The 2026 midterms may become a test of more than Donald Trump’s popularity. They may reveal whether the American electoral system can still translate popular discontent into political change.

In this discussion with Radhika Desai, we examine Trump’s falling support, the Democrats’ equally serious credibility crisis and the growing conflict between corporate party leaders and grassroots socialist candidates.

Trump is preparing to contest not only the election, but potentially the legitimacy of the electoral process itself. At the same time, the Democratic establishment continues to fight candidates who reject billionaire funding, Wall Street control and permanent war.

The most important contest may therefore occur before the general election. The Democratic primaries are where the class conflict between corporate power and popular reform will be fought most openly.

We also discuss voter suppression, emergency presidential powers, political repression, cryptocurrency corruption and the wider failure of America’s two-party system.