Podcast
10 Minute Drill
Hosted by Matt Whitlock · EN
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.
207episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Democrats shouted down by their own base; Scandals plague Platner replacement
Yesterday00:10:46Summary readyHegseth Testifies on Iran, James Talarico Faces Backlash, & Democrats’ Latest Controversies We break down the biggest political stories shaping the national conversation, including U.S. national security, Iran updates, Congress, the 2026 elections, and the growing divide within the Democratic Party. In this episode: Hegseth & Gen. Caine Testify on Capitol Hill Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine appear before Congress as lawmakers examine U.S. military strategy, Iran, and national security priorities. South Carolina Congressional Race Updates We look at the latest developments involving Darline Graham, Ralph Norman, and Russell Fry as candidates compete for key seats ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Maine Politics & Troy Jackson’s Controversial Record Troy Jackson is set to replace Graham Platner, but his progressive policy positions, past controversies, and support from figures on the far Left are drawing attention. James Talarico’s Viral Moment Texas Democrat James Talarico faces criticism after a heated exchange that sparks debate over political rhetoric and Democratic Party messaging. Keith Ellison’s Viral Fedora Moment Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s latest appearance captures online attention and becomes the latest political internet debate. Progressive Activists Under Fire Jennifer Welch sparks controversy with comments about conservatives, Christianity, and homeschooling as debates over culture and politics continue. Listen for political analysis, conservative commentary, breaking news updates, election coverage, and the stories the mainstream media misses. Topics covered: Pete Hegseth, Dan Caine, Iran, U.S. military, Congress, Republican politics, Democratic Party, James Talarico, Maine politics, 2026 election, conservative news, political commentary. #PoliticalNews #ConservativePodcast #Congress #Iran #10MinuteDrill 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - Iran War Latest 1:26 - South Carolina Senate Heats Up 3:12 - Troy Jackson has a Temper 4:46 - Keith Ellison gets Shouted Down! 6:57 - James Talarico Too 9:03 - Jennifer Welch’s Bad Take
SummaryCostumes, silly accents, and cosplay - how the Democrat civil war has gotten theatrical
2d ago00:15:33Summary readyPresident Donald Trump responds to Iranian attacks on U.S. service members, orders a review of the National Academy of Sciences over controversial climate materials, and Democrats face growing internal divisions across the country. In this episode, we break down the biggest political stories shaping Washington and the states: Iran Update: The Pentagon identifies the two U.S. soldiers killed in Iran-backed attacks in Jordan as President Trump promises a strong response to attacks on American troops. Trump and the National Academy of Sciences: President Trump orders a review of the National Academy of Sciences after allegations that politically motivated climate materials were used in federal judicial education. We examine the controversy surrounding NASEM, climate policy, and the debate over scientific neutrality. Wisconsin Governor’s Race: Democratic Socialists are gaining momentum in Wisconsin as establishment Democrats scramble to prevent DSA-backed candidate Francesca Hong from winning the Democratic nomination. We analyze the growing divide within the Democratic Party between progressives and party insiders. Maine Senate Race: We recap the latest Democratic Senate debate, including viral moments, progressive policy positions, and why the race is highlighting challenges for Democrats trying to take on Sen. Susan Collins. The Progressive Movement Under the Microscope: From DSA controversies and Hasan Piker’s comments on Mao to the latest viral moments involving Democratic activists, we examine the cultural battles shaping the modern left. AOC’s Viral Moments: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sparks another online debate after clips highlighting her changing accents go viral. Plus: Zohran Mamdani, Randi Weingarten, Michigan politics, election strategy, and the latest conservative political analysis. Subscribe for in-depth conservative commentary, election coverage, and analysis of the issues shaping America’s future. 0:00 - Intro 0:39 - Iran Update 1:47 - Trump goes after NASEM 4:14 - Wisconsin’s DSA Mess 7:29 - Maine Senate Debate Highlights 11:15 - The DSA Plays Dress Up 13:50 - AOC’s new accent
