Steve Bannon on the GOP and the midterms: "We can't afford to lose"

October 11, 2026 / 9:59 AM EDT / CBS News

Steve Bannon on the GOP and the midterms: "We can't afford to lose"

TL;DR

  • Steve Bannon, labeled "The Great Manipulator," is a passionate Trump supporter and identifies as a right-winger, not a conservative.
  • Bannon compares President Trump to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, believing Trump is key to the nation's "salvation."
  • He hosts the "War Room" podcast and has cultivated relationships with far-right movements in Europe.
  • Bannon's filmmaking approach is influenced by Leni Riefenstahl, known for her work with the Nazis, a comparison he uses to explain his populist and nationalistic style.
  • He dismisses concerns about Trump's age and speeches, attributing criticism to media bias.
  • Bannon claims Trump won the 2020 election, despite numerous court losses, and views the midterms as a crucial fight that Republicans "can't afford to lose."