Next Up with Mark Halperin

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.

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.