Podcast Summary: VINCE | Episode 189 – "This Could Win Us The Midterms"

Host: Vince Coglianese
Guest: Congressman Andy Biggs
Date: December 16, 2025
Provided by: Cumulus Podcast Network

Episode Overview

In this episode, Vince Coglianese unpacks a whirlwind of political news with his signature wit and sharp analysis. Major topics include a foiled left-wing terror plot in Los Angeles, criticism of law enforcement transparency in the Brown University shooting, President Trump's midterm strategy and real-time White House responses, urgent Senate rules reform, and a candid policy discussion with Rep. Andy Biggs. The episode is a fast-paced, unapologetically conservative exploration of current events, political strategy, and the stakes heading into the 2026 midterms.

Key Segments & Insights

1. Left-Wing Terror Plot Foiled by FBI (00:51–06:18)

News Recap: FBI arrested four alleged members of the radical pro-Palestinian "Turtle Island Liberation Front" (TILF), accused of planning New Year's Eve bombings at five locations across Los Angeles.
Details: The suspects, caught in the Mojave Desert testing explosives, were monitored via a surveillance plane. Footage assisted in coordinated SWAT arrests.
Vince’s Take: He mockingly reviews the suspects’ mugshots, calling them “crazy eyed leftists,” and notes the bust as a “Christmas gift” from the FBI.
Quote:

"This is her foing after faing. What else do we got? Holy crap... He's got the look, ladies and gentlemen... For those of you just listening, we have a dude here... eyes so stinking wide it's unreal... He looks shocked."
(Vince, 04:45)

2. Brown University Shooting — Frustration over Investigation (06:19–15:47)

Update: Police release more images of the at-large suspect, reportedly screamed "Allahu Akbar" during the attack that killed two, including Ella Cook, VP of College Republicans.
Critique of Authorities: Vince slams Providence’s mayor for claiming the city is safe while the killer remains loose, calling such reassurances “utterly useless.”

President’s Response: Reagan Reese, VINCE’s White House correspondent, questions President Trump about the delayed suspect identification:

> "It's always difficult... you really have to ask the school a little bit more about that, because... this was a school problem... We came in after the fact, and the FBI will do a good job."  
*(President Trump, 12:27)*

Vince’s Reflection: He sharply criticizes Brown University and authorities for lackluster surveillance and communication.
On Targeted Violence: Vince discusses a tweet reflecting on the dangers conservative students like Ella face on campus:

"Now... young men and women like Ella know that they can be killed for their political beliefs on a college campus... The courage they need to speak up is real."
(Summary of Kathryn Boyle’s comments, 15:10)

3. US Military Killed in Syria – Why Are We There? (23:37–25:33)

Update: Two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in a terror attack by ISIS.

White House Q&A: Reagan Reese asks President Trump why US troops remain in Syria:

> "Trying to make sure that there's going to be and remain peace in the Middle East. And Syria is a big part of it... We got rid of Assad, we got rid of other people... we have legitimate peace in the Middle East..."  
*(President Trump, 24:12)*

Vince’s View: Calls for troop withdrawal unless there's a “phenomenal rationale,” arguing Americans shouldn’t be put at risk without clear interests.

4. Trump’s 2026 Midterm Strategy (26:39–29:56)

President Trump: Vows to make midterms a referendum on himself, stating GOP turnout surges when he’s on the ballot.

> "When I'm not running, we don't do as well. And I'm going to try and get that changed for the midterms... We won every single swing state. We won the popular vote. We won everything."  
*(President Trump, 26:39)*

Analysis: Vince sees this as smart, given “low propensity” Trump voters show up for him more than generic Republicans.

5. Senate Rules – The Blue Slip and Filibuster Fights (29:04–49:09)

Blue Slip Rule: President Trump calls for abolishing “blue slips” which give senators veto power over federal judicial & U.S. Attorney appointments in their state.

