Why Ed Markey May Survive a Revolt Against Old Candidates (with Adam Reilly)

August 29, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

In the final debate of Massachusetts’s Democratic Senate primary, Congressman Seth Moulton asked Senator Ed Markey whether he personally uses AI platforms like Claude or ChatGPT. Markey’s answer: “I use whatever is inside of my iPhone and my iPad, whatever comes up. I don’t know what companies my iPad might be using.” Moulton pounced. “If you don’t even know what you’re using on your phone or your iPad, like this is why we need a new generation of leaders to regulate these technologies.” It was the kind of moment that should have crystallized the case against an 80-year-old incumbent seeking a third full term—especially in a year when age has been a wrecking ball for older Democrats. Yet Ed Markey appears to be pulling away, leading by 15 to 30 points in recent polls. Why the usual conventional wisdom isn’t holding in Massachusetts is the question at the center of this episode.

The Cross-Insurgency: Age vs. Progressivism

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What you'll learn

1 (01:51) **Why Ed Markey’s Primary Matters** - Sarah Longwell sets up the episode: Ed Markey, an 80-year-old incumbent facing a primary challenge from Seth Moulton, is defying the national trend against older candidates.
2 (03:33) **The Unusual Dynamics of the Race** - Adam Reilly explains the core tension: Moulton’s age-based attack versus Markey’s progressive record.
3 (05:43) **Massachusetts Democratic Electorate** - Reilly describes the state’s unique political landscape, including a large independent voter bloc and a history of electing centrist Republican governors.
4 (09:36) **Undecided Voters: A "Pox on Both Houses"** - Focus group participants express dissatisfaction with both candidates, disliking Markey’s age but also Moulton’s single-minded focus on it.
5 (12:34) **The Problem with the "Younger and More Moderate" Pitch** - Longwell and Reilly agree that Moulton’s campaign lacks a positive vision, a common problem for center-left candidates.
6 (17:37) **Markey Supporters: Deeply Dug In** - Pro-Markey voters express strong negative feelings about Moulton, citing his corporate PAC money, his "creepy" demeanor, and his comments on trans issues.
7 (20:29) **Voters Impute "Fighter" Status onto Moulton** - Pro-Moulton voters describe him as a "bulldog" and a "fighter," projecting an aggressive, energetic persona onto him that is not necessarily reflected in his actual record.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Sarah Longwell

Show Notes

Why is 80-year-old Ed Markey surviving a Democratic revolt against aging politicians? Sarah Longwell and GBH’s Adam Reilly listen to Massachusetts voters explain why Rep. Seth Moulton’s 'new generation' argument isn’t landing—and what the race reveals about what Democratic voters really want.

Plus, they discuss Moulton’s attacks on Markey, his damaging comments about trans athletes, and a brutal debate exchange over AI.

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