Runaway Country with Alex Wagner

Episode 13: Trump Is Getting Scared About the Midterms

Release Date: February 5, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Alex Wagner delves into the escalating anti-democratic tactics of President Trump and his administration as the 2026 midterm elections approach. With a game-changing Democratic victory in Texas and unprecedented raids on election offices in Georgia and Minnesota, Wagner speaks to local officials and progressive strategists to unpack what these shifts mean for American democracy, who is resisting, and what’s at stake. The episode features a compelling interview with Marvin Arrington, the Fulton County Commissioner at the center of the Georgia ballot raid, and a deep-dive with Faz Shakir, founder of More Perfect Union and former Sanders advisor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Texas Earthquake: Shifting Political Winds

[02:45-04:25]

• Taylor Remt's Victory: Democrat Taylor Remt’s win in a Texas State Senate District—flipping a Trump +17 area to a Democrat +14—is highlighted as evidence of MAGA’s eroding grip.
  • Alex Wagner: “That is a 31 point swing. And this wasn’t some ho hum, low key race. President Trump enthusiastically endorsed the Republican candidate Lee Wambsgans.” [02:57]
• Trump’s messaging and the quick pivot after the loss illustrate a sense of urgency and worry inside MAGA ranks.

2. Escalating Authoritarian Tactics

Georgia Ballot Raid

[04:37-19:46]

• Federal Raids and Seized Ballots: The federal government, under Trump, raided the Fulton County elections office in Georgia, seizing around 700 boxes/pallets of 2020 election records—original physical ballots, including absentee and provisional—breaking the chain of custody.
• Tulsi Gabbard’s Involvement: Director of National Intelligence Gabbard personally oversaw the operation, putting Trump on speakerphone for a pep rally-like conversation with FBI agents.
  • Alex Wagner: “The Feds took nearly 700 boxes of original 2020 election documents, including ballots. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard personally oversaw the raid and then put Trump on speakerphone...for what might best be described as a dictator’s pep rally.” [04:58]
• Reaction from Marvin Arrington: As the local commisssioner, he describes scrambling to respond to an unprecedented and confusing federal intrusion, the botched warrants, and efforts to challenge the seizure legally.
  • Arrington: “Even if a judge orders them to return all of the ballots, we won’t know if they return them all or not because the chain of custody has been broken.” [06:22, 10:44, 15:08]
• Implications for Upcoming Elections: Arrington fears the true intent is not relitigating 2020, but sowing distrust and setting the stage for tampering or contesting results in 2026 and beyond.
  • Arrington: “Absolutely right. Worried about our state Republican takeover...he wants to nationalize the elections, but only...in 15 cities or 15 states…this is a move to intimidate voters.” [18:48]

Minnesota and Nationalization of Elections

• Trump pushing for federal control—"nationalizing" elections in key locations—echoes historic attacks on federalism and free elections.
  • Wagner: “James Madison is literally rolling over in his grave.” [04:37]
• Use of federal agencies for intimidation: The Attorney General threatening Minnesota for voter rolls with ICE as leverage. [04:37]

3. The Psychological Effects & Strategy of Fear

[30:20-35:16]

• Faz Shakir on Authoritarianism: Trump’s playbook is built on sowing fear to suppress mobilization, but recent years have seen an energetic mobilization against him.
  • Shakir: “The authoritarian mindset is that you have to cultivate fear within a populace...Trump has obviously operated on this playbook from day one.” [31:47]
• Democratic energy is high, with the possibility to counter authoritarian tactics through mass mobilization—even “in the machinery.”

4. Erosion of Democratic Norms & Response from Institutions

[35:16-45:06]

• The act of physically seizing ballots and undermining electoral norms is frightening because it operates out of public view, making resistance more difficult. Shakir and Wagner discuss historical and current examples of institutions (media, universities, courts) learning to push back against Trump’s overreach. [36:16]
• Emphasis on the importance of public mobilization—pressure from crowds and collective action can sway those in power (e.g., referencing courtroom activism during the ACLU’s family separation fight).