> "I think blue slips are a disgrace. They… should not be relevant anymore. This is a different world than it was 15, 20 years ago... We're in a fight for our lives."  
*(President Trump, 29:04)*

Interview with Congressman Andy Biggs (32:56–49:09):
- Blue slip and filibuster rules, Biggs argues, let the minority party kill the majority's agenda with minimal effort.
- Biggs accuses some GOP senators of being "content" to remain in minority status—complacent with gridlock.
- Warns if Democrats seize Senate control, they’ll abolish filibuster, admit new states, pack the Supreme Court, and impeach Trump.
- Biggs on Senate culture:
  
  "They breathe a different air than the rest of the world breathes... All of them wake up and look in the mirror in the morning. They say, 'this is the future President of the United States.'" (Biggs, 38:54)
- Urges Trump and GOP leadership to get aggressive:
  
  "For any of this stuff to have an impact on the midterm election... President Trump really wants to get this done, he's going to have to go on the bully pulpit super hard, like right now." (Biggs, 40:26)

6. Top Priorities for GOP: Health Care & Energy (43:50–49:00)

Biggs’ Policy Focus:
- Health care: Criticizes Obamacare and outlines GOP plans for free-market reforms, tax-deductible health accounts, and lowering premiums.
- Energy: Lowering costs seen as central to broad affordability and economic relief.
- Fears GOP will “chicken out” on real reform:
  
  “I’m always fearful of that, Vince.”
  (Biggs, 46:17)

7. Democratic Agenda – Impeachment & Gun Control (53:08–57:20)

Pelosi on Impeachment: Downplays Democratic plans but Vince says her dismissal is “deceit in the service of her long-term power.”

> “They didn’t know there'd be a rogue president at the same time a rogue Senate that didn’t have the courage to do the right thing.”  
*(Nancy Pelosi, 53:08)*

Pelosi on Guns: Claims greatest regret is failure to pass gun control. Vince returns fire, accusing her of hypocrisy and contending Democrats only care about “power and deceit.”
```
> “My disappointment... is guns... That politicians should think that their political survival is more important than the survival of children...”  
*(Nancy Pelosi, 55:45)*  
```
-
> “What a deceitful old hag... The last people they care about are protecting children.”
(Vince, 56:47)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On “crazy eyed leftists” arrested in LA:
“He looks shocked. Actually, I would describe him as looking shocked... Is that a nose ring or a nosebleed?” (Vince, 04:45)
On campus violence:
“Young men and women like Ella know that they can be killed for their political beliefs on a college campus... The courage they need to speak up is real.” (Paraphrasing Kathryn Boyle, 15:10)
On Senate blue slips:
“I think blue slips are a disgrace... We're in a fight for our lives.” (President Trump, 29:04)
On GOP Senate complacency:
“They breathe a different air than the rest of the world breathes. Come on. You know that they... look in the mirror in the morning. They say, ‘this is the future President of the United States.’” (Andy Biggs, 38:54)
On policy urgency:
“We have a country worth saving. So President Trump wants to get rid of the blue slips. JD Vance wants to get rid of the blue slips. There's Congressman Biggs saying, get rid of them.” (Vince, 49:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |---------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:51 | Details of LA left-wing terror plot busted by FBI | | 06:19 | Updates and frustrations on Brown University shooting investigation | | 12:27 | President Trump Q&A: Why is suspect still at-large? | | 15:10 | Reflection on safety for conservative students | | 23:37 | US soldiers killed in Syria – Why are US troops still there? | | 24:12 | President Trump on Syria: "Trying to make sure that there's going to be and remain peace..." | | 26:39 | Trump midterms strategy: Making election a referendum on self | | 29:04 | Trump: Blue slips are a disgrace, calls for Senate rules overhaul | | 32:56 | Andy Biggs interview: Senate rules, GOP strategy, legislative priorities | | 43:50 | Health care reform and energy costs as midterm priorities | | 53:08 | Pelosi on impeachment, Vince accuses Democrats of duplicity | | 55:45 | Pelosi: Guns are greatest career regret | | 56:47 | Vince on gun control: “What a deceitful old hag...” |

Conclusion

This episode of VINCE is quintessentially combative, mixing breaking news, political analysis, and hardline commentary. Vince presses for urgent institutional change in Washington, frames the midterms as a battle for America’s future, and calls on conservatives to hold their leaders accountable. The interview with Andy Biggs deepens the legislative analysis, while the recurring critique of Democratic priorities and messaging keeps the tone fiery. For listeners seeking insight, motivation, and a bracing conservative critique of current events, this episode delivers amply.

