Thirty days out from the midterms, Republicans are fighting with each other again. Kurt Bardella and Erin Maguire dig into Ted Cruz calling Vice President JD Vance “insecure” after the two traded shots over 2028. Will Vance take the bait, or keep everyone focused on November? Erin explains why nobody wins by looking like they’re measuring the drapes before 2026 is done. And Cruz’s reminder that he campaigned for Vance in 2022 earns him points from Kurt.
Then: Angela Paxton’s new TV ad urging Texans to back “the Republican ticket,” without ever saying her estranged husband Ken Paxton’s name. Kurt calls it a strategic error that reopens the divorce story. Erin says it’s a base play, and Kurt just isn’t the target audience. Plus why the final 30 days are all about turnout, and the political cliché Erin wants you to send in.
Send us your favorite (or least favorite) political cliché in the comments, or tag us on social.
Links from the Episode
Ted Cruz labels JD Vance “insecure” after 2028 remarks (The Hill):
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6129102-ted-cruz-white-house-bid/
In TV ad, Angela Paxton urges voters to back “the Republican ticket” (Texas Tribune):
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/10/03/angela-paxton-tv-ad-ken-paxton-texas-senate-2026/
Erin Maguire 
Kurt Bardella