Cactus Crossfire Episode 10 | Hot Takes in Cold States

Cactus Crossfire
Dec 14, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

New! You can now listen to Cactus Crossfire on Apple Podcasts.

Western Politics in the Spotlight

Episode 10 opens with the crew broadcasting from a snowy Nevada, setting the stage for a conversation that’s as dynamic as the political climate itself. The episode wastes no time jumping into the aftermath of municipal elections and the early rumblings of gubernatorial races in New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona. With both parties strategizing for the upcoming cycle, the hosts break down who’s running, who’s declaring, and what’s at stake.

The "Trump Slump" and Economic Realities

A central theme this week: the so-called "Trump slump." The team debates whether Trump’s presence will help or hinder Republican candidates in the West, especially as economic anxieties run high. They point out that while the Fed’s rate cut might ease things eventually, most Western families are still feeling the pinch. The conversation turns to how economic conditions, government shutdowns, and national issues like immigration are shaping voter sentiment—especially as the holiday season brings its own challenges.

Open Primaries and the Power of Independents

New Mexico’s upcoming open primaries get a deep dive, with the hosts exploring how independent voters—now nearly 30% of the state’s electorate—could reshape local and state races. They discuss the risks and rewards for candidates courting independents, and whether these voters will actually turn out when it matters most. The crew notes that out West, political identity is often more fluid, and campaigns may need to roll the dice on new strategies to succeed.

MTG, Epstein Files, and Party Drama

National headlines aren’t ignored: the resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene, the ongoing drama around the Epstein files, and the spectacle of party infighting all get the Cactus Crossfire treatment. The team calls out hypocrisy and shifting alliances, poking fun at the theater of modern politics while highlighting the very real consequences for policy and governance.

Compromise, Policy, and Western Uniqueness

Throughout the episode, the importance of compromise and practical solutions is a recurring message. The hosts argue that the West’s unique challenges—resource management, water scarcity, crime, and healthcare—require a different approach than the typical East Coast political playbook. They highlight recent legislative battles, like Nevada’s failed film tax bill, as examples of bipartisan action and the need for deals that actually benefit communities.

Spicy, Prickly, and Quickly

In their signature closing segment, each host shares a spicy take (media obsession with drug boats off Venezuela), something prickly (the ongoing struggle to improve healthcare and senior care), and something quickly (recognizing top lobbyists who make a difference). The episode closes with a reminder to subscribe, engage, and keep the conversation real—because in the West, politics is always a little different.

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