Pod Force One – PF1 Minisode: Beware a "Moderate" Democrat

Host: Miranda Devine (New York Post columnist)
Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

In this minisode, Miranda Devine delivers a sharp critique of the Democratic Party's latest rising star, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, who is set to give the Democrat response to the State of the Union. Devine argues that Spanberger, despite presenting herself as a moderate, follows a radical agenda aligned with the party’s increasingly leftward tilt. The episode focuses on what Devine sees as deceptive tactics by Democrats—putting forth seemingly moderate candidates while enacting progressive policies. She explores how these strategies influence policy, voter behavior, and the Republican Party’s approach heading into the midterms.

Key Discussion Points

1. Abigail Spanberger: The "Moderate" Facade

• Spanberger’s Persona:

  • Devine describes Spanberger as projecting the image of a competent, trustworthy suburban mom—"she looks like the sort of competent working mum you'd encounter at school drop off in any affluent suburb." [01:27]
  • Background includes eight years as an undercover CIA operative, reinforcing her credentials as a "national security mom."

• Alleged Radical Actions:

  • Devine asserts that once in office, Spanberger’s actions were far from moderate:
    • Supported "unlimited abortion"
    • Approved a "gerrymander plan"
    • Ordered law enforcement not to work with ICE
    • Oversaw “dozens of new taxes” on everyday services
  • Quote: "She posed as a moderate to fool willfully gullible voters and then showed her true colors the minute she took office." [02:13]

2. Comparing Public Figures: Spanberger and Mamdani

• Contrast vs. Transparency:
  • Devine contrasts Spanberger’s “moderate disguise” with New York political figure Zoran Mamdani’s openly radical stance.
  • Mamdani represents “Marxo-fascism...out in the open,” while Spanberger “stuck to her moderate disguise.”
  • Quote: "His appeal is summed up by the cartoon of a grinning wolf addressing a mob of sheep: ‘I'll become a vegetarian once I'm elected.’" [03:38]

3. The State of the Democratic Party

• Polling Data:

  • Devine cites a Gallup poll suggesting only 8% of Democrats identify as conservative, whereas 60% self-identify as liberal; the general American public is more conservative/moderate. [06:04]

• Moderate Candidates as “Potemkin Villages”:

  • Democrats are portrayed as running moderate-seeming figures like Spanberger, Mark Kelly, and Tim Walsh to attract centrist voters but pursuing progressive policies after winning elections.

• Quote: "They are just code-shifting for different audiences." [08:00]

4. The Republican Dilemma and Game Theory

• Game Theory Analogy:

  • Devine claims Democrats are now “bad actors” in game theory terms—players who "refuse to play by rules" and focus only on "maximizing their power." [09:25]

• Behavior in Congress:

  • Using examples like Katie Porter's profane public protests, Devine accuses Democrats of disregarding traditional norms.

5. Filibuster, Bipartisanship, and Legislative Tactics

• Filibuster Debate:

  • Republicans are criticized for believing Democrats will play fair if they do, especially regarding filibuster rules.
  • Devine points to the Save America Act (voter ID and registration reform) as essential legislation that Democrats “treat as existential threat to their hold on power.” [13:13]
  • Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania (R) is cited as flipping his stance—now advocating for a “talking filibuster” to force Democrats to publicly defend their opposition to popular measures.

• Notable McCormick Quote:

  • "Seated those four Senate seats, we'd probably never get the majority back." (on Democrats’ push for D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood and Supreme Court expansion) [15:16]

6. The Republican Path Forward

• Urgency for the Midterms:

  • Devine argues that Republicans must shift tactics: politics “as usual” won’t work against today’s Democratic Party.
  • She suggests the GOP must “get Trump voters off their couches” and save the country—and Trump’s agenda—from what she calls radical opposition.

• Closing Quote:

  • "Save America to save Donald Trump. Otherwise, all we have to look forward to...is two years of impeachment and gridlock as a prelude to disaster." [19:07]

Notable Quotes and Moments

• On Spanberger’s Image:
  • "She seems like somebody you instinctively trust. But don't be fooled by appearances. Spanberger is an expert at subterfuge..." (Miranda Devine, [01:27])
• On Democratic Party Identity:
  • "There is no moderate wing left apart from Pennsylvania's maverick Senator John Fetterman." ([06:25])
• On Game Theory and Party Norms:
  • "In game theory, nothing works properly if one of the players is a bad actor who refuses to play by the rules..." ([09:25])
• On Republican Strategy:
  • "Politics as usual does not work until there is radical reformation of the Democrat Party or a new opposition is formed." ([18:29])

Important Timestamps

• 00:00-01:27: Introduction to Abigail Spanberger and her public persona
• 02:13-03:50: Critique of Spanberger’s policy record and comparison to Mamdani
• 06:04-08:00: Data on party ideology and the use of faux-moderate candidates
• 09:25-11:45: Game theory analogy and examples of radical Democratic tactics
• 13:13-16:05: Filibuster, voter ID legislation, and Republican legislative strategy
• 18:29-19:30: Conclusion: The Republican challenge and call to action

Tone & Style

Miranda Devine maintains a direct, combative tone consistent with her New York Post columns. Her language is vivid—blending pointed critique, sarcasm, and rhetorical flourishes (e.g., "wolves in sheep's clothing," "Marxo-fascism out in the open") to energize conservative listeners.

Summary

This minisode serves as a warning to conservative listeners: appearances by Democratic figures like Abigail Spanberger are misleading, and beneath the moderate veneer are radical policies. Devine urges her audience to recognize what she frames as strategic deception, challenges Republicans to adapt their tactics, and frames the upcoming midterms as critical to stem further Democratic control. The episode is a call to vigilance and action for her audience, embracing a distinctly adversarial reading of contemporary U.S. electoral politics.