RealClearPolitics Podcast
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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the reasons behind the firing of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem yesterday. Also, the politics surrounding the murder of Stephanie Minter in Fairfax, VA by an illegal immigrant with a long history of criminality and the implications for Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, who has made Virginia a sanctuary state. Then, author and political scientist Joshua Murvachik joins the guys to discuss democratization and “nation building” in Iran, including lessons from the Iraq War and the Arab Spring. Then, finally they discuss the life of legendary college football coach Lou Holtz, who died this week at the age of 89. Plus, the guys dish up their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss President Donald Trump’s announcement that he plans to endorse a candidate in the run-off for the Republican Senate nomination in Texas, and whether Democratic Senate Candidate James Talarico’s embrace of progressive Christianity provides a new direction for the Democratic Party when it comes to religion. Next, they discuss the latest on the War in Iran, including news that Kurdish forces on the Iran/Iraq border have launched ground operations in Western Iran and today’s House vote on the War Powers Act. And latstly, John Tillman, author of the new book, “The Political Vise” joins the guys to discuss why he thinks Progressives have been more effective at controlling American politics than conservatives and what conservatives can do to regain the initiative when it comes to public debate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss the war in Iran, including this morning’s Pentagon briefing by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and JCS Chair Dan Caine. Then, RCP Senior Elections analyst Sean Trende joins the guys to discuss yesterday’s primary results from Texas and other states. And finally, they discuss Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s congressional testimony. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss Wegmann’s private phone call with President Donald Trump last night, the justifications offered by different members of the administration for the strikes on Iran and the domestic politics surrounding the Iran War. Then, General John Teichert (USAF Ret.) joins them to discuss the air war over the Middle East, what may come next, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks yesterday concerning Israel and the timing of U.S. strike on Iran. Then finally, they preview today’s primaries in Texas and discuss President Trump’s announcement that he will attend this year’s White House Correspondents Dinner. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Phil Wegmann discuss the politics of the Iran War, including remarks at this morning’s press briefing by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and JCS Chair Dan Caine. Next, James S. Robbins, Academic Dean of the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC joins the guys to discuss the global implications of the Iran War and possible outcomes. Then finally, they discuss tomorrow’s primaries in Texas and last Friday’s decision by the Pentagon to declare the AI company Anthropic a “supply chain risk” to national security. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss former President Bill Clinton’s closed-door deposition regarding his connection with Jeffery Epstein. They also talk about the fight for control of Warner Bros./Discovery ending and the winner is Paramount Skydance, with potential implications for the future of CNN. Then, Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution joins the guys to discuss what may happen next in the showdown between the US and Iran, the future of U.S./Israeli relations, and his forthcoming RCP article on the defense of Western values as a U.S. foreign policy objective. Next, they discuss Walworth’s essay on RCP today as part the series “America Turns 250,” on the little know story of how privateering made a substantial contribution to the American victory in the American Revolution. And finally, the guys share their “You Cannot be Serious” stories of the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the fallout from Tuesday’s State of the Union address and Vice President JD Vance’s new assignment to head the Administration’s “War on Fraud". Then, they discuss today’s meeting in Geneva between Chief U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff, Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Iranian diplomats. Next, they discuss Cuban authorities reporting that a boat carrying ten Cuban nationals residing in the US was intercepted by Cuban authorities last night. Four were killed in a firefight that also left one Cuban sailor wounded. Then finally, they talk about new data from Emerson College Polling showing Trump’s disapproval rate rising. Also, new numbers on potential Democratic presidential candidates in 2028, and a new poll from Pew Research that shows an increasing number of Americans are reluctant to discuss politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and presidential historian Tevi Troy discuss last night’s State of the Union address by President Donald Trump and the Democratic response by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. Then, RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende joins the guys to discuss special election results from Pennsylvania, upcoming Senate races, and the latest developments in congressional redistricting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon preview tonight’s State of the Union address by President Donald Trump and the Democratic response by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. Then, attorney and RCP contributor Richard Porter joins them to discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision on tariffs, and the state of relations between the Justices and President Trump. Next, they talk about reactions to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s new book which is being released today, and his remarks about dyslexia in Atlanta on Sunday night. And finally, they discuss President Trump ‘s invitation to the US Olympic hockey teams to attend tonight’s State of the Union address, and FBI Director Kash Patel’s trip to Milan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon are joined by White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann to discuss President Donald Trump's Board of Peace Meeting. They also talk about the Chicago Bears moving to Indiana. Then, Carl Cannon interviews Lindsay M. Chervinsky who is an American presidential historian and is the Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico’s recent online appearance with Stephen Colbert, and new polling from the California governor’s race showing Republicans doing surprisingly well in a crowded field. Then, they discuss the tragic killing of a Georgia school teacher by an illegal immigrant who sped away from ICE, and a new article in RCP by Joel Kotkin on a religious revival in the US led by millennial men and the college educated. And finally, they talk about Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) whose recent online comments regarding Muslims and dogs in New York City have led to calls for his censure. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson at age 84 and a new survey published by the American Jewish Committee showing an increase in reported acts of antisemitism in 2024. Next, they talk about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks this weekend at the Munich Security Summit and the response by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY). Then finally, they discuss Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) who accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of historical illiteracy in a recent podcast and the governor’s reaction. Plus, the guys dish up their favorite story lines from the Winter Olympics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss President Donald Trump's media habits and whether Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is cooked. Then, Tom and Carl interview guest Steve Cortes about his new short documentary on the influx of Chinese nationals at U.S. universities. Next, they discuss news that Detroit automakers lost $60 on EVs, and Disney lost $170 million on Snow White. And, the guys give up their "You Cannot Be Serious" stories for this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s House vote on The SAVE Act and the reasons for Democratic lawmakers’ opposition to voter ID. They also talk about a grand jury denying the Trump Administration’s attempt to criminally charge Senator Mark Kelly and other Democrats for a video they released last November urging American service members to disregard illegal orders from their superiors. Then, they discuss new polls in Minnesota’s Senate and Gubernatorial races. And, special election results in New Jersey’s 11th District, where progressive candidate Analilia Mejia has won the Democratic primary. Next, they discuss Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to buy property in Florida in advance of California’s vote on a 5% “wealth tax” on assets over $1 billion. And finally, Ken Griffin and Stephen Ross have put $10 million into a recently launched initiative, called “Ambition Accelerated,” that aims to bring CEOs and business leaders fleeing high tax states to South Florida. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the historically high number of retirements from Congress, its effect on the 2026 midterms, and new polls from Texas that show Democratic Senate candidate Jasmine Crockett and Republican Ken Paxton leading in their respective primary races. Then, Democratic congressional candidate Phil Andrew joins the guys to discuss the race in Illinois’ ninth district, where 15 candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination. And finally, they talk about emails recently released from the Epstein files. Also, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and three of Trump’s top immigration officials testify on the Hill as Friday’s deadline for funding the government looms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss the Seahawks Super Bowl victory, as well as the Bad Bunny vs. TPUSA dueling half time shows, and they select their Best and Worst Super Bowl ads. Then, RCP National Political Reporter Susan Crabtree joins the guys to discuss the plight of Jimmy Lai. Plus, the politics surrounding the Olympic Winter Games in Italy. Then finally, they discuss the controversy over a video posted by Donald Trump late Friday night, and later deleted, which depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as gorillas and they provide a preview of this weeks Samizdat Award Ceremony and their 2026 honorees. