NewsPolitics

Nobody Knows Anything

Narrowcast Media

Rob Flaherty and Jesse Lehrich, both veterans of Presidential campaigns, host a twice weekly live show about the news, politics, and our stupid, broken political system. An insiders show for outsiders, they'll look at the polling, prediction markets, and DC conventional wisdom about who's wrong (and it will often be them).

It's a show for people who love politics but hate themselves.

Coming April 12th, new episodes on Monday and Friday mornings.

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Thursday · 59 min
Can Obama close the deal in Michigan?
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are back in the thick of midterm madness, starting in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed is getting some high-profile help from Barack Obama as he tries to close out his Senate campaign. They dig into El-Sayed’s struggles with Black voters, his efforts to unify the Democratic coalition alongside Elissa Slotkin, and whether his increasingly unconventional general-election strategy is enough to put the race away. They also debate the value of Democrats taking their message directly to Fox News—and why El-Sayed and Dan Osborn may have figured out something the rest of the party is still reluctant to embrace. From there, they take a wider look at the midterm map and ask whether a Democratic wave is really building. Donald Trump is hitting the road, but increasingly in some very red states, while Republican spending patterns, Democratic turnout, voter registration, and special-election results are all offering clues about where the battlefield is shifting. In Maine, they break down Susan Collins’ awkward attempt to distance herself from Trump, her debate performance, and whether Troy Jackson can finally knock off one of the Senate’s most resilient Republicans. Then it’s on to Kansas, where devastating opposition research on Roger Marshall appears to be reshaping his race against Adam Hamilton. The political ad review gets increasingly unhinged as Rob and Jesse examine some of the strangest and most memorable spots of the cycle—from attacks on Katie Hobbs’ teaching reviews, to a bizarrely suggestive Steve Hilton ad, to Mike Rogers’ attempt to convince Michigan voters that he is definitely, absolutely, totally a normal Michigan guy. Finally, it’s time to look ahead to 2028 with the official Nobody Knows Anything presidential “thirst” rankings. They size up the potential Democratic field, from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kamala Harris, and Jon Ossoff at the supposedly least thirsty end to Rahm Emanuel, Andy Beshear, and the undisputed Thirst King, Ro Khanna. Along the way, they assess who is quietly laying the groundwork for a presidential campaign, who is already making their ambitions impossible to miss, and who might actually be better positioned than the conventional wisdom suggests. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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October 5 · 59 min
Can our guest’s sister win the Texas governorship?
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse sit down with Democratic strategist and CNN political commentator Xochitl Hinojosa to dig into one of the biggest questions facing Democrats right now: can they actually win Texas? With Gina Hinojosa running a surprisingly competitive race against Greg Abbott, they explore what is driving the shift in Texas, why Latino voters and the economy could reshape the race, and why Abbott’s massive war chest may not be enough to keep Democrats from breaking through in one of the country’s biggest red states. They also examine the growing frustration with national Democrats over the party’s decision not to invest heavily in Texas, despite the race’s potential implications for the House, Senate, redistricting, and the party’s long-term path to 270 electoral votes. Xochitl explains why Democrats need to build stronger state-level brands, why candidates like Gina Hinojosa and James Talarico are running on issues that go beyond party politics, and why Texas could become a crucial test of the party’s strategy heading into 2028. From there, the conversation turns to the emerging 2028 Democratic presidential race, including who could make an early move, how the DNC might handle an overcrowded primary field, and whether candidates will need to get in early to capture the political spotlight. They also discuss Andy Beshear’s role at the DGA, his potential presidential ambitions, and whether the Texas governor’s race could ultimately become a defining test for his national future. Then the discussion shifts to the rise of AI populism. They unpack Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s push against surveillance technology, the growing backlash over data centers, and why AI could become a defining political issue in the next election. The group debates whether Democrats can turn concerns about AI, corporate power, jobs, privacy, and regulation into a broader populist message—and whether politicians are prepared to deal with an issue that is evolving faster than traditional polling can capture. Finally, they take aim at Sam Altman and Silicon Valley’s approach to AI after Altman argued that society should accept some bad things happening in exchange for the benefits of AI. The conversation expands into AI safety, corporate self-regulation, Mark Zuckerberg’s influence, and whether the people building increasingly powerful technology can really be trusted to police themselves. And, as always, the episode closes out with Stock Up, Stock Down—including a memorable moment involving Vivek Ramaswamy. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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October 1 · 59 min
