What A Day Podcast Summary
Episode: Why Red And Blue States Are Waging A Redistricting War
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Host: Jane Coaston, Crooked Media

Introduction to the Redistricting Battle

In today's episode of What A Day, host Jane Coaston delves into the escalating conflict over congressional redistricting across the United States. Redistricting, the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, traditionally occurs every ten years following the census. However, recent actions by both Republican and Democratic state leaders have accelerated this process, sparking what Coaston describes as "America's hottest club."

Key Highlights:

• Republican Push: Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are leading efforts to redraw congressional maps ahead of the usual cycle. Texas, in particular, seeks to gain a legislative advantage by flipping five Democratic seats in the 2026 midterms through a new congressional map released on Wednesday.

• Democratic Response: In a notable shift, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a special election focused on redistricting, signaling that redistricting battles are not confined to conservative states.

Notable Quote:

“If we're going to play fair in a world that is wholly unfair, we may have the higher moral ground, but the ground is shifting from underneath us. And I think we have to wake up to that reality.”
— Justin Levitt, Constitutional Law Professor [01:24]

Expert Insights with Justin Levitt

Jane Coaston interviews Justin Levitt, a constitutional law professor at Loyola Law School and former White House senior advisor. Levitt provides a critical analysis of the current redistricting frenzy, emphasizing its detrimental impact on democracy.

Key Points:

• Partisan Gerrymandering: Levitt explains that redistricting is increasingly becoming a tool for partisan advantage rather than a fair representation of population changes. He highlights Texas Republicans' strategic efforts to redraw maps outside the normal cycle to maintain House control.

• Racist Tactics: Democrats accuse the new Texas map of being "blatantly racist," arguing that it splits voters of color to create more predominantly white districts. Levitt concurs, noting the reliance on a potentially fluctuating Latino Republican electorate in Texas.

• Legal Challenges: The episode touches on the legality of redistricting maneuvers. Levitt states, “It's not really legal to fight gerrymandering with more gerrymandering,” referencing the Supreme Court's 2019 stance that excessive partisan gerrymandering is unconstitutional yet remains unenforceable by federal courts.

Notable Quotes:

“There's no federal law that stops [extreme gerrymandering].”
— Justin Levitt [06:03]

“This is horrible for democracy. I mean, no two ways about it.”
— Justin Levitt [08:30]

The Democratic Predicament

Levitt discusses the potential consequences if Democrats engage in similar redistricting tactics:

• Democratic Overreach: In states like California, Democrats could redraw maps to secure an entirely Democratic delegation, effectively eliminating Republican competitiveness. However, Levitt warns that such moves would undermine democratic principles and escalate the partisan death spiral.

• Call for Congressional Action: Levitt emphasizes the need for Congress to establish rules to prevent states from engaging in self-serving redistricting practices, though he remains skeptical about timely legislative intervention.

Notable Quote:

“If we're going to drive the car all the way off the cliff where there is no road, it's not three to four House seats. It's eight to nine House seats in California, it's three House seats in Illinois. It's all of them.”
— Justin Levitt [10:59]

Addressing the Partisan War

When asked about escaping the partisan redistricting spiral, Levitt compares the situation to deterrence in nuclear strategy. He suggests that demonstrating the catastrophic consequences of extreme gerrymandering could dissuade both parties from pursuing such tactics.

Notable Quote:

“Show them what the world after looks like. When I was growing up, there was a film called The Day After that showed you nuclear war imprinted on my brain.”
— Justin Levitt [12:57]

Broader News Coverage

Following the in-depth discussion on redistricting, What A Day transitions to various news segments, excluding advertisements and non-content sections.

Trade Tensions with Canada

President Donald Trump has escalated trade tensions by increasing tariffs on Canadian goods from 25% to 35%. This move comes in response to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

Notable Quotes:

“They have been charging very, very high tariffs to our farmers, some over 200%, and they've been treating our farmers very badly.”
— Donald Trump [19:41]

“Wow. Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a trade deal with them.”
— Donald Trump [19:26]

Diplomatic Efforts in Gaza

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt announces a diplomatic mission to Gaza by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee. The team aims to assess aid distribution and gather firsthand accounts of the humanitarian crisis.

Notable Quotes:

“Special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will make recommendations to the president on aid distribution following the visit.”
— Caroline Levitt [20:24]

Controversial Remarks on Epstein Case

President Trump made headlines by suggesting that Virginia Giuffre was "stolen" by Jeffrey Epstein. This statement has drawn condemnation from Giuffre's family, who reject Trump's characterization and call for strict prosecution of Epstein's associates.

Notable Quotes:

“I think she worked at the spa. I think so. I think that was one of the people he stole her.”
— Donald Trump [21:53]

Revival of the Presidential Fitness Test

In a move blending nostalgia with policy, Trump has reinstated the Presidential Fitness Test, aimed at promoting physical fitness among schoolchildren. The reintroduction includes classic exercises like push-ups and sit-ups.

Notable Quotes:

“We're officially restoring the Presidential Fitness Test and the Presidential Fitness Award, and it's going to be a very big thing.”
— Donald Trump [23:22]

Conclusion

Jane Coaston's episode provides a comprehensive examination of the emerging redistricting wars in the United States, highlighting the implications for democracy and partisan balance. Through expert insights and current events analysis, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how redistricting efforts by both major parties could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Notable Episode Quotes:

“What a Day is the show that thanks President Donald Trump for focusing on the real issues.”
— Jane Coaston [00:02]

“It's really a playground fight, but they're fighting with knives.”
— Justin Levitt [07:54]

For more insights and updates, subscribe to What A Day on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube. Stay informed with Crooked Media's commitment to delivering substantive analysis on today's most pressing issues.