Podcast Summary: VINCE | Episode 189 – "This Could Win Us The Midterms"

Host: Vince Coglianese
Guest: Congressman Andy Biggs
Date: December 16, 2025
Provided by: Cumulus Podcast Network

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Insights

1. Left-Wing Terror Plot Foiled by FBI (00:51–06:18)

News Recap: FBI arrested four alleged members of the radical pro-Palestinian "Turtle Island Liberation Front" (TILF), accused of planning New Year's Eve bombings at five locations across Los Angeles.
Details: The suspects, caught in the Mojave Desert testing explosives, were monitored via a surveillance plane. Footage assisted in coordinated SWAT arrests.
Vince’s Take: He mockingly reviews the suspects’ mugshots, calling them “crazy eyed leftists,” and notes the bust as a “Christmas gift” from the FBI.
Quote:

"This is her foing after faing. What else do we got? Holy crap... He's got the look, ladies and gentlemen... For those of you just listening, we have a dude here... eyes so stinking wide it's unreal... He looks shocked."
(Vince, 04:45)

2. Brown University Shooting — Frustration over Investigation (06:19–15:47)

Update: Police release more images of the at-large suspect, reportedly screamed "Allahu Akbar" during the attack that killed two, including Ella Cook, VP of College Republicans.
Critique of Authorities: Vince slams Providence’s mayor for claiming the city is safe while the killer remains loose, calling such reassurances “utterly useless.”

President’s Response: Reagan Reese, VINCE’s White House correspondent, questions President Trump about the delayed suspect identification:

> "It's always difficult... you really have to ask the school a little bit more about that, because... this was a school problem... We came in after the fact, and the FBI will do a good job."  
*(President Trump, 12:27)*

Vince’s Reflection: He sharply criticizes Brown University and authorities for lackluster surveillance and communication.
On Targeted Violence: Vince discusses a tweet reflecting on the dangers conservative students like Ella face on campus:

"Now... young men and women like Ella know that they can be killed for their political beliefs on a college campus... The courage they need to speak up is real."
(Summary of Kathryn Boyle’s comments, 15:10)

3. US Military Killed in Syria – Why Are We There? (23:37–25:33)

Update: Two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in a terror attack by ISIS.

White House Q&A: Reagan Reese asks President Trump why US troops remain in Syria:

> "Trying to make sure that there's going to be and remain peace in the Middle East. And Syria is a big part of it... We got rid of Assad, we got rid of other people... we have legitimate peace in the Middle East..."  
*(President Trump, 24:12)*

Vince’s View: Calls for troop withdrawal unless there's a “phenomenal rationale,” arguing Americans shouldn’t be put at risk without clear interests.

4. Trump’s 2026 Midterm Strategy (26:39–29:56)

President Trump: Vows to make midterms a referendum on himself, stating GOP turnout surges when he’s on the ballot.

> "When I'm not running, we don't do as well. And I'm going to try and get that changed for the midterms... We won every single swing state. We won the popular vote. We won everything."  
*(President Trump, 26:39)*

Analysis: Vince sees this as smart, given “low propensity” Trump voters show up for him more than generic Republicans.

5. Senate Rules – The Blue Slip and Filibuster Fights (29:04–49:09)

Blue Slip Rule: President Trump calls for abolishing “blue slips” which give senators veto power over federal judicial & U.S. Attorney appointments in their state.

> "I think blue slips are a disgrace. They… should not be relevant anymore. This is a different world than it was 15, 20 years ago... We're in a fight for our lives."  
*(President Trump, 29:04)*

Interview with Congressman Andy Biggs (32:56–49:09):
- Blue slip and filibuster rules, Biggs argues, let the minority party kill the majority's agenda with minimal effort.
- Biggs accuses some GOP senators of being "content" to remain in minority status—complacent with gridlock.
- Warns if Democrats seize Senate control, they’ll abolish filibuster, admit new states, pack the Supreme Court, and impeach Trump.
- Biggs on Senate culture:
  
  "They breathe a different air than the rest of the world breathes... All of them wake up and look in the mirror in the morning. They say, 'this is the future President of the United States.'" (Biggs, 38:54)
- Urges Trump and GOP leadership to get aggressive:
  
  "For any of this stuff to have an impact on the midterm election... President Trump really wants to get this done, he's going to have to go on the bully pulpit super hard, like right now." (Biggs, 40:26)

6. Top Priorities for GOP: Health Care & Energy (43:50–49:00)

Biggs’ Policy Focus:
- Health care: Criticizes Obamacare and outlines GOP plans for free-market reforms, tax-deductible health accounts, and lowering premiums.
- Energy: Lowering costs seen as central to broad affordability and economic relief.
- Fears GOP will “chicken out” on real reform:
  
  “I’m always fearful of that, Vince.”
  (Biggs, 46:17)

7. Democratic Agenda – Impeachment & Gun Control (53:08–57:20)

Pelosi on Impeachment: Downplays Democratic plans but Vince says her dismissal is “deceit in the service of her long-term power.”

