10 Minute Drill

Matt Whitlock

Your morning 10-minute rundown of the most important stories in news and politics, hosted by veteran political strategist Matt Whitlock. We’re keeping it fun, fast, and light because you’ve got enough going on. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

  1. 1d ago

    Peltola Under Fire, Abdul’s Iran Problem & Kamala’s Latest Gaffe

    On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down the biggest political stories making headlines, from Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations to Kamala Harris in Michigan and Abdul El-Sayed’s refusal to condemn the Iranian regime and the IRGC. We also take a closer look at the latest Alaska Senate shakeup involving Democrat Mary Peltola. New reporting includes allegations from former staffers about angry outbursts, offensive slurs, high staff turnover, and an alleged physical confrontation with an aide—raising fresh questions about Peltola’s leadership and record as she campaigns for the U.S. Senate. Plus, we examine UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his warnings about “global boiling,” his criticism of fossil-fuel producers, and the UN’s broader climate agenda. In this episode: Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations Kamala Harris in Michigan Abdul El-Sayed and the IRGC Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, and Michigan voters Mary Peltola’s Alaska Senate campaign Allegations from former Peltola staffers Staff turnover and turmoil surrounding the campaign The Alaska Senate race against Dan Sullivan António Guterres and the UN climate agenda Climate change, fossil fuels, and net-zero policies Highlights from the day Listen to 10 Minute Drill for quick analysis and commentary on the biggest stories in American politics, foreign policy, and the news cycle. 0:00 - Intro 0:38 - The UN General Assembly Wraps Up 2:12 - Kamala Might Be Enjoying Some Cocktails 5:21 - Abdul El-Sayed and his IRGC conundrum 8:03 - Mary Peltola has a Nasty Side 10:10 - The Final Grifter of the Year

  2. 3d ago

    The most provocative political ad of the cycle; Fraud scandal roils Senate race

    President Donald Trump takes center stage at the United Nations, addressing Iran, global carbon taxes, U.S. funding for the UN, and America’s role on the world stage. On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down Trump’s UN speech and the latest political battles heading into the 2026 midterms. The controversy surrounding Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan also takes center stage after her longtime friend, Nimco Ahmed, appeared beside her in a viral video. Ahmed operates an autism center that Minnesota’s Department of Human Services says is under investigation, while the center has denied allegations of wrongdoing and appealed its termination from the state’s Medicaid program. In Michigan, Mike Rogers takes aim at Abdul El-Sayed as the Senate race heats up. We also look at California’s 2035 gas-powered vehicle ban, the growing political backlash to the policy, and Climate Week NYC’s unusual Climate Comedy Workshop, where young participants were invited to create climate-themed stand-up comedy as a way to communicate about climate change. We also examine Michael Mann, climate activism, and the broader effort to shape public opinion through climate messaging, entertainment, and culture. Finally, we break down a new poll of Democratic voters examining hypothetical scenarios for President Trump leaving office, including a military coup and assassination. The survey found that sizable portions of respondents reacted positively to those scenarios, raising questions about attitudes toward political violence and the removal of political opponents. In this episode: Trump’s UN speech and Iran Trump on global carbon taxes U.S. funding for the United Nations Mike Rogers and the Michigan Senate race Abdul El-Sayed and Michigan politics Peggy Flanagan and Nimco Ahmed Minnesota autism-center and Medicaid investigations California’s gas-car ban Gavin Newsom and California climate policy Climate Week NYC The Climate Comedy Workshop Michael Mann and climate activism A new poll of Democratic voters and scenarios involving Trump leaving office Democratic voter attitudes toward political violence Subscribe to 10 Minute Drill for political news, analysis, and commentary on the biggest stories shaping Washington and the 2026 midterm elections. 0:00 - Intro 0:33 - Trump Addresses the UN 2:37 - The Michigan War of Words Rages On 6:42 - Flanagan’s Fraudulant Friend 9:01 - California’s Gas Car Ban Goes South 10:22 - Michael Mann: The Grifter of the Year 12:48 - Shocking Polling from Dems