Summary
Dems attempt Biden replay to stem primary losses to Dem Socialists; Iran erupts | Monday Rundown
3d ago00:12:36Summary readyJuly 20: Iran Kills US Troops, Midterm Polling Shifts, AOC's Michigan Rally, Hasan Piker's Mao Costume, Maine Debate Chaos, and Hawaii's Supreme Court Under Fire And leave us a comment or review if there's anything you'd like us to cover this week Two US service members were killed in an Iranian ballistic missile attack on an airbase in Jordan, and new reporting suggests the Trump administration may be preparing to significantly escalate its air campaign against Iran. We break down what happened, the response so far, and whether this crosses the president's threshold for retaliation. Also in this episode: A new Washington Post poll shows a tightening generic congressional ballot, with Republicans leading on the economy and on the issues voters care about most. AOC and Bernie Sanders rallied in Detroit for Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, but the makeup of the crowd raised questions as El-Sayed and Haley Stevens compete for Black voters. We also look at reporting suggesting AOC was reading from campaign talking points. Twitch streamer Hasan Piker showed up to a College Democrats event dressed as Mao Zedong, and we discuss why the optics may not be an accident. In Maine, Ashley Webb stood out at the Senate debate, but the bigger story is that Democrats still don't have a clear frontrunner to challenge Susan Collins, as Shenna Bellows struggled to answer basic questions on stage. And the Hawaii Supreme Court issued a controversial opinion questioning the credibility of the US Supreme Court, citing the "spirit of aloha" over constitutional precedent. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:43 - Iran erupts with hellfire on the way 1:51 - Midterm ballots tighten 3:04 - Michigan becomes proxy for Dem Civil War 5:06 - Hasan Piker speaks to College Democrats dressed as Mao 6:39 - Maine Senate debate creates incredible content 9:11 - Hawaii Supreme Court goes crazy 11:52 - Week Ahead All this and more in today's 10 Minute Drill.
SummaryMarco Rubio vs. Far-Left Extremism, Sheldon Whitehouse’s Bias & Mamdani’s Housing Agenda
6d ago00:13:18Summary readyIn today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, we break down the biggest political stories shaping America. Marco Rubio exposes the dangers of far-left political violence and explains why excusing extremism in the name of a “worthy cause” can have lasting consequences. We also examine the latest controversy surrounding Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, his dismissal of Lyndsey Fifield’s accusations against Graham Platner, and how his past role in the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation fight continues to raise questions about political bias. Plus, Zohran Mamdani doubles down on his far-left housing agenda, including proposals surrounding property ownership and his controversial comments on evictions. From political violence and accountability to the debates over housing, private property rights, and the future of America’s political landscape, we cover the stories making headlines. All this and more on today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill. 0:00 - Intro 0:34 - Marco Rubio Speaks on Domestic Terrorism 2:30 - Sheldon Whitehouse Defends Platner 6:12 - Zohran’s Socialist Takeover 9:05 - Top Stories from the Week
SummaryAG Nom Todd Blanche hearing fireworks; Nick Shirley on the Hill; Newsom vs. Musk
1w ago00:12:02Summary readyIn today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, we break down the biggest stories from Washington, Capitol Hill, and the 2026 political landscape: President Donald Trump’s Defense & Innovation Summit: Trump announces a major defense manufacturing expansion in Pennsylvania and outlines his vision for rebuilding America’s defense industrial base through a “peace through strength” agenda. Todd Blanche vs. Senate Democrats: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche faces tough questions and a heated confirmation hearing showdown on Capitol Hill. Nick Shirley’s fraud investigation reaches Congress: The independent journalist brings attention to allegations of government waste and fraud during a Capitol Hill hearing — while Democrats decline to attend. Michigan Senate race update: New polling shows the Democratic primary between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed tightening ahead of the 2026 Senate race. Gavin Newsom vs. Elon Musk: California Governor Gavin Newsom criticizes Elon Musk and claims California helped fuel his success — sparking a debate over regulation, innovation, and capitalism. Joe Biden’s next chapter: The former president announces a new book, prompting questions about authorship and the controversy surrounding the use of the autopen. Tune in for the latest political news, election updates, Capitol Hill battles, and the stories shaping America today on 10 Minute Drill. 