Will Maine voters stop him? Will they choose sovereignty, their New England culture, and fiscal sanity?

Take the Tennessee warning seriously. These are actual votes, not polls, mind you.

Now, my home state is not in doubt for the Republicans. Trump won the Volunteer State by over 1 million votes in 2024. It’s one of the few states where he won the womens’ vote, in fact.

BUT…the recent Tennessee county mayoral races on August 6, 2026…send a VERY serious warning shot to the GOP, and here are the details.

My home of Hamilton County is solidly red, albeit with the blue-leaning downtown of Chattanooga. In 2022 the mayoral race for the county was a +16% margin for Weston Wamp, the scion of local political GOP royalty and a very talented young politician.

In 2026, just weeks ago, he only won +5% in a shockingly close race.

In addition to the surprising margin, looking at the simple number of votes the total Dem vote in this really red area rose by a massive 40% vs. the last mayoral election, vs. GOP vote rising only 17%. That turnout represents the massive enthusiasm/anger on the Left.

Even worse for the GOP, look at this map of movement vs. the 2024 presidential race. In 2024, Trump dominated the county, even doing well in normally blue parts of downtown Chattanooga. But in 2026, a generally popular and un-controversial county executive just squeaked by.

NOT a good sign for November.

This map (credit to Don Johnson, found on Twitter/X @ohtmldon) shows the precinct-level moves in this 2026 race vs. the 2024 presidential…

Lest you suspect something local and particular was happening in Chattanooga, consider another red county in eastern Tennessee, Knox County, where the University of Tennessee is located. It’s a lot like Hamilton County, a red jurisdiction with a blue city…that votes reliably Republican on the whole.

The current county Mayor is Glenn Jacobs, a very popular figure who’s also known for his extensive pre-politics career as a professional wrestler under the stage name “Kane.” He’s a really talented politician and could well be elected statewide someday. But he’s term limited for the county, and the race to replace him was also shockingly close.

The GOP only won Knox County on August 6 by +4%, and the map is a lot like the Hamilton map – though even bluer -- when it comes to 2026 partisan moves vs. the 2024 presidential vote:

These Tennessee moves suggest that the 2024 coalition is very much in doubt right now.

Without Trump on the ballot, with persistent inflation, and an unpopular war, the mood of voters moves hard against the governing GOP.

Can it be reversed by Election Day?

Yes.

But is the clock ticking?

Yes.

Should Republicans be super worried, and acting with an utmost sense of urgency?

HELL YES!!!

Data centers are about as popular as cancer right now, and my latest battleground polling proves it.

In Wisconsin, the consummate swing state, approval for data centers falls to an abysmal 19% overall. Even worse details emerge from the poll crosstabs and a comparison to polling from the same period late last year.

This TIPP Insights polling for the League of American Workers shows that the governor’s showdown in the Badger State is a horse race, with Democrat nominee David Crowley leading Republican nominee Tom Tiffany by a mere +2%, 43%-41%, within the margin of error for the poll.

In such a tight race for governor, the unpopularity of data centers can quickly become the determinative factor in the contest.

On the GOP side, Tiffany pledges to protect rural Wisconsin from boneheaded “green” energy projects such as wasteful solar and wind, and further promises that data centers will only be built with full local control and approval.

By contrast, Crowley totally embraces the green energy scam and welcomes a rush of new data centers so long as they follow his “Beyonce” approach to “bring your own clean energy,” as his acronym.

But what about the views of regular voters in this heartland state?

Well, the details of this new poll reveal that only 11% of independent voters have a positive view of data centers. In a tight swing state, these unaffiliated voters will almost surely decide the winner. Even among Democrats in Wisconsin, 70% disapprove of data centers.

Perhaps even more revealing on this issue is the trend in Wisconsin over the last year. I also surveyed Wisconsin last November, using the same polling firm.

Just 10 months ago, 47% of Wisconsin voters approved of data center projects and only 36% disapproved.

So, in just under a year, the disapproval number has nearly doubled and the approval number has plunged by more than half. For young Gen Z voters, the collapse in support is even more stark: from 39% approval last November to a scant 9% right now.

What’s going on here?

Well, clearly the data center debate has turned into a larger referendum on Big Tech generally, as well as the growing chasm between the concentrated economic elites and the frustrated masses. As such, this controversy stokes powerful populist flames, and for good reason.

When economically stressed Americans see the haughty oligarchs of tech take to the airwaves and brag about their million-dollar watches, while demanding data centers in some of the most pristine and irreplaceable natural areas of America, the popular revolt is warranted and predictable.

For those of us on the populist Right, we are naturally pro-development and want a growing economy that primarily benefits workers and Main Street prosperity.

Clearly, more data centers are needed, and automation is hardly some fad. But Heritage Foundation chief Kevin Roberts stated the case well: “I’m with the skeptics on these AI data centers. Not because I’m against data centers, but because Big Tech is running roughshod over local communities instead of working with them on the real trade-offs.”

So, for the benefits to outweigh the negatives for the public, and for comically tone-deaf tech titans to find cultural and political buy-in, here is what’s necessary:

1. Some humility/contrition—Big Tech has dumped upon regular Americans for decades now. The industry systemically exploits the private data of the masses for the incredible gains of a credentialed elite. Even worse, the industry engaged in massive abuses of the rights of citizens, especially those with conservative views, through coordinated censorship, particularly during the era of the COVID-19 panic.

2. Show the public the money—the benefits to local communities of data centers must be lavish and front-loaded. Citizens deserve huge investments in local resources, massive, lasting breaks on taxes and utilities, plus equity options for locals in the companies driving the projects. Give the people a piece of the pie—or continue to decline into electoral oblivion.

3. Place the centers strategically—any gorgeous natural landscape or productive farmland area must be 100% off-limits. These centers should mostly go to depressed urban/suburban areas and primarily be in underused industrial parks that are perfect for such giant buildings.

4. Find better messengers—never send Kevin O’Leary, or similar folks, in front of the cameras again to sell these projects.

5. Sign binding public pledges—agree that you will never again censor the free-speech rights of any American, and certainly not based on their partisan or religious beliefs, under penalty of severe economic repercussions.

The good news for the Tech oligarchs is that the “America First” crowd is not anti-development.

With the right incentives for citizens and way better public relations, the industry can start to regain the confidence of the people. The radical Democratic Socialists of America leftists also hate tech, but for very different reasons. That crowd merely thrives on the sin of envy, and they only want to expropriate from the successful.

In contrast, the patriotic populist movement simply seeks a just economic approach, one that recognizes the societal dangers of an ever-increasing concentration of economic and political power.

We want private enterprises to soar in America, properly channeled to distributism, subsidiarity, and the constant pursuit of the common good. The data center debate can be resolved if these principles are pursued.

Steve Cortes is president of the League of American Workers and advisor to Catholic Vote.

He directs political campaigns on media, polling, and Hispanic outreach, including Trump 2016/2020 and Vance 2022 US Senate.

He is a former broadcaster for Fox News and CNN.

This article was published by Daily Signal:

https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/08/21/data-centers-polling-november-elections-and-the-way-forward/

But on to serious matters. Deadly serious, unfortunately. As in, the purveyor of misery and death, the Fascist Gnome, MD…Tony Fauci.

Fauci is, without question, the most malicious and harmful figure in ALL of American history — and I said so boldly on-air.

We also discussed the madness of DEI and a fixation with race from the American Left and far too much of the Ruling Class, from Big Business to Academia to Corporate Media.

DEI -- it's inherently discriminatory, especially vs. white men, but actually puts minorities into an unfair "box" as well...

Next we turned to AOC, who now suddenly wants to just disregard all her anti-American extremism as “Woke 1.” Sorry, Alexandria, “no take-backs”

Lastly…

Greg was NOT buying this one from me…I blame the increasing scourge of violent girls on…Mulan…

Always a ton of fun to be on War Room, and we did NOT hold back in the most pressing analyses, starting with Muslim Mass Migration and how important this issue becomes across America — and especially so in the upcoming crucial Michigan race for US Senate.

My polling proves that Michigan patriots wake up to these very real dangers — so if we on the Right are persuasive and bold about this wedge issue, we will defeat Abdul El-Sayed, who clearly hates out country, ROLL TAPE…

Next, we moved on to Manufacturing — talking about the Quiet Manufacturing Boom that unfolds right now in the U.S. as America First economic policies pay handsomely for on-shoring and production right here in the homeland:

Here are two charts (not videos) that provide strong evidence of the Factory boom. Chart 1 is Manufacturing Employment, back one year:

Next, before moving on to the Milei video, here is Factory Construction jobs, since Trump took office, up 10-fold:

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My newest documentary on the patriotic populist wave sweeping Latin America.

The future with OUR hemisphere is super bright!

What’s happening in Argentina? Why does it matter to the U.S.?

MAKE THE AMERICAS GREAT AGAIN!

See this doc and share it…

VP Vance publicized my latest article, full column posted below

Read more

Teaser for my new documentary, Make Argentina Great Again.

What has Milei done? Why does it matter to the U.S.?

Will the Americas defend and advance Western Civilization, the New World takes over from the Old???

Full short film, out next Monday...

The discussion begins with Data Centers. I am no Luddite. I believe in technology and see both the risks and the incredible opportunities of AI. Also, American can harness the upside of AI better than any other nation…by a mile!

Why?

First because we have the creativity and grit to foster the best innovation. We have the culture. Second, we have the Energy resources to power it. That abundance flows from a combination of God-given gifts to this blessed land, plus amazing American ingenuity that now fully unleashes that potential, especially via fracking.

BUT…these moguls of Tech, they will not simply run over local communities. Arrogant know-it-alls like “Mr. Wonderful” Kevin O’Leary will not go on-air, brag about $2 million watches he wears, and then stuff the citizens of local communities that sap too many resources and spoil some of the most pristine and irreplaceable landscapes in America.

DEAR MR. WONDERFUL: YOU’VE AWAKENED THE POPULIST RIGHT!

Sensible deals can be made, but not the way Big Tech presently pursues this hyperscaler expansion.

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I also get into immigration as the cornerstone issue, again, for upcoming elections — and how it relates directly to the very real affordability concerns of voters. I also explain how the DSA (openly socialist groups) is not “part” of the Dem Party…at the decision-maker level, the DSA simple IS the Dem Party of 2026.

There are still sensible, patriotic Dem voters out there, lots of them actually (though fewer every cycle). But at the party operative, officeholder, and complicit media level? Those slots are all dominated by the extremist Marxist-Jihadi alliance.

Please watch and share!

Steve

Housing affordability is awful, and it looks set to get worse. Unless, of course, we take corrective action, especially on immigration and war.

Here’s the harsh current reality: Inflation continues to…

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Dr. Drew is a Californian, who knows very well the treachery & corruption of Gavin Newsom.

As we discuss in this 20 min in-dept interview, Gavin now wants to bring that record of misery & failure to ALL of America, as he prepares to run for president. But what does the real record show? This charlatan is consumed with ambition, but devoid of principles.

Please have a watch and share far and wide!

Also visit www.DrDrew.com for more content from the fantastic Drew Pinsky!

In an era of fragmented media and partisan noise, few figures have demonstrated the range and reliability of Vice President JD Vance. As part of his book tour, the vice president not only willingly e…

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The country roads of America brought the world across our land, as our role hosting the World Cup fittingly coincided with America 250. The sprawling event on a grand stage reminded the world—and us—…

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America is the most generous nation on Earth. For centuries, we have opened our doors to millions seeking freedom and opportunity. Legal immigrants who came the right way—learning our language, embra…

Read more

Illegal Migrant Truckers

My new documentary -- on the deadly roads and ridiculous risks created by radical Dem governors like Newsom, Pritzker, and Hochul.

These open-borders extremist Democrats put your family in danger on our highways.

Learn the awful truth about these preventable accidents — and the solutions to stop this abuse!

For the first time this year in my extensive polling, the newest survey out of Georgia shows a material rebound for President…

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After months of successively worse polling for Trump, the GOP, and overall sentiment among Americans — things turned decidedly more positive in the Georgia poll I did just before the big July 4th birthday for America 250.

I will send the details on that poll along with all the links and crosstabs in the next Substack post (for the political geeks like me, who study these numbers).

But for now, the quick videos to watch and, hopefully, share!

I have been the “grim reaper” of polling lately, with little good to report for our team. So, this upturn is material and motivating. But, I believe it’s mainly dependent on general peace in the Mideast which compelled far lower prices in June, especially Energy costs.

Obviously there is a current flare up in tensions with Iran — that new fighting took place after my poll closed. But, so far, financial markets are taking these new, contained attacks in stride. If this latest dust-up is just a bump along the road to a broader peace, then there are solid reasons to think we can compete and win in November!

Here is a quick video explaining more:

Finally, from my NewsNation hit, I explain the relevance for the eventual 2028 GOP presidential nominee. I hope and believe that nominee will be JD Vance.

Happy America 250 — the celebration should last ALL year, it did not end the evening of July 4th…

I made this video with gorgeous Allegheny mountains behind me.

In many ways, Pennsylvania created America.

But as PA celebrated the Fourth, patriots also mourned the loss of a brave policeman, in a totally preventable tragedy.

State Trooper Michael Pahira was killed by an illegal alien truck driver from Haiti. Michael was a two decade veteran of the force and a former college wrestler. He served with honor, professionalism, and valor. But Officer Pahira is now gone, in a senseless tragedy.

The scumbag who killed Officer Pahira on the highway, he’s now charged with homicide.

This foreign criminal got an American CDL, a commercial drivers license to operate a giant truck, from the deep blue state of Massachusetts. Radicals states give out these to foreigners licenses like candy, trying to prove a point on immigration. They fail to insist on legitimate driving skills and English proficiency to read road signs. Such reckless practices are the norm in Newsom’s California, Pritzker’s Illinois, and in Shapiro’s PA.

Look for my upcoming documentary on this deadly topic…

Critics have been howling at Vice President JD Vance lately. The wailing and aspersions flow from predictable quarters, especially the legacy media and the establishment GOP neocons.

Why do they prote…

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The failure to rebuild, since that tragedy, is inexcusable.

It’s ALL the fault of Gavin Newsom. He has turned the California Dream into Newsom’s Nightmare.

Under Newsom, California has the highest poverty rate in America — and amazing places like Pacific Palisades burn to ashes because of his corruption and neglect. Perhaps even worse, since that inferno there is almost zero movement on the rebuild…because of the dysfunction of Newsom and his political allies.

This documentary shows you the vivid, startling images — I report on the scene with some of the brightest minds in California: Kurt Schlichter, Susan Crabtree, Lauren Gruel, and Kristina Irwin.

See this short film and share it — because Gavin is running for president and he wants to bring his California misery to all of America!

Steve