Next Up with Mark Halperin

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.

Mark Halperin, Editor-in-chief of Two Way and seasoned political commentator, joins Emily Jashinsky for a riveting discussion. They delve into CBS’s substantial settlement with Trump, unpacking the underlying corporate media dynamics. The conversation touches on media bias and the implications of major networks manipulating narratives. Emily critiques Charlize Theron’s image, suggesting she's more part of the cultural problem than she realizes. Together, they tackle the evolving landscape of the Me Too movement and its societal repercussions.

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.