  3. 4d ago

    Trump, Xi and a Big Week in Foreign Policy

    President Trump heads to the United Nations as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares for a high-profile state visit to Washington. On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we break down Trump’s busy foreign policy week, his U.N. address, and what to watch for when he meets with Xi at the White House. Trade and the broader U.S.-China relationship will be front and center as the two leaders meet for talks, a state arrival ceremony and a state dinner. Plus, today’s Climate Grifter: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. We dig into the Rhode Island Democrat’s climate advocacy and questions surrounding environmental organizations connected to his wife, Sandra Whitehouse, including concerns raised by ethics watchdogs over potential conflicts of interest. We also cover the latest developments in the Paramount deal, including commitments involving CBS and CNN; Kamala Harris’ future and whether she will make another run for president in 2028; Harris campaigning alongside Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed; Cory Booker’s comments about El-Sayed; and Gavin Newsom’s latest reflections on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. From Trump and Xi to the 2028 Democratic field, climate politics and the media, we break down the biggest political stories of the day. 0:00 - Intro 0:38 - Trump Visits the United Nations 1:56 - Previewing the China-USA Summit 2:59 - Paramount Settles Lawsuit 4:57 - Climate Grifter of the Day: Sheldon Whitehouse 6:10 - Kamala’s 2028 Decision Spoiled 7:45 - Gavin’s Regrets from COVID

  4. Sep 17

    Fed Hikes Rates, Talarico’s Political Pivot & Paramount’s California Exit

    The Federal Reserve raises interest rates, James Talarico’s own reverend questions how he is presenting himself to Texas voters, a New York City hospital faces scrutiny over its “rural” designation, and Paramount could be preparing to leave California. Plus, are today’s AI doomers repeating the same predictions made by climate alarmists just a few years ago? On today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, we’re breaking down the biggest political, economic, and cultural stories shaping the country. The Federal Reserve unanimously raised its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point to 3.75%–4%, citing elevated inflation. We look at what the Fed’s latest rate hike means for inflation, American consumers, businesses, and the broader economy. Then, James Talarico’s campaign comes under the microscope. His own reverend has suggested that Talarico is changing how he presents his political views as he appeals to Texas voters. We examine Talarico’s past progressive positions, his current campaign messaging, and the debate over whether he is trying to distance himself from some of his earlier views. We also look at Mount Sinai and its “rural” hospital designation, the federal benefits tied to that designation, and the questions being raised about whether federal healthcare funding is being directed to institutions that do not fit the traditional image of a rural hospital. In California, Paramount’s future is also in the spotlight as the company faces a legal fight surrounding its proposed Warner Bros. Discovery merger. With major companies having relocated out of California in recent years, reports that Paramount could leave the state raise new questions about California’s business climate and the future of Hollywood. Finally, we take a look at AI doomerism and the similarities between today’s warnings about artificial intelligence and some of the dire predictions about climate change that dominated the political conversation in previous years. 10 Minute Drill delivers a fast-paced look at the latest news from Washington, the economy, elections, business, technology, and American politics. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - Fed raises interest rates 1:31 - Abdul loses a debate to himself 3:40 - Talarico is exposed 5:26- Fraudulent hospital in New York 7:24 - Paramount looks to leave California 11:34 - Climate doomers have become AI doomers

  5. Sep 16

    AI Doomerism: A political ploy or true panic? Gavin goes fishing for attention

    The Senate’s CLARITY Act just failed — and Democrats who spent months negotiating the crypto bill ultimately voted against moving it forward. What does the defeat mean for cryptocurrency regulation, American innovation, and the future of the U.S. digital asset industry? On today’s 10 Minute Drill, we’re breaking down the latest political battles in Washington, from the collapse of the CLARITY Act to the growing push from Democrats for sweeping government regulation of artificial intelligence. AI doomerism is going mainstream. After former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon publicly warned that AI companies are racing toward self-improving superintelligence, prominent Democrats quickly responded with calls for new restrictions, a pause on AI development, and greater government oversight. We examine whether Washington is responding to legitimate concerns about AI safety — or using fear about emerging technology to justify government control. We’ll also look at the latest controversy surrounding Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Hasan Piker, including El-Sayed’s attempts to distance himself from the progressive streamer and the growing scrutiny surrounding their relationship. Plus, the 2026 Minnesota Senate race is getting more attention as Republican Michele Tafoya faces Democrat Peggy Flanagan, and we take a look at Gavin Newsom’s latest political maneuvering. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - CLARITY Act update 2:25 - AI doomerism and the push for AI regulation 4:47 - The growing political fight over artificial intelligence 7:31 - Abdul El-Sayed and Hasan Piker 10:44 - Minnesota and New Hampshire senate race update 12:20 - Gavin Newsom goes fishing

4.7
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124 Ratings

About

Your morning 10-minute rundown of the most important stories in news and politics, hosted by veteran political strategist Matt Whitlock. We’re keeping it fun, fast, and light because you’ve got enough going on. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

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