Can MAGA lose MAHA? (And: LOL Eric Schmitt!) with Brad Woodhouse
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse welcome longtime Democratic strategist Brad Woodhouse for a wide-ranging conversation about election security, the state of the midterms, healthcare, AI, and the increasingly complicated politics inside the Republican Party. They start with the chaotic Jack Smith congressional hearing, including the bizarre “Hawks” mix-up that quickly became one of the defining moments of the testimony, before stepping back to examine the larger fight over election integrity and Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the rules around voting ahead of the midterms. From there, the conversation turns to “Blue Wave Watch” as the hosts dig into a flood of new polling, competing pictures of Senate races, and whether Democrats are getting carried away by increasingly optimistic numbers. They debate what the polls actually tell us, why some of the margins may be difficult to believe, and whether Democrats should be thinking about the House, Senate, and broader midterm environment as separate contests rather than assuming a sweeping victory is already locked in. Healthcare then takes center stage, with Brad making the case that affordability is about much more than groceries and gas—and that healthcare could be one of the defining issues of the election. The group looks at the political fallout from changes to Medicaid and ACA tax credits, the rising cost of coverage, and the challenge for Democrats of turning voters’ concerns about affordability into a broader political message. The discussion then expands into the politics of AI and the future of the MAGA movement. They explore growing concerns around data centers, AI regulation, and the relationship between technology companies and the Trump administration, before asking whether Democrats can make inroads with voters who were attracted to the “Make America Healthy Again” movement but may feel increasingly disconnected from what the administration is actually doing. Finally, the hosts take a closer look at the White House’s embrace of AI and its new voluntary safeguards for the technology, including the gathering of major tech executives, the push to rebrand AI as “superintelligence,” and the rollout of the AI-powered America.gov website. They wrap up with their signature Stock Up, Stock Down segment before sending Brad off with a little more knowledge about boba tea—and perhaps even less certainty about everything else. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 28 · 59 min
Is this 2006 Again?
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse welcome Christina Reynolds, founder of Break Glass Strategic Communications and a veteran of presidential campaigns, to unpack a chaotic week in Washington and what it could mean heading into the midterms. They start with Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, questioning what the meeting actually accomplished, the strange optics surrounding Trump’s attempts to showcase the White House, and the unusual moment when even China pushed back against the administration’s restrictions on the press. The conversation then turns to the Trump administration’s use of taxpayer dollars for government advertising that looks remarkably similar to campaign messaging. They break down the ads, the money being spent to put them on television, and the broader political consequences of an administration increasingly tying its message to Trump himself. From there, Christina draws on her experience working on previous Democratic waves to explain how the 2026 midterms are shaping up, comparing the current political environment with 2006, 2010, and 2018 while examining enthusiasm, candidate quality, redistricting, Senate races, and the economic issues that could reshape competitive contests. Christina also shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time working under Rahm Emanuel, including one particularly memorable campaign-office confrontation, before the group digs into the controversy surrounding Mary Peltola’s treatment of campaign staff and the debate over how much personal conduct should factor into evaluating elected officials. They also discuss the role of women in politics, workplace culture on campaigns, and the unusual scrutiny female politicians can face. Later, the conversation moves to the 2026 statehouse races, the importance of governors and state legislatures, and what a potential Democratic wave could mean beyond Washington. They also look at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s growing national profile and her recent travels outside New York City, asking what her political future could look like and why building relationships with voters outside her traditional base could matter. Finally, the gang heads to Washington’s newest political hotspot: a crypto clubhouse data-center party, complete with AI photo booths, themed cocktails, and some truly bizarre enthusiasm for America’s rapidly expanding data-center industry. It’s another wide-ranging episode covering Trump, China, the midterms, campaign war stories, political scandals, AOC, and the strange new social world taking shape in Washington. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 24 · 59 min
