The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump Top Aide makes Fatal Prediction on Midterm Wipeout!!
Date: February 9, 2026
Hosts: Ben Meiselas, Brett Meiselas, Jordy Meiselas
Special Guest: Adrian Fontes (Arizona Secretary of State)
Main Theme:
The episode analyses a dramatic shift in American politics, focusing on statements by Trump’s former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, the fallout from Trump’s recent racist meme, the impact of his policies on farmers, and growing concern over attempts to undermine the integrity of the upcoming midterm elections. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes joins to address threats to election security, the importance of democratic norms, and voter empowerment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mick Mulvaney’s Prediction: Trump and MAGA Facing "Midterm Wipeout"

• [00:00] The show opens with Ron Filipkowski highlighting former Trump Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney’s blunt assessment: Trump “can kiss the midterms goodbye,” especially following Trump’s offensive meme targeting Barack and Michelle Obama.
  • Quote: “You can kiss the midterms goodbye. This is going to be something that is going to be seen again and again.” — Mick Mulvaney (played clip at 00:33)

2. Trump’s Policies Hurt His Own Supporters: The Beef Executive Action

• [00:57] Discussion about a late-night executive action by Trump to import more beef, which harms American cattle ranchers by lowering prices and making them increasingly reliant on federal bailouts.
  • Ron Filipkowski:
    • "It means we're bringing in all that beef now from Argentina which is going to also artificially suppress the price of American cattle ranchers." (01:10)
    • Quotes Senator Tammy Baldwin calling the move a “slap in the face to farmers.”
• [02:57] Trump’s self-praise regarding “handing farmers $12 billion out of tariff money” is played to highlight contradictions.
  • Donald Trump (clip):
    • “I gave the farmers $12 billion and they don’t even want it. They just want to be treated fairly.” (03:02)
  • The hosts criticize the increased dependency of farmers on government subsidies created by Trump’s own policies.

3. Cracks in the MAGA Base

• [03:17] Trump claims, “My base is very happy,” but Ron Filipkowski argues the base is “rapidly leaving.”
• [04:15] Clip of a three-time Trump voter publicly apologizing for previously supporting Trump, citing the racist meme and calling Trump “pathetic as a president.”
  • Quote:
    • “I just want to apologize to everybody in the country for supporting this rotten man.” — Three-time Trump voter (05:47)

4. Concerns Over Election Security: ICE at the Polls & Authoritarian Rhetoric

• [05:57] Discussion about fears of voter intimidation after Steve Bannon proclaims plans to “have ICE surround the polls.”
  • Steve Bannon (clip):
    • “You’re damn right we’re gonna have ICE surround the polls come November.” (07:00)
• [07:41] Caroline Levitt (Trump spokesperson) refuses to guarantee ICE won’t be at polling places, calling the question “disingenuous.”

5. Interview: Adrian Fontes on Safeguarding Democracy

A. Assurances Against Election Cancellation

• [10:40] Fontes reassures listeners that U.S. elections have never been canceled, even in the greatest crises (pandemics, wars, disasters).
  • Quote:
    • “We don’t cancel our elections. It is the grit, it is the responsible predictability of our elections that are the golden thread... that run through the entire fabric of our society.” — Adrian Fontes (11:08)
  • Stresses turning fear into action: volunteering as poll workers, civic engagement.

B. Warning Against Authoritarianism & Defense of Democratic Norms

• [15:29] Fontes links threats to the electoral process, growing misinformation, and oligarchic tendencies to the erosion of democratic norms and potential rise of authoritarianism.
  • Quote:
    • “They are afraid of your electoral power. And so to the American people, I say exercise that electoral power regardless of your politics. Let the winners win, and the losers try harder next time.” (13:06)
  • Advocates for expanding voter access and defending the "golden thread" of elections.

C. Elections as the Foundation of All American Progress

• [18:49] Fontes emphasizes ongoing efforts in Arizona, like the Voters First Act, to prioritize voter-centric election reforms.
• [20:49] He advocates for responsible gun ownership, noting the extreme hypocrisy when the right attacks those who legally use firearms.

D. Calling for a Return to Civic Maturity and Expanded Franchise

• [22:43] Fontes critiques the current “shouting match” in politics, arguing for restoration of mature, values-driven discourse.
  • Quote:
    • “The American tradition is to expand the franchise into as many people as possible. Because only with the biggest number of voices... do we find the true voice of America.” (23:43)
  • Encourages all Americans to “respect the voice of the voters more than the pull of power.”

6. Final Message and Voter Empowerment

• [24:47] Fontes reminds listeners:
  • “This country doesn’t belong to the oligarchs. It belongs to you, the voters.”
  • Urges people to claim and act on that power, no matter the challenges.

Notable Quotes

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:33 | Mick Mulvaney (clip) | “You can kiss the midterms goodbye. This is going to be... seen again and again.” | | 01:10 | Ron Filipkowski | “It means we're bringing in all that beef now from Argentina... suppress the price of American cattle.”| | 03:02 | Donald Trump (clip) | “I gave the farmers $12 billion and they don’t even want it. They just want to be treated fairly.” | | 05:47 | Three-time Trump voter | “I just want to apologize to everybody in the country for supporting this rotten man.” | | 07:00 | Steve Bannon (clip) | “You’re damn right we’re gonna have ICE surround the polls come November.” | | 11:08 | Adrian Fontes | “We don’t cancel our elections. ... our elections... are the golden thread that run through... society.”| | 13:06 | Adrian Fontes | “They are afraid of your electoral power... exercise that electoral power regardless of your politics.” | | 23:43 | Adrian Fontes | “The American tradition is to expand the franchise into as many people as possible.” | | 24:47 | Adrian Fontes | “This country doesn’t belong to the oligarchs. ... It belongs to you, the voters.” |

Episode Structure & Timestamps

• 00:00–03:17 – Mulvaney’s prediction, Trump’s beef executive order, the impact on farmers
• 03:17–05:57 – Trump’s self-defense, evidence of crumbling MAGA base, three-time Trump voter apology
• 05:57–08:18 – Discussing Bannon, ICE around polls, voter intimidation concerns
• 09:21–25:38 – Adrian Fontes interview: resilience of American elections, fighting authoritarianism, empowering voters
• 24:47–25:38 – Fontes’ reelection campaign message, closing thoughts on democracy’s ownership

Tone & Style

• The episode leans heavily into the MeidasTouch signature blend of urgency, passionate democratic advocacy, and irreverent (but pointed) banter.
• The conversation with Adrian Fontes is earnest, informed, and focused on solutions and empowerment. The hosts are open about their progressive, pro-democracy perspective, but the insights apply more broadly and call all listeners to civic action.

Summary Takeaways

• Even former Trump insiders doubt his chances, especially after recent racist attacks and divisive moves.
• Trump’s policies are hurting his own rural and agricultural base, despite his rhetoric.
• There is growing documented disillusionment among “MAGA” supporters, including multiple-election Trump voters.
• Plans for ICE at polling places and the normalization of intimidation tactics pose serious threats to democracy.
• Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes delivers a master class in election security, history, and democratic resilience: U.S. elections are robust and will not be cancelled, but only if citizens step up and engage.
• Fontes’s message to listeners is one of hope and agency: Democracy belongs to “the people,” and it survives on active participation.

For listeners:
If you want a crash course on why 2026’s midterms are pivotal, how the old guard is breaking ranks, why draconian anti-democratic tactics are being called out, and how to protect our electoral system, this is both an urgent warning and a rallying cry.