The Lever - The Lever’s Midterm Election Deep-Dive

Friends:

The midterms are officially over — so what happens now? On Lever Time, the entire Lever reporting staff and I offer our analysis of this Tuesday night’s surprising elections. Then, I'm joined by Breaking Points co-host Krystal Ball for a big-picture conversation on what these results portend for the next two years of Biden’s presidency, as well as the 2024 presidential election. Meanwhile, The Audit’s study group FINALLY completes George W. Bush’s MasterClass. Did they ultimately learn anything? Not really, except for the fact that high-priced PR firms can successfully whitewash the legacies of pretty much anybody — including war criminals.

Learn more and find the episode links below.

Also:

• 8 ELECTION TAKEAWAYS: The Lever's reporters broke down the key results of the 2022 midterm elections — and what they mean — so you don't have to. Check out our analysis and forward it to family and friends.
• FOLLOWING PA'S GUV-ELECT: I spent some time last week on the ground in Pennsylvania with my high school buddy and now governor-elect of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro. Take the time to read what I learned about the importance of Dems picking fights with the bad guys, for the sake of fighting corporate power and upholding American democracy.

Rock the boat,

Sirota

LEVER TIME: The Midterm Shellacking That Never Was (w/ Krystal Ball)

In the new episode of Lever Time: It’s the day after the midterm elections! David Sirota and The Lever’s entire reporting staff break down all the key takeaways, including the big progressive wins, the stunning MAGA losses, the victories for abortion rights, the surprising exit poll data, and the important ballot measures that passed.

In addition, David is joined by Krystal Ball, co-host of Breaking Points, for a big-picture conversation about the election results. David and Krystal discuss shifting electoral trends, what the next two years of Biden’s presidency might look like, and what it all could mean for the 2024 presidential election.

Click here for a rough transcript of the episode.

BONUS: On Lever Time Premium  (the extended version of Lever Time which is exclusively available for supporting subscribers), David is joined by journalist Eli Clifton, who recently reported on how a lobbyist for the Saudi Arabian government and former U.S. Senator is also running one of the Republican Party’s largest super PACs.

THE AUDIT: Prioritize The Painters

In the new episode of our “educational” series The Audit: Dave, Josh, and their study-buddy Kate Willett dive into the final installments of George W. Bush’s MasterClass, including an 18-minute lesson on cold wax painting (which, to be honest, might be the only valuable thing that Dubya talks about during this entire series).

Dubya’s final two lessons, “Prioritize What’s Important,” and “Happy are the Painters,” can only be described as “a celebration of nonsense.” Dubya relays some fun drinking stories, teaches everyone about the Turd Blossom, and expounds on his love of painting. Is it possible this was all just a sham? A charade to whitewash the record of one of America's worst war criminals? Listen and find out!

Click here for a rough transcript of the episode.

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