Pod Force One: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Sen. McCormick: We need answers on Butler assassin and regime change in Iran is certain
Date: February 11, 2026
Host: Miranda Devine
Guest: Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA)

Episode Overview

In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Miranda Devine sits down with Senator Dave McCormick, the first-term Republican senator from Pennsylvania. The episode explores McCormick’s first year in the Senate, his bipartisan relationships, his take on major political events (notably the Butler assassination attempt on Donald Trump), legislative priorities, views on the deepening polarization in the U.S., and foreign policy outlook—particularly on Iran, Israel, China, and Ukraine. The interview blends policy analysis with personal reflection, giving a comprehensive insight into McCormick’s political philosophy and character.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Pennsylvania Roots and Groundhog Day

• McCormick shares his full-circle Groundhog Day experience, highlighting his family’s personal ties to Punxsutawney (00:24–01:58).
• On the event’s meaning:

  "My mom had actually grown up in Punxsutawney...so this is like full circle." – Dave McCormick (00:41)

The Senate vs. Wall Street: Reflections After a Year (02:20–03:29)

• McCormick discusses the privilege of serving as Pennsylvania’s senator—highlighting historical context and the significance of swing state victories.
• The importance of close elections and every vote, both in his race and nationally.

Bipartisan Work & Relationship with Senator Fetterman (04:10–07:23)

• McCormick’s agenda aligns with Trump’s, yet he emphasizes bipartisan legislation on issues like energy, fentanyl, and antisemitism.
• Developed a trusting, effective working relationship with Democrat John Fetterman, reflecting Pennsylvania’s political mix.

  “He just wants to get things done...that’s my mindset as well.” – McCormick (06:28)

Frustrations with Government & Reform Proposals (07:23–12:30)

• Expresses frustration at resistance to even modest reforms (e.g., work requirements for Medicaid) and calls for greater accountability in government.
• Advocates for term limits, pledging to serve no more than two terms regardless of legislation.

  “If we’re not going to really go after these difficult problems, why are we here?” – McCormick (10:27)

Election Integrity: The SAVE Act (12:30–15:59)

• Details the SAVE Act, requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote; sees it as a basic, nonpartisan reform.
• Strong criticism of Democrats’ opposition, calling current practices a “huge gap” in American electoral integrity.

  “It’s pure and simple cheating.” – Devine (15:30)

The Senate Filibuster Debate (16:08–20:12)

• McCormick voices internal conflict about eliminating the filibuster, noting both the dangers and opportunities; suggests any change should be reserved for consequential reforms like the SAVE Act and permitting reform.

The Butler Assassination Attempt: Personal Experience & Unanswered Questions (20:20–25:13)

• McCormick recounts being on stage minutes before shots were fired at Trump in Butler, PA—almost becoming a direct target due to Trump’s last-minute change of mind.
• Expresses skepticism about the “lone gunman” narrative, citing insufficient transparency and unresolved mistrust.

  “Seems just hard to imagine such a breach in security, such a breach in protocol…” – McCormick (24:09)

• Calls for “radical truth, radical transparency” to restore public trust.

Political Violence & Rhetoric (28:18–30:48)

• Addresses the rise of violent rhetoric post-Butler and the dangers of dehumanization; blames both sides but notes particular escalation on the left.
• Shares how negative online attacks (being called “Nazi”, etc.) fuel the cycle.

Working with Governor Shapiro and Pennsylvania’s Economic Future (30:48–31:25)

• Describes a “functional” working relationship; sees economic growth as a bipartisan opportunity.

Potential Democratic Opponents, Urban Politics & Antisemitism (31:25–35:10)

• Comments on possible presidential opponents (Newsom, Shapiro).
• Critiques “socialist experiments” in blue states/cities and the failures of university/DA leadership in combating antisemitic protests and lawlessness, especially post-October 7.

The Israel-Gaza Conflict & Rise of Antisemitism (35:10–38:45)

• Describes visiting Israel after October 7, witnessing the aftermath and supporting the Jewish community at home.
• Observes unprecedented antisemitism in America, particularly on college campuses.

Middle East Policy & Prospects for Regime Change in Iran (38:45–42:45)

• Predicts regime change in Iran within a year, citing worsening internal conditions and U.S./Israeli pressure.
• Argues for ongoing calibrated pressure rather than military intervention.

  “It’s like a tightening noose… I think we’re tightening the noose.” – McCormick (40:00)

• Stresses the impact of strong presidential support for democratic movements abroad.

Russia-Ukraine, War, and U.S. Policy (43:39–48:18)

• Supports a ceasefire and security agreements but believes Europe should take the lead in Ukraine’s postwar security.
• Sees little progress but trusts President Trump’s negotiation skills.
• Notes that modern warfare—drones, AI, robotics—demands U.S. defense innovation.

GOP Future: Foreign Policy Hawks vs. Isolationists (48:18–52:35)

• Rejects simple “hawk vs. isolationist” framing; describes lessons learned from Iraq as a cautionary tale for interventionists.
• Emphasizes a nuanced, calibrated approach to U.S. military engagement.

China: America’s Central Geopolitical Challenge (52:35–58:48)

• Argues U.S. policy and innovation will determine the outcome, not just China’s moves.
• Details the national importance of AI and energy innovation for economic and military primacy.
• Warns about Chinese espionage and biolab incursions (cites recent discoveries in the U.S.), calling for greater vigilance.

Personal Background & Philosophy (59:09–67:01)

• On growing up in working-class Pennsylvania, experiences in academia, and a pragmatic shift from Democrat to Republican.
• Attributes conservative philosophy to belief in opportunity, meritocracy, and capitalism as the way out of poverty.
• Lessons from wrestling: resilience, accountability, facing challenges head-on.
• On success:

  “Failure is the thing that always happens before success. Because through failure you learn, you grow, you become resilient.” – McCormick (65:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Bipartisanship with Fetterman
“I want to be uncompromising on the things I believe in, but I also want to look for opportunities to just get things done.” (06:28)

On Medicaid Reform Resistance
"You would have thought we were taking babies out of incubators and putting them on the street. The amount of misleading information, the outright lies…was a wakeup call." (08:51)

On Election Integrity
“It’s the most basic principle... you have to be an American citizen to vote. That’s what the SAVE Act requires.” (13:26)

On the Butler Assassination Attempt
“It was like standing next to the limo when JFK was shot...Think about had that bullet been another inch, it would have been catastrophic for the country.” (22:46)

On Transparency in Investigations
“The truth is always better when you just bring air onto it...The American people, they can take it.” (25:15)

On Lessons from Iraq
“I was so certain. This was the red blooded, red boiling blood...and I have that framed and I keep it now because that led to what I think was 20 years of disaster.” (51:14)

On Perseverance
“There’s no shame in failing. The shame is in not growing and learning and going back at it.” (65:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Groundhog Day & Family Roots: 00:24–01:58
• First Year Reflections & Bipartisanship: 02:20–07:23
• Government Dysfunction & Term Limits: 07:23–12:30
• Election Integrity & The SAVE Act: 12:30–15:59
• Filibuster & Legislative Agenda: 16:08–20:12
• Butler Assassination Attempt: 20:20–25:13
• Political Violence: 28:18–30:48
• Governor Shapiro & PA Economy: 30:48–31:25
• Dems, Socialism & Antisemitism: 31:25–35:10
• Supporting Israel & Facing Antisemitism: 35:10–38:45
• Iran Policy/Regime Change: 38:45–42:45
• Russia-Ukraine War: 43:39–48:18
• GOP Directions & Iraq Lessons: 48:18–52:35
• China/AI/Innovation: 52:35–58:48
• Personal Background & Success: 59:09–67:01

Conclusion

Miranda Devine’s interview with Senator Dave McCormick offers both a deep policy dive and a personal portrait of a rising Republican figure. McCormick balances sharp criticism of Democratic leadership with a pragmatic, sometimes conciliatory tone on bipartisanship and reform. His perspectives on major issues—from election integrity and government accountability, to guardrails on foreign policy, to the evolution of warfare and U.S.-China competition—are presented with a blend of conviction, humility, and personal insight.

Listeners gain a rare, behind-the-scenes viewpoint into politics at the highest level—directly from someone who was at the center of a national crisis, and who wrestles (sometimes literally) with both America’s problems and its promise.