RealClearPolitics Podcast
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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Kamala Harris’ campaign appearance at the US border with Mexico today and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit at the White House yesterday and meeting with Donald Trump this morning in New York City. They also talk about Phil’s exclusive reporting on the conflict between the Heritage Foundation, which sponsored Project 2025, and the initiative’s former director Paul Dans. Then, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP national political correspondent Susan Crabtree about her latest stories on the Secret Service, including recent House members’ saying that the agency’s unwillingness to deploy aerial drones played a factor in both recent assassination attempts against Donald Trump and the latest on a Secret Service agent accused earlier this week of sexual assault against a Harris staffer. And wrapping it up, RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks to John P. Burke - president of Trek Bicycles about his latest book "A Bold Plan for America: 14 Nonpartisan Solutions Based on the Facts".
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss Kamala Harris’ first solo network news interview conducted last night by Stephanie Ruhle on MSNBC and they chat about Harris’ decision to visit the US/Mexican border tomorrow. Then, they talk about the new poll results that show growing Democratic strength in Texas and the announcement this morning that New York Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted for accepting illegal campaign contributions from overseas sources. Next, Carl talks to RCP contributor Bill Whelan of the Hoover Institution about California, politics, and baseball. And finally, Andrew talks to historian Jay Cost, author of "Democracy or Republic? The People and the Constitution" about the history of America’s two party system, and the effect that Donald Trump has had on the GOP.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss Kamala Harris’ economic policy speech delivered today in Pittsburgh and look forward to her first solo television network interview which will be conducted tomorrow by Stephanie Ruhle on MSNBC. They also talk about the new poll results from Gallup showing for the first time in 30 years; Republicans lead Democrats in terms of party affiliation during the third quarter of an election year. Plus, they have a discussion of Jamie Dimon’s announcement that he will not back either presidential candidate in November’s election. Next, Tom Bevan talks with RCP national political correspondent Susan Crabtree about her story today that a Secret Service agent has been accused of sexual assault against a staffer who works for Vice President Kamala Harris. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Catholic University professor Jakub Grygiel about tomorrow’s White House meeting between President Biden and Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and what Zelensky’s “Victory Plan” might entail.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss President Biden’s appearance today at the United Nations and Donald Trump’s speech in Savannah, Georgia where he focused on taxes and economic policy. They also chat about RCP’s “This Day in History” feature which allows users to compare polling averages across the last 3 presidential elections. Plus, they have a discussion about Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelinsky’s comments criticizing Trump and J.D. Vance and his visit to Scranton, Pennsylvania to tour a US munitions factory making missiles used in the Ukraine War. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP contributor Selena Zito about the state of the presidential and senatorial races in the swing state of Pennsylvania. And finally, six weeks before Election Day, Tom Bevan talks with RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende about national and swing state polls.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss Kamala Harris’ decision to not attend the traditional Al Smith Dinner in New York and the politics of a second presidential debate before Election Day. They also chat about today’s release of a letter written by the alleged Trump assassin and Joe Biden’s appearance tomorrow at the United Nations annual meeting in New York. Next, Carl interviews Patricia Murphy of the Atlanta Constitution about the state of the presidential race in the key battleground state of Georgia. And lastly, Andrew talks to Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution about the intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and the Pentagon announcement that the US will deploy additional troops to the Middle East.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP contributor and host of The Unknowns Charlie Stone discuss Kamala Harris’ virtual campaign event with Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump’s appearance at the Israeli American Council National Summit in Washington, DC. They also talk about how the Harris campaign is outspending the Trump campaign by a factor of 20 to 1 on digital advertising and today’s unanimous House vote to improve protections for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House reporter Phil Wegmann about whether Democrats are moderating their campaign rhetoric in the wake of a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump. And finally, Andrew Walworth speaks to RealClear Investigations contributor Julie Kelly about the Justice Department’s treatment of January Sixth defendants and whether the tempo of J-6 arrests has increased in recent months for political purposes.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Unherd Washington correspondent Emily Jashinsky discuss the Teamster Union’s decision to endorse neither presidential candidate in this year’s election and new polls that show housing costs are of rising concern among swing state voters. They also talk about new polling from Howard University that shows Kamala Harris doing better among Black voters in swing states and news that some Chicago teachers report that they have been instructed to pass immigrant students regardless of their academic performance. Next, Carl Cannon talks with Michael Bright, CEO of Structured Finance Association, about the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates and its impact on the economy and the upcoming election. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to journalist A.B. Stoddard of the Bulwark about Donald Trump’s recent allegation that November’s election may be compromised by the US Postal Service’s ability to handle mail-in ballots and the response by US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.
