The Long Game with Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer
Trump’s Election Playbook, Explained by Jocelyn Benson
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The 2026 U.S. midterm elections are expected to be secure and fair, with robust security measures and widespread participation, particularly early voting.
- Misleading narratives and misinformation are primary tools used to undermine confidence in elections; critical thinking and community engagement are essential in countering these efforts.
- Federal efforts to interfere in state elections—such as accessing voter rolls or deploying forces at polling stations—are strategies to sow chaos and cast doubt on election legitimacy, but these are actively countered by state and local officials.
- Ukraine’s ongoing battlefield success raises the risk of Russia escalating its tactics, including hybrid warfare and potentially more direct military actions against NATO, which require vigilant scenario planning.
- Understanding the full scope of Russian strategic advice and the risks of escalation helps inform preparedness and response measures for Western allies.
Summary
Election Security and Integrity in Michigan
This section focuses on Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's overview of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, emphasizing their confidence in the process—over 90% of elections are conducted with auditable paper ballots, and multiple security layers are in place. Benson discusses various threats, including false claims about noncitizen voting, efforts to access voter rolls, and the dismantling of federal election security infrastructure under certain administrations. She highlights the importance of local officials, multiple voting options, and community engagement to maintain election integrity. Benson stresses the need for active misinformation countermeasures and voter participation, especially early voting, to ensure confidence and reduce potential interference.
Threats and Political Battles Surrounding Election Legislation and Federal Interference
This section covers the ongoing political and legal battles involving election laws, notably the so-called SAVE Act, which Benson describes as a barrier to voters rather than a security measure. The podcast also delves into efforts by federal actors, including attempts to access voter databases and the potential deployment of federal agents at polling sites, which Benson sees as attempts to undermine trust and create chaos. The emphasis is on the importance of citizens voting early, being critical consumers of information, and resisting misinformation campaigns aimed at delegitimizing electoral outcomes.
Russia, NATO, and Escalation Risks in Ukraine
Here, the discussion shifts to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential for escalation by Russia against NATO. The podcast features simulations of Russian officials advising President Putin to escalate conflicts—ranging from sabotage and cyber operations to the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons. The dialogue emphasizes that Russia is testing NATO’s resolve through gray-zone tactics and incremental provocations, which could escalate into more direct confrontations. The experts analyze the strategies that Russia might employ to weaken NATO, the importance of scenario planning, and the dangers of miscalculation, especially if Russia perceives its battlefield as vulnerable or if Ukraine makes significant gains.
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Show notes
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joins Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer to discuss the security of the 2026 midterm elections — just a day before President Trump’s primetime Thursday address, expected to focus in part on “election integrity.”
They discuss Trump’s claims about noncitizen voting, the SAVE Act, efforts to access state voter rolls, the dismantling of federal election security infrastructure, and whether federal agents could be deployed to polling places.
Then Jake and Jon debate whether Russia might escalate against NATO as Ukraine gains ground — and what that would mean for the alliance.
For subscribers to the Long Game+ on Apple: Jake and Jon break down the latest on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, including the unraveling ceasefire and Trump’s decision to reimpose a blockade of Iranian exports.
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The Long Game is produced by the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Photo credit: Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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