RealClearPolitics Podcast
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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss how voters view the Trump Administration’s economic policies, including the White House’s battle with the Federal Reserve, the gyrating stock market, and tariffs. They also talk about Harvard’s move to sue the government over Trump’s demands for university reform, and a Minneapolis case where a state employee will not be criminally charged for allegedly keying six Teslas causing more than $20,000 worth of damage. Plus, Florida Republican Representative Byron Donalds, who held a town hall in his district on Monday, and how to a mark the 55th Earth Day, which is today. Then, Carl talks to RealClear Investigations reporter Vince Bielski about his latest article on the surprising public school revival in southern states, with Louisiana and Mississippi leading the way.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the political legacy of Pope Francis, who died today at the age of 88. They also talk about today’s visit to El Salvador by four Democratic members of Congress, and the Supreme Court’s decision this weekend to block the Trump Administrations’ deportation efforts. Next, they discuss new reporting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conducted a second group chat on recent Yemeni airstrikes, this one including his wife and brother. Plus, this weekend’s demonstrations in London in reaction to a court decision that the word “woman" refers to biology, not gender. Then finally, Maggie Miller of RealClear Investigations talks to journalist Joel Kotkin about his latest two-part article on the state of California’s politics, economics and climate policy.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying: if there is no movement in the Ukraine peace talks within the next few days, President Trump is prepared to “move on.” And they talk about Senator Chris Van Hollen's (D. MD) meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who is in a Salvadoran prison after being deported from the United States. They also discuss the meaning of Saturday’s 250th anniversary of the first combat of the American Revolution: the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Plus, this week’s “You Can’t Be Serious” segment. Next, Tom Bevan talks to Pollster Spencer Kimball about a brand-new poll from RealClear Opinion Research that looks at Americans’ attitudes on two hot-button issues: tariffs and immigration. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributors Cathi Warren and Anne Welty about the outbreak of measles in Texas and the role of immunization in stopping its spread.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the internal debate among Republicans about raising the top income tax rate to 40 percent. Also, Donald Trump goes after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, saying his termination “could not come fast enough.” Then they discuss vice chairman of the Democratic Party David Hogg, who says he will spend $20 million to help progressive candidates challenge incumbent Democrats in safe districts during the 2026 midterms. Also, a look at new reporting from RealClear Investigations into how Georgia politician Stacey Abrams has amassed a multimillion-dollar net worth. Next, they discuss a new article in by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who claims to have ended all efforts within the State Department to censor online news organizations in the United States. Then, Carl Cannon talks to Pete Geren, former Democratic representative from Texas and former Secretary of the Army, about the decline in literacy among today’s school children and what can be done to correct it.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador seeking the release of Abrego Garcia, and efforts by other Democrats including Senator Corey Booker (D-NJ) to visit the country. Also, Joe Biden gives a speech in Chicago attacking Donald Trump on social security. They also talk about U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s announcement that The Justice Department filed suit against the state of Maine for violating Title IX. Also, New York Attorney General Letitia James, who said during her efforts to convict Donald Trump of real estate fraud that, “No person is above the law,” now faces a federal criminal referral for alleged mortgage fraud. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Trump’s plans to change the Endangered Species Act as part of a larger effort to spur economic growth through deregulation. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to James Freeman of The Wall Street Journal about the latest efforts to moderate Democrats’ positions on regulation and the economy.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the Trump Administration’s interpretation of the recent Supreme Court decision on the deportation and imprisonment of Abrego Garcia, and Trump’s remarks that he has asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to explore the legality of sending “homegrown” criminals to Salvadoran prisons. They also talk about Harvard University’s reaction to Trump’s demand that the university roll back DEI and alter programs that the Administration says “fuel antisemitic harassment.” Also, a look at the growth of non-governmental organizations and whether they should be reined in. Next, Carl Cannon talks to author and Fox commentator Juan Williams, whose book is one of 381 removed from the Nimitz Library at the U.S. Naval Academy as part of an executive orders from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aimed at ridding the military of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. And lastly, Andrew Walworth talks to Adam Wise, chief innovation officer at National Media Insights, about new technology being developed by political media consultants that will allow campaigns to more finely target advertising in the 2026 midterms.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss whether Trump will in fact provide tariff relief for Chinese tech imports, and the internal struggle over tariff policy within the White House. They also talk about this weekend’s assault on the governor’s residence in Pennsylvania, and former Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz’s appearance on CNN, where she called accused murderer Luigi Mangione “a revolutionary, who’s famous, who’s handsome, who’s young, who’s smart, he’s a person who seems like he’s this morally good man, which is hard to find." Mangione faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Plus, how recent events suggest 3 different approaches for Democrats who oppose Donald Trump. Also, Katy Perry, Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez joined an all-female Blue Origin crew for a brief trip into space today. Why? And finally, Andrew talks to RealClearPolitics National Correspondent Susan Crabtree about internal reaction to today’s new ad campaign to recruit Secret Service agents narrated by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and how Los Angeles and Chicago are taking different approaches to Trump regarding their status as sanctuary cities.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a lower court ruling that says the Trump Administration must bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia - the man they mistakenly deported to a prison in El Salvador, and the administration’s response. Also, a look ahead to the 2028 midterm elections. Then, they talk about HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s claim during a cabinet meeting that his agency will launch a massive research effort, and will report to the President what caused the recent increase in autism cases by September of this year. Also, a look at the group’s choices for most outrageous political story of the week just past. Next, Carl Cannon talks to former Trump White House press secretary Sean Spicer about the president’s handling of immigration, and the state of California politics today. And lastly, Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Investigations contributor Nancy Rommelmann about her in-depth article about Joe Ziegler and Gary Shapley, the two IRS agents who for seven years were at the heart of the investigation of Hunter Biden’s tax case. The article features the first in-depth interviews granted by the two, who have recently been hired by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to help reform the IRS.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the shifting White House rhetoric surrounding Trump’s trade policies. They also talk about yesterday’s House vote that would curtail federal judges’ ability to place nationwide injunctions on presidential orders, and whether the measure will pass in the Senate. Plus, Donald Trump’s executive order directing the Department of Justice to investigate former White House officials Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor, who Trump accused of “treason.” Also, Kennedy Center officials report that a fireworks show on March 29 attracted the largest audience in the Center’s history. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributor Eric Spitz about alleged anti-Jewish bias on the campus of M.I.T., and the political rivalry between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Tom Bevan, Phil Wegmann, and Richard Porter discuss Trump's surprise move pulling back on tariffs for everyone - except China. Then, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon & Sean Trende discuss Ken Paxton's entry into the TX GOP Senate primary, and the news a Trump judge ruled in favor of the AP in their suit against the administration. Next, Carl Cannon talks to Salena Zito, who visited a steel factory in PA and wrote about it for the Washington Post. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to John Kass about his column on Trump's tariff strategy.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss this week’s Supreme Court decisions that at least temporarily allows Trump to continue policies that had been blocked by lower courts. They also talk about internal disagreements within the Trump White House when it comes to tariff policy. Then, Tom talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Trump’s meeting with the Israeli prime minister. And lastly, Andrew talks to former chief economist of the World Bank and Brookings scholar Homi Kharas about the effect Trump’s tariff policies will have on the conduct of US foreign policy.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Former President Barrack Obama’s recent appearance at Hamilton College where he criticized the Trump Administration, and Kamala Harris’ speech on Trump’s policies where she told the audience, “I told you so”. They also talk about the market reaction to Trump’s tariffs. Amid growing calls for the president to negotiate lower trade barriers with allies and partners, will the Administration stand firm on across-the-board tariffs? Plus, they chat about the two women who will likely vie for the governorship of Virginia this fall, and whether the race tells us anything about what to expect in the 2028 midterms. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about Trump’s authority over trade policy, and the politics driving Trump on tariffs.