Andrew, Tom, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Kamala Harris’ appearance yesterday at the National Association of Black Journalists and the new reporting of voter preferences in the swing states. They also talk about an exchange between Peter Doocy of Fox News and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre about toning down rhetoric in the wake of a second assassination attempt on the life of Donald Trump. Also, they chat about Senator Josh Hawley receiving an endorsement from a Missouri labor union. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to defense expert James S. Robbins about the strategic impact of today’s news that Hezbollah radios are now exploding, following Tuesday’s carnage from exploding pagers used by the terrorist organization. They also discuss the state of US-led ceasefire talks in the Gaza War, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s reaction to the latest setback for Hezbollah in Lebanon. And then, Carl Cannon talks with Tim Shriver, founder and CEO of UNITE, about the state of political speech in America and what his organization is doing to try to improve our civic dialogue.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss the latest news on the second assassination attempt on Donald Trump and look at brand new polls from Pennsylvania and other swing states. They also talk about Hillary Clinton’s remarks to MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow last night regarding criminal charges against purveyors of what she calls disinformation, plus the new feature film “Am I Racist?” from Matt Walsh of The Daily Wire. Next, Tom Bevan talks with RCP senior election analyst Sean Trende about the state of the race with seven weeks to go to Election Day. And lastly, Carl Cannon talks with National Journal White House correspondent George Condon about Donald Trump and presidential rhetoric.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss the political impact of the second assassination attempt on Donald Trump and calls for politicians of both parties to tone down their rhetoric. They also talk about Kamala Harris’ first solo television interview on a local ABC affiliate in Pennsylvania last Friday, and J.D. Vance’s appearances on several Sunday shows this past weekend, including an interview with Dana Bash of CNN. Then, Tom Bevan talks with RCP national political correspondent Susan Crabtree about the performance of the Secret Service during Sunday’s assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and whether Trump is receiving adequate protection from future attacks. And finally, Carl Cannon talks with author Joseph Sweeney, veteran CIA lawyer, about his new book: “Dangerous Injustice: How Democrats Weaponized the DOJ to Protect Biden and Persecute Trump.”
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the suggestion by Democratic strategist Mark Penn that ABC News conduct an external review of the network’s conduct of this week’s presidential debate. They also look forward to the vice presidential debate scheduled for October 1st and they talk about the potential impact of a government shutdown on competitive House races and the risk of escalation in Ukraine War if the US and Britain loosen restrictions to allow deeper strikes within Russian territory. Next, Carl Cannon talks with Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service reporter, about media coverage of religious issues and the relationship between evangelicals and Donald Trump. Then finally, RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks with former CNN journalist Andrea Koppel about her career choices and life lessons learned in the shadow of a famous father.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss who won the presidential debate and whether winning the debate will translate into a victory in the election. They also talk about the latest swing state polls which show a tight race between Trump and Harris and John Kirby’s statements on veterans who criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Plus, the potential impact of Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris and the importance of celebrity endorsements overall. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to political scientist Lara M. Brown about the upcoming vice presidential debate scheduled for October 1st and whether today’s good economic news is arriving in time to help Kamala Harris and her fellow Democrats win in November. Then winding it up, Carl Cannon talks with Bill Whalen of the Hoover Institution about California politics, earthquakes, political debates, and baseball.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss last night’s presidential debate and its impact on the 2024 election. They also talk about the performance of ABC debate hosts David Muir and Linsey Davis and whether the two candidates will agree to a second debate. Plus, the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the US and whether the national unity of that moment can be recaptured in today’s era of fractious politics. Then finally, Andrew Walworth interviews national security expert Thom Shanker, author of “Age of Danger,” about 9/11 and how it shaped America’s response to terrorism and other security threats.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss the potential impact of tonight’s presidential debate and the Harris campaign’s addition of “policy pages” to its website. They also talk about the state of the race for the Senate including contests in Florida, Ohio, Montana, Maryland and Texas. Next, Andrew talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about how the White House is handling the press since Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket. And finally, Carl talks with Democratic strategist Lanny Davis about the stakes for both Trump and Harris in tonight’s presidential debate.
