The Bret Baier Podcast

In most elections, candidates are focused on how to win over Independent voters -- but in a cycle where both the candidates are highly disliked by both Republicans and Democrats...the 2024 election could depend on who can win over this selection of "double haters." Having a standout performance at this Thursday's CNN Presidential Debate could be the thing either candidate needs to do just that. FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram, Founding Editor of The Washington Free Beacon Matthew Continetti, and Democratic Pollster Carly Cooperman discuss the preparations being made by both presidential candidates before they take the debate stage, and how they believe President Biden & former President Trump are working to win over both Independents and double haters alike.Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States has long been sounding the alarm on the fact that both the notorious Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico and bad actors in China have ill intentions when it comes to the U.S., a five-year investigation has uncovered the two have a complex relationship that was unknown. But how can lawmakers work to break up this dangerous connection between two incredibly powerful, and dangerous, entities?Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) discuss how they're working together to strengthen U.S. national security in response to this new threat and why strengthening our military must be a priority as we face partnerships like these. They also share their thoughts on the atrocious human rights violations against the Uyghurs in China and the challenges that stand in the way of passing the National Defense Authorization Act. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden and former President Trump have hit the campaign trail hard, packing their schedules with public appearances and getting ready for the CNN presidential debate on June 27th. As President Biden continually appears to freeze or seem lost at public events and former President Trump faces a fresh conviction -- how will the two presidential candidates address these issues when put head-to-head on a debate stage next Thursday?FOX News Senior White House Correspondent Peter Doocy, Host of both Sunday Night in America on FOX and 'The Trey Gowdy Podcast,' Trey Gowdy, and former Biden Campaign Surrogate Kevin Walling discuss what issues they believe will be front and center at the first debate, what voters' top concerns are regarding both the candidates, and how the issue of immigration will continue playing a critical role this election year.Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The West Point class of 2004 had the highest killed-in-action rate of any West Point class since Vietnam -- with three graduates losing their lives to suicide after returning from war. This is a big reason why Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY) and Congressman John James (R-MI), two members of that West Point class, are committed to using their power in the House to ensure veterans are honored and cared for the way they deserve.With the 80th anniversary of D-Day passing last week, Congressman James & Congressman Ryan discuss what honoring this anniversary means for them, how their bond at West Point has stayed strong despite them being on opposite sides of the aisle, and the ways their new legislation, the Veterans Entry to Apprenticeship Act, support veterans after returning from war.Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to the Society for the Study of Addiction, more Americans are using marijuana than drinking alcohol daily, marking the first time cannabis has outpaced alcohol in the U.S. One particular demographic showing a vast increase in marijuana use is seniors over the age of 65, who are using medical marijuana for pain relief. With federal hurdles preventing a great deal of seniors from accessing medical marijuana, could this growth in popularity lead to federal changes surrounding the drug?Bret hears from medical marijuana users and officials like Robert Kent, who worked in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, to discuss the potential reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III substance and how increasing medical cannabis use could help fight the opioid crisis.Follow Bret on Twitter: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When nearly 73,000 U.S. troops landed in Normandy on June 6th, 1944, there was no way to prepare for the gruesome battle that would ensue. On that day 80 years ago, more than 2,500 soldiers were killed or went missing in action -- with hundreds being left unidentified. Fortunately, new DNA technology is giving the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency the power to change that.Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Kelly McKeague sits down to discuss how new DNA matching technology has allowed the agency to positively identify at least seven soldiers who lost their lives on D-Day and what these discoveries mean to families.Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does the fact that Justice Loren Merchan, the judge in former President Trump's hush money trial, made financial contributions to President Biden's campaign in 2020 impact his ability to be impartial? Or, conversely, how would Americans feel if Justice Merchan had donated to the former President's campaign instead?Former U.S. Attorney and Executive Director of Right on Crime, Brett Tolman, discusses these complex questions, the former President's sentencing, and more.Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In recent years, Americans' trust in the government and federal institutions has hit an all-time low -- a trend that many lawmakers are worried is only going to worsen. That's why those in Congress are working across the aisle to show the people of America they don't have to be wary when it comes to putting their faith in government.House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA) discuss how they've come together to introduce the Presidential Ethics Reform Act, in order to address this concern head on.Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following closing arguments in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial, Americans could hear a verdict in the high-profile case within the week. Yet, despite the fact it's coming to a close, the Biden Administration seems to be taking a sudden interest in it -- sending two Capitol Police officers and actor Robert De Niro to the courthouse to deliver a news conference condemning the former President. Wall Street Editorial Board Member Bill McGurn, FOX News Radio Political Analyst Josh Kraushaar, and FOX News Political Analyst Juan Williams discuss their thoughts on the trial as it wraps up, what political impact the verdict could have, and recent polls that have President Biden trailing former President Trump despite his legal battles.Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From military power to trade, ships play a huge role in global relations -- which is why many lawmakers are putting their heads together to bring shipbuilding back to America.Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Congressman Mike Waltz (R-FL) discuss how they believe the U.S. shipbuilding industry should be revitalized through public-private partnerships and incentives, the importance of naval power on the world stage, and how investing in this industry boosts America's national security and economy.Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices