Party Politics

In this week’s episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina examine a series of national controversies, including an ICE raid at Representative Ilhan Omar’s home, the scandal surrounding U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle’s reported firing, and President Donald Trump’s executive order on diesel.The conversation turns to Texas, where the hosts discuss the growing voter enthusiasm gap between Democrats and Republicans heading into the midterm elections. They also examine Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s appearance in Dubai with a controversial donor and consider how Paxton’s actions could affect Republican voters and the Texas GOP.NATIONAL TOPICS:Representative Omar's home raided by ICE.United States Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle fired over scandal.President Trump issues an Executive Order on Diesel.TEXAS TOPICS:The growing voter enthusiasm gap between democrats and republicans.Ken Paxton seen in Dubai with problematic donor.The impact of Ken Paxton on the Texas GOP vote.In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email [email protected].

In this week’s episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina examine President Donald Trump’s relationship with the Supreme Court, including his recent comments about the justices he nominated and several major cases before the court this term. They also discuss Trump’s decision to publicly share Senator Tom Cotton’s phone number following a disagreement over daylight saving time. In Texas, the hosts look at Trump’s upcoming visit to the state and his efforts to appeal to Latino voters, as well as the decision by Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to skip Trump’s San Antonio rally. The episode also examines the race for Texas comptroller, including Democratic candidate Sarah Eckhardt’s accusations that Republican Don Huffines is politicizing the office, along with the latest campaign advertising from Ken Paxton and Greg Abbott.NATIONAL TOPICS:President Trump voices regrets over Supreme Court justice nominations.Supreme Court Cases this cycle.President Trump leaks Senator Tom Cotton's phone number over daylight saving time opinion.TEXAS TOPICS:President Trump makes another visit to Texas with a stop in San Antonio.Declining Latino republican support.Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick plan to miss Trump rally.Don Huffines accused by opponent Sarah Eckhardt of politicizing the Comptroller’s office.More Ken Paxton and Greg Abbott Ads.In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email [email protected].

On this week’s Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina examine President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Texas and the Republican effort to appeal to Latino voters. The hosts also discuss the Trump administration's taxpayer-funded campaign advertising and the role of political messaging heading into the midterms. The U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico gets a closer look, including their debate over the federal gas tax, Paxton’s support of super PACs and the broader dynamics of the race. The discussion also turns to the Texas governor’s race, including Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa. Rottinghaus and Cortina examine Abbott’s recent diesel disaster declaration and what it could mean politically and economically. Finally, the hosts look at divisions within the Democratic Party and a recently overturned voter fraud case, adding another layer to the ongoing debate over elections and voting in Texas. As the midterms draw closer, Party Politics examines the candidates, campaigns and political battles shaping the final march to Election Day in Texas.NATIONAL TOPIC:Trump administration's taxpayer funded ad campaigns.TEXAS TOPICS:Donald Trump and JD Vance visit TexasJD Vance hoping to win Latino votes with visit to the Valley.Ken Paxton caught on microphone saying midterm convention did not help his campaign.Paxton and Talarico share positions on federal gas tax.Ken Paxton expresses joy over super PAC’s.Texas Governor’s race.Governor Greg Abbott issues disaster declaration over diesel prices.Divide in the Democratic PartyRuling overturned in Texas voter fraud case.In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email [email protected].

In this week's episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rotinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina explore whether Congress is ready to regulate artificial intelligence and what growing concerns over AI could mean for lawmakers. They also discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to block President Trump's mail-in ballots plan and the Texas Supreme Court decided to block Galveston County from using newly drawn precinct boundaries in the upcoming election. Rottinghaus and Cortina turn their attention to a potential end to Senator Ted Cruz's "Cruz Curse" amid the University of Texas' win. The hosts also discuss Senator Cruz's proposed Save College Sports act. They dissect the growing controversary surrounding comments made by Railroad Commissioner candidate Bo French and the effectiveness of the barrage of campaign ads from other Texas candidates. Lastly the hosts look at Ken Paxton's lawsuit win that yielded 7 million eggs for Texas food banks and whether Houston Controller Chris Hollins is gearing up for a mayoral run.NATIONAL TOPICS:Can Congress regulate AI?Supreme Court decision on mail-in ballots.TEXAS TOPICS:New Galveston County blocked by Texas Supreme Court.Is the Ted Cruz curse over?Save College Sports Act proposed.Bo French racial social media comments spark concern within the party.Are political ads working?Ken Paxton wins 7 million eggs for Texas in lawsuit.Is Chris Hollins gearing up for a mayoral run.In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email [email protected].

On this week’s Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina examine whether Texas could be moving toward a political shift—and what it could mean for Republicans heading into the midterms. The hosts discuss Sen. Ted Cruz’s concerns that Republicans could lose ground in Texas, the growing affordability issue and the impact of President Donald Trump on the state’s political landscape. They also examine whether Republican border policies have been successful and whether the GOP can maintain its support among Latino voters. On the Democratic side, Rottinghaus and Cortina consider whether Democrats have enough time to build momentum, including efforts to reach voters in rural communities. They also assess what recent races and changing voter demographics could signal about the future of Texas politics—and whether the state could eventually turn blue. TOPICS: Senator Ted Cruz shares concerns that republicans could lose Texas.The current issue of affordability for voters.The Trump factor.Was the border issue successful?Importance of republicans keeping the Latino vote.Do democrats have enough time to flip the state.Rural area voters and their impact on republican wins.Will Texas turn blue?In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email [email protected].