2WAY Morning Meeting – September 3, 2025
Episode Theme:
A Serious Threat to Zohran Mamdani Amid Reports Adams May Withdraw from NY Mayoral Race, Helping Cuomo
This episode, hosted by Mark Halperin, Sean Spicer, and Dan Turrentine, offers a lively and in-depth look ahead at the day in U.S. politics. The main focus is on potential shifts in the New York mayoral race—with speculation around Eric Adams dropping out and the implications for Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani—as well as major developments in national and international news, including federal interventions in Chicago, the messaging battle for the 2026 midterms, bombshells in the Epstein investigation, and China's global posture. The episode features strong exchanges among hosts, notable guest questions, and engaging community participation.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Federal Intervention in Chicago & the National Guard
[05:25–11:34]
- Discussion centers on President Trump’s inclination to send federal troops or agents to Chicago in response to rising crime, referencing recent legal rulings limiting federal authority.
- Dan: Suggests Trump may send in troops for political theater, expecting crime to dip briefly and leaving after a judge orders withdrawal. He calls local claims that "all is well" in Chicago "insane" ([06:56]).
- Sean: Analyzes the legal and political mechanics, pointing out Trump can send federal agents like ICE, but sending the National Guard or military would face judicial rebuffs unless there’s an "insurrection." He stresses the politics: "If he sends them in and crime goes down, Trump gets to draw a huge contrast" ([07:27], [08:46]).
- A consensus emerges: There is a strong likelihood of federal presence before Monday Night Football in Chicago ([11:09], [11:32]).
2. Supreme Court & Major Legal Showdowns
[11:37–16:14]
- Mark presses urgency for the Supreme Court to expedite politically charged cases, especially regarding the Fed's independence and tariffs.
- Sean: Predicts the Court will take up the Cook case this year, hinging on whether the President met the legal "cause" threshold for firings ([13:21]).
- Dan: Sceptical, thinks tariff issues are more likely to get resolved first; sees political implications dictating Court decisions ([13:13]).
- They debate why a fired official can remain in place pending court review, with Sean explaining ambiguities in statutory authority ([14:18], [15:07]).
3. Midterms Messaging & Democratic Strategy
[16:14–22:39]
- Analysis of a Washington Post story about the Democratic plan for 2026 midterms.
- Dan: Urges Democrats to craft a positive agenda; highlights historical examples like "Contract with America." Notes that "corruption" can work if tied to real life, but the party lacks a clear post-Trump direction ([18:04], [19:19]).
- Sean: Blunt critique—“They have everything problem... leadership, messaging, mechanics” ([20:47]). Argues Democrats lack both a plan and the leadership to unify progressives and moderates.
4. The Epstein Doc Release & Bipartisan Outrage
[22:39–28:10]
- Ro Khanna previews a major press conference revealing new testimony from Epstein survivors, flanked by Rep. Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene, vowing bipartisan pursuit of truth ([22:57]).
- Mark and Sean discuss the impact: the further release of documents, public appetite for disclosure, and how both parties stand to lose, with rumors that more Democrats could be exposed. Dan: Sees risk of the issue dominating news cycles and potential for Trump to use distraction tactics ([27:18]).
5. China’s Grandstanding & U.S. Policy
[28:10–31:34]
- Footage from China’s military parade prompts a discussion on the growing sense of a "twilight existential struggle" with the U.S. and the West.
- Sean: Warns that China's capabilities and intentions are more threatening than commonly acknowledged: “It should send a chill through everybody’s spine” ([29:17]).
- Dan: Would pick Rahm Emanuel (former Ambassador to Japan) to give a major speech on China’s threat, arguing only by uniting with Russia, India, and the EU (rather than antagonizing) can the U.S. counter Beijing ([30:32]).
6. NYC Mayoral Race Shakeup—Adams, Cuomo, Mamdani
[32:20–35:42]
- Mark shares credible chatter that Eric Adams may exit the New York mayoral race, possibly paving the way for a Cuomo resurgence at Mamdani’s expense ([32:20]).
