RealClearPolitics Podcast
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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the flurry of pardons offered by both presidents, and what it means for the future. They also talk about Trump’s communications strategy and his executive orders, including emergency provisions for the border and energy. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks with Ricard Porter about Monday’s frigid inaugural events in Washington, DC. and Trump’s executive orders.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann review today’s inaugural address by President Donald Trump, as well as his remarks immediately after to supporters. They also talk about Biden’s last-minute pardons for his brothers, sister and their spouses, as well as pardons for January 6th House Committee members and others. Plus, Trump’s executive orders signed on his first day in office including those dealing with renaming the Gulf of Mexico and Mt Denali. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Andrew F. Puzder about his new book, "A Tyranny for the Good of its Victims", which argues that BlackRock, State Street, Fidelity and other large asset managers have imposed their political agendas on US public companies to the detriment of the US economy.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon look forward to Monday’s Inauguration: who will be there, who won't attend and Trump’s inaugural address. They also discuss the latest crime statistics from the Department of Justice and Heather Mac Donald’s recent piece in the City Journal where she argues that Trump must get law enforcement agencies to return to their “original missions”. Plus they chat about a new Politico article by global strategist Thomas P. M. Barnett on whether Trump’s promise of putting “America First” will morph into American expansionism, and whether that is a good idea. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP Columnist Eric Spitz about Joe Biden’s legacy, Hunter Biden’s future and the upcoming fight for the direction of the Democratic Party.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende review Wednesday’s prime time address by Joe Biden. They also discuss President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. attorney general Pam Bondi’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to name Attorney General Ashley Moody as the state’s next Senator. Plus, they also talk about the future of the social media site TikTok. Then lastly, Andrew talks to RCP Columnist Charlie Tidmarsh about President Biden’s reference to changes in Meta’s fact-checking protocol in Wednesday’s farewell address.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon preview tonight’s prime time address by Joe Biden, and discuss his last-minute actions designed to thwart the incoming Trump administration. They also talk about the politics of rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires and the costs and benefits of regulatory relief when it comes to permitting new construction in the affected areas. Plus, they discuss CNN’s handling of a billion-dollar libel suit, and MSNBC President Rashida Jones’ decision to step down amid cratering ratings and a spin-off of the cable channel from its parent company, Comcast. Then, Carl talks to National Journal White House correspondent George Condon about his experience covering the Biden Administration and what to look forward to as Donald Trump returns to power.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Tuesday's appearance by Trump Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth before the Senate Armed Services Committee. They also talk about Monday night’s release of the Justice Department’s 137-page report on Donald Trump’s alleged role in overturning the 2020 election, federal aid for California in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires, and Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal op-ed by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) who says she will work with Trump to “unrig” the US economy. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to former New York Times Pentagon correspondent and author Thom Shanker about President Biden’s speech at the US State Department on Monday, where he claimed that he was leaving incoming President Donald Trump “a very strong hand.”
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Governor Gavin Newsom’s complaint that “disinformation” threatens peoples’ safety during the Los Angeles wildfires. They also talk about Pete Hegseth’s upcoming Senate hearings and today’s speech by President Biden at the State Department, where he discussed his foreign policy legacy, saying that he is “leaving the next administration with a very strong hand”. Then finally, Carl talks with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) about his new book: "It Takes Chutzpah: How to Fight Fearlessly for Progressive Change".