Andrew, Tom, and RCP national political correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss the latest New York Times/Sienna poll which shows Trump slightly ahead of Harris among likely voters. They also look forward to tomorrow’s presidential debate and talk about Donald Trump’s changing position on marijuana legalization and the latest revelations regarding the Iranian plans to assassinate Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley. Next, Tom talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about his recent RCP interview with former Vice President Mike Pence and Pence’s advice for how Trump should debate Kamala Harris. And lastly, Andrew talks to Charles Kupchan of the Council on Foreign Relations about Donald Trump’s isolationist foreign policy and how Democrats should respond.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Emily Jashinsky, Washington correspondent for the UnHerd website, look forward to next week’s presidential debate and discuss new polls that show some tightening Senate races. They also talk about the return of anti-Israeli protests on US campuses and media coverage of J. D. Vance’s comments on this week’s school shooting in Georgia. Next, Tom Bevan talks to pollster David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center about where third-party and undecided voters will ultimately land in November’s election. And lastly, Andrew Walworth talks to Charlie Tidmarsh, who writes the “This Week in Censorship” column for RCP, about a new op-ed by the publisher of the New York Times on Donald Trump’s threat to the free press, as well as Brazil’s banning of the X platform and Elon Musk’s response.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss Donald Trump’s announcement today that if elected he’ll name Elon Musk to head a commission on government efficiency, and whether Democrats or Republicans now have a better get-out-the-vote effort for the November election. They also talk about the Biden Justice Department’s allegation that Vladimir Putin is trying to sway voters in favor of Donald Trump and how much influence Russia really has over US political discourse. Plus, a look at how corporations like Ford, Harley-Davidson, and Lowes are retreating from their embrace of political correctness. Next, Andrew talks to political consultant and pollster Ron Faucheux about his advice for both Trump and Harris in next week’s presidential debate. And finally, Carl talks with author and former National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot about his new book, “The Biden Harris Betrayal: Weak, Woke on the World Stage.”
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss new swing state polls from CNN and whether Harris can win with a “vibes” strategy that avoids making specific policy proposals. They also talk about the effect of recent immigration on the US economy, and how immigration features in the presidential race. Plus, they chat about Tim Walz’ brother who has commented on the Democratic vice-presidential nominee’s fitness for office. Is the media giving the Walz family fair coverage compared to other candidates’ family stories? Next, Tom talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about the critical Senate race in Pennsylvania. And finishing up, Andrew talks to former state department official Peter Berkowitz about the Biden/Harris administration’s approach to peace talks in the Middle East in the wake of this weekend’s murder by Hamas of six hostages, including the 23-year-old American civilian, Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl talk about the Trump/Harris race and look forward to key political events in September. They discuss whether the accusations of Harris changing her accent are a legitimate campaign issue. They also talk about Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz’ avoidance of a press question about the six hostages killed by Hamas in Gaza and the Harris campaign’s attack on Green presidential candidate Jill Stein as a “useful idiot” of Russia. Then, Tom talks to RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende about the presidential race and what factors will be critical to victory in November. And lastly, Carl talks to Lanhee Chen, former policy director for the Romney-Ryan presidential campaign, about politics in the state of California.
On this special Labor Day edition of RealClearPolitics, Andrew Walworth interviews presidential historian Tevi Troy on his new book, “The Power and the Money,” about the changing relationship between leading corporate CEOs and American presidents. Then, Tom Bevan interviews Andrew Parasiliti from Al-Monitor about the future of the Middle East and America’s policy options in the region. Next, Carl Cannon talks to former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D. RI) about his efforts to help American families deal with addiction to prescription medication. And finally, RCP contributor Charlie Stone interviews retired journalist Frank Beaman about his experience covering the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, including his encounter with Abbie Hoffman and the Yippies.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss last night’s television CNN interview with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz conducted by Dana Bash, and J.D. Vance’s response to Harris’ comments. They then discuss why IVF has emerged as an issue in this year’s presidential contest, and Donald Trump’s statement yesterday that he did not support a six-week abortion ban in Florida. Also, a look at whether the presidential debate could be derailed by disagreement over whether or not to mute the on-stage mics. Andrew Walworth and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Kamala Harris’ response to questions about identity politics during last night’s CNN interview, and talk about President Biden’s plans to return to the campaign trail next week. And then Carl Cannon talks to CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen about foreign policy challenges facing the next president.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss tonight’s scheduled CNN interview with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, including questions suggested for interviewer Dana Bash by the Trump campaign. Plus, they also talk about new swing state polls and the Supreme Court ruling rejecting President Biden’s appeal for student loan relief. Then, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP National Political Correspondent Susan Crabtree about her new reporting on Iranian plots to infiltrate US security services. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributor Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution about censorship of social media platforms.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss tomorrow’s long-awaited television interview with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on CNN and new polls that show Republican Larry Hogan tied with Democrat Angela Alsobrooks in the Maryland senate race. They also talk about Jack Smith’s revised indictment of Donald Trump and the controversy over Trump’s appearance at the memorial service of 13 US service members killed by a suicide bomber at the Kabul Airport during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Then, Andrew Walworth interviews presidential historian Tevi Troy about his new book, “The Power and the Money,” about the changing relationship between leading CEOs and American Presidents. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributor James Varney about his recent RealClear Investigations series on the billions of dollars paid out to victims of sex abuse by public school districts across the country.