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - Pennsylvania Defense Summit 2:45 - Todd Blanche Hearing for AG 4:11 - Nick Shirley Testifies on more Fraud 5:45 - New Michigan Senate Polling 7:51 - Gavin Newsom takes on Elon Musk 10:28 - Joe Biden Writes a Book
SummarySupreme Court Justices Testify on Safety Threats, DSA Wants to Abolish the Senate
1w ago00:16:20Summary readyOn today's episode of Ten Minute Drill, Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testify before Congress about escalating threats against the Supreme Court, including a swatting call at Barrett's home. We also cover the Democratic Socialists of America's push to abolish the U.S. Senate, restructure the Supreme Court, grant amnesty to all immigrants, and defund the Department of War. Plus: growing bipartisan calls to investigate foreign influence campaigns targeting U.S. AI data center projects, a new report on how private climate risk scores from First Street — tied to BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street — may be quietly lowering American home values with no appeals process, and our Waste Wednesday segment on a Texas hospital using taxpayer-subsidized 340B funding to advertise "birth packages" to expectant mothers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. We close with the latest from the Michigan Senate race, where Medicare for All candidate Abdul El-Sayed faces scrutiny over his wife's private medical practice, plus an update on Haley Stevens' campaign. 0:00 - Intro 1:01 - SCOTUS Safety Concerns 4:13 - The DSA’s Agenda is WILD 6:53 - Data Center’s & China 8:35 - Zillow and Climate Change 10:45 - Waste Wednesday 13:22 - The Michigan Senate Mess
SummaryDSA Rebellion, Lindsey Graham's Legacy, & Katie Porter's Yelp Mess
1w ago00:13:26Summary readyMatt Whitlock breaks down the biggest political stories of the day: the scramble to replace Lindsey Graham in the U.S. Senate and on the 2026 South Carolina ballot, new U.S. strikes on Iranian naval assets, backlash over Ro Khanna's controversial comments on Israeli security officials, fresh scrutiny of Graham Platner's campaign team, and old Yelp reviews resurfacing in Katie Porter's California Senate bid. Who replaces Lindsey Graham in the Senate? Trump's pick for the interim appointment, South Carolina's special election timeline, and the GOP field — Russell Fry, Joe Wilson, Ralph Norman, and Pam Evette — plus a furious response to Nancy Mace floating her own name for the seat. U.S. forces strike Iranian submarines and ship maintenance facilities near the Strait of Hormuz, as a War Powers fight brews in Congress over the legality of continued military action. Ro Khanna faces backlash after viral bodycam footage appears to contradict his account of an incident involving Israeli security officials. New reporting details Graham Platner campaign strategist Morris Katz, as members of the Democratic Socialists of America call to cut ties with him. Separately, Abdul El-Sayed blames AIPAC amid new questions over his tax returns. And Katie Porter's old Yelp reviews resurface, including complaints about a Sherman Oaks spa and a hair stylist — reviews critics say are ironic given other reporting on her treatment of staff. Subscribe to Ten Minute Drill for daily political news and analysis with Matt Whitlock, in ten minutes or less. 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - South Carolina Fallout 4:54 - Clarity Act for Graham 6:15 - Iran Bombing Restarts 7:24 - Ro Khanna’s Fake Detainment 9:51 - Fight Agency 11:20 - Katie Porter the Yelper
SummaryZohran aide attempts light treason; Ro Khanna’s Mideast Misadventures; Remembering Lindsey Graham