5. Integrity, Information Ecosystem, and Democratic Messaging

[39:30-51:34]

• Wagner raises genuine concerns about the erosion and co-option of major media outlets (CBS, CNN, Washington Post) by pro-Trump interests, increasing the risk of disinformation about elections. [40:58]
• Shakir remains surprisingly optimistic about the public’s skepticism of Trump’s narrative: “Despite all that, Trump is moving towards his lowest lows...The public approval of him...is also at its lows and going lower.” [40:58]
• Shakir challenges Democrats to frame integrity—especially against big money and for economic democracy—as their rallying cry.
  • Shakir: “Are you molded by the influence of big money?...That’s kind of a core question.” [50:17]
• Recognizing that integrity and economic populism are critical to restoring faith in government and countering cynicism.

6. Election Strategy and the Abolish ICE Question

[53:05-62:26]

• On immigration and enforcement, Shakir prefers Democrats to speak honestly about what they believe rather than simply follow polling or strategic silence.
  • Shakir: “People should say what they really believe and stand by them.” [58:25]
  • Hesitation or “waffling” (e.g., Kamala Harris’ shift post-2020) hurts credibility; integrity breeds trust even among adversaries.

7. Looking Ahead: Bullishness and the Senate Map

[67:22-71:49]

• 2026 Senate Races: Shakir expresses optimism about Democratic prospects in Texas, Alaska (Mary Peltola), Maine (Graham Platner), Iowa, and Ohio. He notes meaningful primaries and the importance of economic justice themes.
  • Shakir: “Democrats have flipped 26 state legislative seats since Trump took office and Republicans have flipped zero. Zero.” [55:34]
• Bernie Sanders & Progressive Longevity: Ends on an inspiring note about Bernie Sanders’ enduring mental acuity and the importance of rage coupled with optimism to fuel social and political progress.
  • Wagner: “The rage powers him.” [71:06]
  • Shakir: “It’s fundamentally an optimism and a belief in America, in the power of people. And I share that with him.” [71:17]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Federal Raid in Georgia:
  • “Even if a judge orders them to return all of the ballots, we won’t know if they return them all or not because the chain of custody has been broken.”
    — Marvin Arrington [06:22, 10:44]
• On Trump’s Strategy:
  • “The authoritarian mindset is that you have to cultivate fear within a populace... Trump has obviously operated on this playbook from day one.”
    — Faz Shakir [31:47]
• On Democratic Messaging:
  • “Are you molded by the influence of big money? That’s kind of a core question.”
    — Faz Shakir [50:17]
• On the Fight for Democracy:
  • Arrington, quoting Frederick Douglass: “Power concedes nothing without demand. It never has and it never will... The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”
    [24:49]
• Hope in Democratic Mobilization:
  • “Don’t minimize democratic revolt.”
    — Faz Shakir [36:16]

Timeline of Key Segments (Timestamps)

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:45–04:25 | Texas Senate Special Election: Analysis and the Trump Response | | 04:37–07:04 | Trump’s Nationalization of Elections and Federal Raids—Introduction to GA Ballot Attack | | 07:39–26:57 | Interview with Marvin Arrington: Full account of the Georgia raid, motives, risks | | 30:20–45:06 | Interview with Faz Shakir Begins: Authoritarian tactics, fear, and public mobilization| | 40:58–51:34 | Media, Integrity, and Democratic Messaging | | 53:05–62:26 | Abolish ICE debate, Democratic honesty, constructive debate in politics | | 67:22–71:49 | Senate map, candidate optimism, Bernie Sanders’ longevity, optimism vs. rage |

Tone and Style

Alex Wagner maintains a sharp, urgent, yet often wry and self-aware style, mixing investigative journalism with relatable, human conversation. The show is deep but accessible, with candid exchanges, a sense of gravity about democracy, leavened with optimism and wit from both guests.

Takeaways

• Trump’s political operation is growing more brazen and nervous as public sentiment shifts; suppression, intimidation, and rule-breaking are now central tools.
• Local officials like Marvin Arrington are fighting back—with legal action and clear-eyed resolve—against these antidemocratic maneuvers, but the risks to electoral integrity are stark.
• Democratic strategists like Faz Shakir see the moment as dangerous but energizing: the key is mass mobilization, honest communication, and a focus on integrity in government and economics—not just anti-Trumpism.
• A new political era may depend on restoring faith through authenticity, principled stances, and adaptation to the evolving media and institutional landscape.

For more, listen to the full episode or check out rapid response videos and bonus content on the Runaway Country YouTube channel.