The Daily Beast Podcast

Episode: Why Trump Isn't Joking About Canceling Midterms
Date: January 8, 2026
Host: Joanna Coles
Guest: Congressman Seth Moulton (Massachusetts, District 6)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Joanna Coles sits down with Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the current state of American politics. Key topics include Donald Trump’s hints at canceling upcoming midterms, the administration’s military intervention in Venezuela, the perceived failure of Democratic leadership, generational change in both parties, and the looming specter of global conflict with China. Congressman Moulton offers rare behind-the-scenes insights and blunt commentary on everything from RFK Jr. to “warrior culture” in the Pentagon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Threat to Cancel or Disrupt the Midterms

• [01:29 | 48:34] Trump recently suggested the 2026 midterms might be canceled or delayed. Moulton argues this rhetoric should be taken very seriously.

  • Quote:

    "Absolutely a possibility. I would go further and say the most likely scenario is that he tries to disrupt the midterms, cancel them, delay them, whatever else."
    — Seth Moulton [01:45, 48:34]

  • He draws a direct line between Trump’s actions in Venezuela and his willingness to break democratic norms at home.

• Context: Moulton warns that when Trump “says he’s going to do something bad, he almost always does something worse,” referencing both foreign and domestic precedents.

2. Intervention in Venezuela: Lack of Congressional Briefings & Transparency

• [03:56] Moulton details the administration’s ongoing dishonesty with Congress about plans for Venezuela:

  • The administration repeatedly denied, in briefings, intentions for regime change or escalation—“They have briefed us, they've just lied to us every step of the way.”

  • He criticizes both the process and substance of these briefings, noting “filibustering” by administration officials to avoid tough questions ([08:09]).

  • Quote:

    “There are a lot of complaints about the fact that the administration hasn't briefed Congress. But in a sense, they have been briefing us—not reliably... they've just lied to us every step of the way.”
    — Seth Moulton [03:56]

• Behind the Scenes: Moulton shares the atmosphere in classified Armed Services Committee meetings; questions go unanswered truthfully.

3. Congressional Cowardice—Especially Among Republicans

• [11:15] Republicans in private often agree with Democrats on the danger and absurdity of administration actions, but publicly remain silent out of political cowardice.

  • Quote:

    “They're just cowards. They care more about sucking up to Donald Trump than following their oath to the Constitution. That's the bottom line. This is the weakest Congress probably in American history.”
    — Seth Moulton [11:29]

• Moulton calls out the erosion of Congress’s role as an executive check.

4. Distraction from Domestic Crises: Health Care Costs and Epstein Releases

• [13:06] Moulton charges that wars abroad serve as a strategic distraction from rising health care premiums and damaging news like the Epstein files.
  • Quote:

    “Why is he starting a war, threatening more wars... right now? Because there’s two things we’re not talking about. One is health care... and the other is Epstein.”
    — Seth Moulton [13:06]

5. Democratic Leadership: Failures, Stagnation, and Need for Generational Change

• [16:36] Moulton is sharply critical of Democratic leadership’s outdated approach and inability to earn public trust.

  • He discusses his own efforts (and failures) to push for younger leadership, including challenging Nancy Pelosi and running against long-tenured Senator Ed Markey.

  • Quote:

    “There’s a real lack of leadership in the Democratic Party right now. The Democratic establishment is using the same old playbook that clearly is not working... when you have a credibility problem, you have to change.”
    — Seth Moulton [14:13; 16:36]

  • He argues for age caps in Congress, likening responsibilities given to young Marines to those clung to by elderly politicians ([17:43]).

6. Senate Campaign & the Challenge to Markey

• [19:11] Moulton outlines his campaign against longtime Senator Ed Markey, positioning himself as representative of the “new generation.”
  • He’s aware of being the underdog but notes strong fundraising and grassroots support.
  • Critiques the “calcified” Democratic establishment: “Endorsements don’t win races. The message is really resonating.” ([20:28])

7. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Vaccines, and GOP Hypocrisy

• [23:49] Moulton mocks RFK Jr. as a “kook” and says Republicans privately know his vaccine rollbacks are dangerous but won’t challenge him publicly.
  • Quote:

    “Their public reaction is to do nothing, because this is what Trump seems to want. And again, they’re just cowards.”
    — Seth Moulton [24:11]

8. Pentagon & Pete Hegseth—“Warrior Culture” as Weakness

• [25:23] Moulton lambasts Pete Hegseth (current Secretary of War) as a “total joke” and “so weak,” criticizing symbolic militarism and petty targeting of political opponents like Senator Mark Kelly.

  • Quote:

    “He’s so weak. You know, he’s so weak that he has to go around and puff up his chest... everyone I know in the military thinks Hegseth is a total joke. The more senior people... will privately admit the Department of Defense is just in total chaos.”
    — Seth Moulton [26:02]

9. Fresh Democratic Leaders and Hope for the Party

• [32:26 | 35:39] Moulton lists promising new-generation Democratic leaders—Zora Mondami, Mikey Sherrill, Abigail Spamberger—emphasizing their policy relevance and willingness to buck the establishment.

  • Notes these leaders “all won big... they’re next generation leaders, and they’ve all run against the establishment” ([35:39]).

• On Governor Gavin Newsom: “I love that about Gavin... But is that the person who can win states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania? That’s very much an open question.” ([37:10])

10. World War III & The China-Taiwan Threat

• [52:13] Moulton discusses the gravest global security threat:
  • “A world war would start with China invading Taiwan... and World War 3 breaks out and it often, often goes nuclear, which means that life as we know it ends on planet Earth.”
  • He stresses that focusing U.S. military resources on Venezuela weakens deterrence against China ([54:18]).

11. Trump’s (and Biden’s) Mental Fitness

• [57:32] On Donald Trump: “...he is also kind of losing it. And that doesn’t make things less dangerous. It makes things more dangerous for our country.”

• On Biden:

  • Moulton notes Biden was once a supporter but “stopped recognizing [me]” in private meetings, affirming the need for change at the top ([47:28]).

12. Closing: Fitness and Mindset

• [58:44] Moulton shares a Marine’s approach to wellness:
  • “Do something. Like, always do something.”
  • Advocates for staying active, even with small routines: “Just go for a little run or a long walk, do some squats... I always feel better after I’ve done it.” ([59:02])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|------------------|------------------------------------------| | 01:45 | Moulton | “Absolutely a possibility...most likely scenario that he tries to disrupt the midterms, cancel them, delay them...” | | 11:29 | Moulton | “They're just cowards...This is the weakest Congress probably in American history...” | | 13:06 | Moulton | “Why is he starting a war...because there’s two things we’re not talking about. One is health care ...and the other is Epstein.” | | 14:13 | Moulton | “There’s a real lack of leadership in the Democratic Party right now...we just seem to continue doing the same old thing.” | | 25:44 | Moulton | “It's so pathetic.” (on Hegseth, renaming DoD to Dept. of War) | | 26:02 | Moulton | “He’s so weak...everyone I know in the military thinks Hegseth is a total joke...It’s dangerous for our national security...” | | 54:18 | Moulton | “When we put a lot of American...focus and attention in Venezuela...we are taking them away from preventing a war with China.” | | 57:32 | Moulton | “There’s no question that Donald Trump...is also kind of losing it. And that doesn’t make things less dangerous.” | | 58:44 | Moulton | “Do something. Like, always do something.” |

Important Timestamps

• 01:29 – Trump floats midterm cancellation; Moulton’s warning.
• 03:56 – Venezuela invasion, lack of transparency.
• 11:29 – Congressional cowardice and loss of checks.
• 13:06 – War as political distraction.
• 16:36 – Democratic Party generational stasis.
• 19:11 – Moulton details Senate campaign.
• 23:49 – RFK Jr. and anti-vaccine policies.
• 25:23 – Critique of Pete Hegseth and Pentagon.
• 32:26 – Praise for next-gen Democrats.
• 52:13 – World war risk with China/Taiwan.
• 54:18 – U.S. deterrence is weakened by Venezuela distraction.
• 58:44 – Moulton’s fitness advice.

Language and Tone

The conversation is direct, frank, and energized, blending policy wonkiness with real-world emotion. Moulton is unsparing—at times scathing—toward party establishments and Trump, occasionally lapsing into dark humor, self-deprecation, and the camaraderie of shared service. Joanna Coles steers with a light but probing hand, keeping things personal and relatable.

Conclusion

This episode is a must-listen for those wanting to go beyond headlines and get a gritty, honest appraisal of U.S. politics in 2026. Congressman Seth Moulton provides rare candor—ranging from national security fears to insider frustrations with old-guard politicians—underscored by urgent warnings and a call for generational change.