- Dan: Calls this "absolutely massive," predicts the anti-Mamdani vote would coalesce behind Cuomo, making Cuomo the favorite: “Mondani cannot get above 40%. He has not moved in two and a half months... Andrew Cuomo becomes the strong favorite” ([33:38]).
- Sean: Adds that GOP strategists weigh whether it's preferable to have a "socialist foil" in Mamdani or a skilled politician like Cuomo; Mark notes Trump's allies are lobbying fiercely to block Mamdani ([34:06]).
7. Senate Politics: Sununu’s Prospects in New Hampshire
[36:20–38:16]
- Reports that John Sununu is weighing a Senate run. Hosts agree he'd be a heavy favorite, noting bipartisan respect and political acumen.
- Tension discussed around potential Trump interference, but consensus: Sununu's “wicked smart” maneuvering likely means he would only run if the Trump question is settled ([37:24], [37:28]).
8. Community Q&A – Voter Sentiments & State Races
[40:00–57:27]
- Walt from California: Shares his ancestral background, political journey from Democrat to Libertarian to Trump voter—a mirror for many swing voters ([41:02–42:20]).
- Questions whether GOP will invest resources in fighting Gavin Newsom’s redistricting effort, with Sean confirming major fundraising and emphasizing the high stakes for both parties ([45:47]).
- Susan (former Democrat): Voices concern about Democrats losing touch, brings up alternate foreign policy perspectives found on YouTube and wonders if Trump is quietly accommodating Russia over Ukraine ([50:55–53:47]).
- Reynolds from Georgia: Bets Roy Cooper will win NC Senate due to his moderate reputation, despite being unable to pursue a liberal agenda with a GOP legislature ([54:37–57:27]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Sean Spicer on Democratic disarray:
“They have everything problem. Leadership, messaging, mechanics... The problem is Hakeem Jeffries doesn’t have the gravitas that Nancy Pelosi had...” [20:47] -
Mark Halperin on NYC Mayoral dynamics:
“Don’t be surprised if [Mayor Adams] is out of the race before two way tonight. What he’s been promised, why I think that’s in his interest will be much discussed. This is a guy who likes to trade things.” [32:20] -
Dan Turrentine on Cuomo’s odds:
“Mondani cannot get above 40%. He has not moved in two and a half months... Andrew Cuomo becomes the strong favorite.” [33:38] -
Sean Spicer on China threat:
“It should send a chill through everybody’s spine what they have and they’re not showing us... They want world domination.” [29:17] -
Ro Khanna on Epstein file push:
“For the first time since Donald Trump walked down the escalator, we are going to have progressives, moderates, independents and MAGA supporters on the same side demanding truth and justice.” [23:54] -
Mark Halperin on Democratic strategy:
"The lesson for me is Democrats need to stop hoping Trump is dead and reckon with him alive." [32:20]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [05:25–11:34] — Federal intervention discussion: troops in Chicago
- [12:58–16:14] — Discussion: Supreme Court priorities, Cook & tariffs
- [16:14–22:39] — Analysis: Democratic messaging for 2026 midterms
- [22:39–28:10] — Epstein documents release & cross-party outrage
- [28:10–31:34] — China’s parade, U.S. threat assessment
- [32:20–35:42] — NYC Mayor’s race shakeup, stakes for Adams/Mamdani/Cuomo
- [36:20–38:16] — Senate 2026: Sununu in New Hampshire
- [40:00–57:27] — Q&A with community—swing voter stories, state races, Newsom’s future
- [57:47–59:08] — Preview: Upcoming 2WAY/Sean Spicer programming
Additional Highlights
- The episode blends sharp insider analysis with accessible Q&A, bringing real voter perspectives to bear on national issues.
- Wide agreement across political affiliations about the gravity of threats posed by China, dissatisfaction with party strategies, and the volatility facing major city elections.
- The community segment is especially rich, giving voice to ideological migrators and engaging with everyday concerns—from local redistricting to global conflicts.