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss today’s sentencing of Donald Trump in the New York records case. They also talk about the political impact of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the Los Angeles wild fires. Next, Phil Wegmann talks to Michael Sobolik of the Hudson Institute about today’s arguments before the Supreme regarding a federally mandated sale of the social media platform TikTok, and how the Trump Administration will treat China and Beijing’s involvement in the Panama Canal. And lastly, RealClear contributor Peter Berkowitz talks to Carl Cannon about how US foreign policy will change under the second Trump Administration.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and Emily Jashinsky, Washington correspondent for Unherd and host of the Youtube show “Undercurrents,” discuss today’s memorial service for Jimmy Carter at Washington’s National Cathedral. Then, they talk about Meta’s decision to end third-party fact checking for its social media platforms and what impact it will have on journalism and on the fact-checking industry. Next, they discuss Trump’s meeting on Wednesday with GOP Senators, and the push to get workers to return to the office full-time, a movement resisted by some Gen Z employees who are used to working remotely. And finally, RCP national correspondent Susan Crabtree and Andrew Walworth discuss how California governor Gavin Newsom and President-Elect Donald Trump have engaged over the Los Angeles wildfires.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Susan Page’s USA Today interview with outgoing President Joe Biden, who claims he could have beaten Donald Trump in November and regrets not doing more to counter disinformation. They also talk about Meta’s decision to end third-party fact checking for its social media platforms and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to reserve $25 million for legal fees to help his state fight the federal government under Donald Trump. Next, RealClear Investigations writer Aaron Mate talks with Carl Cannon about massive redactions made to the FBI’s recently released report on the agency’s probe of claims that President Donald Trump was a Russian agent. And finally, Charles McElwee, Editor of RealClear Pennsylvania, and Andrew Walworth discuss next steps in the saga over Nippon Steel’s plans to acquire U.S. Steel, a merger that has been denied by the Biden Administration.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss today’s press conference by President-Elect Donald Trump where he talked about the Panama Canal, January 6th pardons, Middle East hostages and other issues. They also take a look at the status of current legal actions against Trump. Next, they discuss who Governor Ron DeSantis is considering to replace Marco Rubio as Florida’s next senator and, on its first day in session, the new U.S. Congress passes the Laken Riley Act aimed at cracking down on illegal immigrants who commit crimes. Plus, they chat about legacy of President Jimmy Carter who is lying in state at the Capitol. Then finally, Andrew welcomes James Freeman, assistant editor of The Wall Street Journal's editorial page and author of the weekday “Best of the Web” column, to discuss Greenland’s future.
Andrew Walworth is joined by RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann to discuss today’s certification of election results on Capitol Hill, as well as the future of pardons for the January 6th defendants. Then, they talk about the announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that he is resigning as head of the Liberal Party and how that will affect US/Canadian relations in the future. Next, they chat about what happens next on Capitol Hill concerning legislation dealing with immigration, taxes and energy. And they take a look at President Biden’s visit to New Orleans today to meet with victims of the recent terrorist attack in the French Quarter. Then, wrapping it up, RCP contributor Charlie Stone interviews Jon Long and Ford Fischer, the creators of the documentary “Fight Like Hell,” which chronicles the events leading up to and including January 6, 2021. The documentary (https://www.fightlikehellmovie.org/) features never-before-seen footage and attempts to cover J6 without bias.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the drama behind today’s vote for Speaker in the House and they look at Senator John Thune (R-SD), the new Senate Majority Leader. They also talk about Thursday’s recognition by Joe Biden of former Rep. Liz Cheney for her role in investigating Donald Trump and the activities of January 6th and the GOP reaction. Plus, Thursday’s New York Times article on the increasing threat of danger for New York City subway riders, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says alcoholic beverages should carry cancer warnings to increase awareness that drinking is now a leading cause of preventable cancer. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to commentator Stephen Moore about President Biden’s announcement that he will stop the $15 billion takeover of U.S. Steel by the Japanese company Nippon Steel.
First - Andrew Walworth and Carl Cannon interview political scientist Lara Brown on Biden’s legacy. Then, Andrew talks to Jay Bhatacharia who is a Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economics Research. They have a discussion about free speech. Next, Tom Bevan chats with author and political scientist Charles Lipson on big winners and losers of the past year. And finally, Carl speaks with Columnist Miranda Devine on winning the Samizdat award.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon look back at 2024 to discuss the most important political stories of the year. Then, they talk about the event, story or trend that most surprised them in the year just past. Next, they discuss the reporters and columnists who provided great coverage or commentary in 2024. And winding it up, they talk about the political winners and losers of the year, and look forward to who is positioned to gain political ground in 2025.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss whether an online fight over visas for tech workers indicates a deeper division within the Trump coalition. Also, a look at President Biden’s job approval ratings as he prepares to leave office. Plus, they talk about February’s contest to see who will head the Democratic Party, and a look ahead at the current contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Next, Tom Bevan talks with RCP Contributor Charles H. Lipson, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Chicago, reviewing the ups and downs of politics in 2024. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Jerry Rogers, Editor of RealClear Health and RealClear Policy about what Trump nominees Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Jay Bhattacharya and others will mean for healthcare policy in 2025.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss recent reports that House Republicans are complaining to President-Elect Donald Trump about Speaker Johnson’s performance. But is there anyone who can replace him? They also talk about a recent interview by Tucker Carlson of Teamster President Sean O’Brien who says Harris told Teamsters “I’m going to win with or without you.” Plus, a look at Donald Trump’s Christmas Eve message to 37 death row inmates issued clemency by Joe Biden and a new poll that shows seven out of ten Democrats are consuming less news in the wake of the election and declining ratings for CNN and MSBC. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Education editor Nathan Harden about President Biden’s recent activity around student loans, including a decision to provide additional relief to public sector workers.
First, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about the hit movie Gladiator II, and whether it is an allegory for Donald Trump’s political comeback. Then, Carl Cannon talks to Tevi Troy, senior fellow at the Ronald Regan Institute and the author of "The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry” about what Joe Biden can get done in the less than seven weeks left in his presidency. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to author James Piereson about his New Criterion article on why Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency should target the N.E.D., and why it's so hard to shut down any government-funded operation. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Wall Street Journal columnist William Galston about the future of the N.E.D., which is reportedly targeted by Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency for elimination.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the release of the House Ethics Committee report on Matt Gaetz and what it means for his political career. Also, Donald Trump’s pursuit of the Panama Canal, which was transferred to Panamanian control in 1999, and his hopes to annex Greenland. Plus, they discuss whether pharmaceutical advertising should be banned from television, a move favored by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk. Also, a look at the revelation that 81-year-old Rep. Kay Granger (R.- TX) has been residing in Texas senior living facility and has not voted on the House floor since July. And winding it up they talk about the politics of President Biden’s two-track approach to student loan forgiveness.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the influence wielded by Elon Musk, especially in regard to the Congressional budget process. They also talk about a new Newsweek article by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Chair of the House Progressive Caucus, on how the Democrats can regain power by “unrigging” the system and Politifact’s annual poll of its readers, ranking ten whoppers told by politicians over the past year. Next, Tom speaks with White House reporter Phil Wegmann about America Fest. Then finally, in his most recent interview for the video series “The Unknowns,” RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks to legal analyst and journalist Jack Ford about the defense’s strategy in the upcoming trial of Luigi Mangione for the murder of healthcare executive Brian Thompson.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Trump’s rejection of Congress’ Continuing Budget Resolution and what it means for Speaker Mike Johnson’s future. They also talk about a new article from the Wall Street Journal on operations at the White House during the Biden administration, and how the staff reportedly adjusted the president’s schedule and availabilities to compensate for his declining health. Plus, they chat about George Stephanopoulos' new contract at ABC News in the wake of the company’s decision to settle President-elect Trump’s defamation suit and they look at the Amazon strike and Trump’s relations with the Teamsters. Then finally, Andrew talks about new developments in drone warfare with Thom Shanker, former Pentagon correspondent for the New York Times and co-author of the book, "Age of Danger: Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons and New Threats".
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss how the leaders of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have rejected the congressional Continuing Budget Resolution and a new report from The House Administration Subcommittee that accuses former Rep. Liz Cheney of engaging in witness tampering during the Jan. 6 House investigation. They chat about Rahm Emmanuel’s recent op-ed outlining a comeback strategy for the Democratic Party and take a look at the political travails of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Plus, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributor Eric Spitz about public reaction to the Hunter Biden pardon.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss whether Trump will force federal workers to end remote work, and a new Emerson Poll shows that 41 percent of Americans under 30 think the murder of healthcare executive Brian Thompson was “acceptable. They also talk about CNN reporter Clarissa Ward’s blockbuster video report from a Syrian jail - a report that turned out to be false. The man she helped “free” from the prison has since been identified as a first lieutenant in Syrian air force intelligence with a long history of alleged war crimes. Next, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) discuss Congress' last minute efforts to pass a continuing budget resolution, an end of the year spending bill that Roy condemns as "a blank check." Roy also provides a behind-the-scenes look at a recent meeting with Elon Musk and members of Congress. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Fox News Senior Political Analyst Juan Williams about Trump’s agenda and the challenges he will face from Republicans and Democrats during his first 100 days. Also a preview of Williams’ latest book, "New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement".
