Show Notes
The primary front-runners roll in the Florida governor's race - but some surprising results in the senate and house matchups raise questions over what to expect in November. Plus, ousted transgender CIA officer Janet Curlee details her dismissal from the White House after serving the prior Trump administration.
More from State of Play with Peter Alexander
October 22, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander examines how inflammatory midterm politics, potential Iran strike planning, DOJ independence concerns, Elon Musk oversight threats and USPS ballot delays are shaping the final stretch before Election Day. Guests assess whether political fear, corruption and institutional pressure are becoming defining issues of the midterms.
October 21, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander examines Trump’s posture toward Vladimir Putin, Elon Musk’s power over Starlink in Ukraine, and concerns over pardon politics, election interference, press access and midterm campaigning. Guests assess how private influence, presidential power and political pressure are shaping U.S. security, democracy and accountability.
October 20, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander breaks down midterm crunch time as President Trump rallies in red districts, voters focus on affordability and corruption, and key Senate races tighten in Kansas, Montana, Texas, North Carolina and Florida. Guests examine Republican dissent, Ukraine negotiations and former FBI employees’ lawsuit alleging unlawful dismissals.
October 19, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander covers President Trump’s Russia and Ukraine policy, Latino voter reaction to immigration enforcement in Arizona, and Democrats’ midterm strategy with Madeline Dean and Andy Beshear. The key takeaway is that foreign policy, immigration, election security, and economic pressure are converging as major midterm liabilities.
October 16, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander covers the deadly Bend, Oregon school shooting, Trump’s posture toward Vladimir Putin and Ukraine with Leon Panetta, and Elon Musk’s massive midterm spending. The episode also tracks Michigan and Texas Senate dynamics, White House turmoil, and warnings about election distrust.