The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: "Uh Oh! Trump Collapses in Florida at Worst Time!!!"

Date: February 8, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett & Jordy Meiselas (Featuring guest Richard Lomondin, moderated by Ron Filipkowski)

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode centers on the declining political fortunes of Donald Trump and the broader MAGA movement in Florida. The hosts, along with special guest Richard Lomondin—a Democratic candidate running in Florida's 27th Congressional District—analyze recent electoral trends showing a shift away from Trump-backed Republicans, discuss the impact of these changes on immigrant communities, and explore the political dynamics and messaging strategies in Miami and South Florida.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump & MAGA’s Collapsing Support in Florida (00:59–04:06)

• Polling Trends: Trump’s approval rating in Florida is plummeting (net negative 7.5%), worrying MAGA Republicans about the upcoming midterms.
• Recent Elections Signal Shift:
  • Texas Senate District 9: Democrat Taylor Remt wins in a “plus-17 Trump district” by a +14 margin, defeating Trump-endorsed Lee Wham Gans.
  • Miami Mayor’s Race: Eileen Higgins becomes the first Democrat mayor in 30 years; Trump’s endorsement of Republican candidate Gonzalez results in a significant loss.
• Ron DeSantis' Response: Skeptical of reading too much into special elections but acknowledges "a swing of this magnitude is not something that can be dismissed." (02:07)

“Day by day DeSantis is throwing the Trump regime under the bus even more… a story to keep on following.” — Ron Filipkowski (02:38)

2. Spotlight on Florida’s 27th Congressional District & Maria Salazar (04:06–07:59)

• Maria Salazar’s Position:

  • Claims to protect immigrants with her "Dignity Act,” promises Trump won’t target established, law-abiding immigrants.
  • However, there's skepticism about these promises among constituents and pushback from Democratic challengers.

• Salazar’s Clip on Dignity Act:

  • She promises: “I am sure that the Trump administration is not going to be targeting those people who have been here for more than five years... I am the first one who understands that you have to give some type of dignity to those who have been here for more than five years.” — Maria Salazar (04:06)

• Contradictions and Inaction:

  • TPS (Temporary Protected Status) revoked under Trump for several groups including Cubans, Venezuelans, and Haitians, despite Salazar’s assurances.
  • Salazar criticized for following Trump uncritically while failing to support key community issues (healthcare, SNAP benefits).

“She leads from behind on every issue… [she] lured her community into basically a death trap. And now it’s like a Ponzi scheme where she keeps moving the goalposts.” — Richard Lomondin (07:40)

3. Richard Lomondin’s Critique of Maria Salazar & the Broader GOP Approach (07:59–13:30)

• Local Realities in District 27:
  • Covers the heart of Miami: “heavily Cuban, heavily Venezuelan, basically pan–Latin American” (07:59)
  • Miami’s unique struggles: skyrocketing insurance costs, cuts to senior and healthcare benefits, and lack of legislative achievements by Salazar.
• Community Frustration:
  • Growing disillusionment: “People who voted Trump three times, Salazar multiple times... they're fed up with her.” — Richard Lomondin (09:45)
  • Immigrant communities see increased deportations and weakened protections.
• Critique of "Dignity Act":
  • Not truly a citizenship path: “There is no pathway to citizenship in that law. It’s a penalty box... [it] creates a second class of citizen.” (10:20)
• On Effectiveness:
  • “She has never hosted a single public town hall her entire time in office... she’s been ineffective as a congresswoman and people are ready for a change.” — Lomondin (11:04)

4. Electoral Dynamics, Latino Identity, and Campaign Messaging (13:30–16:37)

• Community Diversity:
  • Miami Hispanics and Latinos are not monolithic—different generations and origins see issues differently.
  • Anti-socialist messaging resonates given historical experiences, especially among older Cuban-Americans.
• Campaign Strategy:
  • Lomondin reframes values: “You can’t make it in America if you’re not free to be healthy... You’re not free if you can’t afford a home or retire with dignity.”
  • Focus on practical issues: healthcare, affordability, freedom as economic security.
• Breaking Through Partisanship:
  • By aligning with shared values, reaches across to moderate and swing voters: “Most people at a values level agree that everyone deserves a fair shot.” — Lomondin (15:56)

5. Final Thoughts & Calls to Action (16:37–18:55)

• Parallels between Trump and Latin American Authoritarianism:
  • “Trump is the Castro. Trump is the Maduro. Trump is that guy. And part of being that guy is to tell you I’m not that guy, and accuse everyone else of exactly what you’re doing.” — Ron Filipkowski (16:37)
• Why This District Matters:
  • “This is one of the top flippable seats in the entire country... focusing on these flippable seats... builds a beachhead to start pulling Florida back.” — Richard Lomondin (17:19)
• Lomondin’s Background & Values:
  • Built a climate-focused company, provided paid leave and fair wages; aims to bring these democratic values into Congress.
  • Calls on national listeners to help flip the district and, by extension, bring change to Florida and the U.S. House.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the GOP’s Response to Political Shifts:
  “A swing of this magnitude is not something that can be dismissed... Republicans should be clear eyed about the political environment heading into the midterms.” — Gov. Ron DeSantis, quoted by Ron Filipkowski (02:07)

• On Out-of-Touch Representation:
  “She is someone who literally has been ineffective as a congresswoman and people are ready for a change, right?” — Richard Lomondin (11:53)

• On Community Awakening:
  “Everyone’s kind of having their own last straw. But the unifying factor is… Miami has been since COVID one of the most unaffordable cities in this entire country.” — Richard Lomondin (14:56)

• On the Stakes for 2026:
  “This is one of the top flippable seats in the entire country... That also builds a beachhead to start pulling Florida back, which we all know has gone the crazy direction over the last few years.” — Richard Lomondin (17:19)

Important Timestamps for Segments

• 00:59–04:06 — Trump and MAGA’s waning influence, polling, and special elections
• 04:06–07:59 — Maria Salazar’s Dignity Act and immigrant policy promises
• 07:59–13:30 — Richard Lomondin discusses District 27, Salazar’s record, and failures
• 13:30–16:37 — Campaign strategy, Latino diversity, economic realities in Miami
• 16:37–18:55 — Why FL-27 matters nationally, Lomondin’s 2026 campaign pitch

Overall Tone & Style

The episode is fast-paced, irreverent, and punchy, blending sharp political analysis with the brothers’ trademark banter and a sense of urgent advocacy for democracy. Both hosts and guest use humor and direct language to connect with listeners, while making clear the high stakes of contemporary politics in Florida and beyond.