RealClearPolitics Podcast
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Today's podcast is a flashback episode. First, Tom Bevan talks to Twitter Files author Matt Taibbi about Wikipedia’s removal of the RCP Polling Average before the election and the New York Times criticism of RCP for not weighing its averages. Next, Carl Cannon interviews Tim Shriver, CEO and founder of UNITE, about what Americans can do to improve our public dialogue in the impending second Trump era. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to author Nellie Bowles, columnist for the Free Press and author of the new book "Morning After the Revolution: Dispatches from the Wrong Side of History".
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the origins and history of the Thanksgiving holiday in America. Then, RCP National Correspondent Susan Crabtree and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann join the discussion to talk about the past year in politics and look forward to changes in 2025. Next, RealClear Defense editor David Craig and former State Department official Peter Berkowitz talk about veterans’ affairs and foreign policy challenges for the incoming Trump administration. And rounding it out, RCP Senior Copy Editor Cathi Warren joins the fun to talk about what she is thankful for, and to provide an insight into what goes into publishing RealClearPolitics daily.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss Kamala Harris’ video remarks to supporters released on Monday, and Harris campaign senior advisor David Plouffe's revelation that Harris’ internal polling never showed her with a lead. They also talk about the nomination of lockdown critic Jay Bhattacharya of Stanford University to head the National Institutes of Health. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to Jay Bhattacharya, Trump’s nominee to head the NIH, about the importance of free speech and unfettered debate in discussing scientific issues. And winding it up, Carl Cannon talks with Emily Jashinsky, Washington correspondent for UnHerd, about Trump’s plan to “drain the swamp,” and what it may mean for business-as-usual within the beltway.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss Monday’s decision to dismiss Special Counsel Jack Smith’s cases against Donald Trump, and President Biden’s proposal to add Medicare and Medicaid coverage for Ozempic and other weight loss drugs – a move opposed by Trump’s HHS Secretary nominee Robert F. Kenney Jr. They also talk about reports that longtime Trump insider and aide Boris Epshteyn is the subject of an internal probe by Trump’s attorneys for trying to sell access to the President Elect. Plus, a look at repercussions from Trump’s plan to place a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende about whether the 2024 results were “Trump-specific” or reveal a long-term trend within the GOP, and why California takes so long to count votes. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Republican strategist John Feehery about how Speaker Mike Johnson will lead given his slender majority in the House, and what the nomination of former GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer for Labor Secretary will mean for public sector unions.
Andrew, Carl, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss a new CBSNews/YouGov poll that shows a majority of Americans approve of the Trump transition so far, and examine Democrats’ reaction to Trump’s plans including Mayor Mike Johnston of Denver who promises to resist the deportation of illegal immigrants from his city. They also talk about Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi’s possible role in pardoning the January 6th defendants, and a recent New York Times article on how older Americans react when their children decide not to procreate due to fear of global warming. Plus, Phil Wegmann discusses his article to be published Tuesday in RCP on how the GOP changed its strategy to get voters to the polls in 2024. And finally, Independent Center president and consumer psychologist Lura Forcum provides Andrew Walworth with tips on how to discuss politics over Thanksgiving, and talks about the role of independent voters in the 2024 election and beyond.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the nomination of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department, and what's next for former nominee Matt Gaetz. They also talk about the International Criminal Court (ICC) which has issued an arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Bebe Netenyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, who was reportedly killed in an airstrike last summer. Also, a look at escalation in the Ukraine War, as Moscow fires a new type of missile into Ukraine in response to Ukraine’s use of US made missiles to hit military targets inside Russia. Next, Andrew talks to RealClear Pennsylvania editor Charles McElwee about Senator Bob Casey’s concession to Republican challenger Dave McCormick and Governor Josh Shapiro’s future in a state that is becoming increasingly red. And finally, RCP Contributor Charlie Stone talks to former NIH Director Frances Collins about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services and how to restore trust in America’s health care institutions.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the withdrawal of the nomination of former Congressman Matt Gaietz for attorney general (and his political future) and they also discuss the status of Pete Hegseth’s nomination to head the Department of Defense. Plus, they talk about the upcoming conflict between state and municipal leaders and the Trump administration over federal deportation of illegal immigrants. Next, they discuss how the RCP Average performed in terms of anticipating the results of the 2024 election, and the fight over transgenders using female facilities in Congress. And finally, Andrew and Carl talk to RCP contributor Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution about US policy toward China and the role public diplomacy may play in the upcoming Trump administration.