October 17, 2026 - Long Game examines Bernie Sanders’ rise from Burlington mayor to national progressive force, tracing how his working-class message, outsider identity, and movement politics reshaped the Democratic Party. The episode features Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Zohran Mamdani on electability, party tensions, governing, and the next generation of progressive candidates.

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October 17, 2026 - Michelle Norris examines Bernie Sanders’ influence on progressive politics, the 2026 midterms, and the candidates testing whether a grassroots, working-class message can win general elections. The episode features interviews with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on electability, class politics, race, party power, and the future of the Democratic coalition.

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Rachel Maddow points out that no matter what the political trends are, candidates and campaigns still matter, and Democrats are enjoying the benefit of some favorable match-ups in addition to Donald Trump becoming an ever deeper black hole for Republicans to try to escape. And as Trump recognizes the dire situation he is in, his behavior is becoming more desperate.

Rachel Maddow shares the tale of a small business not letting Senator Roger Marshall forget that he never paid for the election night watch party cookies he ordered in 2020, and now that his terms is up and he's seeking reelection, the bill has come due. The story is an ironic twist as Marshall's campaign was already reeling from an earlier scandal about his cruel debt collection tactics.

Texas State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Democratic nominee for governor of Texas talks with Rachel about the imporant isuses in her race and why the Latino vote in Texas is turning away from Republicans.

Florida State Rep. Angie Nixon talks with Rachel about drawing the support of voters who are upset with Donald Trump's unpopular policies.

Want more of Rachel? Check out the "Rachel Maddow Presents" feed to listen to all of her chart-topping original podcasts.

To listen to all of your favorite MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts.

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