Next Up with Mark Halperin

Glenn Kessler, former Editor and Chief Writer of The Washington Post’s ‘The Fact Checker’, dives deep into media bias and fact-checking in politics. He shares insights on his notable Pinocchio ratings and reflects on the paper’s liberal audience addiction. Kessler addresses Biden's media portrayal amidst claims of cognitive decline and the subsequent fallout, asserting there's no bias against Trump. The discussion critically examines journalistic integrity and the challenges in appealing to a diverse readership in today's polarized landscape.

Corey Lewandowski, a key Donald Trump advisor since 2015, shares insider perspectives on Trump's political evolution and potential future moves for 2028. Meanwhile, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, now an independent gubernatorial candidate, discusses his successful leadership in revitalizing Detroit post-bankruptcy. He argues for a break from partisanship to implement pragmatic solutions. The conversation contrasts Harris's sidelined role in the Democratic Party with Trump's bold influence, revealing insights into their respective political strategies.

Meghan McCain, a political commentator and host of Citizen McCain, shares her insights on pop culture and politics, including a quirky take on the rumored Katy Perry-Justin Trudeau romance and Cory Booker's ‘Hamilton’ antics. David Bahnsen, Chief Investment Officer, provides a clear-eyed overview of the U.S. economy, addressing inflation and housing costs. Together, they dissect the dynamics of the shifting political landscape while McCain reflects on her intriguing hypothetical question for Trump about Epstein. It’s a blend of politics, culture, and economic analysis!

Mark Halperin opens today’s show with his new signature reported monologue on the implications of the Democrats’ refusal to acknowledge the major accomplishments of the Trump presidency. He explains why these wins are still shaping the political landscape, and how the left’s continued denial of what’s ruined the party’s brand could cost them in the midterms and heading into 2028. Then, Rich Lowry and Emily Jashinsky join to break down the latest culture war flashpoints—from the viral backlash to Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad to the bizarre trend of branding denim ads as fascist. The panel unpacks what these online meltdowns reveal about Gen Z, media influence, and the risks Democrats face by letting social media outrage steer their message. Also, Michael Smerconish joins the show and examines the Democratic Party’s deepening identity crisis. He and Mark explore why the party struggles to define itself beyond opposition to Trump, how cultural fear has replaced moral clarity, and what it will take to rebuild a broader, more coherent coalition before 2028.

Ro Khanna, a Democrat Congressman from California, pushes for transparency regarding Jeffrey Epstein's case, arguing it's vital for accountability. Former strategist Dan Turrentine and journalist Batya Ungar-Sargon join to dissect the media's neglect of crucial political narratives, including Tulsi Gabbard's deep state claims and whether Hillary Clinton's 2016 loss stemmed from external factors or her campaign's shortcomings. They explore how the intertwining of Trump and Epstein impacts both political narratives and public trust in institutions.

Ben Ferguson, a political commentator and podcast host, discusses the tumultuous landscape of American politics. David Burrell, a skilled pollster, dives into NYC's mayoral race, debating the rising threat of Zohran Mamdani to Andrew Cuomo. Meanwhile, John Podhoretz offers sharp analysis on New York's dynamics and the city’s shifting electorate. The trio also tackles Hunter Biden's bold claims, which spark discussions about his impact on the Democratic Party’s future and identity crisis. Plus, a nod to the feel-good return of 'Ted Lasso' adds a light touch.

Megyn Kelly, a prominent host and political commentator, dives into the complexities of the Epstein scandal and its unique impact on Trump's base. She discusses why the controversy is not a political death knell as some might wish. Kelly also unveils the unanswered questions that keep MAGA supporters engaged and critiques the significance of recent political actions. Additionally, she highlights the broader cultural fallout from the Epstein case, reflecting on the erosion of public trust in institutions and the need for transparency in politics.

Brit Hume, Chief Political Analyst for Fox News and a veteran journalist, joins for a riveting discussion on media accountability. They examine the press's failure to address Joe Biden's declining mental fitness, spinning narratives to deflect blame onto Trump. Hume critiques NBC’s embarrassing auto-pen incident and argues that the Epstein files are overhyped. The conversation then shifts to the evolving political landscape, addressing Trump 2.0, JD Vance's rise, and potential future leaders of the Democratic Party like Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Bolling, a MAGA commentator, Batya Ungar-Sargon, a cultural analyst, and Michael Knowles, a political host, delve into Donald Trump's unique decision-making rules. They explore how Trump's instinct and chaos shape his leadership. The trio examines shifting immigration perspectives within the MAGA community, tackling economic implications and the complex views on mass deportation. Knowles also highlights JD Vance's rapid rise in the GOP, pondering the secrets behind modern political success and the evolving nature of conservatism.

Salena Zito, a journalist and author, shares her gripping account of the near assassination attempt on Donald Trump described in her new book, highlighting the chaos that ensued in Butler, Pennsylvania. She tackles the media's response, including how it contributed to a crisis of credibility regarding Trump's rhetoric. Dan Turrentine joins to discuss Elon Musk's ambitions for a third-party movement and the unsettling intrigue surrounding conspiracy theories, particularly in relation to Jeffrey Epstein, while pondering America's shifting political landscape.