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss Trump's new cabinet nominations including Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education and Dr. Mehmet Oz to be administrator of Medicare and Medicaid. Also, they give a breakdown of where the $1.5 billion went that the Harris campaign spent in just ten weeks. Plus, they chat about Comcast’s decision to spin off MSNBC and some of its other cable channels into a new company and what that may mean for cable news, and they look at a new television ad from Jaguar that is being called “Budlight 2.0". Next, White House correspondent Phil Wegmann interviews Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) on her resolution requiring members of Congress to use the restrooms and facilities that correspond with their biological sex. This comes as Rep-elect Sarah McBride, the first transgender member of Congress, prepares to take office. And lastly, Carl Cannon talks to RCP Investigations contributor Lee Fang about Robert F. Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative and the populist politics surrounding his choice as a Trump administration cabinet official.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the still unsettled Senate election in Pennsylvania, where incumbent Bob Casey has yet to concede the race to challenger Dave McCormick, and they look ahead to the 2025 elections in Virginia and New Jersey. They also talk about a new poll from Echelon Insights which shows that 41 percent of Democrats think Kamala Harris should run atop the party’s ticket in 2028. Plus, they discuss the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address which was delivered 161 years ago today. Next, Tom Bevan talks to White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Trump’s latest cabinet picks including Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary. And then, Andrew Walworth talks to Catholic University professor Jakub Grygiel about Ukraine’s recent use of American-made missiles to strike deep within Russian territory and Moscow’s announcement that it is changing its nuclear doctrine to allow for the use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the announcement that Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski met with Donald Trump last Friday, and President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by the US to strike deep within Russian territory. They also talk about the reports of conflict between Elon Musk and key Trump advisors. Next, Tom Bevan talks to independent journalist Matt Taibi about his recent article on Wikipedia’s treatment of RCP’s polling average and the state of polling in the wake of the 2024 election. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network about efforts to strengthen civil society around the globe and promoting democracy in the 21st century.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the nominations of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Trump’s HHS secretary and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum leading the Interior Department. They also talk about Trump’s promise to end “wokeness” in education, and this week’s House hearings on UFO’s and whether the Trump administration will release more information on UFO phenomenon. Next, Tom talks to Richard Porter, National Committee member for the RNC from Illinois, about Matt Gaetz and other Trump appointees. And then Andrew talks to RCP contributor Charlie Tidmarsh, author of the “This Week in Censorship” column about how Trump’s election will alter efforts to fight disinformation by the State Department and other agencies.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss historic precedents for Matt Gaetz’ nomination for attorney general, and how Washington is reacting to the appointment. Also reaction to Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence. They also talk about the Associated Press’ calling the House for the GOP and how Republicans in marginal districts will handle the Trump agenda. Also, some Democrats and members of the media condemn the US electorate in the wake of the election results, including Stephen Colbert who told his audience, “The majority has spoken, and they said they don’t care that much about democracy.” Next, Andrew talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Republican reaction to the Matt Gaetz appointment, what was really discussed at Wednesday’s Trump/Biden meeting, and Biden’s agenda for his six-day overseas trip to Peru and Brazil. And finally, Carl interviews Tim Shriver, CEO and founder of UNITE, about what we can do to improve our public dialogue in the coming Trump era.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss Senator John Thune of South Dakota being chosen as Senate Leader and Donald Trump’s meeting with Joe Biden at the White House. They also talk about Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy being named co-heads of Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency and the debate among Democrats on the role of transgender rights as a campaign issue in 2024. Next, Andrew talks to RealClear Defense contributor John Waters about Trump’s choice for Secretary of Defense, Fox News host and author Pete Hegseth. And then, Charlie Stone, host of “The Unknowns” on RealClearPolitics, talks to Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama, about potential stumbling blocks to Trump’s plan for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss Trump's latest cabinet picks including reports that Marco Rubio will be named Secretary of State, and what GOP control of the House will mean for Trump’s agenda. They also talk about the fight to lead Republicans in the Senate (Thune vs. Cornyn vs. Scott) and today’s visit to Washington by California governor Gavin Newsom. Plus, the post-election decline in viewership at MSNBC and CNN, and Chris Wallace’s decision to leave CNN for the world of podcasting. And then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Charles McElwee, editor of RealClear Pennsylvania, about the potential recount of the senate race between incumbent Democrat Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick, and the political future of Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss if Donald Trump’s slim victory in the popular vote and narrow gains in the House provide him with a mandate for change, and whether Democratic challenges to the results of the Pennsylvania Senate race amount to “election denial.” They also talk about Anthony Fauci’s $15 million federally funded security detail, and the admission by FEMA that one of its employees instructed disaster workers to avoid homes displaying pro-Trump yard signs in the wake of Hurricane Milton in Florida. Next, Tom talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Trump’s options for key figures in his new administration, and what his picks so far tell us about how he will operate. And finally, Carl talks to RealClear Defense editor David Craig about the importance of Veterans’ Day.
Andrew, Tom, and Emily Jashinsky, Washington correspondent for UnHerd, discuss the results of the Senate race in Pennsylvania, whether the GOP will win control of the House, and Trump’s appointment of Susi Wiles as the first female White House chief of staff. They also talk about legacy media’s reaction to the rise of podcasting and alternative sources of news and information, and Democratic explanations for why white women voted for Trump. Next, Tom Bevan talks to Richard Porter about Trump’s options for filling his cabinet and the final vote in Illinois. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Mike Leon, host of podcast “Can We Please Talk,” about why Trump improved his numbers among Hispanic voters in 2024 and what Democrats can do to win back this key voting bloc.
Andrew, Tom, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss how Democratic leadership is reacting to Donald Trump’s victory, and who is going to end up taking the blame for Harris’ defeat. They also talk about the Trump transition process, future roles for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk, and who is in line to fill key cabinet positions in the second Trump administration. Next, Tom Bevan talks to Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling about what the polls got right and wrong in this cycle, and whether pollsters will rethink their models in light of Tuesday’s results. And finally, Andrew talks to presidential historian Tevi Troy about what Trump’s election means for the mainstream media and the Democratic coalition, as well as about the utility of viewing the electorate through the lens of identity politics.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss Kamala Harris’ concession speech and the reaction of the Trump campaign to last night’s election results. They also talk about the latest election results, including Senate races and House races that could determine control of the House of Representatives. Next, Carl and Andrew talk to pollster Frank Luntz about what each candidate did right, and what each did wrong. And finally, they all discuss the next steps for the Democratic Party, and whether the mainstream media will change the way it covers Trump in the wake of last night’s GOP victories.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss the early returns in the 2024 presidential election.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss final polling, including the RCP national average which shows Harris and Trump tied in the popular vote at 48.5% each. Also, what today’s campaign schedules tell us about how the candidates see the race in its final hours. They also talk about both presidential candidates’ closing arguments, and whether we'll know election results by tomorrow night. Plus, a preview of RCP’s live Tuesday night election coverage, which starts at 7 PM ET and can be seen on realclearpolitics.com. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende about the Des Moines Register's shocking weekend poll that shows Harris leading Trump in the traditionally red state of Iowa. And winding it up, Carl Cannon interviews Greg Orman, Kansas entrepreneur, author of “A Declaration of Independents,” and former independent candidate for governor and senator about how citizens of both parties should ready themselves for tomorrow’s election results, and how to look forward if their chosen candidate wins or loses.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the media response to last night’s comments by Donald Trump about Liz Cheney. They also look at new Marist polls that show Harris leading in the “Blue Wall” states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Plus, they talk about Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s firing of his school board president, who had posted antisemitic comments on social media. Also, a look at Cannon’s most recent piece for RCP on how states attorney generals are suing energy companies, using the same playbook employed against cigarette makers. Then, Andrew talks to polling expert Henry Olsen about the early vote in critical swing states and what it may tell us about November 5th. And lastly, Carl interviews RCP contributor J. Peder Zane about the consequences of Democrats calling Trump “Hitler,” and what it may mean if Trump wins the election.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss the role of unforced errors in politics and baseball, and look at the Trump campaign’s response to Joe Biden calling Trump supporters “garbage". They also talk about recent polls and Brit Hume’s views that reliance on polls has largely replaced shoe-leather campaign reporting, and not always for the better. Plus, they chat about today’s report from The New York Times on YouTube’s changing position on disinformation. And finally, Carl Cannon interviews J.T. Young about his new book Unprecedented Assault: How Big Government Unleashed America’s Socialist Left.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl review last night’s address by Kamala Harris and the reaction to President Biden’s comments calling Trump voters “garbage”. They also discuss swing-state polls and how the latest polling data affects each candidate’s path to victory in the electoral college. Then, they talk about the Washington Post‘s investigation of owner Jeff Bezos’ business interests in the wake of the paper’s decision not to endorse a presidential candidate. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Charles Lipson about his article, “The Spinal Tap Election: Everything is Turned Up to 11” and the role of democratic institutions and well-established procedures as antidotes to heightened political rhetoric.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl preview tonight’s address by Kamala Harris from the Ellipse in Washington DC and look at the reaction to Donald Trump’s Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden. They also discuss new national and swing-state polls and whether polls have gotten more accurate since 2020. Plus, they talk about Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos’ letter justifying the decision to not endorse a presidential candidate, and the uproar at CNN over an on-air argument between Republican commentator Ryan Girdusky and pro-Palestinian journalist Mehdi Hassan. Then lastly, Andrew talks to senior elections analyst Sean Trende about early voting in Nevada and whether it tells us anything about the final tally in the Silver State.
Andrew, Tom, Carl, and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Sunday’s Madison Square Garden Trump rally and the media's reaction. And, they also discuss Trump’s new lead in the RCP average of national head-to-head polls and whether it's possible for Trump to win the popular vote and lose in the electoral college. Then, they talk about Kamala Harris’ closing arguments and preview Tuesday’s address on the Ellipse and Michelle Obama’s pitch to undecided men. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Charles McElwee, editor of RealClear Pennsylvania, about where the presidential race stands in the Keystone state and what to watch for with eight days left until November 5th.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss the RCP Average of Polls which now shows Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in a tie and what that may mean as we near the final week of the campaign. They also take a look at last night’s town hall with J.D. Vance on News Nation and whether the Democrats' closing argument accusing Trump of fascism will move undecided voters in the critical swing states. Plus, The Washington Post decides not to endorse a presidential candidate and Charlie Stone talks to James Carville about the Harris campaign strategy and whether her advisers are taking his advice.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl review Kamala Harris’ appearance last night at a CNN town hall and discuss new swing state polls including two showing a tightening Senate race in Pennsylvania. They also discuss last night’s television debate among third-party candidates in Los Angeles and a New York Times story on how an NIH researcher suppressed publication of her own study of puberty blocking drugs in children because she feared its conclusions would be “weaponized” by transgender critics. Next, Carl talks to Outkick columnist Mary Katharine Hamm about the state of the election and which issues are driving voters to the polls. Then finally, Andrew talks to Bulwark contributor A.B. Stoddard about Donald Trump’s closing arguments and whether American men are ready to vote for a female President.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss new polls and whether Democrats are worried that the momentum may be turning against Harris in the final days of the presidential race. They also talk about Harris’ appearance on NBC News last night and look forward to tonight’s CNN Town Hall. Plus, a discussion of Jeffrey Goldberg’s piece in the Atlantic on Donald Trump’s alleged disdain for the military. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to Mike Leonard about tonight’s televised debate featuring third-party presidential candidates including Jill Stein (Green Party), Chase Oliver (Libertarian Party), and Randall Terry (Constitution Party.) And winding it up, Carl Cannon talks to RealClear Investigations writer Mark Hemingway about how well-financed progressive foundations are providing support for financially distressed local news organizations, and whether that will further erode public confidence in the media.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss new polling out of Georgia that shows Trump with a slight lead in the battleground state and the path to victory in the electoral college for both candidates. They also talk about the decision by CBS to not release the transcript of the 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris and the new opinion research on Arab American voters. Next, Tom Bevan talks to senior elections analyst Sean Trende about Liz Cheney, the gender gap, and both parties’ ground game. Then finally, Carl Cannon talks to RealClear Investigations writer James Varney about new EPA programs funneling huge grants to untested nonprofits.
Andrew, Carl and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss new polls that show Harris with a one-point lead in the RCP head-to-head average of polls and how both candidates are crafting policy positions aimed at appealing to narrow constituencies in the final run-up to Election Day. They also talk about this weekend’s appearance by Donald Trump at a McDonalds in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Elon Musk’s strategy to give one million dollars daily to a random swing state resident who signs his petition supporting First and Second Amendment rights. Next, Carl talks to Emily Jashinsky, host of the Undercurrents video podcast, about Kamala Harris’ outreach efforts to men and Donald Trump’s comments on Arnold Palmer’s anatomy. Then finally, Andrew talks to Henry Olsen, host of the Beyond the Polls podcast, about early voting and whether it tells us anything about what to expect in November.