Republicans Start Hitting the Panic Button
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse unpack a week of unexpected alliances, Democratic infighting, and the early battle for the 2028 presidential race. They start with the increasingly unlikely relationship between Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, including Trump’s praise for Mamdani, their surprisingly friendly White House press conference, and why the budding bromance has Republicans scrambling to figure out how to make Democratic socialism a midterm issue. From there, they turn to the growing debate over artificial intelligence and U.S.-China relations, including Trump’s upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping and the question of whether Washington should cooperate with Beijing to slow down the AI arms race. They discuss the national security risks of rapidly advancing AI, the possibility of international guardrails, and the growing tension between competing with China and preventing the technology from moving faster than society can handle. The conversation then moves to the midterms, with a deep dive into the allegations surrounding Susan Collins, campaign finance, government contracts, and a ProPublica investigation that has reignited questions about corruption in Washington. They also examine the Maine Senate race between Collins and Troy Jackson, and the contrasting approaches Democrats are taking as they try to compete in some of the country's most closely watched races. Finally, the focus shifts to 2028. Rob and Jesse break down Kamala Harris' political future, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's increasingly open discussion of a potential presidential run, and the emerging Democratic field. They explore why AOC may have a unique opening in the progressive lane, whether Harris will enter the race, and what candidates like JB Pritzker could bring to the contest. Along the way, they discuss the political calculations, risks, and opportunities that could shape the Democratic primary long before the 2028 campaign officially begins. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 21 · 59 min
Trump's Bad Week, the Democratic Young Men Problem & the AI Debate (with Peter Hamby)
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are joined by Puck founding partner and national correspondent Peter Hamby to unpack a chaotic week in American politics—and what it could mean heading into the 2026 midterms. They start with the enormous sums of money pouring into Senate and governor's races, from the battleground states to the astonishing spending on local TV and NFL advertising, and examine how Democrats and Republicans are changing the way they reach voters. From there, they dig into Donald Trump's rough week, including Republican lawmakers breaking with the president, the growing signs of political vulnerability inside the GOP, and the question of whether Democrats could be headed for a strong night in November. They also discuss the importance of economic issues like gas prices, housing, groceries, and interest rates—and whether voters' concerns about the cost of living could ultimately matter more than Washington's endless political battles. The conversation then turns to Trump's decision to restrict media access at the White House and the broader fight over the relationship between the administration and the press. Peter, a veteran political reporter, weighs in on what the move means for journalists, the First Amendment, and whether Trump's attacks on the media should be viewed as a serious institutional threat or another example of the president dominating the political conversation. The group also takes a hard look at one of the Democratic Party's biggest challenges: winning back young men. They debate whether Democratic campaigns have become too insulated from the voters they're trying to reach, why online culture and political messaging can sometimes feel disconnected from everyday Americans, and whether the party's problems go deeper than social media and campaign staffing. Finally, they turn to the rapidly evolving politics of artificial intelligence, as Democrats and Republicans scramble to figure out how to talk about a technology that could reshape the economy and society. With Trump proposing a new AI initiative and politicians from AOC to Obama offering very different approaches to the issue, the group asks whether either party actually understands how to communicate about AI—and what happens when nobody seems to know what to say. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 17 · 58 min
JB Pritzker’s top strategist tells us the fight Democrats ought to have
