Dan Merica

Naftali Bendavid, senior national politics reporter with sharp federal policy reporting, and Dan Merica, political analyst and co-anchor of The Early Brief, unpack the fallout from the Minnesota killings. They discuss GOP unrest over aggressive immigration enforcement, how viral footage shapes public opinion, risks of political violence, and Democratic leverage on Homeland Security funding.

Dan Merica, co-anchor of The Early Brief, and Patrick Svitek, a breaking news reporter for The Washington Post, tackle the public fallout between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They dissect Musk's critiques and political aspirations alongside Trump's new travel ban. Additionally, they delve into the controversial remarks by Senator Joni Ernst on Medicaid cuts, highlighting the growing rifts within the Republican Party as lawmakers navigate voter concerns ahead of elections. Their insights offer a captivating glimpse into the evolving political landscape.

This conversation features Jacob Bogage, a White House economic policy correspondent, and Dan Merica, a political analyst focused on campaign dynamics. They dive into the brewing potential government shutdown, exploring how it could impact Trump's power dynamics. The guests discuss Democrats' strategy to tie funding to health care subsidies, the White House's threats of mass firings, and the various political calculations at play. They also highlight how shutdowns could cost more than they save, affecting everyday Americans along the way.

Theodoric Meyer, a Congressional reporter for The Washington Post, and Dan Merica, a politics reporter and co-anchor of the Early Brief newsletter, explore the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. They delve into the intense legislative drama, which included a sleeping lawmaker almost causing chaos. The duo discusses the internal Republican struggles and the potential fallout from Medicaid cuts, especially for rural hospitals. They also analyze how this legislation could reshape the political landscape leading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Dan Merica, a political strategist and co-anchor of The Early Brief, and Matt Viser, White House bureau chief, delve into the FBI's raid on a Washington Post journalist, discussing its chilling ramifications on journalism. They explore the Justice Department's investigations and the administration's trend of intimidating critics. Notably, Trump's crude retaliation against a heckler sparks debate about shifting presidential norms. The conversation also touches on the impact of power on political behavior and the independence of institutions amid rising tensions.

Karen Tumulty, Chief Political Correspondent at The Washington Post, and Dan Merica, co-anchor of The Post's Early Brief, dive into the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's death. They discuss the chilling responses from public officials targeting Kirk’s critics and the media fallout, including ABC cancelling "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after FCC pressure. The conversation also tackles the political implications and free speech concerns that have arisen from this tragic event, with voices from both sides highlighting the balance between criticism and accountability.

Dan Diamond, a White House reporter specializing in public health, and Dan Merica, a politics reporter at The Washington Post, delve into the recent chaos at the CDC following the firing of director Susan Monarez over vaccine access disputes. They discuss how this turmoil reflects the Trump administration's approach to politics and public health, potentially undermining trust in health authorities. The conversation also touches on the implications for economic policy and the autonomy of institutions like the Federal Reserve, highlighting a worrying trend of political interference.

Dan Merica, a political analyst for The Washington Post, and Natalie Allison, a White House reporter for the same outlet, delve into the growing frustrations within Trump’s MAGA base. They discuss Marjorie Taylor Greene's public break with Trump, signaling wider discontent. Insights from a Vanity Fair profile reveal blunt critiques from Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The duo also highlights Trump's attempts to reconnect with voters through a rapid-fire address, yet questions whether it can really shift opinions ahead of future elections.

In this discussion, Dan Merica, a political reporter, and Matt Viser, White House bureau chief, delve into President Trump's new affordability tour aimed at addressing domestic economic issues. They analyze polling data highlighting public dissatisfaction with Trump's economic policies and explore why presidents often downplay economic struggles. Viser shares on-the-ground insights from a Pennsylvania rally, revealing voter concerns about rising costs. Additionally, they discuss the political ramifications of ACA subsidy debates and recent Democratic successes linked to affordability messaging.

In this insightful discussion, Dan Merica, co-anchor of The Washington Post's politics newsletter, dissects the recent significant victories for Democrats. He highlights the impressive turnout and coalition-building behind Zohran Mamdani's mayoral win in NYC, emphasizing the importance of localized strategies. Merica also delves into Abigail Spanberger's centrist messaging that resonated in Virginia and the implications of California's Prop 50 for future elections. Throughout, he warns of Republican strategies and the divisions within the Democratic Party.