On this news-packed episode, Mark Halperin kicks off the show with his new reported monologue breaking down the economic decline and collapsing institutional trust fueling America’s unrest — and how the rise of AI is reshaping politics, society, and individual agency. This one is going to be a cliffhanger.

Then, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer joins fresh off the successful vote to reopen the government, offering the behind-the-scenes story of how it all went down — and why, even in a shutdown where no one truly wins, Democrats, Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and congressional Democrats managed to lose this one. Emmer also explains the political calculus behind next week’s House vote to force release of the Epstein files.

Next, Mark is joined by Rich Lowry, editor-in-chief of National Review, and Yemisi Egbewole, former Biden administration official, to run through the top stories — from why Democrats are outraged with moderates despite big election wins and the end of the 43-day shutdown, to how the 2028 race is heating up as J.D. Vance faces new scrutiny and immigration policy splinters both parties — and more.

Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today!

Forward Mobile: Help protect the American vaping industry before it’s too late! Visit https://vaportechnology.org

Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/MARK and use code MARK to get our exclusive discount of up to 50% off.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 154: Mark Asch on Avatar 2, Michael Mann, Nope, Casa Susanna, World Cup