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse dive into the latest twists in the Democratic Party's 2028 landscape, starting with Gavin Newsom's surprising pledge not to run if Kamala Harris enters the race. They unpack why Newsom made the statement, what it says about his presidential ambitions, and whether the apparent truce between two of the party's biggest California figures can actually last. From there, they turn to the growing debate over Democrats and artificial intelligence. With members of Congress facing pressure to regulate a technology many of them barely use, Rob and Jesse explore why understanding AI matters for policymakers—and why the party's approach to AI could become a major political opportunity heading into the next election cycle. The conversation then takes a closer look at Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and his increasingly prominent role in the Democratic Party. His chief of staff explains how Pritzker approached AI regulation in Illinois, why the governor has been pushing back against major tech interests, and what his record on technology, regulation, and other issues could mean for his potential 2028 ambitions. They also discuss the Democratic Party's prospects in the midterms, the influence of money and the tech industry in politics, and whether Democrats can translate frustration among voters into a broader political comeback. Finally, they look at where Pritzker fits into the party's future—and whether Democrats can embrace a more aggressive approach to governing if they regain power. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 15 · 39 min
THE BIG INTERVIEW: Can an Independent Beat an 83-Year-Old Senator in Deep-Red Idaho? (With Todd Achilles)
On today’s BIG INTERVIEW, Jesse sits down with independent Senate candidate Todd Achilles, who is taking on longtime Republican Senator Jim Risch in deep-red Idaho. A lifelong Republican who also served as a Democrat in the Idaho legislature, Achilles explains why he believes voters are increasingly fed up with the two-party system—and why an independent candidate can compete in a state Donald Trump carried by 36 points. They dive into Achilles’ campaign to unseat an 83-year-old incumbent, his push for sweeping congressional reforms, and why he believes term limits, age limits, a stock-trading ban, campaign finance reform, and an end to gerrymandering could help restore trust in Congress. Achilles also explains why he refuses to caucus with either party and how a group of independent Senate candidates could potentially hold the balance of power in Washington. The conversation then turns to the issues driving voters in Idaho, from skyrocketing housing costs and stagnant wages to the decline of rural hospitals and the changing economics of the state. Achilles discusses his support for unions, the need for more high-paying jobs, and why he believes Washington has failed to respond to the affordability crisis facing Idahoans. Jesse and Achilles also take a deep dive into artificial intelligence, Big Tech, and the growing concentration of economic power. Achilles argues that the AI industry needs more competition rather than government protection for the biggest companies, while also criticizing the enormous and inefficient data centers being built across the country. They explore the broader antitrust fight, from AI and wireless carriers to the agricultural industry, where a handful of companies control huge portions of the seed and meat markets. Finally, they discuss Trump's tariffs and their impact on Idaho agriculture, U.S. foreign policy and the war in Iran, and Achilles’ criticism of Senator Risch’s record as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. With the Senate race shaping up as a rare head-to-head contest between an independent and a Republican incumbent, Achilles explains why he believes Idaho voters are ready for an alternative—and why breaking the two-party system could be the first step toward fixing Congress. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 14 · 59 min
Inside Democrats' 2026 House Strategy, the AI Regulation Fight & Ted Cruz's 2028 Ambitions
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse dig into the growing political fight over artificial intelligence, as some of the biggest names in tech—including Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk—warn about the dangers of moving too quickly. They unpack the calls to “pace the frontier,” the debate over AI regulation, and why Democrats are suddenly making AI a much bigger political priority, including Barack Obama’s warning that the party needs a clear plan for AI, jobs, safety, and the economy. The conversation then turns to the 2026 midterms, where Rob and Jesse are joined by DCCC officials Will Van Nuys and Courtney Rice to get an inside look at the Democratic strategy for winning back the House. They discuss the expanding battlefield, the importance of recruiting candidates who fit their districts, how Democrats are approaching Trump-plus districts, and whether a potential Democratic wave could put dozens of Republican seats in play. They also examine the party’s approach to competitive primaries, the tension between establishment and progressive candidates, and why the DCCC believes Democrats are positioned to take back the House. From there, they head into the Senate races, including the increasingly competitive contest in Kansas between Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton. They break down Marshall’s brutal reception at the Kansas State Fair, his controversies as a doctor and senator, and why the political environment in Kansas could make an upset more plausible than it might seem. Finally, they look ahead to 2028 and Ted Cruz’s potential presidential campaign, the emerging Republican primary field, and whether the Trump era could begin to lose its grip on the Republican Party after the 2026 midterms. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 11 · 8 min
Why Democrats Keep Losing: They Stand for Nothing
In this deep dive, Jesse examines why Democrats continue to struggle to articulate a clear, compelling vision for working Americans — and why the party's failure to define what it stands for could be costing it at the ballot box. Democrats keep warning voters about Donald Trump, but what are they actually offering in return? Jesse explores Hakeem Jeffries' proposed midterm platform, the rise of the DSA and the left, and why specific policies can give voters a much clearer sense of what a political movement actually stands for. He also looks back at the Democrats' successful 2006 strategy and its six-point agenda as an example of how clearly defined policies can create a stronger political contrast. The question is simple: if Democrats don't start standing for something, can they expect voters to stand with them? Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 10 · 59 min
This podcast has a >10% chance of killing us all
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse break down the halfway point of Trump-a-palooza, the RNC's Trump-branded midterm convention, and ask why vulnerable Republicans like Mike Lawler are lining up to be seen next to a president who's deeply underwater in his own party's target states. They dig into the GOP's $49 million midterm ad blitz, the states where Republicans are playing defense versus quietly writing off the map, and whether any candidate can actually escape Trump's unpopularity this cycle. From there, they turn to Texas, where Ken Paxton's AI-generated attack ad against James Talarico reignites the debate over deepfakes in political advertising—Rob and Jesse spar over where the line sits between satire and deception, and whether Congress should step in. That leads into the week's biggest AI story: an Anthropic alignment researcher's viral resignation and warnings about existential risk, which Rob and Jesse use to unpack the industry's murky safety debate, the odds of a catastrophic AI event forcing Washington's hand, and why neither party seems ready to legislate any of it. Back on the campaign trail, they cover Chris Pappas' surprisingly competitive Senate race against John Sununu in New Hampshire and why Democrats are quietly nervous about a state that wasn't supposed to be in play. Then it's a 2028 whip-around covering Gavin Newsom's swing through the South, Wes Moore's not-quite-a-denial about his future plans, and J.B. Pritzker's new $20 million PAC targeting vulnerable House Republicans. Finally, Rob and Jesse close out with Stock Up, Stock Down, crowning campaign merch's latest questionable trend and delivering a definitive verdict on Vivek Ramaswamy's batting cage form. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 8 · 49 min
THE BIG INTERVIEW: How the political influencer business actually works (With Jack Cocchiarella)
On today’s BIG INTERVIEW, Rob sits down with political creator Jack Cocchiarella to pull back the curtain on the rapidly growing business of political influencing—and why creators could become one of the most important forces in the 2028 election. From YouTube’s rise as a new political media ecosystem to the enormous audiences creators can build outside traditional newsrooms, Jack explains how he went from shitposting on Twitter to making content full-time after his channel exploded from hundreds of subscribers to 100,000 in just over a week. They dive into what actually drives the creator economy, including YouTube AdSense, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, audience growth, and the pressure to constantly produce more content. Jack explains why the financial incentive isn't necessarily to make increasingly outrageous videos, but simply to keep publishing—and how maintaining credibility with an engaged audience ultimately matters just as much as maximizing views. The conversation then turns to the complicated relationship between creators and political campaigns. How should campaigns work with influencers? Should creators be paid to promote candidates? When does political outreach become advertising, and how important is disclosure? Jack argues that campaigns should treat creators differently from traditional reporters, emphasizing direct relationships, targeted clip distribution, and streamlined communication rather than massive group chats and generic briefings. Rob and Jack also explore the darker side of creator monetization, including undisclosed political promotion and the growing role of gambling and prediction-market sponsorships. Jack explains why he has become increasingly uncomfortable with creators taking money from gambling companies, particularly when their political values clash with the economic consequences of promoting addictive products to young audiences. Finally, they examine the growing “creator bubble,” the limits of social media algorithms, and whether political creators are actually reaching new voters—or mostly talking to an increasingly engaged audience that already follows politics. With 2028 approaching, the big question is whether this new media ecosystem can break beyond its existing audience and fundamentally reshape how campaigns communicate with voters. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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September 3 · 59 min
How can Democrats expand the tent? (with Guy Cecil)