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the launch of the Trump RX website, the relaunch of Kamala Harris’ social media account, and the prospects of another partial government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Then, RCP contributor and author John Waters joins the guys to discuss his essay, “The American Manifesto,” co-authored with Adam Ellwanger which appears on the front page of realclearpolitics.com this morning. The article is part of “America Turns 250,” a series of RCP commissioned pieces to celebrate the 250thanniversary of the country’s founding. And finally, They chat about the Superbowl, including which half-time show they will be watching, PLUS, the guys dish up their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest developments in the search for Nancy Guthrie. Also yesterday’s NBC interview with President Donald Trump and Megyn Kelly’s interview with Vice President JD Vance. Then, Real Clear Investigations Editor J. Peder Zane joins the guys to discuss Portland, Oregon and whether voters will demand a change of policy on the problems with crime, public drug use, and homelessness that continue to plague the city. Then finally, they chat about the politics of the Winter Olympics, including ICE protests in Milan and policies over transgender athletes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss a recent Federalist article about nurses who have taken to social media to threaten MAGA supporters, ICE and others with whom they disagree politically. Also, border czar Tom Homan announced this morning that he is drawing down 700 of the 3,000 ICE agents deployed to Minneapolis. Then, RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende joins the guys to discuss President Trump’s statement that he wants the federal government to run elections and the future of the voter ID laws. And finally, they talk about California governor Gavin Newsom’s new autobiography and the announcement that The Washington Post is laying off one-third of its staff this morning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss a landmark court case in Westchester County, New York where a jury awarded $2 million to a woman who sued her doctor and psychologist for malpractice concerning their roles in a double mastectomy performed on her when she was 16 years old. Also, a Democrat won a special election in Texas for a state senate seat by 14 points in a district that President Trump carried in 2024 by 17 points. Then, RCP contributor Richard Porter joins the guys to discuss Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s “ICE on Notice” executive order, which lays the foundation for the city to prosecute federal immigration agents. And then, they talk about the decision by the Clintons to appear before the House Oversight Committee to discuss their knowledge of and relationship with Jeffery Epstein. Plus, Tom Bevan provides his review of “Melania,” the new documentary film profiling the First Lady. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the open borders messaging from last night’s Grammy Awards, including statements from Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish. Also a look at whether the Democratic Party’s embrace of defunding ICE will help or hurt them in the midterms, and the Democratic primary campaign for Senate in Illinois, where defunding ICE has become a major issue. Then, Nick Troiano, Executive Director of Unite America, joins the guys to discuss a new poll jointly conducted with RealClear Opinion Research that examines voter attitudes toward reforming the primary system, including open primaries, where all voters are able to participate in primary elections. And finally, they discuss Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s handling of the recent snowstorm and frigid weather in New York City, where a reported 14 people have died due to exposure. Plus, the debate over layoffs at The Washington Post, and whether owner Jeff Bezos has an obligation to continue supporting the paper in light of its recent record of losing $100 million a year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss this morning’s announcement that Kevin Warsh is President Trump’s choice to chair the Federal Reserve, and former CNN anchor Don Lemon’s arrest last night for his alleged role in a protest that disrupted church services in Minneapolis earlier this month. Then, Lee Ellis, author of the new book The Rational Nationalist, joins the guys to discuss how voters can improve their understanding of politics by rethinking their biases and approaching public policy with dispassion. Next, they talk about the reaction to Hillary Clinton’s article in The Atlantic published today on the need for more empathy on the part of Donald Trump and his supporters. Plus, a response to viewers’ comments, and their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week, including the debut of an original song entirely created by AI protesting Bill Belichick’s exclusion from The NFL Hall of Fame, inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s quick turnaround on his latest release, “The Streets of Minneapolis”. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Border Czar Tom Homan’s press conference this morning in Minneapolis and whether the Trump Administration and local and state authorities can compromise on ICE enforcement. Plus, Senator Amy Klobuchar’s announcement yesterday that she is running for governor of Minnesota. Then, Edward Pinto, co-director of the American Enterprise Institute Housing Center, joins the guys to discuss affordability in the U.S. housing market and what steps could be taken to lower prices for homebuyers. And finally, they discuss the new documentary film “Melania” which opens Friday, and Bruce Springsteen’s new song “Streets of Minneapolis” which he wrote this past Sunday and released yesterday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss last night's attack on Rep. Omar (D-MN) at a town hall, President Donald Trump's reaction, and possible personnel changes at the White House due to recent events in Minneapolis. Next, they discuss Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s appearance before the U.S. Senate today and the future of U.S. relations with Iran, Cuba and Venezuela. Then, they talk about today’s event at the White House to promote “Trump Bonds.” Plus, what layoffs at Amazon and UPS say about the state of the economy and the NFL Hall of Fame votes not to induct longtime Patriots coach Bill Belichick on his first year of eligibility. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss whether a compromise is possible when it comes to ICE enforcement in Minneapolis. And, Senate Democrats are now promising to shut down the government this Friday if funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection is included in the federal budget. Next, they talk about President Donald Trump’s appearance in Iowa, where he talks about affordability. And, they talk about Alex Vindman, a key figure in the 2019 impeachment case against President Trump, announcing his bid for the Democratic nomination for Senator in Florida. Then, they chat about Kanye West’s full-page ad in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal where he blamed his antisemitic remarks on a bipolar disorder resulting from a brain injury suffered more than two decades ago. Then finally, they discuss President Trump skipping the Super Bowl because he doesn’t like Bad Bunny and Green Day, and Neil Young who pulled his catalogue from Amazon in protest against Jeff Bezos and is providing a year’s worth of music and video for free to the people of Greenland. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss President Donald Trump’s announcement that Border Czar Tom Holman will go to Minneapolis to weigh in on ICE activities in the wake of the second shooting of a civilian involved in an ongoing ICE operation. Then, former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Richard Swett joins the guys to to discuss the latest negotiations for control of Greenland and the effects of U.S. policy toward Greenland and Denmark on the future of NATO. And then, they talk about the politics of this weekend’s snow and ice storm, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s photo op of himself shoveling snow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Phil Wegmann discuss today’s March For Life in Washington, DC and the role the right to life movement may play in the 2026 midterms. And, they also discuss Vice President JD Vance’s speech yesterday in Minneapolis calling for cooperation between federal and state authorities on ICE enforcement. Next, they talk about President Donald Trump’s decision to sue JP Morgan and its CEO Jamie Dimon for five billion dollars, accusing the bank of dropping him as a client due to social and political pressure after the January 6th attack on the U.S. capitol. Also, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan yesterday gave California Democrats one week to respond to the GOP’s claim that Democratically drawn redistricting in California is unconstitutional. Then, they discuss NewsNation host Chris Cumo’s video attack on CNN commentator Scott Jennings for using the term “illegal aliens.” Then finally, they chat about Don Lemon who won't be charged for his involvement in disrupting church services last Sunday in Minnesota, and of course - the guys have their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories of the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the signing of the charter for the Board of Peace today in Davos, Switzerland, and Jared Kushner’s presentation on the future rebuilding of Gaza. Then, they take a look at former special counsel Jack Smith’s testimony on Capitol Hill today, where he addressed questions about his investigation of alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents. Next, Michele Tafoya joins the guys to discuss her decision to enter the race for the Republican nomination for Senate in Minnesota. Tafoya is a former sports reporter and announced her bid for the open seat yesterday. And then finally they discuss Congress voting to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt for refusing to testify about the Jeffrey Epstein case. Plus, a look at the tenure of Bari Weiss as editor of CBS News. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss President Donald Trump’s address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland where he ruled out the use of force for the U.S. takeover of Greenland. Then, they talk about Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill, the new Democratic governors of Virginia and New Jersey respectively, and what their initial legislative moves mean for their states and for the Democratic Party. And finally, they discuss Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s new book, "Where We Keep the Light", in which he says that Kamala Harris’s campaign team asked him if he had been an Israeli agent while vetting him as a potential vice presidential candidate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the latest from The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, including remarks by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, French President Emmanuel Macron, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Also, Democrats call for the removal of President Donald Trump under the 25th amendment, citing his recent social media posts on Norway and not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Then, they talk about a new Justice Department investigation into ICE protests that disrupted services at a Minnesota church on Sunday, and Bruce Springsteen’s on-stage call for ICE to get out of Minneapolis. Next, they discuss Elon Musk’s donation of $10M in support of the campaign of Nate Morris, a businessman running for the Kentucky senate seat vacated by Mitch McConnell’s retirement. And finally, according to financial disclosure statements obtained by the North American Values Institute (NAVI), the National Education Association (NEA) spent millions of dollars of union members’ dues on “social justice-oriented” groups and causes in 2024. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
