Straight Shooter with Stephen A.

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Latest Episodes:

BREAKING DOWN THE MIDTERMS WITH CHRIS CHRISTIE, ROBERT COSTA, & FRANK LUNTZ Nov 05, 2026

Show notes

Stephen A. breaks down the Democrats’ midterm sweep of the House and Senate, the historic diversity of the electorate, the issues driving voters, and what the results mean for 2028. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie weighs in on the election surprises, Trump’s unfulfilled campaign promises on Iran, Ukraine, the Epstein files, affordability, and immigration. CBS News Chief Washington Analyst
Robert Costa and political pollster Frank Luntz discuss voter sentiment, Trump’s base, whether the president cost Republicans the midterms, and future leaders of the Democratic Party.

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SPECIAL EDITION - MIDTERM ELECTION NIGHT Nov 04, 2026

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In this special Election Day edition of Straight Shooter from Washington, D.C., Stephen A. examines what a Democratic takeover of Congress could mean for the country. Former Virginia Governor and DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe weighs in on Michigan’s contentious Senate race, the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, and bipartisan cooperation. Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright breaks down the midterm outlook, the Texas Senate showdown, the Democratic Party's future, and MAGA’s shortcomings.

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SPECIAL EDITION - THE NIGHT BEFORE THE MIDTERM ELECTION Nov 03, 2026

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In this special pre-midterm edition of Straight Shooter from Washington, D.C., Stephen A. examines key battleground races in Michigan, Virginia, and Texas with Chief Washington Correspondent for MeidasTouch, Scott MacFarlane. Former Governor Chris Sununu and Rep. Glenn F. Ivey (D-MD) weigh in on the Iran War, affordability, tariffs, campaign finance reform, gerrymandering, and term limits. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) joins the show to discuss the Florida gubernatorial race, the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, his opposition to woke policies, the Save College Sports Act, and his presidential aspirations.

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MIDTERM ELECTION; JOSH TUREK; STEVE HILTON Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

Stephen A. discusses the state of America ahead of the midterm election, the impact of independent voters on turnout, and the issues voters care about most. Josh Turek, a two-time Team USA Paralympic gold medalist and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate for Iowa, is interviewed about working across the aisle, the solutions he will pursue for Iowans, and a controversial campaign ad. Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton discusses his run for California governor, Donald Trump's endorsement, and his plans for California if elected.

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STEPHEN A’S WHITE HOUSE VISIT; DASHA BURNS; THOM TILLIS Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

Stephen A. discusses public reaction to his White House visit and appearance on ABC’s The View. Politico Global Anchor, Playbook co-author, and Playbook Podcast host Dasha Burns joins the show to break down her cross-country conversations with voters and candidates ahead of the midterms, the issues shaping the election, and the political shifts that could define 2028. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) discusses his decision not to seek reelection, tensions with Trump, the GOP's future, and his new book, How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents.

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THE GOP’S CONTINUING DECLINE, DEMOCRATS PLAN TO REGAIN THE HOUSE; CHUCK ROCHA; BIRTHDAY CALLS Oct 15, 2026

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Stephen A. discusses the GOP’s continued decline and Democrats’ plans if they retake the House. Political strategist Chuck Rocha, a contributor to CBS News, CNN, and MS NOW, joins the show to break down voter sentiment, the Latino vote, immigration, and the high-stakes Texas Senate race. Former Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), former Governor John Kasich (R-OH), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), veteran strategists James Carville and Donna Brazile, Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly, and HBO’s Real Time host Bill Maher call in to celebrate Stephen A.’s birthday.

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PRESIDENT TRUMP’S SINKING APPROVAL RATING; SEAN HANNITY; JEFF FEELY Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Stephen A. discusses Donald Trump’s declining approval ratings, Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s decision not to debate Democratic
opponent James Talarico, and the growing influence of independent voters. Fox News host Sean Hannity sits down with Stephen A. to
reflect on his 30 years at the network, the evolution of conservatism, the Iran War, and the Republican Party’s current state. Former NFL
kicker, sports broadcaster, and Republican candidate for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District Jay Feely joins the show to discuss his entry into
politics, Donald Trump and Turning Point USA’s political support, border security, and election integrity.

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THE PROTECT COLLEGE SPORTS ACT; TEXAS REP. GINA HINOJOSA; BRUCE BLAKEMAN Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Stephen A. weighs in on President Donald Trump’s 32-day campaign tour, his message to Black voters, and his involvement in the Protect
College Sports Act. Texas Democratic Rep. Gina Hinojosa is interviewed about her run in the hotly contested Texas gubernatorial race, as well
as redistricting, immigration, data centers, and education reform. Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman joins the show to
discuss his run for Governor of New York and his economic plan for the state.

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Attorney Ken Turkel: Congressman Don Beyer; White House Press Ban; The "Trump Arch" & AI in Aviation Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Guest host Laura Coates fills in for Stephen A. Smith to tackle a packed docket of constitutional controversies, technological threats, and public health debates.

The White House Press Ban: Coates breaks down the legal mechanics of what she dubs "White House ban gate," analyzing the First Amendment and Fifth Amendment due process implications of the administration revoking hard press passes for outlets like CNN, Politico, and MS Now. Constitutional attorney Ken Turkel joins the show to debate whether the ban constitutes illegal viewpoint discrimination or a legally justifiable national security measure.

The "Trump Arch" & AI in Aviation: Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) stops by to discuss the controversial 250-foot arch being constructed near Reagan National Airport, an homage to the president that will allegedly feature drones and snipers. Rep. Beyer also sounds the alarm on the Department of Transportation's sudden move to implement untrained AI for air traffic control at major airports, calling it a severely untested risk to public safety.

The 2026 Midterm Elections: With the midterms roughly 40 days away, Coates and Rep. Beyer analyze the electorate's top concerns. They discuss how issues like inflation, AI anxiety, and the massive energy consumption of data centers are driving voter behavior as control of the House and Senate hangs in the balance.

Public Health & Vaccine Hesitancy: Coates closes the show by addressing a recent measles outbreak that has claimed four lives in Pennsylvania. She delivers a passionate plea for listeners to consult actual medical professionals—rather than politicians or internet personalities—regarding the safety and efficacy of routine immunizations.

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THE FUTURE OF A.I.; REP. JOHN JAMES Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Stephen A. sounds the alarm about warnings that A.I. could end civilization within the next decade and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s
calls to slow AI development. Republican gubernatorial candidate John James (R-MI) joins the show to discuss his run for Governor of Michigan, his economic plan for the state, and the war in Iran.

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