The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump Panics as GOP Collapses at Worst Time for Him

Date: December 1, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the brewing crisis within the Republican Party amid a high-stakes special election in Tennessee's 7th congressional district. The Meiselas brothers discuss how Donald Trump and the MAGA movement are experiencing dramatic internal shake-ups, resignations, and public scandals—all while facing an unexpectedly close race in a historically Republican stronghold. The episode also spotlights Democratic candidate Afton Bain, whose campaign focuses on healthcare, affordability, and government accountability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District Special Election

• Context:

  • The seat, previously held by MAGA Republican Mark Green, is up for grabs.
  • The district is a +22 Trump area, with Republicans assumed to be heavily favored.

• Candidates:

  • Afton Bain (Democrat): Focuses on affordability, unfulfilled Trump promises, and Republican corruption.
  • Matt Van Epps (Republican, MAGA): The Trump-endorsed candidate emphasizing culture war issues.

• Trump’s Panic & Messaging:

  • Trump repeatedly urges supporters to vote, even shifting branding from "MAGA" to "Trumplican."
  • His posts are laden with mischaracterizations and manufactured culture-war attacks on Bain.
  • “He will be a great Congressman and unlike his opponent, he cherish Christianity and country music. She hates them both...” — [03:11, Ben quoting Trump]

• Polling & Impact:

  • Despite the Republican advantage, polling is neck-and-neck (unprecedented here).
  • The GOP is pouring millions into defending the seat for the first time in decades.
  • “Even if Republicans hold the seat, seeing them sweat this much over a Trump +22 district... is so much fun.” — [05:56, Ben quoting Adam Carlson]

2. Disarray within the GOP and MAGA Exodus

• Resignations:

  • Multiple high-profile MAGA Republicans (e.g., Troy Nels, Marjorie Taylor Greene) have announced resignations.
  • Six MAGA Republicans have resigned so far, with more expected, raising speculation about a possible leadership change in the House.

• State-Level Republican Backlash:

  • In Indiana, Trump’s attempts to influence state senators on gerrymandering have backfired.
  • Senators like Greg Walker and Michael Boacheck publicly refuse Trump’s pressure.
  • Notable quote:
    • “That individual works for me... He’s campaigning on company time. That’s a violation of the Hatch Act.” — [06:41, Ben quoting Greg Walker]
  • Boacheck openly criticizes Trump for derogatory references and stands against redistricting manipulation, referencing Trump calling MN Gov. Walz the R-word.
    • “His choice of words have consequences.” — [07:22, Ben quoting Boacheck]

3. Republican Scandal: Georgia’s Assistant Secretary Resigns

• Situation:

  • Jaquan Stembridge, a Georgia Republican official, resigns following a child sex predator sting.
  • Audio from the exposure underscores the gravity of the allegations.
    • “Delete the profile or whatever. Apologize to Athens, though. I apologize.” — [11:08, Confrontation Audio]

• Juxtaposed with Trump’s Immigration Enforcement:

  • Discussion about Trump deploying ICE/agents to detain sexual assault victims, adding layers to the critique of Republican hypocrisy.
  • “You’re arresting her and doing that for her? Piece of dude. What a piece of dog.” — [12:03, Off-Mic Confrontation]

4. Afton Bain’s Candidacy & Messaging

• Campaign Focus:

  • Bain runs on affordability, eliminating the grocery tax, expanding healthcare, and fighting government corruption.
  • She’s depicted as a “real person” actively engaging with voters up to the last minute.

• Key Ad Spots:

  • “I’m Afton Bain. We all know the system is rigged in Washington…” — [12:57, Bain Campaign Ad]
  • Emphasis on the GOP serving billionaires and covering up scandals like Epstein.

• She is asked if her progressive record resonates in a conservative district:

  • “The reason this race is competitive is because the Washington Republican agenda... has not delivered.” — [15:44, Afton Bain on CNN]

• Response to Being Called the ‘AOC of Tennessee’:

  • “My politics are one in alignment of ... holding corporations accountable and lowering costs for working families.” — [16:29, Afton Bain]
  • Highlights bipartisanship and community focus, mentioning support from both Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Tennessee’s Al Gore.
  • “We are standing up to what is happening in Washington and we want to be part of the solution rather than the problem.” — [17:24, Bain]

5. Trump’s Conduct and Toxic Rhetoric

• Use of Derogatory Language:
  • Trump persists in publicly calling Minnesota Governor Walz the R-word, showing no remorse.
  • “You have a problem with it? ... There’s something wrong with Walz.” — [18:04, Trump Interview]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Donald Trump's been making post after post about Tennessee 7th Congressional District.” — [04:47, Ben]
• “Do not take this race for granted. The radical left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat one of the best candidates we ever had, Matt Van Epps.” — [04:34, Ben quoting Trump]
• “Just even take a look at what we're seeing from Republican state legislatures... Trump’s been trying to threaten and extort these Indiana Republican state senators to rig the maps...” — [06:10, Ben]
• “Those of you that don't know me or my family... my daughter has Down syndrome. This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references...” — [07:15, Ben quoting Boacheck]
• “Afton Bain is a real person. Like, just look at—she's out there with her signs, campaigning until the very last day.” — [14:44, Ben]

Important Timestamps

• 00:28: Episode launches into main theme: Trump’s panic over the Tennessee election & Republican collapse.
• 03:11: Trump’s hyperbolic posts and personal attacks.
• 05:56: Commentary on unusual competitiveness in a Trump-favored district.
• 06:41: Indiana GOP backlash to Trump’s pressure.
• 11:08: Georgia scandal confrontation audio.
• 12:57, 13:34, 14:14: Series of Afton Bain campaign ads and contrasts.
• 15:44, 16:29, 17:24: Afton Bain’s interviews on CNN, discussing voter concerns and cross-party support.
• 18:04: Trump reaffirms use of derogatory language against Gov. Walz.

Conclusion

The episode paints a picture of a Republican Party in crisis, using Tennessee’s tight special election as a lens to highlight broader national instability within GOP ranks. The Meiselas brothers emphasize Trump’s desperation, internal party resignations, scandal, and an energized Democratic challenger with a focus on everyday issues. Rapid political shifts, GOP fragmentation, and a heightened, personal style of campaign warfare dominate the conversation—framed with the show’s signature blend of news and biting banter.