RealClearPolitics Podcast

Attorney Richard Porter, a contributor to RealClearPolitics, joins to dissect the legal intricacies surrounding the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. He discusses the complexities of the case, including how public comments from Trump could complicate prosecution efforts. Additionally, they examine the pressures related to the statute of limitations and the potential for dismissal motions. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of investigating political donors like George Soros and ongoing tensions in Senate funding negotiations.

Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling, dives into the latest polling insights on the competitive New Jersey governor's race, revealing a surprising dead heat. He discusses the implications of current voter sentiments, influenced by Trump and Governor Murphy's approval ratings. The conversation also explores pivotal state issues like the economy and housing. Additionally, Kimball analyzes whether New Jersey is shifting politically and the broader electoral trends impacting upcoming races.

The hosts dive into Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC, exploring his apology and the mixed reactions it generated. They discuss President Trump's legal threats against the network and Google's decision to reinstate creators banned for political speech. A recent ICE facility shooting raises concerns about political rhetoric, while the allegation surrounding a tape involving White House border czar Tom Homan adds another layer of intrigue. Censorship, media bias, and the future of fact-checking are hot topics, sparking a lively debate.

Melinda Henneberger, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and New RealClearPolitics columnist, joins the discussion focusing on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's murder. She emphasizes the importance of listening across political divides to combat polarization. The conversation also touches on Trump’s remarks at the UN, where he tackled issues like immigration and climate change. Additionally, they briefly explore Kamala Harris’ new campaign book and the significance of Jimmy Kimmel's return to air in the context of free speech.

Phil Wegmann, White House correspondent for RealClearPolitics, shares insights on the reactions surrounding the Charlie Kirk memorial. He dives into the contrasting messages of forgiveness from Erika Kirk and President Trump, highlighting the ensuing media fallout and free-speech debates. The discussion also touches on the administration’s current inquiry into potential links between acetaminophen and autism, plus international developments, including landmark recognitions of Palestine by several countries ahead of the UN assembly.

Scott Atlas, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and co-founder of the Global Liberty Institute, discusses the challenges facing Generation Z, including mental health issues and the impact of social media. He advocates for mentorship and the need to empower young leaders. Psychologist Christopher J. Ferguson sheds light on the often-ignored reality that women can also be perpetrators of domestic violence, challenging societal norms and emphasizing the importance of recognizing this taboo in both research and policy.

Tim Shriver, Founder and CEO of Unite and chairman of Special Olympics International, joins the discussion on fostering dignity in public discourse. He emphasizes the need for civility amid rising political tensions and offers insights from his Dignity Index. The conversation touches on Jimmy Kimmel's suspension from ABC amidst political backlash and the ramifications of Trump's designation of Antifa as a terrorist group. Shriver stresses solutions to combat political violence, urging a collective shift towards respectful dialogue and understanding.

The discussion opens with controversial remarks on free speech and hate speech from Attorney General Pam Bondi. They dive into a Senate hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel, highlighting his oversight and the agency's political scrutiny. Tensions with Venezuela escalate following U.S. military actions against drug trafficking, sparking questions about international relations. The hosts pay tribute to Robert Redford, celebrating his cinematic legacy, while exploring the life of Patagonia's Yvon Chouinard and his unconventional approach to capitalism and environmentalism.

Peter Berkowitz, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of 'Explaining Israel,' joins the discussion on free speech and cancel culture. They delve into the political fallout from the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the troubling celebration of his death. Berkowitz also addresses the complexities of genocide accusations against Israel, emphasizing the need for balanced discourse. The conversation touches on TikTok's role in shaping public dialogue and the broader implications of social media in today's political landscape.

Richard Porter, a Republican lawyer and RCP contributor, joins to discuss the chilling apprehension of a suspect in the assassination attempt against Charlie Kirk. The conversation dives into the political fallout and implications for civil discourse amidst rising political violence. Porter reflects on Kirk's legacy, questioning the future of Turning Point USA without him. The talk also touches on shifting demographics, as more Americans head to smaller communities, reshaping the landscape for future elections.