The Republican Legacy Podcast

Our Republican Legacy
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The official podcast of Our Republican Legacy. ORL is a movement of Republicans concerned about the future of the Republican Party. Our mission is to return the party to its core principles of Unity, the Constitution, Fiscal Responsibility, Free Enterprise, and Peace through Strength. The Republican Legacy Podcast is hosted by former Washington State Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance, ORL Texas State Chair and syndicated columnist Merrill Matthews, ORL Missouri State Chair and syndicated columnist Lynn Schmidt, and ORL Connecticut State Chair Tommy Whiteley. The show features a weekly discussion of the week's events and interviews with elected officials, thought leaders, and everyday Republicans who want to see the party return to its core values.

  1. 5d ago ·  Video

    Ep. 20 - Election Night Live Show Replay

    In this special Election Night edition of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, Merrill Matthews, and Our Republican Legacy Virginia State Chair Linda de Seife react to the 2026 midterm elections and what they describe as a generational Democratic wave. As results come in from across the country, the panel examines Republican losses and increasingly competitive races in Texas, Missouri, Georgia, Virginia, Iowa, and other traditionally Republican strongholds. They discuss why voters are turning away from the GOP, pointing to tariffs, rising costs, immigration policies, and the Republican Party's departure from traditional conservative principles. But the conversation quickly turns to a bigger question: What happens next? The panel explores how Republican leaders might respond to the election results, what a Democratic-controlled Congress could mean for the remainder of President Trump's term, and whether Republicans will finally begin distancing themselves from MAGA. They also discuss potential 2028 presidential contenders, including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Congressman Don Bacon, and the challenges of rebuilding a Republican coalition divided by the Trump era. The episode concludes with a discussion of the resilience of American democracy, the importance of fiscal responsibility and free enterprise, and why Our Republican Legacy believes this election marks a turning point in the fight for the future of the Republican Party. For Our Republican Legacy, 2028 begins now. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Our Election Night Special 01:00 – Live Election Results & the Emerging Blue Wave 02:49 – Why Republicans Are Losing & Split-Ticket Voting 04:27 – Democratic Gains Across Traditionally Republican States 05:59 – Tariffs, Inflation & the Cost of Living 08:22 – Texas, Missouri & the Scale of Republican Losses 10:36 – MAGA, JD Vance & the Future of the GOP 13:02 – Corruption, Accountability & Congressional Oversight 14:33 – Virginia Election Results with Linda de Seife 18:05 – 2028 Begins Now: Rebuilding the Republican Party 21:06 – JD Vance, Marco Rubio & the Presidential Field 23:07 – What Democratic Control of Congress Could Mean 25:52 – Potential 2028 Candidates & the Republican Primary 27:18 – South Carolina, Texas & Trump's Candidate Endorsements 31:37 – Can the Republican Party Reunite After Trump? 38:00 – The Fight to Restore Traditional Republican Principles 40:25 – The 2028 Presidential Calendar & Early Primary States 44:14 – Tariffs, Iran & Opportunities for Bipartisanship 47:35 – American Democracy Holds & Lessons from Election Night 50:13 – Closing Thoughts & Our Republican Legacy's Mission Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest Articles

  2. Oct 31 ·  Video

    Ep. 19 - Rep. Fred Upton

    With Election Day just days away, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, Merrill Matthews, and Our Republican Legacy Michigan State Chair Chuck Brown examine the final developments in the midterm elections and what could be a significant shift in American politics. The panel begins with a discussion of Elon Musk’s growing influence over national security through SpaceX and Starlink, the role of private enterprise in America’s defense infrastructure, and concerns about whether President Trump will accept unfavorable election results. They also examine the latest polling and competitive races in Michigan, Texas, Missouri, Washington, and beyond as Democrats appear poised to make significant gains. Then, former Michigan Congressman Fred Upton joins the podcast for a conversation about his 36 years in Congress, the importance of bipartisan leadership, and why he became one of Our Republican Legacy’s 34 founding members. Upton reflects on working in the Reagan White House, his leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and his role in passing landmark legislation, including the bipartisan infrastructure law and the 21st Century Cures Act. He discusses how cooperation across party lines produced meaningful results for Americans and why he believes Congress has abandoned its responsibilities on trade policy and tariffs. The conversation concludes with Upton’s assessment of Michigan’s closely contested Senate race between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed, the challenges facing moderate Republicans, and the importance of rebuilding a Republican Party grounded in traditional conservative principles. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Election Night Preview 01:49 – Elon Musk, SpaceX & National Security 05:37 – Will Trump Accept the Election Results? 08:37 – Election Certification & Constitutional Concerns 11:43 – Final Midterm Polling & Predictions 12:14 – Michigan’s Senate & Congressional Battlegrounds 14:05 – Texas, Missouri & the Expanding Democratic Wave 16:00 – Former Congressman Fred Upton Joins the Podcast 17:02 – Reagan, Bipartisanship & Why Upton Joined ORL 19:07 – Free Enterprise, Tariffs & Congressional Responsibility 23:00 – The Problem Solvers Caucus & Bipartisan Leadership 26:28 – The 21st Century Cures Act & Medical Innovation 30:49 – Michigan’s Senate Race: Rogers vs. El-Sayed 34:52 – The Road to 2028 & Closing Thoughts Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest Articles

  3. Oct 24 ·  Video

    Ep. 18 - The Midterms are Coming!

    With Election Day just over a week away, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Merrill Matthews examine the growing signs of a potential Democratic wave in the midterm elections. From declining approval ratings for President Trump to early voting numbers and increasingly competitive races in traditionally Republican territory, the panel discusses whether Republicans are headed for an electoral defeat that could fundamentally reshape the party. The conversation takes a closer look at three states where Republicans are facing unexpected challenges. In Missouri, Congresswoman Ann Wagner faces a competitive race against Democrat Fred Wellman. In Texas, James Talarico continues to challenge Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton as Democrats show signs of renewed strength. And in Washington State, congressional races in traditionally Republican districts demonstrate just how far the political landscape may be shifting. But the discussion goes beyond the midterms. The panel examines the Trump administration’s approach to Russia and Ukraine, the growing national debt, tariffs, and the economic consequences of abandoning traditional conservative principles. With the 2028 presidential race beginning immediately after the midterms, what will Republicans learn from the results? Will the party double down on MAGA, or will a new generation of leaders emerge to restore fiscal responsibility, free enterprise, and peace through strength? For Our Republican Legacy, the real battle for the future of the Republican Party is about to begin. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Election Night Preview 02:00 – The Midterm Outlook: Is a Blue Wave Coming? 03:30 – Congressional Forecasts & Early Voting Numbers 06:18 – Why Republicans Are Struggling 08:00 – Inflation, Tariffs & the Economy 10:01 – Missouri: Ann Wagner’s Unexpectedly Competitive Race 13:17 – Texas: Ken Paxton, James Talarico & the Senate 17:14 – Washington State’s Changing Congressional Map 20:38 – Will Republicans Change Course After the Midterms? 21:52 – Ukraine, Putin & Republican Foreign Policy 25:08 – The National Debt & America’s Fiscal Future 26:56 – The Coming Battle for the Republican Party in 2028 Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest Articles

  4. Oct 17 ·  Video

    Ep. 17 - Rep. Mimi Walters

    With Election Day just around the corner, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, Merrill Matthews, and Our Republican Legacy Florida State Chair Jake Walsh examine the rapidly changing midterm landscape. Could Republicans face a historic electoral defeat? The panel takes a closer look at increasingly competitive races in Florida, Texas, and the Midwest, the impact of immigration enforcement and affordability on voters, and what younger Republicans are looking for in political leadership. The conversation also explores continued Republican support for Ukraine, the growing national debt, and whether the party can return to its traditional conservative principles as the 2028 presidential race approaches. Then, Chris and Lynn welcome former California Congresswoman Mimi Walters, one of Our Republican Legacy’s 34 founding members. Walters reflects on her career in public service, her commitment to Ronald Reagan’s conservative philosophy, and the challenges facing Republicans in California. She discusses free enterprise, tariffs, fiscal responsibility, the importance of rebuilding the party from the grassroots, and California’s competitive political environment. The conversation turns to 2028, including Gavin Newsom’s presidential ambitions, Congressman Don Bacon’s potential candidacy, and what it will take to rebuild a Republican Party focused on enduring conservative principles. 00:00 – Welcome & Election Night Preview 01:44 – The Midterm Outlook: How Big Could the Wave Be? 04:44 – Florida, Texas & the Expanding Battleground 09:18 – Affordability & the Next Generation of Republicans 12:49 – Ukraine, Russia & Republican Foreign Policy 16:39 – The National Debt & Fiscal Responsibility 19:59 – What Should Republicans Look for in 2028? 26:42 – Final Midterm Predictions & the Presidential Race 29:58 – Former Congresswoman Mimi Walters Joins the Podcast 32:23 – Lessons from Public Service 34:49 – Free Enterprise, Tariffs & the National Debt 37:59 – The Future of California Republicans 43:43 – Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris & 2028 45:26 – Don Bacon’s Potential Presidential Run 47:16 – Rebuilding the Republican Party After Trump Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest Articles

  5. Oct 10

    Ep. 16 - Midterm Election Outlook with Pollster Whit Ayres

    With the midterm elections less than three weeks away, Pollster Whit Ayres of North Star Opinion Research joins Chris Vance and Merrill Matthews for a deep dive into the state of the race. Ayres breaks down President Trump’s approval ratings, voter concerns about the economy and inflation, the growing divide between MAGA and non-MAGA Republicans, and why the political environment currently favors Democrats. The panel also looks at the role of the war in Iran, tariffs, campaign spending, voter enthusiasm, and whether Republicans can change the trajectory before Election Day. Then, they take a state-by-state look at the battle for control of the Senate, including key races in Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, Alaska, Kansas, Maine, and Nebraska. Could 2026 look like the Democratic wave of 2006? And what happens to the Republican Party if the midterms go badly? The conversation concludes by looking ahead to the wide-open race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, Congressman Don Bacon’s potential candidacy, and Ayres’ intriguing revelation that some former governors are already seriously considering jumping into the race. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Election Night Preview 01:36 – Whit Ayres: The State of the Midterms 02:31 – Trump’s Approval Rating & the Economy 05:11 – Inflation, Gas Prices & Voter Frustration 07:36 – Tariffs and the Republican Economic Message 08:23 – The MAGA vs. Non-MAGA Divide 10:13 – How Much of the GOP Is Still MAGA? 11:14 – The War in Iran & Republican Voters 12:29 – Can Republican Money Overcome the Political Environment? 14:25 – The Senate Battleground: Georgia, Michigan & New Hampshire 15:25 – Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine & Nebraska 16:45 – North Carolina & Ohio 17:42 – Could Republicans Lose Texas? 19:22 – How Big Could the Democratic Wave Get? 20:16 – Is 2006 the Best Comparison? 21:54 – The Races That Could Surprise Everyone 22:43 – Why Internal Polling Is Different 24:41 – Are Trump Voters Being Missed by the Polls? 25:44 – Can Campaign Spending Still Change the Race? 27:47 – The Democratic Enthusiasm Advantage 28:36 – What the Midterms Could Mean for 2028 29:48 – Don Bacon & the Emerging Presidential Field 30:17 – Former Governors Considering 2028? Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesWhit Ayres - North Star Opinion Research

  6. Oct 3

    Ep. 15 - Rep. Dave Trott

    Ep. 15 - Rep. Dave Trott In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Merrill Matthews are joined by R.J. Lyman, Our Republican Legacy’s Massachusetts State Chair and president of the Niskanen Center, for a wide-ranging discussion about the Republican Party, the midterm elections, and the future of the conservative movement. Lyman discusses the tradition of moderate Republicanism in New England, what it means to view America as a creedal nation, and why Republicans from very different ideological traditions can still find common ground around shared principles. The panel also surveys key races across the country, including contests in New Hampshire, Missouri, Texas, Iowa, and Ohio, as Election Day approaches. Then, Chris, Merrill, and ORL Michigan State Chair Chuck Brown sit down with former Michigan Congressman and ORL founding member Dave Trott. Trott reflects on how the Republican Party has changed during the Trump era, his experiences serving in Congress during Trump’s first term, the state of the Republican Party in Michigan, tariffs and trade, and what he expects from the midterms. The conversation also turns to 2028, Congressman Don Bacon’s potential presidential run, and the coming debate over the future direction of the Republican Party. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Election Night Preview 02:10 – Meet R.J. Lyman: Massachusetts Chair & Niskanen Center President 03:08 – The New England Republican Tradition 04:46 – What Could Win New Hampshire in 2028? 07:31 – Missouri Politics and the Midterm Environment 09:24 – New Hampshire’s Senate Race & America as a Creed 11:44 – Finding Common Ground Across the Republican Party 13:06 – The Expanding Midterm Battleground 13:22 – Texas and the Senate Map 15:59 – Could Split-Ticket Voting Make a Comeback? 17:00 – Are the Polls Pointing to a Wave Election? 18:24 – Iowa, Ohio & Other Races to Watch 20:13 – Why ORL Is Focused on 2028 21:17 – Former Congressman Dave Trott Joins the Podcast 23:14 – ORL’s Five Core Principles & the Republican Party 24:37 – Congress, Trump & Standing Up to the President 27:27 – What Happened to the Michigan Republican Party? 31:18 – 2028 and Don Bacon’s Potential Presidential Run 33:11 – Republican Enthusiasm & Michigan’s Senate Race 36:16 – Tariffs, Canada & the Michigan Economy 38:35 – Is a Blue Wave Coming? 39:57 – Michigan’s Battleground House Races 43:06 – The Coming Fight for the Republican Party in 2028 Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest Articles

  7. Sep 26

    Ep. 14 - Captain Mark Dreiling

    Ep. 14 - Captain Mark Dreiling In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Greg Wilson are joined by Captain Mark Dreiling, Congressman Don Bacon’s Chief of Staff and a Legacy Guardian of the United States Space Force. Drawing on his background in missile warning and space operations, Dreiling discusses the creation and evolution of the Space Force, the role of space-based missile warning systems, and what he describes as a new “space race” with China. Unlike the Cold War-era race for prestige, Dreiling argues that today’s competition has direct implications for national security, economic power, GPS and navigation systems, communications, and the infrastructure Americans rely on every day. The conversation also explores what “peace through strength” means in the space domain and the importance of deterrence as the United States confronts emerging threats. Later, Merrill Matthews joins the discussion as the panel turns to Ukraine, recent sanctions legislation, continued congressional support for Ukraine, and Congressman Bacon’s role in those debates. Dreiling also reflects on the reaction to Bacon’s recent comments on this podcast about considering a run for President in 2028, the interest those remarks generated, and his view that many younger voters are looking for political leadership focused less on acrimony and more on service, seriousness, and working across party lines. Chapter List 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:34 Legacy Guardian Recognition 04:39 Why the Space Force Matters 08:08 Missile Warning: A No-Fail Mission 10:06 Space Force Progress and Growing Pains 15:03 Space-Based Missile Warning 18:41 Deterrence and the New Space Race 23:17 Ukraine: The War and Sanctions 27:49 Ukraine Policy and Congressional Action 31:25 Congressman Bacon’s Leadership 34:05 A More Constructive Political Future 36:20 The Future of the Republican Party Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest ArticlesU.S. Space ForceLegacy Guardian Act

  8. Sep 19

    Ep. 13 - Michael Steele

    Ep. 13 - Michael Steele In Episode 13 of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance is joined by Merrill Matthews and ORL Michigan Chair Chuck Brown for the Week in Review. They discuss the political landscape in Michigan, the impact of tariffs and the trade war with Canada on the state’s economy, recent polling among swing voters, Republican divisions over Ukraine and foreign policy, and the increasingly competitive midterm environment in Michigan, Texas, and other states. The panel also reacts to Congressman Don Bacon making national news on last week’s podcast by acknowledging that he is considering a run for President in 2028. Later, Chris and Lynn Schmidt are joined by former Lt. Governor of Maryland and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, a founding member of Our Republican Legacy. Steele discusses what connects the Republicans involved in ORL, his belief in the party’s Lincoln tradition, and what a post-Trump Republican Party could look like. The conversation turns to Don Bacon’s potential 2028 candidacy, what Steele believes the next generation of Republican leaders must do to distinguish themselves, the role of the primary system in shaping the party, and the political courage it will take to compete for the future of the GOP. Chapters 00:00 – Week in Review with Merrill Matthews & Chuck Brown 01:29 – Meet ORL Michigan Chair Chuck Brown 03:38 – Michigan Politics & Former Congressman Dave Trott 04:57 – Don Bacon’s 2028 Comments Make News 05:45 – Tariffs, Canada & Michigan’s Economy 06:56 – Swing Voters, Inflation & the Economy 08:57 – Ukraine, Russia & Peace Through Strength 10:05 – Michigan’s Senate & Congressional Races 12:07 – Texas Politics & the Midterm Landscape 14:57 – Former RNC Chairman Michael Steele Joins the Podcast 15:39 – What Connects the Republicans of ORL? 19:25 – The Fight for the GOP in 2028 20:20 – Michael Steele Reacts to Don Bacon’s 2028 Interest 23:50 – What Should a 2028 Republican Candidate Do Now? 27:08 – The Coming Fight for the Republican Party 28:33 – Can Republicans Stand Up to MAGA in a Primary? 32:08 – Lessons from Missouri’s Republican Primaries 34:24 – Michael Steele on MS Now 36:33 – Closing Thoughts & the Growth of ORL Links Our Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyMerrill Matthews’ Latest ArticlesLynn Schmidt's Latest ArticlesMS NOW’s The WeeknightMS NOW Membership

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About

The official podcast of Our Republican Legacy. ORL is a movement of Republicans concerned about the future of the Republican Party. Our mission is to return the party to its core principles of Unity, the Constitution, Fiscal Responsibility, Free Enterprise, and Peace through Strength. The Republican Legacy Podcast is hosted by former Washington State Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance, ORL Texas State Chair and syndicated columnist Merrill Matthews, ORL Missouri State Chair and syndicated columnist Lynn Schmidt, and ORL Connecticut State Chair Tommy Whiteley. The show features a weekly discussion of the week's events and interviews with elected officials, thought leaders, and everyday Republicans who want to see the party return to its core values.

Information

  • Creator
    Our Republican Legacy
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Our Republican Legacy
  • Show Website
    The Republican Legacy Podcast

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