Next Up with Mark Halperin Trump Dominates the Narrative, Plus CBS vs. Bari Weiss, and Struggling Dems, with Meghan McCain and Ben Ferguson
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Oct 21, 2025 Join Meghan McCain, a conservative commentator and host, and Ben Ferguson, a radio and podcast host, as they delve into the chaotic world of politics. They explore why Trump remains a central figure in media narratives, dissecting his complex foreign policy strategies. The conversation shifts to media reform, with a focus on Bari Weiss’s attempts to change CBS News. They diagnose the ongoing struggles of the Democratic Party, emphasizing a need for authentic messaging and leadership, and discuss the potential future of political dynamics.
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Four Simultaneous Foreign-Policy Arenas
- Trump is simultaneously engaged at a high level on China, Russia/Ukraine, the Middle East, and Latin America, an unusually broad foreign-policy footprint.
- That multi-front engagement magnifies his influence and raises stakes for global stability.
Unconventional Talks As A Deliberate Strategy
- Trump's approach often involves talking directly with adversaries and trying unconventional diplomatic moves that previous administrations avoided.
- Those methods may or may not work, but they represent a different risk-reward calculation than status-quo diplomacy.
How Meghan Landed The Santos Interview
- Meghan McCain booked George Santos because they are friends and he did his first podcast interview with her while in Congress.
- She found him fascinating and entertaining despite controversy.