RealClearPolitics Podcast
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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.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss new reporting that the White House is considering issuing “preemptive pardons” for government officials who might be targeted by the new Trump administration. On the list for blanket pardons for illegal acts that may have been committed during the Biden presidency: retired general Mark Milley, former GOP Representative Liz Cheney, Senator Elect Adam Schiff and Dr. Anthony Fauci. They also talk about Mitt Romney’s exit from the Senate and the LPGA’s decision to require tour golfers to be female at birth or to have transitioned before the onset of puberty. Then, Tom Bevan and RCP National Correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss Thursday’s contentious House hearing on the two assassination attempts against Donald Trump, which devolved into a screaming match between Rep. Pat Fallon (R.-TX) and Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe. And finally, 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.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss today’s oral arguments at the US Supreme Court challenging a Tennessee law that bars “gender affirming care” on minors. The Biden Administration is arguing that the law discriminates on the basis of sex and is therefore unconstitutional. The Court seems skeptical. They also talk about Penelope Hegseth’s appearance this morning on Fox News explaining her 2018 email to her son accusing him of being an “abuser of women.” Pete Hegseth was on Capitol Hill Wednesday meeting with Senators in advance of his confirmation hearings and told Megyn Kelly in an exclusive interview that he is the right person to lead the Pentagon and retains Donald Trump’s support. Plus, they also discuss the result of the final House race which has been announced: Adam Gray won California's 13th Congressional District, unseating incumbent Republican John Duarte. That means that the GOP will hold 220 seats to the Democrats 215, but with some GOP members nominated to fill positions in the Trump administration, the Republican’s operating majority will be even slimmer, at least for the critical first few months of the new administration. Then lastly, Carl Cannon talks to John Maxwell Hamilton, RCP columnist and Journalism Professor at LSU, about how Democrats should deal with a second Trump administration, and whether a Trumpian revolution will really “Make America Great Again.”
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss reporting by Jane Meyer in The New Yorker on Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s tenure running two non-profit organizations, which includes allegations of drinking, sexism and poor management. They then discuss reporting by Sohrab Ahamri in Compact Magazine that rebuts The New Yorker’s claims. Plus, they have a look at Kevin Dowd’s guest column in the Sunday edition of The New York Times. They also talk about President Biden’s trip to Angola where he talked about slavery, and Donald Trump’s plans to attend this weekend’s celebration of the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, where he will join more than 50 other world leaders. Next, Carl discusses Hunter Biden’s history with one of his former classmates, RCP contributor and CEO of Rootz.ai, Eric Spitz. Then finally, Andrew talks to James S. Robbins, Academic Dean of the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC about the war in Syria and how Donald Trump’s Middle East policy will differ from that of Joe Biden's.
Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the reaction to Hunter Biden’s pardon, and what it may mean for Biden’s legacy. They also talk about the nomination of Kash Patel to head the FBI, and MSNBC’s reaction to revelations that host Al Sharpton’s foundation received $500 thousand from the Harris campaign just days before he conducted a friendly interview with her on the network. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to New York Post writer Miranda Devine, author of Laptop from Hell, about why Joe Biden decided to pardon Hunter now and whether other pardons will come in the future. And then Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about how the White House press office is dealing with the Hunter Biden pardon.
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.
