Episode 86: A Brutally Honest Talk About 2026

In this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob sit down with Sean O’Brien — former congressional chief of staff, Obama campaign operative, Pentagon speechwriter, and former speechwriter for Joe Biden. Sean shares what it was really like working in Rahm Emanuel’s office during the 2006 wave, running a rebellious Blue Dog-style congressional operation, writing speeches aboard Air Force Two, and serving at the Pentagon under both Democratic and Republican administrations. The conversation digs into: Whether 2026 is shaping up to be a wave year The strength (and limits) of Donald Trump’s influence in GOP primaries Candidate quality vs. national mood in midterms Redistricting, the Latino vote, and the hidden battlegrounds Early 2028 Democratic possibilities, including Mark Kelly and Mitch Landrieu It’s candid, and it’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at how campaigns and power actually work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices