President Donald Trump reportedly escaped a potential Iranian threat by secretly changing aircraft—leaving members of his Cabinet, staff and the White House press corps aboard what became a decoy Air Force One.

Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes discuss the unsettling security, ethical and political questions raised by the operation, including what passengers knew, why the president traveled without much of his usual support system and whether the episode contributed to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s departure.

Then, they examine alarming reports from the USS Abraham Lincoln, where sailors have spent more than 200 days without making port. Families have described deteriorating conditions, inadequate food and supplies, serious maintenance concerns and a devastating decline in morale. What does the situation reveal about military leadership—and the mounting cost of America’s war with Iran?

Also in this episode:

• Why relief for the Lincoln could weaken the U.S. military presence in the Pacific

• Whether Congress will force the Pentagon to answer for conditions aboard the ship

• What Wisconsin’s razor-thin Democratic primary tells us about progressives, moderates and the limits of polling

• Why party unity remains elusive after contentious primaries

• How increasingly convincing AI-generated political ads could reshape the midterm elections

Ryan and Grant’s weekly conversation offers candid analysis of national politics, political media and the stories that deserve more attention.

Follow Grant on YouTube @mimsnewspod, and you can find him on Substack by looking up "Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes."