RealClearPolitics Podcast
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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon preview tomorrow’s Democratic Senate primary in Illinois, where abolishing ICE has emerged as a key talking point for all three leading candidates. They also take a look at Janet Mills, the 78-year-old governor of Maine who is running for the Democratic nomination for Senate. Then, they discuss President Donald Trump’s recent comments on America’s allies and their reluctance to send support units to open the Straits of Hormuz, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s statement this morning that the President may delay his scheduled end-of-the-month trip to China if the war is still going on. And finally they talk about last night’s Oscar Awards show, U.S. golfer Cameron Young’s win at the 2026 Players Championship, the U.S. victory over the Domincan Republic in the World Baseball Classic and the start of March Madness. 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, RCP White House reporter Phil Wegmann and RCP national political correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss Medicare corruption in California, the investigation into video ads produced featuring Kristi Noem while she headed the Department of Homeland Security, and the upcoming California governors’ debate. Then, Ben Weingarten, contributor at RealClear Investigations, joins Andrew, Carl, and Phil to discuss his recent article on Don Lemon’s arrest for allegedly disrupting a St. Paul church service, and whether journalists and legal observers should be shielded from prosecution. Next, they discuss yesterday’s bipartisan passage in the Senate of a new housing bill, and whether it will achieve its goal of making homes more affordable. Then finally, the guys share 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 Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) who announced this morning that he would seek an 18th term in Congress at the age of 85, amid reports that he was planning to withdraw in hopes of handing his seat to his daughter. Also, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) reversed his opposition to ending the filibuster in the Senate in order to secure passage of the Save America Act, claiming the decision was not affected by his hope for President Donald Trump’s endorsement in the upcoming run-off election against his challenger, State Attorney General Ken Paxton, for the Republican Senate nomination in Texas. Then, Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution joins the guys to discuss today’s announcement by Iran’s new supreme leader that the Straits of Hormuz will remain closed, last night’s statement by President Trump that the Iran War had already been won, and the future of the world energy market. Next, they talk about today’s article in The Washington Post concerning Sen. Markwayne Mullen (R-OK) which reports that he once hired a felon who illegally stored guns at one of Mullins’ facilities. Mullen is slated to testify before Congress next week seeking confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security. Plus, a new music video featuring the AI generated character Tilly Norwood has been released encouraging Hollywood to embrace artificial intelligence, just in time for this year’s Oscar weekend. 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 RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss extreme partisanship and the Iran War, including how Senators comment following White House briefings. Also, the closing of The Straits of Hormuz and how the price of oil will affect Administration decision making on the war. Then, RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende joins the team to discuss yesterday’s special election results from Georgia, new polling in the California governor’s race, and President Donald Trump’s trip today to Kentucky and Ohio. Next, they discuss Starbucks’ decision to relocate executive offices to Nashville and company founder Howard Schultz’ decision to move to Miami in advance of Washington State passing a new tax on millionaires. And lastly, they talk about the recognition of New York City’s police for heroism during this Saturday’s attempted bombing outside of Gracie Mansion. 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 press conference last night on the Iran War and Vice President JD Vance’s political future. Then, Richard Porter joins them to discuss medical innovation when it comes to treating cancer and what steps could be taken to improve innovation in the healthcare industry. Next, they talk about new polling in the Maine Senate race, where Republican Susan Collins will likely face off against either Graham Platner or Governor Janet Mills. Then finally, they discuss, the AI program called Claude which provides surprising answers when prompted to discuss converting to Christianity. 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 on the War in Iran, including rising oil prices, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s remarks from last night on “Sixty Minutes,” and Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) comments on the future of Cuba. Then, Jeffrey Gedmin, President of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, discusses the future of public diplomacy following this weekend’s judicial ruling that last spring Kari Lake was not legally authorized to cut jobs and funding at Voice of America and other government-funded broadcasting agencies. And, they discuss reports that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife – Rama Duwaji – posted “likes” to social media posts critical of Israel in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, including one that called New York Times’ reporting on rapes by Hamas “a hoax.” Also, they talk about the GOP gathering today for their annual policy conference to discuss the party’s legislative agenda and plans for the midterm elections. 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 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.