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse sit down with Democratic strategist Guy Cecil to unpack the latest battles reshaping the Democratic Party—and what they could tell us about the road to 2028. They start in Massachusetts, where Ed Markey decisively defeated Seth Moulton, sparking a bigger debate over whether Democratic voters care more about ideology, experience, or generational change—and whether simply being younger is enough to unseat an incumbent. From there, they head to Texas, where the fallout from the Democratic primary continues to expose tensions within the party. They examine Jasmine Crockett’s complicated relationship with James Talarico, the importance of endorsements, the increasingly toxic online environment surrounding primary politics, and what the race could mean for control of the Senate. The conversation then turns to the rapidly changing world of political influence, as creators and influencers become an increasingly important force in campaigns. They discuss how political creators are operating differently from traditional journalists, the growing importance of direct access to candidates, and what an influencer-driven political landscape could look like heading into 2028. Speaking of 2028, Rob, Jesse, and Guy dig into the coming scramble for Democratic campaign talent. With dozens of potential candidates preparing for a presidential primary, they explore the competition for staff, where campaigns might establish their headquarters, whether fully remote campaigns could become the norm, and just how chaotic the race for political talent could become. Finally, they tackle one of the most unexpected political issues emerging from the AI boom: data centers. They debate Trump and JD Vance’s positions on data-center expansion, the backlash over rising electricity and infrastructure costs, the growing tension between local communities and the AI economy, and why data-center politics could become a major issue for both parties by 2028. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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August 31 · 59 min
Everything you need to know about Governors races
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are joined by guests from the Democratic Governors Association to break down the 2026 political landscape and the races that could reshape the country heading into the midterms. They start with Donald Trump's escalating feud with the media, including his threat to have the FCC go after Kristen Welker, and debate what his record on political endorsements actually says about his influence within the Republican Party. The conversation then turns to the governors' map, where the DGA guests lay out the races Democrats are defending, the states where they're going on offense, and why the party believes it has a real opportunity to regain a majority of governors' mansions for the first time since the Obama era. They dig into key contests in Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Florida, discussing the candidates, the political environment, and why Democrats are increasingly optimistic about their chances in several traditionally difficult states. From there, they head to Georgia for a closer look at the Senate race between Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins, including Collins' increasingly controversial ties to figures associated with Nazi and white nationalist movements. They ask whether Collins' "Nazi problem" could derail his campaign, why Ossoff is currently in such a strong position, and how Georgia's gubernatorial race between Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican opposition could give Democrats an even bigger opportunity in the state. Finally, the episode looks ahead to 2028, with a discussion of Kamala Harris' potential presidential ambitions, AOC's recent staff shakeup, and the growing competition over the future direction of the Democratic Party. They debate whether Democrats should embrace a wide-open presidential primary and why the next cycle could bring a much more consequential fight over what the party actually stands for. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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August 27 · 59 min
Donald Trump gives Democrats a gift: more Donald Trump (with Pat Dennis of American Bridge)
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are joined in studio by Pat Dennis, president of Democratic superPAC American Bridge, for a wide-ranging look at the political battles shaping the 2026 midterms. They start in South Carolina, where Darline Graham’s primary victory raises questions about just how vulnerable Republicans may be in states that looked safely red—and whether Democrats should be competing everywhere the numbers give them even a narrow opening. The conversation then turns to Donald Trump’s plans for the midterms, including his push to put himself at the center of Republican campaign advertising and the GOP’s unusual upcoming midterm convention. Pat explains why Republicans may be making a mistake by nationalizing races that could otherwise be fought on local issues, while the group digs into the messages that are actually resonating with voters—especially the cost of living and corruption. They also examine Trump’s tariffs, the fight over beef prices, and the growing frustration among Republicans with the direction of the party. From there, they get into one of the Democratic Party’s most persistent internal fights: Hasan Piker’s role in the Michigan Senate race and whether Democrats are helping Republicans by turning a controversial Twitch streamer into a national political figure. That leads to a broader debate over how Democrats should handle provocative voices on the left, before they tackle the party’s approach to Israel and Gaza and Jared Moskowitz’s appointment to a key House foreign policy subcommittee. And for the political nerds, there’s plenty in the weeds: Pat breaks down a consequential campaign-finance ruling over television advertising rates and why it could give Democratic candidates with strong small-dollar fundraising a major advantage. They also discuss Rob Sand’s refreshingly blunt approach to Democratic politics, why candidates might benefit from simply answering questions honestly, and whether the Iowa Democrat is an early name to watch for 2028. Finally, the group gets into the increasingly complicated politics of AI and data centers, debating whether voters’ opposition is really about technology—or something much more local and straightforward: not wanting a giant data center in their backyard. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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August 24 · 59 min
