Next Up with Mark Halperin

Mark Halperin opens the show with his reported monologue, along with personal reflections, on the life, assassination, and lasting legacy of Charlie Kirk. He traces Kirk's meteoric rise to becoming a conservative icon without the backing of media, Hollywood, or academia, and explains why his murder feels to many like an attack on the heart of the MAGA movement. Mark explores the rare mix of strategy, charisma, and cultural defiance that fueled Kirk’s rise and why his influence will endure well beyond both his life and politics. Then, Mark sits down with journalist, author, and The Nerve host Maureen Callahan, MK Media’s resident troublemaker, for a fearless look at the collapse of old media and the rise of unfiltered commentary. Callahan dissects Vogue’s decline under Anna Wintour, the persistent backlash to Meghan Markle, and the broader cultural shift from glossy narratives to authenticity, while also revealing her dream book projects and personal family history. Plus, Mark shares his own dream book he’d love to write. Chapter: For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial 262-454-0503 or go to https://askchapter.org/markDisclaimer: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and standalone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.Delta Rescue: Visit https://DeltaRescue.orgto learn more Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination, Megyn Kelly joins Mark Halperin to honor Charlie and his life’s work that forever changed politics in America. They reflect on his eagerness to learn from those he disagreed with, his steadfast commitment to open debate, and the lasting legacy he leaves to the generation of young Americans he inspired to engage in shaping the nation’s future.Mark offers his own remembrance of Charlie, providing a fuller portrait of the man behind the headlines in his reported monologue. He recalls the faith and sense of purpose that guided Charlie’s life, the candid moments that revealed his character, the leadership qualities that earned him admiration from both friends and rivals, and explains why his influence will hold an enduring place in American political history.  The segment includes highlights from Mark’s previous interviews, including what is believed to be Charlie’s final long-form on-camera conversation with a journalist.Finally, political scientist Robert Pape, one of the nation’s foremost experts on political violence, examines the latest exclusive polling data illustrating the deep social and cultural upheavals pushing the United States closer to potential cataclysmic confrontation. He analyzes the forces fueling unrest, what they reveal about the fight over who governs the country, and how national leaders can help heal the divisions threatening America’s future.Chapter: For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial 262-454-0503 or go to https://askchapter.org/markDisclaimer: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.Delta Rescue: Visit https://DeltaRescue.org to learn more Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charlie Kirk, Founder and CEO of Turning Point USA and host of The Charlie Kirk Show, dives deep into the American crime crisis, spotlighting the shocking stabbing incident in Charlotte. He critiques generational divides over wealth and relationships, and firmly responds to Van Jones’ remarks about his values. Kirk argues for stricter criminal justice reforms while discussing the cultural disparities affecting crime perception in the U.S. He also shares an unexpected reason for wanting to attend a rally, blending insight and levity in a complex political landscape.

Eric Schmitt, the Republican Senator from Missouri and former Attorney General, discusses how rumors of Trump's death have inadvertently strengthened his political image, paralleling the famous McCartney conspiracy. He elaborates on his book, emphasizing the courts as the GOP’s defense against progressive policies and sharing insights on federal overreach and online protections for children. Rachael Bade, Capitol Hill Bureau Chief for Politico, explores Trump’s evolving bond with Senate Republicans and the implications for 2028 leadership dynamics, along with a sneak peek into Washington’s social scene.

Dan Turrentine, a renowned Democratic strategist, and Josh Gerstein, a senior legal affairs reporter at Politico, join for an engaging discussion. They dive into the troubling dynamics facing Democrats as they struggle with messaging and fundraising while Trump capitalizes on political opportunities. The two analyze the shifting legal landscape and the Supreme Court's uncertain role in shaping presidential power. They also touch on the implications of crime on the political climate and unpack the effects of key upcoming races and events.

Michael Caputo, a longtime adviser to President Trump, shares a poignant personal journey battling cancer and advocates for prioritizing childhood cancer in health discussions. He highlights alarming trends in early-onset cancer cases, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions like AI in medical research. Former Senator Mark Pryor assesses the Democratic Party's current challenges, warning of declining voter registration and the urgency for grassroots engagement ahead of the 2028 elections. Their combined insights offer a unique look at health and political resilience.

Marc Short, former Chief of Staff to Mike Pence, discusses Trump's unique strategies for dealing with Ukraine, emphasizing peace talks and shared European responsibilities. He addresses the tension between loyalty to Trump and upholding conservative values. Meanwhile, Patti Solis Doyle, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, highlights the grueling nature of running for president and assesses the Democratic field for 2028, noting Gavin Newsom's frontrunner status among a diverse group of potential candidates.

Joe Scarborough, longtime host of MSNBC's Morning Joe and a keen political analyst, joins the discussion on how Democrats can effectively confront Donald Trump. They delve into Trump's influence on crime narratives and the Democrats' struggle to present a cohesive strategy. Scarborough argues against relying on statistics in the crime debate, emphasizing public sentiment instead. He shares his views on the importance of addressing local issues, turning challenges in higher education into opportunities, and focusing on candidates' records rather than Trump's persona.

Harmeet Dhillon, former head of the Civil Rights Division in the Trump administration, discusses her vision of redefining civil rights with a race-blind approach, highlighting significant cases and their impacts. Steve Krakauer, an executive producer with keen media insights, analyzes the erosion of trust in legacy media and critiques its far-left leanings. They explore potential pathways for restoring credibility in journalism and the challenges facing civil rights enforcement today, emphasizing the balance between equality and state autonomy.

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.