The MeidasTouch Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: MAGA Mike gets Worst News on First Day Back
Date: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Special Guest: George Conway (Candidate for Congress, NY-12)

Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers tackle chaotic political news focused on the precarious state of the Republican House majority and Donald Trump’s shifting, controversial strategies. They provide sharp, comedic commentary on Trump’s Venezuela “invasion,” his obsession with personal glorification, and the cascading crises within the GOP. Special guest George Conway joins to discuss his run for Congress in New York’s 12th district and outlines his motivations, goals, and the urgent need for accountability in government.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. MAGA Mike Johnson Faces a Shrinking Congressional Majority (00:18)

• Host Ben details the GOP's razor-thin House majority due to recent deaths and ongoing health issues among members.
  • "The House is now going to be 218 to 213... For the whole month of February, Republicans will only have a one vote majority." (00:18)
• The brothers explain how this slim margin severely limits Speaker Mike Johnson’s ability to control the House, especially with frequent defections from members like Thomas Massie.

2. Trump’s Confused Kennedy Center Speech (01:51)

• The hosts break down Trump’s recent appearance at the Kennedy Center, where he aired grievances about public opinion turning against him despite having “the right policy.”
  • Donald Trump (clip, 01:51):
    "But I wish you could explain to me what the hell's going on with the mind of the public. Because we have the right policy. They don't..."
• Trump’s remarks are characterized by confusion and projection, as he struggles with declining support and mystifies over “violent, vicious” political enemies.

3. Trump’s Personal Glorification and the Venezuela Debacle (02:21, 03:29)

• The brothers highlight Trump’s self-centered leadership, including his focus on personal branding (e.g., “Trump Kennedy Center,” national park passes with his face).
• Brett points out the absurdity of Trump’s priorities while the country faces real policy crises.
  • Brett (06:46):
    "One of the things he's put his face all over is... those American the Beautiful passes... the Department of the Interior now is passing a rule that if you alter the image... you’re not allowed in the national parks if you don’t show Donald Trump’s face."

4. Interview with George Conway: State of the Union and Motivation to Run (03:29–12:44)

• State of the Country Under Trump:
  • George Conway (03:29):
    "He’s a criminal doing criminal things like he always does. And, you know, we’re at a crossroads. We're at a crisis. He's threatened democracy. He's threatened the rule of law..."
  • Conway argues the U.S. government operates like a mob for Trump’s personal gain. He points to policies like new tariffs and the Venezuela military venture as “all about him.”
  • Conway (07:40):
    "The government is all about him. It’s all about him. Everything is about him. Not about the people he promised to help..."
• Decision to Run for Congress:
  • After years of public advocacy and activism, Conway says he decided to run "because I felt I wasn't doing enough." (09:26)
  • Cites his legal experience as critical to holding Trump accountable, emphasizing the need for Congressional investigations and potentially impeachment.
  • Conway (09:26):
    "This is like I'm 62 years old. I'm a retired lawyer... I want to get in and I want to get out... the special team, special forces that basically do two things. One is we need to hold this guy accountable... And the second thing we have to do is... pass laws to make sure that we never get in these dire straits again. And it's lawyering. It's fundamentally lawyering like you and I know how to do, and it's aggressive lawyering."
• Impeachment is Not Optional:
  • Conway forcefully argues impeachment is a constitutional, legal, and moral duty.
  • Conway (12:44):
    "Impeachment is not an option. It is mandatory. It is required. It is morally, constitutionally and legally obligated. And that's my position about that."
• Expresses the importance of restoring constitutional norms, ensuring executive branch accountability, and protecting American democracy from authoritarian backsliding.

5. How Listeners Can Support Conway's Campaign (14:26)

• Conway invites listeners to visit his campaign website:
  "GeorgeConwayforCongress.com. Very easy. George Conway for Congress." (14:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Donald Trump (01:51):
  "I wish you could explain to me what the hell's going on with the mind of the public. Because we have the right policy. They don't. They have horrible policy... They're vicious people."
• George Conway (03:29):
  "We have a government that's being run like a mob operation. It’s for the boss, by the boss of the boss. That’s why people don’t like this… They are starting… to figure out that you’re just about you, Donald."
• George Conway (12:44):
  "Impeachment is not an option. It is mandatory. It is required. It is morally, constitutionally and legally obligated."
• Brett (06:46):
  "You just think about what his priorities are while the American people are suffering... it just, to me, is symbolic of what a maniac he is, right?"

Major Segments & Timestamps

• Republican Majority Crisis: 00:18–01:51
• Trump at the Kennedy Center: 01:51–03:29
• George Conway Interview – State of the Union: 03:29–06:46
• Trump’s Narcissism, Ego Politics: 06:46–08:51
• Conway on Running for Congress: 08:51–12:00
• The Impeachment Imperative: 12:00–14:21
• Conway’s Campaign Info: 14:21–14:49

Tone and Style

The episode blends serious alarm over democracy’s state with the brothers’ signature wit, fast-paced banter, and pointed, sometimes sardonic, analysis. George Conway's candid and forceful language aligns with MeidasTouch's unapologetic ethos.

For more info on George Conway’s campaign: GeorgeConwayforCongress.com