RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the impact of Israel’s latest military strike against Iran. They also look ahead to this weekend’s parade in DC marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army and the “No Kings” demonstrations scheduled for cities around the country to protest Donald Trump’s policies. Then, they discuss the reaction to the confrontation between secret service agents and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) when he disrupted a press conference by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Plus, they each give their picks for this week’s “You Can’t Be Serious". Next, Tom talks to RCP contributor and former state department official Peter Berkowitz about U.S./Israeli relations in the wake of Israel’s military strike on Iran, and what may happen next in the Middle East. And lastly, Andrew talks with Real Clear Investigations reporter James Varney about his new article documenting what happens over several days in a New Orleans immigration court.

Photo of Tim Walz courtesy of Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0  via Wikimedia Commons

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss California governor Gavin Newsom’s televised address criticizing Donald Trump’s speech to the troops at Fort Bragg. They also talk about the results of last night’s New Jersey primary, and a plan buried within Trump’s budget to give every U.S. baby $1,000 upon birth. Next, RCP contributor Maggie Miller talks to Daniel Yergin, author of "The New Map: Energy, Climate and the Clash of Nations" about meeting America’s current and future energy needs. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to Jackie Cushman, chair of the Adams Memorial Commission and president of the Adams Memorial Fund, about a planned memorial on the National Mall to honor President John Adams and other members of his family.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and 700 marines to help protect federal buildings in Los Angeles amid accusations from California Democrats that the Administration is responsible for escalating the situation. They also talk about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s appearance today before the House to discuss the Pentagon budget and other issues, including the President’s use of the National Guard. Plus, the Democratic National Committee is voting on whether to redo the election of David Hogg as Vice Chair. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about current discussions among Trump advisors concerning the politics of ICE arrests and the fight between the White House and California Democrats. And lastly, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributor Greg Orman about Tesla’s market valuation, Elon Musk’s bet on the future of humanoid robotics, and the implications for American workers of an increasingly robotic future.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to quell riots in Los Angeles, and the response of California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass. They also talk about the detention of Great Thunberg and other activists who attempted to deliver food aid to Gaza by boat, and ABC News’ decision to suspend correspondent Terry Moran following his early Sunday morning social media post attacking White House advisor Stephen Miller and President Trump. Then, Carl Cannon and Andrew Walworth talk to RCP national correspondent Susan Crabtree about the difficult relationship between Gavin Newsom and Donald Trump, and who benefits politically from their current battle. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to Ned Ryun, founder and CEO of American Majority, a nonprofit that provides training to conservative candidates, about why he believes House and Senate Republicans should put aside fiscal differences and pass President Trump’s budget.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the policy differences behind the schism between President Trump and Elon Musk, and what it may mean for legislation and the future of the Republican Party. They also talk about a new initiative by the Democratic Party to study and connect with young male voters, and they have their “You Can’t Be Serious” stories for the week. Next, Carl Cannon and Andrew Walworth talk to presidential historian Tevi Troy about the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and yesterday’s Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Fredrich Merz. And finally, RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks to Retired Army General Stanley McChrystal about his new book, On Character: Choices That Define A Life and lessons learned from his life in military service.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the war of words that has erupted between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and a look at last night’s debate among Democratic candidates for New York City Mayor. They also talk about the new order signed by President Trump that bars travelers and immigrants from 12 countries and restricts entry from seven others. Plus, former Biden press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party in advance of publishing a book on her White House experience. Next, Carl Cannon talks to Meredith Sumpter, president and CEO of FairVote, about the Democratic gubernatorial primary in New Jersey next week and why she thinks ranked choice voting would improve the process. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to actor and director Dean Caine about his film that is being released this weekend, “Little Angels,” which he wrote, produced and directed.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest polling numbers from Real Clear Politics, including polls that measure President Trump’s approval rating and how voters respond to a generic congressional ballot question. Also, Democratic Arizona governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a Republican-backed measure that would have banned China from buying property close to U.S. airbases in the state. Is this good policy, and is it good politics? Then, they are joined by RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann to discuss the black-tie gala on Tuesday night hosted by the new think tank, The American Compass Institute. The event featured both Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance. Can this new think tank turn Trump’s ideas into a coherent governing philosophy? Next, Carl Cannon talks to pollster John Della Volpe about his new poll for the Democratic Party looking at young male voters, just released today. The poll is part of the DNC’s two-year, $20 million initiative to study young men and how Democrats can reach them. And finally, Tom talks to Edward Yingling, co-founder of Princetonians for Free Speech, about an exclusive RCP article by recent Princeton graduate Danielle Shapiro outlining the university’s recent policies and statements on reining in antisemitism on campus.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the Justice Department’s decision to launch an investigation into the use of the autopen by staff to put President Biden’s signature on last-minute pardons, and border czar Tom Homan warns of a major terrorist attack involving some of the 2 million illegals who evaded ICE detention when crossing the border. They also talk about Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer’s demand for an apology from Elon Musk for his DOGE activities, and a new report from Senator Elizabeth Warren outlining claims that Musk enriched himself and his family while in government service. Also, a Washington Post article claims that Trump has posted 2,262 times to Truth Social since taking office, three times the rate of his first term. Plus, moves by conservative state lawmakers to take more control over public colleges and universities, and a new report that claims the world’s population will drop precipitously due to adoption of artificial intelligence. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to Doug Kelly, CEO of the American Edge Project, about how American businesses can successfully compete against China through innovative technology.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the state of ceasefire negotiations in the Ukraine War, and whether the U.S. Senate will force the imposition of stronger tariffs against Moscow. They also talk about Bolder, Colorado where the man who's suspected of a terrorist attack against demonstrators advocating for the release of Jewish hostages - is being charged with a federal hate crime. Then, they discuss the Polish presidential election where Trump’s preferred candidate won a narrow victory on Sunday, and Kamala Harris skipping the California Democratic Convention this weekend and instead sending a three-minute video. Next, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann talks to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R.- IA) about efforts to reform the FBI, allegations of government weaponization by Donald Trump, and the Federalist Society’s track record on judicial recommendations. And lastly, Andrew talks with defense expert Thom Shanker of George Washington University about the strategic significance of Ukraine’s drone attack on Russian airfields, and why the Pentagon is paying attention.