A Republican Senator on Midterm Politics, Leadership, and Fiscal Policy

A departing Republican senator discusses the party’s midterm prospects, campaign messaging, and the choices facing lawmakers. The conversation also covers presidential leadership, cabinet appointments, party principles, and federal spending through examples from his Senate experience.

■ Midterm elections and campaign strategy
- Iran messaging, competitive Senate races, and voter outreach
■ Presidential leadership and appointments
- Advice to the president, cabinet confirmations, and the senator’s regrets
■ Republican principles and policy
- Populism, health care, tax policy, and the pace of legislative change
■ Senate priorities and the national debt
- Remaining legislative work, the filibuster, and the debt ceiling

For viewers following US politics, the discussion offers a range of perspectives on election strategy and governing, rather than a comprehensive election forecast or policy guide. Viewers can use it to identify the issues raised and follow how candidates address them during the campaign.