Andrew Walworth, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann and Unherd Washington correspondent Emily Jashinsky discuss the spate of new books being released on the Biden presidency, all of which recount efforts to hide Biden’s cognitive decline from the public. They also talk about the beginning of the Senate’s marathon debate over the budget resolution, and whether politicial pressure from constituents will lead any additional GOP members of Congress to break ranks with President Trump over tariffs. Next, Andrew talks to former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who chaired the President’s 2017 Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. Christie explains why he thinks it's essential that Medicaid continue to provide access to treatment for opioid addiction, and gives his views on the Trump Administration’s accomplishments to date. And lastly, Carl Cannon talks to Columbia University Professor of Linguistics - John McWhorter about his new book, "Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words".
Andrew Walworth, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss the reaction to Trump’s tariff announcement, including a Senate vote to rescind tariffs against Canada that passed with the support of all Democrats and four Republicans. They also talk about New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ announcement today that he will run as an independent in his re-election bid, setting up a possible November showdown with Democrat Andrew Cuomo. Also, anti-Trump organizers will hold more than 600 events nationwide under the umbrella organization “Hands Off!” this Saturday. Is this the revival of “The Resistance”? Next, Andrew Walworth talks to John Tamny, editor of RealClear Markets, about why he believes Trump’s tariff policies cannot bring back manufacturing to America’s heartland, and why he’s fine with that. And finally, Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of the Federalist newsite, talks with Maggie Miller of RealClear Investigations about how federal agencies helped build a network of institutions that worked to suppress her publication and what can be done to dismantle “the censorship industrial complex".
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the results of elections in two Florida congressional districts and a statewide contest for the state supreme court in Wisconsin. Plus, they chat about the political consequences of Trump’s tariff policies. Then, they talk about U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s decision to seek the death penalty in the trial of Luigi Mangione, who is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Also, a nursery school student in Britain is expelled from school for what authorities call his “inability to believe a transgender person is actually a ‘real’ female or male". Next, Tom Bevan and RealClearPolitics senior elections analyst Sean Trende dive deeper into the results of Tuesday’s elections in Florida and Wisconsin. Then finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributor and Democratic strategist Dane Strother about the future of the Democratic Party.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the decision by a San Francisco judge to stop the Trump Administration from deporting up to 600,000 Venezuelan immigrants who are in the country illegally. They also talk about the fallout from the White House admission that it sent a Salvadoran who was suspected but not convicted of criminal behavior to the prison in El Salvador. Next, they discuss the decision to disinvite comedian Amber Ruffin from this spring’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner after she said the White House is “kind of being run by murderers.” Plus, they chat about Senator Corey Booker (D NJ) and his epic address on the Senate floor attacking President Trump, and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) who announced she opposed Maine’s state law that allows transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. Then finally, Carl Cannon talks to Democratic strategist Maria Cardona about today’s elections in Florida and Wisconsin, as well as the future direction of the Democratic Party.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss tomorrow’s Wisconsin Supreme Court election and Elon Musk’s involvement, as well as Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley's bill to curtail activism by the courts, which was introduced today. They also talk about President's Trump’s remarks over the weekend saying he is “not joking” about a third run for the presidency. Plus, they look forward to Wednesday, which Trump has labeled “Liberation Day” as he plans to invoke new tariffs. Then, they discuss University of Michigan's dissolvement of DEI programs and the installation of journalist Claire Shipman as the latest interim president of Columbia University. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to RealClear Investigations writer Lee Fang about how major Democratic donors provided millions to fund the social media influencers behind the “Bratt Summer” movement during Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss ICE's apprehension of a Turkish graduate student at Tufts University. Also, New York Representative Elise Stefanik is not going to the United Nations, but will continue to serve in Congress. Plus, they talk about last night’s appearance by Elon Musk and 7 DOGE executives on Fox News. Then, Andrew talks to Presidential Historian Tevi Troy about episodes in American history where sensitive information was inadvertently leaked to the press, including the case of General Robert E. Lee, who left his plans for invading the North wrapped around a cigar box. And finally, RCP Contributor Charlie Stone talks to Michael Cohen, who served as Donald Trump’s personal lawyer for more than a decade and was sentenced to a three-year jail sentence, about what he thinks may happen to Trump’s current set of advisors.