Trial Balloon - Free Version

The Trump trial and the split screen campaign. And Mike Johnson's power is backed by Democrats. Links we discussed: The Split Screen for the Next 6 WeeksTrump Is Already TestifyingTrump Is a Pretty Weak StrongmanBeing Stuck in a Courtroom Is Just What Trump NeededChaos and OppressionSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Arizona's abortion ruling is a disaster for Trump and Republicans. Stubborn inflation is a problem for Biden and Democrats. Can red states knock Biden off the ballot? Links we discussed Trump Flails on AbortionFed May Not Cut Interest Rates This YearRed States Threaten to Keep Biden Off the BallotSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Does watching Fox News make you less informed? Could the House flip to Democratic control? Does RFK Jr. hurt Biden or Trump more? Links we discussed Those Who Don’t Watch Fox Less Likely to Vote for TrumpDemocrats Need to Be Ready If GOP Loses ControlBiden Holds Small Lead NationallyRFK Jr. the SpoilerSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Which set of candidates were worse — 2016 or 2024? What do the polls really say eight months before the election? Does RFK Jr. matter? Links we discussed There’s Plenty of Time for Biden to Catch UpDemocracy Dies In Trumpian BoredomWhy RFK Jr. Should Hurt Trump More Than BidenDemocrats Go to War Against Third Party CandidatesSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

The Trumpification of the Republican Party is now complete. Links we discussed Mitch McConnell’s Legacy Is Donald TrumpMitch McConnell Surrenders to TrumpMcConnell to Step Down as GOP LeaderTrump Pushes Steve Daines to Run for Senate GOP LeaderJohn Thune Soft Launches Bid for Senate GOP LeaderCornyn Talked to Trump About Running for Senate LeaderSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

No one is replacing Biden on the ticket. Trump takes over the RNC. Democrats get a big win on Long Island. Links we discussed One in Five Believe Taylor Swift ConspiracyReplacing BidenWhy Trump Needs to Take Over the RNC So QuicklyJon Stewart ReturnsBiden Campaign Joins TikTokSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Trial Balloon celebrates its first year with Taylor Swift. And then we unpack how Joe Biden was handed a gift by Republicans on immigration. Links we discussed Taylor Swift (The GOP’s Version)Lankford’s Make-or-Break Moment on the BorderQuote of the DayBiden Campaign Builds Big Fundraising LeadWhy Trump Needs Nikki Haley Out NowSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Is Donald Trump rolling to the White House or is he in trouble? Democracy and immigration are the toughest issues. Links we discussed Can Anyone Stop Trump’s March to the Nomination?Trump Could Wrap Up Nomination By End of FebruaryEven the Battle for Second Turned Out Well for TrumpTrump Holds Solid Lead Over Biden in GeorgiaSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Should Democrats try to disqualify Trump from the ballot? Or will it backfire? Links we discussed: Trump Set to Appeal 14th Amendment CasesSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Trump's eligibility in question. Rudy's moral bankruptcy leads to his financial bankruptcy. It's too early to worry about the horse race polls. Links we discussed: The Immediate Impact of the Colorado RulingWhat Do Biden’s Poor Numbers Really Mean?Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

The House GOP's majority shrinks further. Donald Trump knew exactly what he was saying. Nikki Haley is number two. Links we discussed: The Inflation DisconnectScared of Chris ChristieSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

We discuss Biden's chances, Trump's retribution, flipping congressmen, ranked choice voting, and our friend in Copenhagen. Some links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

What the 2023 off-year elections mean for 2024. And what Joe Manchin not running for re-election means for Joe Biden. Links we discussed: The Polls Weren’t That BadThe Road to 2024An Off-Year Blue WaveWho Knew Taking Away Rights Was So Unpopular?Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Republicans finally settle on a House Speaker but he wasn't really vetted. Meanwhile, Trump's co-defendants are flipping. Links we discussed: The House Considers Mike JohnsonMike Johnson Is Trump’s Perfect SpeakerThe Speaker Candidates to WatchSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

The political realities of the terrorist attack on Israel and it's not your father's Republican party anymore. Links we discussed: Father Strips Down at School Board MeetingThe Politics of Israel’s ResponseSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Republicans running for president have a debate train wreck while Republicans in the House are about to shut down the government. Links we discussed: Republican MathReaction to the Second Republican DebateSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireGet 20% off an Annual MembershipChris Riback's Newsletter

Kevin McCarthy struggles to hang onto his job, while Mitt Romney quits his. Links we discussed: Romney Lets Loose in Exit InterviewImpeachment Probe Changes McCarthy’s MathMcCarthy Dares Conservatives to Oust HimSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Mitch McConnell’s second freeze means age may be an even bigger factor in next year’s election. Links we discussed: Mark Thompson Helped Steady 2 News Outlets. Can He Do the Same at CNN?Capitol Physician Clears McConnell to Do JobFeinstein Silent in Her Sad and Messy Final ChapterBiden’s Age vs. Trump’s CrimesSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

We answer some of your questions. Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

How the latest Trump indictment changes the presidential race. A few links we discussed: Donald Trump Indicted AgainWe’re Headed for a One Issue ElectionMy Takeaways from Today’s Indictment Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter