Next Up with Mark Halperin

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.

Megyn Kelly, a prominent host on the Megyn Kelly Network, shares her thoughts on her recent interview with Jake Tapper, stressing his need to confront issues around media credibility. She discusses how newsrooms can rebuild trust by embracing diversity and fairness. Senator Tom Cotton subsequently addresses urgent topics such as heightened security for Jewish communities due to rising anti-Semitism and the complexities of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, providing insights into the current political climate and the challenge of leadership ethics.

Joe Scarborough, co-host of MSNBC's Morning Joe and former US Representative, joins to dissect Biden's recent cancer diagnosis, raising questions about timing and honesty. Scarborough shares his take on what led to his 'best Biden ever' comment, discussing Biden's perceived challenges yet insisting on his governing capabilities. The conversation dives into media scrutiny of Biden's mental acuity, contrasting coverage with that of other leaders, and underscores the need for accountability in political narratives.

Charlie Kirk, head of Turning Point USA, dives into the grassroots MAGA movement, contrasting their priorities with the GOP establishment. He discusses their views on upcoming legislation and what truly matters to supporters. Meghan McCain shares her take on media accountability, comparing Jake Tapper's controversial book on Biden to O.J. Simpson's infamous work, and reflects on the McCain family's ties to the Bidens. Both guests tackle the broader issues of journalistic integrity and political bias in today's media landscape.

Rich Lowry, the Editor of National Review, weighs in on the media's role in covering Joe Biden's cognitive decline and critiques Donald Trump's unconventional strategy towards China. Senator Michael Bennet discusses the Democratic Party's failures and the urgent need for revitalization as he shares insights from his own political journey. The conversation reveals concerns about media accountability and the importance of honest dialogue in politics, as well as the impact of economic challenges on the electorate.

Doug Collins, former U.S. Representative and Veterans Affairs Secretary, shares insights on improving veterans' healthcare and challenges within his department. He discusses misrepresentations of budget cuts and reflects on the dynamics of the Trump cabinet. Batya Ungar-Sargon, columnist for the Free Press, critiques the Bidens' recent appearance on The View, highlighting Joe Biden's denial about electoral challenges. They delve into the Democratic Party's internal struggles and the need for innovative responses to resonate with voters.

Senator Rand Paul, known for his libertarian stance, discusses tariffs, trade deficits, and his efforts against risky research. He emphasizes the flaws in tariff support and critiques government intervention. Joining him are Democratic strategists Karen Skelton and Steve Elmendorf, who explore the Democratic party's need for renewal and the lessons to learn from Trump's tactics. They also highlight potential 2028 candidates and emphasize the importance of connecting with voters in a shifting political landscape.

Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, shares insight on why he doesn't identify as a 'crazy liberal' and discusses the shifting political views of young men towards conservatism. Jessica Millan Patterson, former chair of the California Republican Party, and independent journalist Jessica Reed Kraus join the conversation, revealing their thoughts on bipartisan movements and potential presidential aspirations. They also tackle the complexities of California's political landscape, including the challenges of one-party rule and powerful advocacy movements.

On the debut of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark starts with the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, the reality of the polls, what gets ignored by the partisans, how Biden's mental acuity decline cover-up destroyed the press’ credibility, the latest on Pete Hegseth and what could happen to him, and more. Plus, Sen. Ted Cruz joins to discuss the historic opportunity the Trump administration has to change the country, the two different paths for Trump’s tariff plan, what DOGE can do with the budget, 2028 Democratic contenders and more. Then Emma-Jo Morris and Marc Caputo join to discuss how the Trump administration is handling immigration and the economy after the first 100 days, the successes and failures on the border and trade, the top 5 Trump administration officials who have more power since the start of the term, and more.

Next Up with Mark Halperin launches on April 29 - delivering unique political insight and reporting, with timely conversations featuring prominent voices in politics, media, and policy.