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss the Trump presser, the Army-Navy game, and Trump's nominations. They also talk about Kamala Harris running for CA Governor and the ABC News settlement with Trump. Next, Tom Bevan talks with Sean Trende about Trump's positive transition ratings and the 2026 midterms. And wrapping it up, Carl Cannon chats with Charles Lipson about the mysterious drone sightings.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon talk about TIME magazine’s new cover article on Donald Trump and a new report on the FBI’s involvement in the events of January 6th, and media coverage of the report's revelations. They also discuss how Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin has changed her mind about the danger of the national debt, and drone sightings have spread beyond New Jersey to neighboring states. What does the government know? And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP contributor Charlie Tidmarsh, author of the “This Week in Censorship” column, about the State Department’s closing of the Global Engagement Center, and Jay Bhatacharya’s nomination to head the National Institutes of Health.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss news that President Joe Biden will commute the sentences of 1,500 people and pardon 39 more, amid speculation that preemptive pardons are planned for Dr. Anthony Fauci and other top policymakers. Also, under pressure from Donald Trump, FBI Director Christopher Wray announces that he’ll step down before serving his full term. They also talk about Trump’s announcement that he wants Arizona’s Kari Lake to head the US government’s international broadcasting agency. Plus, Meta, parent company to Facebook and Instagram, will donate $1 million to help fund Trump’s inaugural festivities, a move viewed as a signal that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wants to work with the incoming Trump administration. Next, Carl Cannon talks to RealClear Science editor Ross Pomeroy about Trump’s nominees to head two key health agencies. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Wall Street Journal columnist William Galston about the future of the N.E.D., which is reportedly targeted by Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency for elimination.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss recent statements by Congressional Democrats who say they look forward to working with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to cut government waste, especially at the Pentagon. They also chat about whether Donald Trump can end birthright citizenship, or whether the 14th Amendment to the Constitution blocks him from doing so and they examine whether President Biden should give blanket pardons to government officials he fears will be persecuted by Donald Trump. Plus, N. Y. District Attorney Alvin Bragg is up for election in 2025. Will he face a challenger? Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about the hit movie Gladiator II, and whether it is an allegory for Donald Trump’s political comeback.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss what we now know about the background and political views of Luigi Mangione, the suspected assassin of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, and the public's reaction to the latest news about the murder. They also ponder the reason why Democratic senators have so far declined to meet with Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard. Next, Andrew and Carl talk to political scientist Lara M. Brown about Tuesday’s speech by President Biden at the Brooking Institution where he defended his administration’s economic record. Also, a look at how the Biden presidency will be remembered by historians. Then, RealClearInvestigations reporter Julie Kelly and Carl Cannon discuss her recent RCP article outlining how the Justice Department has pressed forward with arresting and trying January Sixth Defendants, despite President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to pardon some of them.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the politics of two criminal cases that have captured public attention, the collapse of Assad regime in Syria, and reactions to comments Trump made to Kristen Welker in a major network interview. Next, Tom talks to founder and past president of the Democratic Leadership Council: Al From, about lessons from Bill Clinton’s rise in the early 1990s. And finally, Carl talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about the challenges of covering Joe Biden as he prepares to wind down his administration.
Andrew, Tom and Washington correspondent for UnHerd - Emily Jashinsky, discuss online and mainstream media commentary following the brutal murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including remarks that rationalize the assassination as a “reality check” for oligarchs. They also talk about a report by The Washington Post citing analysts who say the Trump Administration will shift its anti-terror activities away from white supremacists and other far-right groups. Plus, New York City Mayor Eric Adams will meet with Tom Holman next week, signaling a change in New York's status as a sanctuary city. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should seek congressional authorization to achieve sweeping governmental reorganization. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to author James Piereson about his New Criterion article on why Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency should target the N.E.D., and why it's so hard to shut down any government-funded operation.
