Is Trump REPEATING Bush’s Biggest Political Mistake?

“The environment may be even better for Democrats than it was in 2006, just because Trump is even more unpopular. And the other big thing is the economic situation wasn't quite as dire as it is today, and particularly around the cost of living.”

Twenty years ago, an unpopular Republican president was fighting an unpopular war in the Middle East — and Democrats were handed a major political opening. Sound familiar?

That moment helped Democrats retake Congress and ultimately set the stage for Barack Obama’s rise. Now, former chief Obama speechwriter and Crooked Media co-founder Jon Favreau thinks Donald Trump’s deep unpopularity — combined with the war in Iran — could give Democrats an even bigger opportunity.

Jon Favreau, co-host of Pod Save America, joins Zeteo’s John Harwood in this Substack Live to break down Democrats’ chances in the midterms, Hakeem Jeffries, Hasan Piker and much more.

In the wide-ranging conversation, Favreau and Harwood explore what Trump’s war could mean for Democrats in 2026 and beyond, including Hakeem Jeffries’ private meeting with Jared Kushner and whether Abdul El-Sayed can overcome rising Islamophobia. They also discuss whether of not ‘defund the police’ is still an effective political slogan, how Democrat’s can take back power and much more.

This live conversation published on August 26, 2026 at zeteo.com. If you want early, exclusive access to this kind of independent, unfiltered journalism subscribe to our Substack here

If you want to increase your financial support for our work and help us grow, donate to Zeteo!

CHAPTERS

Subscribe to Zeteo to support independent and unfiltered journalism

Find Zeteo:

Find Mehdi:

To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit