Next Up with Mark Halperin

Meghan McCain, known for her sharp political insights and media presence, dives into a revealing conversation about her exclusive interview with Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States. She shares how Usha navigates life in the spotlight and her views on parenting and the MAGA movement. Additionally, McCain and Mark discuss the surprising similarities between emerging Democratic figure Zohran Mamdani and Donald Trump, as they explore his grassroots appeal and the complexities of NYC's political landscape amid rising challenges.

Join Sage Steele, former ESPN sportscaster turned political commentator, and Rachael Bade, Capitol Bureau Chief at Politico, for riveting discussions. They dive deep into the partisanship surrounding Iran’s nuclear threat and Trump’s military decisions, urging for unity in turbulent times. Sage shares her journey of finding her voice after leaving ESPN, emphasizing the power of kindness amid public scrutiny. Rachael offers a behind-the-scenes look at the GOP’s shifting dynamics and the urgent need for bipartisan efforts in national security.

Dan Senor, host of the Call Me Back podcast and U.S.-Israel relations expert, discusses the intricate dynamics between Trump, Netanyahu, and Iran, highlighting the potential impacts of their policies on global relations. Patti Solis Doyle, a seasoned Democratic strategist, shares insights on the Democratic Party's leadership struggles and post-election challenges. Their conversation navigates the complexities of ongoing geopolitical tensions, the importance of strong leadership, and the future of the Democratic Party as they face a leadership crisis heading into upcoming elections.

David Mamet, the legendary playwright and author of 'The Disenlightenment', joins to discuss his perspective on Israel and the Middle East, asserting that Netanyahu is a force for peace. He critiques Trump's foreign policy and argues that kindness isn’t a viable strategy. The conversation dives into Trump's backlash from the MAGA movement and internal divisions on U.S. military strategy regarding Iran. Mamet also touches on Hollywood, the dynamics of public opinion, and the impact of Trump Derangement Syndrome on modern politics.

Miranda Devine, a New York Post columnist and host of Pod Force One, shares insights from her latest Trump interview and discusses the impactful Congressional investigations into Biden. Morton H. Halperin, a seasoned Washington insider, reflects on his experiences with Nixon and Kissinger, revealing how they led to his inclusion on the enemies list. The conversation also covers the evolving dynamics between Trump and Musk, and the implications of current immigration policies and geopolitical tensions, making for a fascinating exploration of today's political landscape.

The podcast dives into the unrest surrounding immigration protests in California, exploring media narratives and political implications. It discusses how blaming law enforcement might inadvertently empower Trump and the GOP. There's an analysis of the fragmented Democratic Party as it gears up for the 2028 elections, highlighting struggles with messaging and leadership. The conversation touches on how these dynamics could push working-class voters toward the Republicans, raising the question: Can the Democrats win them back?

Meghan McCain, a sharp political commentator and host of Citizen McCain, shares her insights on the chaos surrounding Meghan Markle's rebranding efforts and how Biden's press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, is in for some tough media scrutiny. Ro Khanna, a tech-savvy Congressman from California, discusses why Democrats are losing ground in Silicon Valley and calls for a Trump-like approach in their strategy. The conversation weaves through personal anecdotes about navigating Trump's volatile temperament and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in today’s media landscape.

David Ignatius, a legendary journalist at The Washington Post, dives into the complex stalemate between Russia and Ukraine, discussing the lack of peace prospects and Putin's strong public support. Senator Jim Banks tackles the rising threat of China, aligning unexpectedly with Elizabeth Warren on concerns regarding NVIDIA and U.S. investment strategies. They also debate the implications of accepting Chinese students in America, highlighting a rare bipartisan stance amid growing national security fears. It's an insightful look at current global tensions and media accountability.

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House and author of "Trump's Triumph," shares intriguing insights on JD Vance's strong position for the 2028 GOP nomination. He discusses Trump's unique intelligence and 'alpha male' energy that captivates voters. The conversation also highlights the impending Democratic civil war and explores the potential 'Frankenstein candidate' approach for Dems to unite under stronger leadership. Gingrich provides a candid view on the decline of the woke movement and what political elites fail to understand about Trump's enduring appeal.

Bridget Phetasy and Batya Ungar-Sargon dive into Trump’s escalating conflict with elite institutions like Harvard, questioning its relevance to the average American. Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres discusses the party's identity crisis and strategies to reconnect with working-class voters. Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, shares insights on cannabis policy and the push for federal reclassification. Together, they explore the intricate dynamics of lobbying in Trump’s Washington and the cultural implications of elitism in politics.