The Chris Cuomo Project
Episode: "How Does This End in Iran"
Date: March 29, 2026
Host: Chris Cuomo
Key Guests: Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)
Episode Overview
In this episode, Chris Cuomo focuses on the ongoing crisis with Iran, American foreign policy, political strategy, and the challenges facing U.S. democracy. He conducts in-depth discussions with Rep. Ryan Zinke and Senator Joe Manchin, mixed with listener calls that address critical issues such as the national debt and the flaws in America’s political system. The conversations are candid, occasionally combative, and reflect Cuomo’s signature approach: pressing for honesty while maintaining civility among politically diverse voices.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Iran Crisis – Threat Assessment & Policy Responses
(00:15 – 13:06)
Zinke’s Assessment of the Iranian Regime
- Zinke emphasizes the real threat posed by the Iranian regime, including their intent when they say “Death to America,” and the risk of nuclear proliferation.
- He stresses that everyone—military, intelligence, citizens—must do their duty for national security.
- Zinke claims over 200 individuals on terrorist watch lists have entered the U.S. and identifies this as a major vulnerability.
- He points out the regime’s threat to attack public gatherings and key infrastructure (00:48).
Ryan Zinke (00:48): “You got to take them at face value when they say destruction, death to America. These people mean it.”
Trump Administration’s Approach to Iran
- Zinke credits President Trump’s approach of making clear deals and threats to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but acknowledges that Trump underestimated both the evil of the regime and the limitations of force.
- Cuomo pushes back that Trump never advocated for heavy military action but claimed he’d “make deals” and command respect (02:35).
Chris Cuomo (02:35): “President Trump... never suggested in any way that he was going to go heavy military on Iran. His argument was that hasn’t worked for us.”
The Perpetual Dilemma: Stay or Go?
- Cuomo questions the value and sustainability of continued U.S. involvement:
- “So then get out. How does it get any better for us from here?” (03:56)
- Expresses skepticism about the U.S. being able to eliminate the nuclear threat through military means (04:07).
- Zinke insists that nuclear material could end up in U.S. cities, so withdrawal is not a simple answer (06:00).
Ryan Zinke (06:00): “If they have nuclear material, Chris, it will be in a shipping container to Houston.”
Regime Change and the Future
- Zinke wavers on regime change but argues the only “hedge” is the Iranian people themselves rising up. He highlights the regime’s brutality and repression (09:24).
- He presents a disturbing quote attributed to Khomeini to underline the regime’s “evil” (09:24).
2. The Cost and Limits of Intervention
(11:04 – 13:06)
- Cuomo cautions that Americans are wary of more ground wars in the Middle East after Iraq/Afghanistan.
- Zinke agrees: “I don’t think putting troops in the ground is a wise idea.”
- Both acknowledge the economic fallout of instability in the Gulf, especially through oil prices, but Zinke contrasts this with the risk of a “nuclear holocaust.”
3. Domestic Political Ramifications: Government Shutdown & Border Security
(13:06 – 15:07)
- Zinke discusses the government shutdown situation, focusing on funding (or lack thereof) for ICE and DHS.
- Criticizes both political gamesmanship and the practice of casting too wide a net in immigration enforcement.
Ryan Zinke (14:44): "When the net is too wide, then you're gonna make mistakes. And those mistakes are people. It's not like they're numbers. They're people."
Maintaining Political Civility
(15:25 – 16:35)
- Zinke and Cuomo agree on the need for robust, respectful debate—something missing in current American politics.
- The two compliment each other for engaging in honest, hard-edged discussions without antagonism.
Chris Cuomo (16:01): “Fighting is easy. Being fake tough is easy... I am always respectful of you for two reasons. One, I respect your service. Two, I show that respect by testing you…"
Filibuster, Senate Dysfunction, and the Power Imbalance
(18:52 – 25:27)
- Senator Joe Manchin addresses listener concerns about the filibuster and why he fiercely defends it as crucial for minority rights in the Senate.
Joe Manchin (19:39): “If you don’t want [minority participation], you want to swing back and forth like parliaments... then that’s what you would have every two years. There would be no consistency.”
- Cuomo highlights that the zero-sum nature of modern politics is eroding intended Senate deliberation.
Manchin on Presidential Power
(23:09 – 25:27)
- Manchin laments increasing executive overreach and criticizes senators who act as extensions of the president, reminding that senators work for their states, not any president.
Iran: Manchin’s Policy Checklist
(26:07 – 28:30)
- Manchin lays out his three priorities for U.S. policy:
- Secure a real deal with Gulf States.
- Avoid U.S. boots on the ground—let Israel handle enriched uranium if necessary.
- Encourage Gulf States to stabilize their own region; U.S. and Israel shouldn’t be running things.
Joe Manchin (26:07): “We can’t stay there and run the place. We can help them clean up their neighborhood... but unless you have [regional buy-in], you’re not going to fix this."
- Manchin is frank about the ideological tenacity of Iran’s leadership; war won’t end it.
Listener Calls: Public Frustrations & Political Alternatives
Key Calls: 35:13 – 47:00
On U.S. Insolvency and National Debt
- John from New Jersey (35:13): Cites a Forbes article on U.S. insolvency and asks about fiscal responsibility.
- Cuomo breaks down the meaning of insolvency, linking it to unfunded liabilities versus actual U.S. capacity to print money (37:57).
Chris Cuomo (37:57): “America is different than you… It can print money and that’s why we keep going.”
On Electoral Reforms
- Political Consultant from Arizona (40:34): Suggests nationwide district-based electoral votes like Nebraska/Maine to force presidential candidates to pay attention to more states.
- Cuomo agrees the idea would be good for democracy but insists the two parties will never allow it (44:30).
Chris Cuomo (44:30): “The players like to control the game and the players want the smallest pool of voters possible... That’s why your idea is a good one, and that’s why it won’t happen.”
On the U.S. Obsession with Foreign vs. Domestic Evil
- Kara from Michigan (45:31): Calls out Zinke for decrying Iran’s treatment of women while ignoring domestic abuses like those exposed in the Epstein case.
- Cuomo agrees there’s a double standard and failures in accountability.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Ryan Zinke (09:24): “Let me give you a quote. ‘Females in custody should be raped before executed so they don’t go to heaven.’ That’s a quote from Khomeini. This is the level of evil we see there.”
- Chris Cuomo (16:01): “Fighting is easy. Being fake tough is easy... I am always respectful of you for two reasons. One, I respect your service and your position. Two, I show that respect by testing you…”
- Joe Manchin (19:39): “If you don’t want that [minority participation], you want to swing back and forth like parliaments... then that’s what you would have every two years.”
- Chris Cuomo (44:30): “The only way we beat this is to destroy the two party system. It’s not in our Constitution. It’s a mere tradition... and it is stifling us.”
- Kara from Michigan (45:31): “Let us look no further than our own backyard. Like the calls coming from inside the house...”
Important Timestamps
- 00:15: Introduction of Rep. Ryan Zinke and threat assessment on Iran
- 03:04: Trump’s Iran strategy vs. military force
- 09:24: Iran’s regime brutality – striking quote from Khomeini
- 13:06: Transition to domestic politics, government shutdown discussion
- 19:39: Manchin’s filibuster defense and Senate history
- 26:07: Manchin’s "what now" strategy on Iran for the President
- 35:13: Listener Q&A begins: National debt and insolvency
- 40:34: Electoral College reform and two-party system critique
- 45:31: Kara’s call on domestic hypocrisy regarding women’s rights
Episode Tone and Style
- Language & Tone: Candid, occasionally combative, but always civil. Cuomo presses guests and callers for honesty, refusing political doublespeak. Guests are direct and sometimes blunt about their policy views.
- Atmosphere: High-stakes, urgent, but also accessible and human, inviting both expert and everyday voices.
Conclusion
This episode of The Chris Cuomo Project delivers a timely, unflinching examination of U.S. strategy toward Iran, the dangers of unchecked executive power, the weaknesses in America’s crisis management, and the persistent need for real democratic debate. By weaving together political heavyweights and concerned citizens, Cuomo offers a panoramic view of the challenges—and hopes—facing the nation in 2026.