Podcast: Play in new window | Download () | Embed
Subscribe: RSS
Republicans just got crushed. The base is furious and demanding fighters who will stop the managed decline. Instead, the Senate re-elected John Thune, the guy many see as the poster child for doing nothing. Meanwhile, Trump installed Stephen Miller as Chief of Staff and the House picked Jim Jordan, while some governors and state legislators are already talking about caving to the Democrats. So who within the GOP understands what time it is, and who has learned the wrong lesson from the midterms?
There are big things happening at Blaze, and we’d love for you to join us. You can join now at https://Get.BlazeTV.com/Nick and use promo code “NICK” to get $20 off!
—–
SPONSOR: BRUNT Workwear
Make this year’s holiday gift one they’ll reach for long after the season is over. BRUNT boots are comfortable right out of the box and built tough for the jobsite, and BRUNT’s work hoodies, pants, and jackets round out any gift list for the hard-working people in your life.
Get $10 Off at BRUNT with code NICK at https://BRUNTworkwear.com/Nick #Bruntpod #ad
—–
SPONSOR: Center for Academic Faithfulness & Flourishing
Christian College Guide is a free online directory of nearly 400 Christian colleges and universities, with tuition prices, academic majors, and graduation rates in one place. It also shows each school’s faith commitments, campus policies, and spiritual life, so you can find a college you can trust.
Create your free user profile at https://ChristianCollegeGuide.com
—–
GET YOUR MERCH HERE: https://shop.nickjfreitas.com/
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IC: https://NickJFreitas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickjfreitas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickFreitasVA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickJFreitas
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nickjfreitas
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickjfreitas3.0
00:00 – Have Republicans gotten the message from the midterms?
01:01 – Why Hugh Hewitt says Thune’s critics don’t get the Senate
05:02 – The four Republican senators who opposed the SAVE Act
07:01 – The three tools Thune could have used to pressure them
11:15 – Why so many voters wanted the SAVE Act passed
16:30 – Why a leader takes the blame even when it’s not all his fault
20:26 – Why Thune won’t use recess appointments to speed things up
22:56 – Why Nick says it was time for Thune to step aside
25:22 – Why Jim Jordan as House leader is a good sign
27:08 – Why Stephen Miller as chief of staff is the best sign yet
29:37 – How Stephen Miller schooled the press on deportation law
35:37 – Why Stephen Miller wants to win back young men
41:08 – How Trump could clean up blue cities in red states
43:02 – One bad sign and two good ones for Republicans
This is Episode 621 of Making the Argument, published November 12, 2026.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices