10:13 - Texas hospital promotes birth tourism with tax dollars 11:05 - Parents group calls to stop “Jamie Dimon Tax”
SummaryUnpacking Graham Platner’s strange hostage video and what it means for the midterms
6d ago00:09:31Summary readyGraham Platner's Senate campaign is over — but he refused to go quietly. According to Politico, Platner's own top aides urged him to strike a conciliatory, gratitude-focused tone in his withdrawal announcement. He said no. Sources say Platner made it a condition of dropping out that he'd get to blast the Democratic establishment on his way out, training more fire on his own party than on Senator Susan Collins or Republicans. Now Maine Democrats are scrambling to pick a replacement, with insiders reportedly eyeing a roughly 600-person nominating convention — 500 delegates chosen proportionally by county committees, and the rest from the state committee. 0:00 - Intro 0:30 - The End of Platner’s Senate Run 5:00 - This Week’s Top 5 Stories
SummaryPlatner is OUT but for Democrats, the problems are just getting started
1w ago00:16:13Summary readyOn today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, Matt Whitlock breaks down the latest developments in the Iran conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, the 2026 Senate races, and the political controversies shaping the national conversation. The conflict with Iran has reignited as a ceasefire collapses and new strikes escalate tensions across the Middle East. President Donald Trump responds to Iran’s actions and warns about the continued threat posed by the Iranian regime. At the NATO Summit, President Trump highlights his improving relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, discusses efforts to save lives, and addresses the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war as Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities continue to evolve. Back in the United States, turmoil is growing within the Maine Democratic Party as Graham Platner’s Senate campaign clashes with party leaders over the process for selecting a nominee. Meanwhile, Michigan gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed faces renewed scrutiny over past “defund the police” comments, deleted social media posts, and his positions in the Democratic primary. A new report from the State Financial Officers Foundation and Open the Books also reveals $225 million in alleged school fraud across 24 states and Puerto Rico, including claims involving fake tutoring programs, embezzlement, and bid rigging. Plus, Texas Senate candidate James Talarico faces renewed attention over resurfaced comments about drag performances, transgender policy debates, and his political views ahead of the 2026 Senate race. Subscribe to 10 Minute Drill for a fast, entertaining breakdown of the biggest stories in politics, elections, national security, and current events. Hosted by veteran political strategist Matt Whitlock. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - Trump Talks on Iran Bombings 2:39 - Ukraine War Takes a Turn 4:30 - Platner Extis the Race 8:56 - Adbul’s Latest Stumble 12:34 - SFOF Education Waste Report 14:04 - James Talacreapo
SummaryTrump's NATO Victory, Democrats' Platner Crisis, Crypto Legislation Push & Manny Rutinel's Vegan Chorizo Controversy
1w ago00:16:24Summary readyPresident Trump scores a major win at NATO, warning European allies on defense spending, immigration, and energy policy during his visit to Ankara, Turkey. Meanwhile, Graham Platner's Democratic Senate campaign in Maine is collapsing under scandal, and we expose the three phases of Democrat failure that got him here — from vetting breakdowns and a fawning New York Times and GQ launch, to the media's shifting excuses, to the sudden mass abandonment as internal polling shows he can't win. Plus: CNN's interview with Jenny Racicot, Zohran Mamdani calling for Platner to drop out, and what happens next as Democrats plot a replacement. Also in this episode: President Trump pushes for crypto legislation on Capitol Hill, framing digital currency policy as a national security issue against China, and renewing calls to pass the Clarity Act. And in Colorado, House candidate Manny Rutinel is under fire for backing a bill that lets courts weigh "misgendering" as a factor in child custody cases — a vote critics call disqualifying — while his history of calling animal agriculture "horrific" puts him at odds with the farmers and ranchers of Weld County. But there's another side to Rutinel: a resurfaced 2022 clip of him dreaming about falling in love at Trader Joe's over vegan chorizo. Subscribe to the 10 Minute Drill for daily political news and analysis. 0:00 - Intro 0:38 - Trump at NATO Summit 1:42 - The Graham Platner Fallout Continues 2:48 - Platner Phases of Failure 9:27 - What Comes Next for Maine Dems 12:16 - Trumps Take on Crypto 13:20 - Colorado DSA Agent Loves Vegan Chorizo
