RealClearPolitics Podcast
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Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss recent polls in Georgia and today’s primary races in Colorado where Lauren Boebert is favored to win and in New York where Jamaal Bowman faces a tough challenge. They also talk about the reaction to this weekend’s assault outside a Los Angeles synagogue, the change of leadership at the Washington Post, and the release of Julian Assange from a UK prison after he struck a plea deal with the United States. Next, Tom Bevan talks to pollster Frank Luntz about Thursday’s presidential debate. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Charlie Tidmarsh; author of the regular RCP feature “This Week in Censorship”; about court suppression of the diary of Audrey Elizabeth Hale - the transgender man responsible for a 2023 mass school shooting in Tennessee and the closure of the Stanford Internet Project.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss the candidates’ preparation strategies for this Thursday’s presidential debate and this morning’s controversial exchange between CNN host Kasie Hunt and Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt: Hunt cut off Leavitt’s camera when she brought up past statements by Dana Bash and Jake Tapper about Donald Trump. They also discuss the primary race between New York Congressman Jamaal Bowman and challenger George Latimer and Bowman’s use of foul language at Saturday’s rally that featured Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Trump’s process for choosing a running mate. And lastly, Carl Cannon talks with the CEO of the Open to Debate Foundation Clea Conner about what's wrong with the presidential debates and how to fix them.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s FEC complaint against CNN for keeping him out of next week’s presidential debate and the DNC’s plan to nominate the Biden/Harris ticket by Zoom in advance of the Democratic Convention. They also chat about the Biden campaign’s new advertising strategy to reach Hispanic voters during the Copa América soccer tournament, which starts today. Plus, a new California Supreme Court decision will keep the Taxpayer Protection Act off the state’s ballot in November, a move that is seen as a win for Governor Gavin Newsom. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former director of the Congressional Budget Office, about this week’s increase by the CBO of the 2024 federal deficit and debt projections, and why neither major political party seems interested in debt reduction. And finally, Carl Cannon talks with Democratic strategist Maria Cordona about the politics behind President Biden’s immigration plans.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss preparations for next Thursday’s CNN presidential debate and new polls from Fox News that show Joe Biden’s numbers improving over former president Trump. Then, they talk about a New York Times survey that shows Biden’s advantage among women declining and a new ranking of American cities based on how well they are run. Next, Tom Bevan talks to Spencer Kimball of the Emerson College Polling Center on new poll results from the swing states. And finally, Carl Cannon talks with Lindsay Chervinsky, new head of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss Tuesday’s primary results in Virginia and Boeing CEO David Calhoun’s congressional testimony. They also talk about the significance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays, who left us yesterday at the age of 93. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Charles Lipson about the political strategy behind Donald Trump’s promise to stop taxing workers’ tips. And then, Carl Cannon talks with Jean Becker, former chief of staff to George H. W. Bush, about his legacy.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss President Biden’s new executive order on immigration and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s contention yesterday that recent unflattering viral video clips of the President are “cheapfakes.” They also talk about new polling from Gallup that shows Democrats becoming more liberal on social issues and Donald Trump’s visit today to rally Republicans in Racine, Wisconsin. Next, Carl talks with RCP national correspondent Susan Crabtree about how a US Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint while on assignment with the president for Saturday’s Hollywood gala. And lastly, Andrew talks with tax historian Phillip W. Magness about Donald Trump’s plan to replace the income tax with tariffs and how the U.S. ended up with an income tax in the first place.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss Joe Biden’s Hollywood fundraiser this past weekend and the controversy over a video of the president leaving the stage. Plus, the meaning of a new article from the UK Daily Mail outlining a “Secret Democrat Plot to Replace Biden.” They also talk about changes in the RCP Average of 2024 Generic Congressional Vote polls, Trump moving up in the RCP Betting Averages, and a growing debate within the progressive movement on the role of families and children. Next, Tom Bevan talks with Rachel Hoff, policy director at the Ronald Reagan Institute, about a new poll on Americans’ attitudes concerning US global engagement. And rounding it out, Carl Cannon talks with RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about the Biden’ campaign’s new video focused on former President Trump’s recent conviction and his efforts to woo Black voters in Michigan.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss Donald Trump’s meeting on capitol hill yesterday with GOP senators and representatives and the possibility that Trump is taking a more pragmatic approach in 2024 than in previous elections. They also chat about how voters should evaluate viral videos showing what are portrayed as Biden’s age-related gaffes, the recent polls that say Biden is doing surprisingly well among older voters, and today’s New York Times profile by Peter Baker of Hollywood producer Jeffrey Katzenberg who the author calls “Biden’s secret weapon.” Plus, they discuss a USA TODAY interview with Robert F. Kennedy who claims he'll be on the ballot in all 50 states. And lastly, Carl Cannon talks with RCP contributor Peter Berkowitz about the changing US policy toward Israel.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss today’s meeting between President Biden and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and the announcement of a 10-year US/Ukraine security arrangement. Also, they have a discussion of last night’s Congressional Baseball Game, which was disrupted by climate protestors. Plus, they also talk about Hillary Clinton’s endorsement of Westchester County Executive George Latimer for the New York congressional seat held by Representative Jamaal Bowman and they chat about new polling that reveals Donald Trump is making significant inroads with younger voters, including a New York Times/Siena poll that shows Biden with only a 2-point lead over Trump with voters between the ages of 18-29. Next, Andrew Walworth talks with Republican strategist John Feehery about Donald Trump’s return to Capitol Hill, where he met with GOP House members and senators. Then lastly, Carl Cannon talks with Richard Benedetto, remembering President George H. W. Bush on what would have been his 100th birthday.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss President Biden’s trip to Europe for the annual G-7 Summit and the implications of this weekend’s European Union elections. Also, the arrest by the FBI of eight foreign nationals in the US who are allegedly tied to Isis-K, the Afghan branch of the international terrorist organization. They also talk about new polling on voters’ attitudes toward Vice President Kamala Harris from Politico/Morning Consult, the results of yesterday’s primaries, and the life of journalist Howard Fineman who passed away at the age of 75. Next, Tom Bevan talks with RCP national correspondent Susan Crabtree about Army veteran Sam Brown’s victory in the Republican senate primary in Nevada. He will face incumbent Democrat Jacky Rosen in November in what is expected to be one of the nation’s most closely watched 2024 Senate races. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributor Eric Spitz about the Olympics and Israeli athletes, the state of higher education, and Hunter Biden’s conviction on federal gun charges.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss the political impact of the Hunter Biden verdict on federal gun charges and whether President Biden will pardon or commute his son’s sentence. They also chat about newly released footage of Nancy Pelosi from January 6th and a recent article in Rolling Stone magazine on Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito which was based on secret audio recordings made by a reporter posing as a religious conservative. Then, Andrew and Carl talk with Karlyn Bowman, public opinion expert at the American Enterprise Institute about voters’ attitudes toward politicians’ ethics and how they view Donald Trump in the wake of his New York conviction. And finally, Tom Bevan speaks with RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende about the latest polls.
Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss a new Atlantic article by Mark Leibovich concerning Biden’s age and acuity and the politics of former President Trump’s continued gag order after the verdict in his New York hush money case. They also talk about the successful rescue of four hostages by the IDF over the weekend and the possibility that the US would negotiate directly with Hamas for the release of five Americans held hostage by them in Gaza. Then, Andrew and Carl talk with Miranda Devine, New York Post columnist and author of “Laptop From Hell: Hunter Biden, Big Tech, and the Dirty Secrets the President Tried to Hide” about the Biden family behavior at the Hunter Biden gun trial and the appearance of the laptop at the trial plus, new revelations from the proceedings.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss new jobs numbers from the Department of Labor and new polling that shows Trump and Biden tied in Virginia. They also talk about President Biden’s second speech commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Donald Trump’s fundraising event in San Francisco hosted by venture capitalist David Sacks. Next, Tom talks with White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Team Biden’s strategy for handling the Hunter Biden gun trial. And finally, Carl talks with Adeline Von Drehle about Donald Trump joining TikTok and how other politicians have embraced social media.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss earlier presidential addresses commemorating D-Day and President Biden’s address marking the 80th anniversary of the invasion. They also talk about the appearance of the “laptop from hell” at Hunter Biden’s gun trial and the political impact of delays affecting former President Donald Trump’s trials. Then, Carl talks about remembering D-Day with John J. Waters, U.S. Marine Corp veteran and author of River City One. And lastly, Andrew talks to longtime defense correspondent and editor at the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune - Thom Shanker about his recent RCP article, “Forty-Nine Ways To Fix the World (Hint: Start Locally)”
