On this week’s Substack LIVE conversation, Chris Cillizza and Matt break down the biggest political stories of the week.In this episode:

— JD Vance’s brutal week — Failed Iran peace talks, campaigning for Viktor Orbán (who lost badly in Hungary), a sparsely attended Turning Point USA event, and what it means for his 2028 prospects

— Trump’s materialist worldview — warm relations with transactional petro-states (Saudi, UAE), struggles with “higher calling” figures like the Pope, and difficulty understanding dignity/honor over money

— Trump’s age and mental sharpness debate — Is he slipping, or has he always been this erratic?— Personal confessions on voting

— Why Chris doesn’t vote (and is rethinking it), Matt’s evolution from never-Trump to “vote blue no matter who” — at least, in 2026

— The dangers of audience capture and fan service on Substack/ independent media — how metrics and unsubscribes tempt creators to pander instead of thinking honestly— Character in politics

— Eric Swalwell's scandals, Tony Gonzalez affair allegations, Donald Trump’s long list of accusations, and why decency still (or should) matter despite everything

— And MUCH more!

As you can see, this was a wide-ranging, fun, and thought-provoking conversation between two veteran political observers who are just trying to make sense of a post-norm politics.

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– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937