Steve Bannon Discusses GOP Strategy Ahead of Critical Midterms

WHO:

CBS News US - Steve Bannon, political strategist and podcaster, is a key figure in President Trump's 2016 campaign and a former White House adviser.

CBS News Politics - Ted Koppel is the senior contributor who interviewed Steve Bannon.

WHAT:

CBS News US - Bannon discusses populist and nationalist politics in the U.S. and abroad.

CBS News Politics - Bannon emphasizes the importance of a Republican victory in the midterms, stating, "We can't afford to lose."

CBS News Politics - Bannon talks about Trump's place in history and the influence of Nazi propaganda filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl on his productions.

WHERE:

CBS News US - The discussion takes place in the context of U.S. politics, with references to far-right parties in Europe.

WHEN:

CBS News Politics - Bannon discusses the prospects for the 2026 midterms.

WHY:

CBS News Politics - Bannon believes that a Republican victory in the midterms is imperative for the continuation of the MAGA movement.

HOW:

CBS News US - Bannon discusses the ground game of Democratic Socialists as part of the political strategy landscape.

(UPDATED October 11, 2026 14:58 UTC)

Steve Bannon, a key figure in Trump's 2016 campaign and a former White House adviser, recently discussed populist and nationalist politics in a conversation led by senior contributor Ted Koppel. During the interview, Bannon emphasized the critical need for a Republican victory in the upcoming midterms, stating, "We can't afford to lose," while also reflecting on Trump's historical significance and the influence of Nazi propaganda filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl on his productions. He highlighted the importance of addressing the ground game of Democratic Socialists as part of the broader political strategy landscape leading up to the 2026 midterms.