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss Tuesday’s primary results in New Jersey, Montana, Iowa, and New Mexico and the fallout from Attorney General Merrick Garland’s five-hour testimony yesterday before the House Judiciary Committee. Then, they talk about today’s article in The Wall Street Journal headlined “Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping.” Reporters say it's based on interviews with more than 45 people over several months. They also discuss reports that the list of potential running mates for Donald Trump is getting shorter. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende about the long-term implications of the Trump conviction. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Bree Davies and Paul Karolyi of City Cast Denver, hosts of “Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose,” a limited series podcast they created that focuses on the life and political career of the Colorado Congresswoman.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss new polling by Morning Consult and whether the verdict in the Trump trial will affect voters in November. They also talk about today’s Time Magazine cover story on Joe Biden and the reports of why Sally Buzbee, the top editor of the Washington Post, abruptly stepped down. Then, Andrew Walworth talks to A. B. Stoddard, columnist at the Bulwark news site, about the Democratic Party’s strategy to reach low-information voters. And last but not least, RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann talks to Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) about his bid for leadership of the Senate GOP.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss the most recent polling showing voters’ reaction to Donald Trump’s conviction and the politics surrounding Hunter Biden’s federal trial on gun possession charges, which started today with jury selection. They also discuss Dr. Anthony Fauci’s appearance before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Fauci was the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for 38 years before retiring. Next, RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann talks to Michael Kripchak, the Democrat running in the special election in Ohio’s 6th Congressional District. The election will be held on June 11th and the winner will serve the remainder of the term. The seat has been vacant since January when former representative Bill Johnson, a Republican, resigned to become the president of Youngstown State University. Then finally, Carl Cannon talks to historian Tevi Troy about the importance of party platforms in the run up to this summer’s political conventions.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss Donald Trump’s statement today regarding his conviction on all 34 counts of falsifying business records and what it means for the GOP and the Democratic Party going forward. They also talk about how the Trump conviction will play with independent voters and how it may affect down-ballot races including former Maryland GOP Governor Larry Hogan’s bid for the Senate. Then, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann about today’s reaction on the Trump verdict from President Biden. And then, Carl Cannon talks to Democratic political strategist Maria Cardona about her friend and CNN political commentator Alice Stewart, who died suddenly last week. Stewart was a Republican consultant who had worked on several presidential campaigns. She was 58 years old.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss today’s historic courtroom decision in the New York Hush Money trial where former President Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first-degree. This makes him the first American president ever to become a convicted felon. They also talk about a new NPR/PBS/Marist poll taken before the decision that shows voters’ attitudes toward a Trump conviction in the New York Hush Money case. Then, they discuss whether the Trump conviction affects the GOP Vice Presidential race. They also talk about Nikki Haley’s decision to write “Finish Them” on Israeli artillery shells during her trip to Israel over Memorial Day, Senator Fetterman’s commencement address to Yeshiva University graduates, and the Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's support for pro-Palestine protesters on U.S. college campuses telling them in a post on X that they were "on the right side of history." Next, Carl Cannon talks to Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution about the gender gap in today’s politics and whether women will make the difference in this fall’s election. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende about the current state of the presidential polls and Trump’s chances for victory in November.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss new polling of Virginia voters that shows Biden and Trump in a tie and the Biden campaign’s plans for responding to the verdict in Trump’s New York hush money trial. They also talk about today’s RCP front page article by Mark Penn on the four key things that could alter the outcome of the 2024 presidential race. Then wrapping it up - Andrew Walworth interviews 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 Walworth and Tom Bevan, along with Emily Jashinsky of the Federalist discuss today’s Biden campaign’s press event featuring actor Robert DeNiro, in front of the NY courthouse where Donald Trump’s trial is being held. They also talk about Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appearance at the Libertarian National Convention on Saturday and a new Politico article about Democratic insiders “freak out” over Biden’s chances in November, and how the politics of housing will affect November’s election. RCP contributor Charlie Stone, host of the RCP video series “The Unknowns,” interviews Libertarian Presidential Candidate Chase Oliver. And Andrew Walworth talks with author and historian Mark Moyar about his new book, “Masters of Corruption: How the Federal Bureaucracy Sabotaged The Trump Presidency.”
In this Memorial Day special edition, Andrew Walworth presents an extended interview with World War II veteran and author Bill Swanson. Swanson served in the US Marines from 1944 to 1946. He enlisted at the age of 18 and served as a rifleman in the Third Divisions’ Ninth regiment. He fought at Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Guam, and Iwo Jima. He wrote a book about his time in the war, which remained in a drawer for thirty years. Then In 2022, this remarkable book was published, with the title: The View from my Foxhole: A Marine Private’s World War II Combat Experience, from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima. Bill Swanson passed away on March 20th, 2023 at the age of 98, and on this day we remember him and all who served. In the first part of the program, John Sorensen and John Waters of RealClear Defense talk with his son, Jim Swanson about growing up in the Swanson household and the origins of the book. Then John Waters interviews Bill Swanson.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss last night’s Trump rally in The Bronx and a new ad released by the Biden campaign at black voters. They also chat about some remarks made by Trump to a TV reporter after the rally about how he views Nikki Haley and whether he revealed his top three choices for a potential running mate. They also go over yesterday’s 6-3 Supreme Court decision regarding redistricting in South Carolina and the controversy surrounding Justice Alito’s flying of flags associated with MAGA and the January 6th attack on the capitol at his home and vacation residence. Then rounding it out, they have a special Memorial Day segment - Carl Cannon interviews historian Mark Salter (who worked as speechwriter and chief of staff for John McCain) about true veteran heroes of the past.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the strategy behind Donald Trump’s rally in the Bronx tonight and Nikki Haley’s statement yesterday that she would be voting for Trump. They also talk about new polls that show ticket splitting may be more common in 2024 than in previous elections and Florida Senator Rick Scott’s announcement that he will join the race for leadership of Senate Republicans after Mitch McConnell steps down. Next, they discuss today’s report by the New York Times that Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pressing to relax restrictions on the use of US weapons by Ukraine, to allow them to target missile and artillery launch sites within Russia itself. Also, they take a look at today’s House testimony by three university presidents about their handling of student protestors. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks with Anne Rathbone Bradley, professor of economics at the Institute for World Politics and vice president of Academic Affairs at The Fund for American Studies about the growing bipartisan consensus over implementing tariffs and whether the era of global free trade is really coming to an end.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss the primary results for California and other states and new swing state polls that contain some good news for the Biden campaign. They also talk about the new polls from Harris that show what Americans know and don’t know about the economy and new court documents that reveal the FBI authorized the use of deadly force during the August 2022 raid on Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago. Next, Carl talks with Attorney Lanny Davis about the defense resting in the Trump Hush Money Trial and what happens next. And then Andrew talks with RCP columnist Charlie Tidmarsh about the alleged coverup at the NIH concerning the origins of Covid and the defunding of the Global Disinformation Index a British nonprofit that had previously received money from the State Department and other governments around the world.
Andrew, Tom, and Carl talk about new Gallop numbers and President Biden's edited speech. They also discuss an Email scandal involving Dr Anthony Fauci. Then Tom speaks with Sean Trende on the Top Ten perfect VP picks for Trump. And finally, Andrew interviews James S. Robbins on the ICC issuing warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss the latest national polls and Ezra Klein’s recent New York Times piece on “Seven Theories for Why Biden is Losing”. They also chat about President Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College this weekend and the reaction to Republican Missouri Secretary of State candidate Valentina Gomez’ viral video campaign. Next, they talk about Senator Marco Rubio’s remarks on Sunday when he discussed mass deportation of illegal immigrants and whether he will accept the results of the 2024 election. And finally, Carl Cannon talks with RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about recent polls in Florida and Arizona, as well as other swing state polls.
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the Dems problem with the working class vote and the latest squabbling in Congress. They also talk about the sports star controversies involving Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker and professional golfer Scottie Scheffler. Then finally, Tom interviews Senator Tim Scott about Donald Trump's success with black voters, his thought on who will be Trump's VP, and civility in America.
Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, and Sean Trende discuss the debate about the presidential debates and President Biden invoking his executive privilege over the recordings of his interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur. They also talk about the Bob Menendez corruption trial and the Louisiana redistricting case. Next, Carl Cannon talks with Dane Strother about the Louisiana redistricting case as well as the 2024 Senate races. And finally, Tom Bevan talks with Susan Crabtree about the news that 2 illegal aliens were detained after trying to drive onto the Marine Base in Quantico. He also preview Susan's upcoming article on the sources of funding of the anti-Israel protesters.
Andrew, Carl, and Tom talk about President Biden’s video this morning agreeing to debate former President Trump, the conditions surrounding the debate format, and the future of the US Commission on Presidential Debates. They also discuss the results of yesterday’s Maryland and West Virginia primaries and Michael Cohen’s cross examination at the Trump hush money trial. Next, Carl Cannon talks with RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about recent investigations of the FDIC which have led to calls for the resignation of Chair Martin Gruenberg. And lastly, Andrew Walworth talks with James S. Robbins; Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC and author of "This Time We Win: Revisiting the Tet Offensive"; about the parallels between today’s campus protests and student activism during the Vietnam War.
