RealClearPolitics Podcast

John J. Waters, a Naval Academy graduate and former Marine, shares his insights on Veterans Day and the Marine Corps' upcoming 250th anniversary. He reflects on the experiences of Vietnam veterans and the importance of military memorials. The discussion shifts to Trump's controversial 50-year mortgage proposal and how it could reshape homeownership in America. The panel also delves into the growing influence of Democratic Socialists in local elections, alongside the internal struggles of the Democratic Party regarding leadership and the filibuster.

The hosts dive into the Senate's decision to end the government shutdown, exploring the internal rift within the Democratic Party. They discuss Trump's spectacle at an NFL game, his promise of $2,000 checks, and his mass pardons, including controversial figures. The resignation of the BBC's director general over editing issues sparks a debate on media integrity. They also analyze the implications of Syria's new president visiting the White House and celebrate Warren Zevon's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss new polling on candidate preferences for the 2028 presidential nomination for both parties, and this morning’s reporting from Politico that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is telling close associates that he believes Vice President JD Vance is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Then, they talk about the role of energy prices in last Tuesday’s election, and President Donald Trump’s new agreement with pharmaceutical manufacturers to sell GLP-1 products like Wegovy and Zepbound at discounted prices to Medicare and Medicaid recipients. Then finally, the guys discuss the jury verdict in Washington, DC of the former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at a federal officer in protest last August. Plus, this week’s “You Cannot Be Serious” stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sean Trende, a Senior elections analyst and seasoned lawyer, joins the discussion to dissect the latest election results, marking a significant setback for Republicans and warning of future implications. He delves into the nuances of redistricting battles across states like California and Maryland. The conversation also touches on Nancy Pelosi's decision not to run for reelection, the rise of younger Democrats like Zohran Mamdani, and the evolving dynamics of the Democratic Party amid a looming government shutdown.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann to discuss what last night’s election mean for Republicans, the government shutdown, and Donald Trump and the upcoming 2026 midterms. Next, they discuss the results of last night’s election, including passage of Proposition 50 in California. And finally, they talk about what pollsters got right and wrong from last night’s election. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The hosts dive into California's election, focusing on Gavin Newsom's controversial redistricting plan. They explore Maryland's push to eliminate its only Republican congressional district and discuss the implications of a potential government shutdown. Tension rises as they consider the filibuster's fate, debating whether Senate Republicans might try to repeal it. In a stunning twist, Rep. Chuy Garcia unexpectedly withdraws to let his chief of staff run unopposed. They also analyze key governor and mayoral races and reflect on the life of the late Dick Cheney.

The discussion kicks off with a preview of crucial elections in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, focusing on Obama's potential impact on Democratic turnout. The hosts analyze state polls and candidate dynamics, weighing how these races could indicate trends for the 2026 midterms. Trump's recent interview brings up his calls to end the filibuster, alongside the implications of his stance on ICE and tariffs. Controversies at the Heritage Foundation over engaging fringe voices paint a picture of the future of conservatism.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss President Donald Trump’s social media post calling on Senate Republicans to get rid of the filibuster in order to reopen the government. Also, this weekend federal food stamps payments are scheduled to start running out and ACA enrollment begins, which some feel will help spur Senators from both parties to compromise and stop the partial government shutdown. Then, they discuss races in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City as the final weekend of the 2025 election season begins. Plus, a look at Alvin Bragg’s campaign for New York District Attorney, where candidates have been largely silent on the unsuccessful outcome of his case against Donald Trump. Next, political scientist and author Charles Murray joins the guys to talk about his new book, Taking Religion Seriously. Murray is best known for thought-provoking political books like Losing Ground, The Bell Curve and Coming Apart. His latest effort is the story of his own faith journey and personal reflection on the nature of God, nature and existence. Then finally, the guys talk up this week’s “You Cannot Be Serious” stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss President Donald Trump’s Asia trip, including the results of his meeting in South Korea with Chinese President Xi Jinping. They also discuss a new Atlantic article about how several high-ranking Trump officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House advisor Stephen Miller, and Security of Homeland Security Kristi Noem have recently decided to relocate their homes to military bases in order to better protect themselves and their families from threats of violence. Next, they talk about the political impact of artificial intelligence as it changes the U.S. workforce. Major employers like Amazon, UPS and GM have recently announced cuts in middle management positions in anticipation of AI replacing white collar workers. And finally, Carl Cannon talks with Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia and Director of the Knowledge Standards Foundation, about his "Nine Theses on Wikipedia," and whether the site can find its way back to neutrality before a competitor steps in. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the US response to the disaster in Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, and whether the Trump Administration will redeploy naval assets in the Caribbean currently dedicated to drug interdiction in order to provide humanitarian aid to the island. They also discuss the latest revelations surrounding Operation Arctic Frost, the FBI investigation into alleged interference in the 2020 election by Donald Trump and his associates. The House Judiciary Committee reports that more than 160 Republican operatives and lawmakers were targeted by the FBI as part of the investigation. Then, they talk about the House investigation into former President Joe Biden’s mental acuity and use of the autopen, including news that Biden’s chief campaign strategist Mike Donilon’s testimony that he would have received a $4 million bonus if Biden were reelected, on top of $4 million in salary. And finally, the guys chat about the latest in the redistricting wars, including Maryland Democrats’ decision not to pursue redistricting in the state, a setback in Virginia for Democrats, and new polls that show Prop 50 in California is likely to win in next week’s statewide election. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.