SummaryThe end of Graham Platner; DSA candidate invokes Taylor Swift to combat women problem
1w ago00:16:02Summary readyPolitico is reporting exclusively that a woman who dated Graham Platner says he sexually assaulted her. She came forward after the New York Times buried her story in an attempt to discredit Lyndsey Fifield. Platner's campaign says he is contemplating the best path forward. This race just changed completely. Fresh off major upsets in New York and Colorado, the Democratic Socialists of America are now targeting competitive statewide races in Wisconsin and Michigan. The wins are being driven almost exclusively by wealthy white college-educated women. Democrats are splitting into three camps — Josh Shapiro trying to push back, Hakeem Jeffries pretending it isn't existential, and Gavin Newsom calling it a big tent. The leopards are eating faces and everyone is surprised. Abdul El-Sayed doesn't just have a problem with Israel. Former aides describe a hostile work environment, a previous employer says he only wanted to work with women under 40, and throughout this campaign he has called his female opponents dumb. He did a Blues Clues video. He dunked on Mallory McMorrow for dancing. He got caught not knowing how teachers union lobbying works. The Michigan Senate race is something else. The Washington Post says Democrats are electing socialists while Republicans are calling them communists. Here's why that distinction matters less than the Post wants you to think. The latest crop — Zohran, Darializa, Claire Valdez, Melat Kiros — have openly called for seizing the means of production, eliminating private property ownership, and wealth redistribution. Socialism is the transitional gateway to communism. Sunny Hostin — who asked "what is wrong with America" when Kamala lost, who called white Republican women "roaches voting for Raid," and who blamed earthquakes on climate change — is now afraid of American flags. We have the clips. Subscribe and leave us a review — it helps more people find the show. 0:00 - Intro 0:34 - Latest Platner Alligations 4:02 - Will Platner Drop Out? 5:26 - The Summer of the DSA 8:41 - Cringy Abdul El Sayed 11:16 - Socialism’s Gateway to Communism 13:14 - Sunny's Biggest Fear
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America 250 vs Democrat Socialists’ “Dependence Day” lament; huge Senate shakeup | Monday Rundown
1w ago00:14:29Summary readyThe July 4th ceremony on the National Mall was something else. A 107-year-old Navy veteran and D-Day survivor. A 104-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor saluting the flag that went down with the USS Arizona. An Iwo Jima survivor Marine who raised the flag over that island. Gold Star families. Trump closed it out: "God bless the immortal patriots of 1776 — and long live the cause of independence." We have the clips. While America celebrated, the socialist left held their own version. Zohran Mamdani said America's wealth sits in "the soft hands of a precious few." Claire Valdez called for liberation from Palestine to Puerto Rico and a Green New Deal — the same Claire Valdez who just got crushed by working class voters, losing low-income areas by 32 points and Black precincts by 50. The socialist coalition is not what they claim it is. USA vs Belgium is tonight at 8pm. We preview the matchup and what's at stake as America's World Cup run continues. Trump heads to NATO with new hope on Ukraine and Russia, and sits down with Prime Minister Netanyahu. We preview what to watch. Abdul El-Sayed has said Israel doesn't have a right to exist and is deleting tweets about defunding the police as he eyes the Michigan Senate race. Mallory McMorrow has suspended her campaign — her team was calling it "McMomentum" as recently as last year. A Gavin Newsom associate was wired by the FBI — during the Biden years, not the Trump era. So much for that narrative. Crypto bills, housing bills, and Congress is racing to fit everything in before the August recess. We preview the week ahead. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:40 - World Cup Preview 1:10 - 4th of July recap 3:14 - Zohran’s “Dependence Day” message 7:00 - Michigan Senate shakeup 10:19 - Trump at NATO 11:41 - Gavin Newsoms in trouble 12:55 - the week ahead All of it in 10 minutes. 🔔 Subscribe and leave us a review — it helps more people find the show.