Could a Democrat win South Carolina? (with SC Senate Candidate Dr. Annie Andrews)
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are joined by Lauren Hitt and South Carolina Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews to unpack a rapidly shifting political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race. They dig into whether Democrats can actually compete in deep-red South Carolina, the Republican runoff between Darline Graham and Ralph Norman, and why Andrews believes Democrats have a real opening in a state where Trump remains deeply influential. From there, they examine Donald Trump's role in the midterms, including his push to campaign for Republican candidates, his focus on the White House ballroom, and whether his involvement is ultimately helping or hurting the GOP. They also break down the Senate map and debate whether Democrats are genuinely positioned to retake the Senate in 2026, with races in Michigan, Maine, Ohio, Texas, Iowa, Alaska, South Carolina and beyond potentially reshaping the balance of power. The conversation then turns to Hakeem Jeffries' private meeting with Jared Kushner, the Democrats' struggle to articulate a compelling affordability agenda, and the growing tensions around outside spending in Democratic races—including AIPAC's involvement in the Michigan Senate contest. Finally, the panel looks ahead to 2028 and the growing buzz around Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, asking whether his ability to win over voters in one of America's reddest states could make him the next Bill Clinton—and whether his brand of Democratic politics offers a path back to the White House. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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August 20 · 59 min
Is it mean to make fun of the President’s printer?
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse unpack a wild week in Democratic politics, from a stunning Florida Senate primary upset to growing backlash against data centers and the early battle for the 2028 presidential nomination. They break down how Angie Nixon, a card-carrying DSA member, defeated heavily funded establishment candidate Alex Vindman, and what the result says about the Democratic Party's ongoing struggle between its establishment and socialist wings. They then turn to Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, where Mary Peltola's strong primary showing, a surprise Democratic special-election win in a deep-red Pennsylvania district, and the messy Ed Markey–Seth Moulton Senate primary offer clues about the political environment heading toward the midterms. They discuss whether Democrats are genuinely positioned for a strong 2026, and whether Republicans should be worried about their performance in traditionally safe districts. From there, the conversation shifts to one of the biggest emerging political fights: data centers. They examine Josh Shapiro's dramatic shift from promoting AI and data-center investment to imposing some of the nation's strictest restrictions, and why Republicans are now warning that the backlash against data centers could cost them Senate seats. The discussion explores the growing political collision between Big Tech, AI, local communities, and voters. Finally, they look ahead to 2028, including the growing anti-DSA push within the Democratic Party and the early positioning of Pete Buttigieg and Mark Kelly. They debate whether Democrats should distance themselves from the socialist left or find a way to bring an increasingly influential part of their coalition into the fold, before turning to Jon Ossoff, Natalie Harp, and the bizarre political story surrounding Trump's so-called "human printer." Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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August 17 · 58 min
Zohran's Pollster tells us whether polls are broken