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, and Sean Trende discuss the 3 big questions about the election, the Harris/ Trump dueling campaign ads, and the border wall. They also talk about the controversy over the ABC presidential debate and Mark Zuckerberg's letter to Congress. Then finally, Carl interviews Greg Orman about RFK Jr.'s endorsement of Donald Trump.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl talk about the reaction to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s endorsement of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance’s recent appearances on the Sunday talk shows. They also discuss how both the Harris and Trump campaigns are jockeying for position in advance of the upcoming presidential debate on ABC News and President Biden’s role in both leading the country and in the Harris campaign. Then, Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Donald Trump’s speech today marking the third anniversary of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. (which left 13 US service members dead). And lastly, Carl Cannon talks to Democratic consultant Dane Strother about the aftermath of the DNC and the Harris campaign strategy going forward.
Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon go over how the DNC went and the reactions to it. They also talk about RFK Jr.'s big announcement that he is dropping out of the race and endorsing Trump. Then, we flashback to a few segments from this past week at the DNC: Tom, Andy, and Carl talk with Juan Williams - Fox news analyst and The Hill columnist on the significance/history related to Rev. Jesse Jackson being honored at the convention. Tom, Andy, Carl, and RCP's Susan Crabtree talk about the word "freedom" which has become one of the themes of the campaign. (But has the meaning shifted?) And finally, Tom, Andy, Carl, and RCP's Adeline Von Drehle speak with Jim Freeman of the Wall Street Journal. They discuss the optics of the convention including Barack and Michelle Obama and Second Gentlemen Doug Emhoff.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon, Tom Bevan, Philip Wegmann, and Grace Creek Media producer Alex Walworth discuss last night’s convention addresses by Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey. Then the panel discusses vice presidential nominee Tim Walz’ address and look forward to tonight’s speech by Kamala Harris. RCP reporter Adeline Von Drehle joins the panel to discuss whether star power at the Democratic Convention translates into votes at the ballot box and the Democrat’s new positioning of the abortion issue. And finally, the panel looks forward to political life after the conventions and the run-up to November’s election.
Andrew, Tom, Carl, White House correspondent Phil Wegmann, and Un-herd Washington correspondent Emily Jashinsky discuss RFK Jr.’s decision to drop out of the race. They also talk about the latest polls and Donald Trump’s appearance yesterday in a town that the DNC calls the home of the KKK in Michigan. Next, Adeline Von Drehle and James Freeman of the Wall Street Journal discuss the Obama’s appearance last night at the Democratic National Convention. And finally, the panel discusses the economics of the Democratic platform and the heightened role of “influencers” at the DNC.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon, White House reporter Phil Wegmann, and national correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss last night’s addresses by Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. The panel also talks about the rhetoric of the Harris campaign, including the Democrats’ use of “freedom,” a word that had been largely identified with the G0P. Next, they look forward to tonight’s speeches by Barrack and Michelle Obama. And finally, Susan Crabtree reports on the latest news about her investigation of the Secret Service and the upcoming congressional investigation into the agency, spurred largely by her reporting.
Broadcasting Live from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann look forward to the big speech by President Joe Biden and discuss Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. They also talk about the latest polls and the importance of Pennsylvania to the presidential race. Next, Columnist and author Juan Williams joins the panel to discuss the legacy of Jesse Jackson, who will be celebrated at the Democratic Convention and the evolution of race and identity politics in the Democratic Party. And finally, Independent television producer and reporter Alex Walworth joins the panel to discuss the protests at the Democratic Convention including those by pro-abortion activists and pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