> “They didn’t know there'd be a rogue president at the same time a rogue Senate that didn’t have the courage to do the right thing.”  
*(Nancy Pelosi, 53:08)*

Pelosi on Guns: Claims greatest regret is failure to pass gun control. Vince returns fire, accusing her of hypocrisy and contending Democrats only care about “power and deceit.”
```
> “My disappointment... is guns... That politicians should think that their political survival is more important than the survival of children...”  
*(Nancy Pelosi, 55:45)*  
```
-
> “What a deceitful old hag... The last people they care about are protecting children.”
(Vince, 56:47)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On “crazy eyed leftists” arrested in LA:
“He looks shocked. Actually, I would describe him as looking shocked... Is that a nose ring or a nosebleed?” (Vince, 04:45)
On campus violence:
“Young men and women like Ella know that they can be killed for their political beliefs on a college campus... The courage they need to speak up is real.” (Paraphrasing Kathryn Boyle, 15:10)
On Senate blue slips:
“I think blue slips are a disgrace... We're in a fight for our lives.” (President Trump, 29:04)
On GOP Senate complacency:
“They breathe a different air than the rest of the world breathes. Come on. You know that they... look in the mirror in the morning. They say, ‘this is the future President of the United States.’” (Andy Biggs, 38:54)
On policy urgency:
“We have a country worth saving. So President Trump wants to get rid of the blue slips. JD Vance wants to get rid of the blue slips. There's Congressman Biggs saying, get rid of them.” (Vince, 49:10)

This Could Win Us The Midterms | Episode 189

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Summary

Podcast Summary: VINCE | Episode 189 – "This Could Win Us The Midterms"

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Insights

1. Left-Wing Terror Plot Foiled by FBI (00:51–06:18)

2. Brown University Shooting — Frustration over Investigation (06:19–15:47)

President’s Response: Reagan Reese, VINCE’s White House correspondent, questions President Trump about the delayed suspect identification:

3. US Military Killed in Syria – Why Are We There? (23:37–25:33)

White House Q&A: Reagan Reese asks President Trump why US troops remain in Syria:

4. Trump’s 2026 Midterm Strategy (26:39–29:56)

President Trump: Vows to make midterms a referendum on himself, stating GOP turnout surges when he’s on the ballot.

5. Senate Rules – The Blue Slip and Filibuster Fights (29:04–49:09)

Blue Slip Rule: President Trump calls for abolishing “blue slips” which give senators veto power over federal judicial & U.S. Attorney appointments in their state.

6. Top Priorities for GOP: Health Care & Energy (43:50–49:00)

7. Democratic Agenda – Impeachment & Gun Control (53:08–57:20)

Pelosi on Impeachment: Downplays Democratic plans but Vince says her dismissal is “deceit in the service of her long-term power.”

Pelosi on Guns: Claims greatest regret is failure to pass gun control. Vince returns fire, accusing her of hypocrisy and contending Democrats only care about “power and deceit.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion

Summary

Podcast Summary: VINCE | Episode 189 – "This Could Win Us The Midterms"

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Insights

1. Left-Wing Terror Plot Foiled by FBI (00:51–06:18)

2. Brown University Shooting — Frustration over Investigation (06:19–15:47)

President’s Response: Reagan Reese, VINCE’s White House correspondent, questions President Trump about the delayed suspect identification:

3. US Military Killed in Syria – Why Are We There? (23:37–25:33)

White House Q&A: Reagan Reese asks President Trump why US troops remain in Syria:

4. Trump’s 2026 Midterm Strategy (26:39–29:56)

President Trump: Vows to make midterms a referendum on himself, stating GOP turnout surges when he’s on the ballot.

5. Senate Rules – The Blue Slip and Filibuster Fights (29:04–49:09)

Blue Slip Rule: President Trump calls for abolishing “blue slips” which give senators veto power over federal judicial & U.S. Attorney appointments in their state.

6. Top Priorities for GOP: Health Care & Energy (43:50–49:00)

7. Democratic Agenda – Impeachment & Gun Control (53:08–57:20)

Pelosi on Impeachment: Downplays Democratic plans but Vince says her dismissal is “deceit in the service of her long-term power.”

Pelosi on Guns: Claims greatest regret is failure to pass gun control. Vince returns fire, accusing her of hypocrisy and contending Democrats only care about “power and deceit.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion