Next Up with Mark Halperin The Real Epstein Elite Narrative That Matters, Trump's Files Power Play, Plus Dems' 2028 Forecast
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Nov 18, 2025 In this discussion, guests Steve Israel, a former congressman and author, Ashley Etienne, a Democratic strategist and former senior advisor, and Amber Duke, a conservative commentator, dive into the revelations surrounding the Epstein files. They explore the political ramifications of the documents, contrasting elite perspectives with those of everyday Americans. They also tackle the impact on the upcoming elections and the future of healthcare policy, while pondering deep questions about transparency and accountability in politics.
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Elite Protectionism Breeds Public Distrust
- The Epstein story reveals a durable code among elites who protect and contextualize each other's transgressions.
- That pattern fuels public distrust and drives conspiracy theories beyond individual crimes.
Disclosure Won't Be Complete Or Instant
- The DOJ holds a large set of Epstein materials beyond the first release and can redact to protect victims and investigations.
- Redactions and withheld files will intensify questions and media focus when disclosure occurs.
Personal Memory Of Epstein At Industry Events
- Mark Halperin recounts attending movie screenings where Epstein hovered and convened rich, famous, and political figures.
- Those memories now resonate with released emails showing Epstein's role as a social connector.