SummaryFlashing red lights on China’s attacks on American energy; Preparing for America250 the right way
2w ago00:08:06Summary readyHappy July 3rd from the 10 Minute Drill — and what a week it has been! ⚽ USA WINS — FIRST KNOCKOUT ROUND WIN SINCE 2002 The US Men's National Team just advanced past the World Cup knockout round for the first time since 2002. Country Roads was blaring. The whole country felt it. What a moment for American soccer — and for America heading into the Fourth of July weekend. 🏒 WHAT A YEAR TO BE AN AMERICAN Gold medal Olympic hockey. World Cup knockout round. America is showing up on the world stage in a big way this summer heading into America 250. 🚨 SERIOUS NOTE: CHINA-LINKED GROUP HAS BEEN TRAINING AMERICAN JUDGES The Environmental Law Institute has trained more than 2,000 American judges on environmental law through its Climate Judiciary Project since 2018. A new report from national security organization State Armor — sent directly to Congress — reveals that ELI cultivated relationships with Chinese government-affiliated organizations, CCP-linked entities, and groups tied to China's military research ecosystem during its decades of China-related work. Congress is now being urged to investigate. This one matters. 🎬 BEST OF THE WEEK We close out the week with the highlights — the biggest moments, best clips, and top stories from a packed week on the 10 Minute Drill. ⏱️ All of it in the July 4th Special edition of the 10 Minute Drill. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell — and have a happy and safe Fourth of July! 0:00 - Intro 0:30 - America Turns 250! 1:29 - ELI’s ties to the CCP 3:38 - Top 5 Stories from the Week
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Meet the socialist who said America deserved 9/11 - and beat a 15-term incumbent to win a house seat
2w ago00:16:22Summary readyOn today's 10 Minute Drill, we're covering the biggest stories of the day — in just over 10 minutes! Melat Kiros just defeated Diana DeGette — a 15-term incumbent with a 98% progressive voting score — in the latest DSA primary upset in Denver. Kiros has called for defunding ICE, an immediate pathway for every undocumented immigrant, and Medicare for All. She also said America deserved 9/11. Democrats are calling it a wake-up call. It's more than that. The DSA isn't hiding the playbook anymore. Their own materials say they're using the Democratic Party as "a ballot-access vehicle, not because we share its goals." AOC is defending the most unhinged beliefs of socialist candidates. Kamala Harris is quietly meeting with pro-Palestinian activists. Jamie Harrison is begging people to be on the team. Pass the popcorn. Graham Platner spent months bashing Democrat wine cave fundraisers. Now his campaign is being swamped by outside GOP spending and is calling for reinforcements from the very establishment he attacked. The DSCC is opening a joint fundraising committee with him. A new California gas tax takes effect just ahead of the Fourth of July — up to 63 cents per gallon, with 42 cents going to environmental fees. California gas already averages $5.41 — a dollar sixty above the national average. Happy Independence Day from Sacramento. Every World Cup country has universal healthcare except America — or so the argument goes. In the UK, roughly 79,000 people were removed from healthcare waiting lists last year because they died before receiving care. In Canada, the average wait to see a specialist is nearly seven months and 23,746 people died waiting for surgeries or diagnostic scans. Tell us more about that model. Ro Khanna says he has a moral duty to fight the ultra-rich who hoard wealth. He also has a 4-story indoor elevator, a wife with a $190,000 Range Rover, and two children under 10 who own three private golf courses in Ohio that paid them up to $2 million last year. The class warrior life is apparently very good. All of it in just over 10 Minutes. Time Stamps O:00 - Intro 0:37 - President Trump at the Teddy Roosavelt Library 0:52 - DSA upset in Colorado 3:50 - Meet the woman who said America deserved 9/11 4:55 - Kamala Harris seeks communist support 5:39 - Democrats and DSA butt heads 8:12 - Platner and El Sayed beg DC Dems for money 10:36 - California gas tax 12:16 - the myth of “universal healthcare” 14:38 - the lavish lifestyle of Ro Khanna Subscribe and leave us a review — it helps more people find the show!
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