Are Trump Voters Feeling Buyer's Remorse? (With Sarah Longwell)

In this episode of Pod Save America, host Tommy Vietor sits down with Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and author of the upcoming book *How to Eat an Elephant, One Voter at a Time*, to explore the current state of Trump voters and the broader political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms. Drawing from thousands of hours of focus group conversations, Longwell reveals a growing sense of buyer’s remorse among Trump supporters, despite continued loyalty. Voters express deep anxiety over inflation, gas prices, and the prolonged war in Iran—issues that contradict Trump’s promises of economic prosperity and non-intervention. The erosion of trust in political institutions, fueled by revelations around Epstein, corruption, and broken promises, has created a pervasive sense of betrayal. Longwell also discusses the fracturing of the Republican coalition, with figures like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene challenging Trump’s leadership, and the rise of 'vibes' and conspiracy theories as political currency. On the Democratic side, she praises John Ossoff’s messaging and authenticity, while cautioning against over-reliance on viral media and emphasizing the need for candidates who genuinely engage with voters. She highlights the importance of specificity in messaging—targeting tech oligarchs like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg—and warns against the dangers of ideological gatekeeping. Ultimately, the episode paints a picture of a deeply polarized electorate, where economic anxiety, broken trust, and shifting coalitions are reshaping the political battlefield.