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse unpack the latest Democratic primary fallout in Wisconsin and Michigan, the growing political fight over data centers and AI, and what these battles could reveal about where voters are headed in the 2026 midterms. They break down the aftermath of Wisconsin’s razor-thin primary, the role of late-deciding voters, and why Democrats and Republicans alike are suddenly scrambling to take an anti-data-center position. From there, they turn to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the extraordinary amount of attention surrounding her, from her decision to publicly document her egg-freezing journey to the backlash over her comments about “woke” politics. They discuss AOC’s unusually direct relationship with voters, why her authenticity continues to set her apart from other politicians, and whether she is prepared to handle the intense spotlight of a potential 2028 presidential campaign. The episode then takes a deep dive into the state of political polling with Jane Rayburn, principal and co-founder of Workbench Strategy and a pollster for Zohran Mamdani. Rayburn explains what really happened with the recent polling in Wisconsin and Michigan, whether the polls were actually “wrong,” how late-deciding voters can reshape a race, and why public polling and internal campaign polling serve very different purposes. Finally, Rayburn shares lessons from Mamdani’s campaign, including how the campaign used polling to identify and mobilize key groups of voters, why affordability needs to be more than just a Democratic buzzword, and what Democrats and progressives can learn from Mamdani’s focus on concrete policies, constituent service, and communicating a clear vision for government. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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August 12 · 1 hr 54 min
Wisconsin’s Shocking Upset. (LIVE with Holly Otterbein, Sam Cornale, Quentin Fulks and more)
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse stay up late for an absolutely chaotic night of Democratic primary results, breaking down David Crowley’s stunning upset over Francesca Hong in Wisconsin and what the race reveals about the fight between progressives and the Democratic establishment. With Wisconsin’s returns coming in slowly and the outcome swinging wildly by the minute, they unpack the polling misses, Tony Evers’ late endorsement of Crowley, Hong’s campaign strategy, the impact of the data-center issue, and why the state’s Democratic electorate proved so difficult to predict. They also look beyond Wisconsin, discussing Peggy Flanagan’s Minnesota primary win, Luke Bronin’s defeat of longtime incumbent John Larson in Connecticut, and the broader anti-establishment and generational-change forces reshaping Democratic primaries. Along the way, they debate what “electability” really means, whether Democrats are too quick to label candidates as establishment or unelectable, and how campaigns should balance grassroots organizing, paid media, persuasion and turnout. The conversation then turns to Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan victory and what his performance could mean for AOC, the future of progressive politics, and the 2028 presidential race. They examine whether candidates on the left can win in swing states, how progressives need to adapt outside places like New York and California, and why communication, coalition-building and electability may matter more than ideological labels. Finally, they dig into the Democratic coalition itself, including the role of Black voters, young voters and college-educated voters, before the night descends into election-night chaos involving recount rules, missing USB drives, delayed Milwaukee results, and the very real question of whether anyone will ever get to bed. Through it all, the hosts are joined by Holly Otterbein, Sam Cornale, Quentin Fulks, Dan Kanninen, Devin Remiker and Addisu Demissie for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the strangest primary nights of the cycle. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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August 10 · 14 min
Voice Note: Jesse on the Michigan Primary Fall Out
Jesse looks ahead to another big night of primary results while taking stock of where the Democratic Party stands after Abdul El-Sayed’s stunning Michigan Senate primary victory. After a bruising campaign, El-Sayed is getting an increasingly unified show of support from across the Democratic coalition, with Haley Stevens, Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and others helping rally behind his general election campaign. But Jesse asks whether El-Sayed has learned the right lessons from his unexpectedly narrow victory—and whether his shift toward a more welcoming, big-tent message can help Democrats hold together heading into November. He also breaks down the Republican response to El-Sayed, including what he describes as an overtly racist campaign focused on his Muslim identity, and why that attack could ultimately help bring Democrats and the broader progressive coalition together behind him. The conversation then turns to one of the most unexpected political issues emerging from this year's primaries: data centers. From Michigan's 7th District to Kansas and Wisconsin, opposition to data center development has become a surprisingly powerful grassroots issue, helping progressive candidates defeat well-funded establishment-backed opponents and reshape Democratic primaries. Finally, Jesse previews the races to watch on the upcoming Election Night Live, including the South Carolina Senate special primary to replace Lindsey Graham, the Minnesota Senate showdown between Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig, the bizarre Minnesota governor's race involving Mike Lindell, and Francesca Hong's closely watched Wisconsin gubernatorial primary. With establishment Democrats increasingly nervous about the direction of the party—and candidates discovering new ways to build grassroots momentum—the next round of primaries could offer another revealing look at where Democrats are headed. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram. Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf
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