Nobody Knows Anything

Narrowcast Media

Rob Flaherty and Jesse Lehrich, both veterans of Presidential campaigns, host a twice weekly live show about the news, politics, and our stupid, broken political system. An insiders show for outsiders, they'll look at the polling, prediction markets, and DC conventional wisdom about who's wrong (and it will often be them).  It's a show for people who love politics but hate themselves.  Coming April 12th, new episodes on Monday and Friday mornings. 

  1. 21h ago

    Republicans Start Hitting the Panic Button

    Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse unpack a week of unexpected alliances, Democratic infighting, and the early battle for the 2028 presidential race. They start with the increasingly unlikely relationship between Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, including Trump’s praise for Mamdani, their surprisingly friendly White House press conference, and why the budding bromance has Republicans scrambling to figure out how to make Democratic socialism a midterm issue. From there, they turn to the growing debate over artificial intelligence and U.S.-China relations, including Trump’s upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping and the question of whether Washington should cooperate with Beijing to slow down the AI arms race. They discuss the national security risks of rapidly advancing AI, the possibility of international guardrails, and the growing tension between competing with China and preventing the technology from moving faster than society can handle. The conversation then moves to the midterms, with a deep dive into the allegations surrounding Susan Collins, campaign finance, government contracts, and a ProPublica investigation that has reignited questions about corruption in Washington. They also examine the Maine Senate race between Collins and Troy Jackson, and the contrasting approaches Democrats are taking as they try to compete in some of the country's most closely watched races. Finally, the focus shifts to 2028. Rob and Jesse break down Kamala Harris' political future, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's increasingly open discussion of a potential presidential run, and the emerging Democratic field. They explore why AOC may have a unique opening in the progressive lane, whether Harris will enter the race, and what candidates like JB Pritzker could bring to the contest. Along the way, they discuss the political calculations, risks, and opportunities that could shape the Democratic primary long before the 2028 campaign officially begins. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram.  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter  Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf

  2. 3d ago

    Trump's Bad Week, the Democratic Young Men Problem & the AI Debate (with Peter Hamby)

    Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are joined by Puck founding partner and national correspondent Peter Hamby to unpack a chaotic week in American politics—and what it could mean heading into the 2026 midterms. They start with the enormous sums of money pouring into Senate and governor's races, from the battleground states to the astonishing spending on local TV and NFL advertising, and examine how Democrats and Republicans are changing the way they reach voters. From there, they dig into Donald Trump's rough week, including Republican lawmakers breaking with the president, the growing signs of political vulnerability inside the GOP, and the question of whether Democrats could be headed for a strong night in November. They also discuss the importance of economic issues like gas prices, housing, groceries, and interest rates—and whether voters' concerns about the cost of living could ultimately matter more than Washington's endless political battles. The conversation then turns to Trump's decision to restrict media access at the White House and the broader fight over the relationship between the administration and the press. Peter, a veteran political reporter, weighs in on what the move means for journalists, the First Amendment, and whether Trump's attacks on the media should be viewed as a serious institutional threat or another example of the president dominating the political conversation. The group also takes a hard look at one of the Democratic Party's biggest challenges: winning back young men. They debate whether Democratic campaigns have become too insulated from the voters they're trying to reach, why online culture and political messaging can sometimes feel disconnected from everyday Americans, and whether the party's problems go deeper than social media and campaign staffing. Finally, they turn to the rapidly evolving politics of artificial intelligence, as Democrats and Republicans scramble to figure out how to talk about a technology that could reshape the economy and society. With Trump proposing a new AI initiative and politicians from AOC to Obama offering very different approaches to the issue, the group asks whether either party actually understands how to communicate about AI—and what happens when nobody seems to know what to say. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram.  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter  Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf

  3. Sep 17

    JB Pritzker’s top strategist tells us the fight Democrats ought to have

    Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse dive into the latest twists in the Democratic Party's 2028 landscape, starting with Gavin Newsom's surprising pledge not to run if Kamala Harris enters the race. They unpack why Newsom made the statement, what it says about his presidential ambitions, and whether the apparent truce between two of the party's biggest California figures can actually last. From there, they turn to the growing debate over Democrats and artificial intelligence. With members of Congress facing pressure to regulate a technology many of them barely use, Rob and Jesse explore why understanding AI matters for policymakers—and why the party's approach to AI could become a major political opportunity heading into the next election cycle. The conversation then takes a closer look at Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and his increasingly prominent role in the Democratic Party. His chief of staff explains how Pritzker approached AI regulation in Illinois, why the governor has been pushing back against major tech interests, and what his record on technology, regulation, and other issues could mean for his potential 2028 ambitions. They also discuss the Democratic Party's prospects in the midterms, the influence of money and the tech industry in politics, and whether Democrats can translate frustration among voters into a broader political comeback. Finally, they look at where Pritzker fits into the party's future—and whether Democrats can embrace a more aggressive approach to governing if they regain power. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram.  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter  Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf

  4. Sep 15

    THE BIG INTERVIEW: Can an Independent Beat an 83-Year-Old Senator in Deep-Red Idaho? (With Todd Achilles)

    On today’s BIG INTERVIEW, Jesse sits down with independent Senate candidate Todd Achilles, who is taking on longtime Republican Senator Jim Risch in deep-red Idaho. A lifelong Republican who also served as a Democrat in the Idaho legislature, Achilles explains why he believes voters are increasingly fed up with the two-party system—and why an independent candidate can compete in a state Donald Trump carried by 36 points. They dive into Achilles’ campaign to unseat an 83-year-old incumbent, his push for sweeping congressional reforms, and why he believes term limits, age limits, a stock-trading ban, campaign finance reform, and an end to gerrymandering could help restore trust in Congress. Achilles also explains why he refuses to caucus with either party and how a group of independent Senate candidates could potentially hold the balance of power in Washington. The conversation then turns to the issues driving voters in Idaho, from skyrocketing housing costs and stagnant wages to the decline of rural hospitals and the changing economics of the state. Achilles discusses his support for unions, the need for more high-paying jobs, and why he believes Washington has failed to respond to the affordability crisis facing Idahoans. Jesse and Achilles also take a deep dive into artificial intelligence, Big Tech, and the growing concentration of economic power. Achilles argues that the AI industry needs more competition rather than government protection for the biggest companies, while also criticizing the enormous and inefficient data centers being built across the country. They explore the broader antitrust fight, from AI and wireless carriers to the agricultural industry, where a handful of companies control huge portions of the seed and meat markets. Finally, they discuss Trump's tariffs and their impact on Idaho agriculture, U.S. foreign policy and the war in Iran, and Achilles’ criticism of Senator Risch’s record as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. With the Senate race shaping up as a rare head-to-head contest between an independent and a Republican incumbent, Achilles explains why he believes Idaho voters are ready for an alternative—and why breaking the two-party system could be the first step toward fixing Congress. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram.  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter  Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf

  5. Sep 14

    Inside Democrats' 2026 House Strategy, the AI Regulation Fight & Ted Cruz's 2028 Ambitions

    Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse dig into the growing political fight over artificial intelligence, as some of the biggest names in tech—including Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk—warn about the dangers of moving too quickly. They unpack the calls to “pace the frontier,” the debate over AI regulation, and why Democrats are suddenly making AI a much bigger political priority, including Barack Obama’s warning that the party needs a clear plan for AI, jobs, safety, and the economy. The conversation then turns to the 2026 midterms, where Rob and Jesse are joined by DCCC officials Will Van Nuys and Courtney Rice to get an inside look at the Democratic strategy for winning back the House. They discuss the expanding battlefield, the importance of recruiting candidates who fit their districts, how Democrats are approaching Trump-plus districts, and whether a potential Democratic wave could put dozens of Republican seats in play. They also examine the party’s approach to competitive primaries, the tension between establishment and progressive candidates, and why the DCCC believes Democrats are positioned to take back the House. From there, they head into the Senate races, including the increasingly competitive contest in Kansas between Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton. They break down Marshall’s brutal reception at the Kansas State Fair, his controversies as a doctor and senator, and why the political environment in Kansas could make an upset more plausible than it might seem. Finally, they look ahead to 2028 and Ted Cruz’s potential presidential campaign, the emerging Republican primary field, and whether the Trump era could begin to lose its grip on the Republican Party after the 2026 midterms. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram.  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter  Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf

  6. Sep 10

    This podcast has a >10% chance of killing us all

    Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse break down the halfway point of Trump-a-palooza, the RNC's Trump-branded midterm convention, and ask why vulnerable Republicans like Mike Lawler are lining up to be seen next to a president who's deeply underwater in his own party's target states. They dig into the GOP's $49 million midterm ad blitz, the states where Republicans are playing defense versus quietly writing off the map, and whether any candidate can actually escape Trump's unpopularity this cycle. From there, they turn to Texas, where Ken Paxton's AI-generated attack ad against James Talarico reignites the debate over deepfakes in political advertising—Rob and Jesse spar over where the line sits between satire and deception, and whether Congress should step in. That leads into the week's biggest AI story: an Anthropic alignment researcher's viral resignation and warnings about existential risk, which Rob and Jesse use to unpack the industry's murky safety debate, the odds of a catastrophic AI event forcing Washington's hand, and why neither party seems ready to legislate any of it. Back on the campaign trail, they cover Chris Pappas' surprisingly competitive Senate race against John Sununu in New Hampshire and why Democrats are quietly nervous about a state that wasn't supposed to be in play. Then it's a 2028 whip-around covering Gavin Newsom's swing through the South, Wes Moore's not-quite-a-denial about his future plans, and J.B. Pritzker's new $20 million PAC targeting vulnerable House Republicans. Finally, Rob and Jesse close out with Stock Up, Stock Down, crowning campaign merch's latest questionable trend and delivering a definitive verdict on Vivek Ramaswamy's batting cage form. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram.  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter  Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf

  7. Sep 8

    THE BIG INTERVIEW: How the political influencer business actually works (With Jack Cocchiarella)

    On today’s BIG INTERVIEW, Rob sits down with political creator Jack Cocchiarella to pull back the curtain on the rapidly growing business of political influencing—and why creators could become one of the most important forces in the 2028 election. From YouTube’s rise as a new political media ecosystem to the enormous audiences creators can build outside traditional newsrooms, Jack explains how he went from shitposting on Twitter to making content full-time after his channel exploded from hundreds of subscribers to 100,000 in just over a week. They dive into what actually drives the creator economy, including YouTube AdSense, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, audience growth, and the pressure to constantly produce more content. Jack explains why the financial incentive isn't necessarily to make increasingly outrageous videos, but simply to keep publishing—and how maintaining credibility with an engaged audience ultimately matters just as much as maximizing views. The conversation then turns to the complicated relationship between creators and political campaigns. How should campaigns work with influencers? Should creators be paid to promote candidates? When does political outreach become advertising, and how important is disclosure? Jack argues that campaigns should treat creators differently from traditional reporters, emphasizing direct relationships, targeted clip distribution, and streamlined communication rather than massive group chats and generic briefings. Rob and Jack also explore the darker side of creator monetization, including undisclosed political promotion and the growing role of gambling and prediction-market sponsorships. Jack explains why he has become increasingly uncomfortable with creators taking money from gambling companies, particularly when their political values clash with the economic consequences of promoting addictive products to young audiences. Finally, they examine the growing “creator bubble,” the limits of social media algorithms, and whether political creators are actually reaching new voters—or mostly talking to an increasingly engaged audience that already follows politics. With 2028 approaching, the big question is whether this new media ecosystem can break beyond its existing audience and fundamentally reshape how campaigns communicate with voters. Subscribe to the Nobody Knows Anything Youtube Channel  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Instagram.  Follow Nobody Knows Anything on Twitter (X??) Follow Rob on Twitter and Jesse on Twitter  Email us at whatsup@Nobodyknows.wtf

Trailer

4.3
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Rob Flaherty and Jesse Lehrich, both veterans of Presidential campaigns, host a twice weekly live show about the news, politics, and our stupid, broken political system. An insiders show for outsiders, they'll look at the polling, prediction markets, and DC conventional wisdom about who's wrong (and it will often be them).  It's a show for people who love politics but hate themselves.  Coming April 12th, new episodes on Monday and Friday mornings.