1w ago00:12:19Summary readyAn aide to NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was caught scheduling a meeting with the Iranian ambassador to the United States — a major red flag that's not getting the attention it deserves. Plus, a tribute to Lindsey Graham's most heroic political moments and his surprising life story, why Ro Khanna says he's "seriously" considering a presidential run after a strange trip to Israel. And why the Israeli embassy is asking questions after being left out of coordination that Palestinian activists were reportedly part of. Also in this episode: a Texas hospital under fire for advertising discounted birth packages across the border in Mexico — a tax-exempt facility seemingly promoting birth tourism on the taxpayer's dime. And a new campaign fighting what critics are calling the "Jamie Dimon Tax," as rumors swirl that a new open banking rule could drop this week. All the news that matters, in 10 minutes or less. In this episode: Lindsey Graham tribute: fighting for Brett Kavanaugh and his lesser-known life story Ro Khanna on 2024 speculation Israeli embassy questions coordination gap Zohran Mamdani aide's Iran ambassador meeting Foreign influence in the data center policy debate Texas hospital's birth tourism advertising controversy The "Jamie Dimon Tax" and the open banking rule fight 🕰️ Time Stamps 0:00 - Intro 0:33 - Tribute to Lindsey Graham 1:20 - Lindsey’s Finest moment - defending Brett Kavanaugh 3:08 - Getting to know Lindsey Graham 4:07 - Lindsey Graham and Donald Trump 5:23 - The great untold story of Lindsey Graham’s upbringing 7:13 - Ro Khanna’s performative Israel Adventures 9:59 - Zohran aide does light treason 10:13 - Texas hospital promotes birth tourism with tax dollars 11:05 - Parents group calls to stop “Jamie Dimon Tax”
SummaryUnpacking Graham Platner’s strange hostage video and what it means for the midterms
2w ago00:09:31Summary readyGraham Platner's Senate campaign is over — but he refused to go quietly. According to Politico, Platner's own top aides urged him to strike a conciliatory, gratitude-focused tone in his withdrawal announcement. He said no. Sources say Platner made it a condition of dropping out that he'd get to blast the Democratic establishment on his way out, training more fire on his own party than on Senator Susan Collins or Republicans. Now Maine Democrats are scrambling to pick a replacement, with insiders reportedly eyeing a roughly 600-person nominating convention — 500 delegates chosen proportionally by county committees, and the rest from the state committee. 0:00 - Intro 0:30 - The End of Platner’s Senate Run 5:00 - This Week’s Top 5 Stories
SummaryPlatner is OUT but for Democrats, the problems are just getting started
2w ago00:16:13Summary readyOn today’s episode of 10 Minute Drill, Matt Whitlock breaks down the latest developments in the Iran conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, the 2026 Senate races, and the political controversies shaping the national conversation. The conflict with Iran has reignited as a ceasefire collapses and new strikes escalate tensions across the Middle East. President Donald Trump responds to Iran’s actions and warns about the continued threat posed by the Iranian regime. At the NATO Summit, President Trump highlights his improving relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, discusses efforts to save lives, and addresses the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war as Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities continue to evolve. Back in the United States, turmoil is growing within the Maine Democratic Party as Graham Platner’s Senate campaign clashes with party leaders over the process for selecting a nominee. Meanwhile, Michigan gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed faces renewed scrutiny over past “defund the police” comments, deleted social media posts, and his positions in the Democratic primary. A new report from the State Financial Officers Foundation and Open the Books also reveals $225 million in alleged school fraud across 24 states and Puerto Rico, including claims involving fake tutoring programs, embezzlement, and bid rigging. Plus, Texas Senate candidate James Talarico faces renewed attention over resurfaced comments about drag performances, transgender policy debates, and his political views ahead of the 2026 Senate race. Subscribe to 10 Minute Drill for a fast, entertaining breakdown of the biggest stories in politics, elections, national security, and current events. Hosted by veteran political strategist Matt Whitlock. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - Trump Talks on Iran Bombings 2:39 - Ukraine War Takes a Turn 4:30 - Platner Extis the Race 8:56 - Adbul’s Latest Stumble 12:34 - SFOF Education Waste Report 14:04 - James Talacreapo
Summary