Episode 44: Why Democrats Keep Fumbling the Best Opening They've Had Since Nixon Artwork

KABATALKS

Brothers Brian and John Kabateck take a unique approach to discussions affecting business and consumers alike in the state with a discussion that is presented with humor and conflict from brothers of typically differing opinions. Brian Kabateck is Founding and Managing Partner of Kabateck, LLP. A legal firm defending consumers rights and protections. Brian was also President of the Consumers Attorneys of California. John Kabateck, is President of Kabateck Strategies, LLP. His firm keeps the voices of mom and pop businesses heard in the State Capitol. He represents such trade organizations as the NFIB, Associated Builders and Contractors of Northern California and The California Restaurant Association to name a few. This program will be like no other and is intended to shed light on difficult issues surrounding both political and consumer concerns as they make their way into California's Capitol, with a style and delivery that can be unpredictable yet informative and entertaining.

All Episodes

KABATALKS

Episode 44: Why Democrats Keep Fumbling the Best Opening They've Had Since Nixon

August 10, 2026 • Brian and John Kabateck • Episode 44

0:00 | 11:22

Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you.

In this episode, Brian and John zoom out from California and ask the bigger question heading into the midterms: are Republicans actually winning elections, or are Democrats just failing to capitalize on the best political opening they've had since Watergate? Brian's theory — Trump's disapproval is north of 60% nationally, independents are at 25–37% approval, and yet Democrats can't close. John thinks Republicans are simply better at uniting around core issues, while Democrats fight amongst themselves and struggle to say what they actually stand for.

They run through the issues dragging on the national mood — inflation, the economy, the Middle East, tariffs, immigration, healthcare, and Brian notes that Trump is starting to run out of runway on blaming Biden. They also dissect the Maine Senate race as a case study in Democrats knowing about a candidate's problems and running him anyway, in a seat that was winnable.

On the midterms: Brian thinks Republicans likely lose the House and that the Senate is an uphill climb for Democrats without stronger leadership out front. John isn't ready to give up on Congress staying red, but worries about voter turnout.

If you enjoy hearing what we have to say, albeit somewhat irreverent and rarely do we agree, please subscribe or follow and us and leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
To learn more about John Kabateck's firm visit Kabateck Strategies
To learn more about Brian's firm visit KBK Law