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss today’s arrest of an illegal immigrant accused of being a leader of MS-13. Also, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visits the Salvadoran prison where deported alleged Venezuelan gang members are being held to tape a video message discouraging illegal border crossing into the U.S. They also talk about next Tuesday’s special election in Florida’s sixth district to fill the seat vacated by Mike Walz, President Trump’s national security advisor. Plus, PBS President Paula Kerger and NPR President Katherine Maher testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about continuing the $535 million annual federal contribution to public broadcasting. Next, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann interviews Senator Jeffery Merkley (D-OR) about the use of facial recognition scanning and biometric data gathering by the TSA at U.S. airports, which he contends is creating “an unchecked national surveillance system.” Then finally, Carl Cannon talks to Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz about the Trump Administrations’ decision to withdraw cancellation of Radio Free Europe and the role of public diplomacy in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the release of text messages from the private thread of top US advisors discussing the strategy for U.S. strikes in Yemen, and the White House attack on Atlantic editor Jeffery Goldberg who was inadvertently included in the online discussion. They also talk about Senator Eric Schmidt’s hearings yesterday on how tech companies suppressed speech during the Biden administration, and the diplomatic maneuvering behind the second couple’s upcoming visit to Iceland. Next, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the future of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and others. Will President Trump will hold anyone involved in the Signal leak accountable? And lastly, Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Investigations writers Bob Ivry and Jeremy Portnoy about their in-depth look at federal agencies with expired Congressional charters, which they say comprise at least 8 percent of the federal government.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the future of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz in the wake of revelations that he invited Atlantic Editor Jeffrey Goldberg to join a private text thread discussing strategy for U.S. strikes in Yemen that included other high level Trump advisors. They also talk about a new profile of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in The Washington Post. Plus, they discuss reports that Columbia University’s administration and faculty are divided over interim president Katrina Armstrong’s handling of Trump-ordered policy reforms. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende about the state of the Democratic Party, and whether there is an opening for a third party to emerge as a real alternative to the Democrat and Republican parties. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Health editor Jerry Rogers about reports that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to ban or heavily regulate television advertising by drugmakers, and what that would mean for both the pharmaceutical and television industry.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the duo’s “Fighting Oligarchy” Tour, the future of the Democratic Party, and whether Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will run for president. Then they discuss next steps in Ukraine and President Zelensky's cover-story interview in magazine. Comedian Conan O’Brien is awarded the Mark Twain Prize in a celebration that featured multiple jokes about President Trump. Also, former Utah Representative Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman in Congress, is dead at age 49. Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about the fight between The White House and some of America’s top legal firms. And Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Investigations editor J. Peder Zane about a new article by RCI writer Paul Sperry that looks into allegations that FBI Director James Comey used a female undercover agent to fish for evidence of criminal activity by the Trump campaign as early as June, 2015. "Image of Alexandria Ocasio Cortez courtesy of Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons"
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Heather Wilhelm (Columnist for National Review) discuss Laura Ingraham's interview last night with Sam Corcos, a DOGE team leader working at the IRS. They also question - why the World Happiness Report is a sham, why Snow White is a train wreck, and why Gavin Newsom lied about LatinX? Then, Tom Bevan interviews Mark Penn, CEO of Stagwell, about the state of the Democratic party. And finally, Unknowns host Charlie Stone interviews author and lawyer - Scott Turow.
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Sean Trende discuss the new data from David Shor on the 2024 elections. They also talk about the blithe response by some in the media to the ongoing attacks against Tesla and Trump's approval ratings and what that means for the 2025 and 2026 elections. Then lastly, Carl Cannon interviews Phil Wegmann, RCP White House Correspondent, about Donald Trump latest move shutting down the Dept. of Education.
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Emily Jashinsky discuss the escalating battle between Donald Trump and the Courts. They also talk about the left's hatred of Elon Musk and the increasing violence against Tesla. Plus, Gov Ron DeSantis' op-ed in the WSJ heralding Trump's efforts to dismantle the Education Department. BONUS: they also give their picks for the winners of the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament. Then finally, Tom Bevan interviews Sean Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of The Federalist, about the judiciary's efforts to thwart Donald Trump.
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss President Trump's 2-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin. And the escalating battle between Donald Trump and the Courts over his use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportation. Plus, they also talk about Chuck Schumer's damage control tour and the Democrats' ongoing efforts to find a leader and a message to counter Trump. Next, Carl interviews Peter Berkowitz, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, about the latest developments in the Middle East. And finally, Andrew Walworth interviews Jim Robbins about the impact of cuts to USAID.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss President Trump's orders to deport 137 alleged Venezuelan gang members, as well as the deportation of a Lebanese doctor with an H1B visa and a teaching position at Brown University. Is the clash between the courts and the White House on immigration policy coming to a head? They also talk about Donald Trump’s social media post challenging the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s pardons because they were signed by autopen. Plus, the cold war between the press and the White House continues at the Gridiron Dinner this past weekend and the upcoming White House Correspondents Dinner, two signature spring social events for the Washington press. Next, Andrew Walworth interviews Jeffrey Gedmin, president and CEO of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, on this weekend’s executive order cutting support for the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and other public diplomacy organizations funded by the US government. And finally, Tom Bevan interviews Nicole Russell, columnist for USA Today, about the state of the US economy. She argues that inflation will cool, interest rates will drop and consumer confidence will return, all as a result of Trump’s policies. Image of Donald Trump courtesy of Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Senator Chuck Schumer's decision not to oppose the GOP spending bill in order to avoid a government shutdown, and the angry responses to Senator Schumer from some of his fellow Democrats. Also, judges rule that Trump didn’t follow the law when firing probationary employees, but confirms the executive branch’s authority to reduce the federal workforce if done in accordance with existing rules and regulations. They also talk about the Trump administration's withdrawal of its nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and they look at Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s defense of deporting Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who has been illegally detained by ICE. Plus, President Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center and the broader implications of the Right’s asserting itself in American culture and entertainment. Then finally, Tom Bevan interviews Senator Eric Schmidt (R- MO) about his plans to end what he calls “a shadowy network of NGOs, tech groups and governments working to the censor the Left’s enemies”.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss key players to watch, including Pete Buttigieg, Rahm Emanual, Gavin Newsom and Tim Walz, as well as Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) who announced her decision not to run again in 2026. Also, how Democrats, including former first lady Michelle Obama, are embracing podcasting to reach new audiences. Then, they talk about Russian president Vladimir Putin’s positive statements about a possible armistice in Ukraine, and Trump’s threat of a 200 percent tariff on imported European alcoholic beverages. Next, Carl interviews Andy Rotherham, co-founder and senior partner at Bellwether and member of the Virginia Board of Education, on Randi Weingarten, the teachers’ union, and layoffs at the Department of Education. And finally, Andrew Walworth interviews Real Clear Investigations journalist James Varney about his RCP article "A New Beltway Mystery: Follow the Biden EPA Money" which outlines how $27 billion in green grants were funneled to nonprofits in a process that new EPA administrator Lee Zeldin calls “a deeply entrenched pattern of political favoritism” aimed at Democratic-aligned groups.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss whether Wall Street worries about a recession are justified, and whether Trump’s handling of tariffs is contributing to economic uncertainty. They also talk about the upcoming Senate vote on the six-month spending bill, and whether Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will instruct fellow Democrats to vote no, forcing a government shutdown. Also, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announces that she will eliminate half the Department of Education’s workforce through layoffs and voluntary buyouts. Next, Carl Cannon talks with RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about his profile of Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, daughter-in-law to Robert F. Kennedy and current associate director for Intelligence and International Affairs at OMB, where she oversees the budget of the CIA and 17 other intelligence agencies. And winding it up, Andrew Walworth talks to journalist Thom Shanker about what U.S. military strategists have observed from Ukraine’s use of drones, and how drone technology has completely changed modern warfare. Is the Pentagon learning the right lessons from the War in Ukraine?
