RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss recent statements by Congressional Democrats who say they look forward to working with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to cut government waste, especially at the Pentagon. They also chat about whether Donald Trump can end birthright citizenship, or whether the 14th Amendment to the Constitution blocks him from doing so and they examine whether President Biden should give blanket pardons to government officials he fears will be persecuted by Donald Trump. Plus, N. Y. District Attorney Alvin Bragg is up for election in 2025. Will he face a challenger? Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about the hit movie Gladiator II, and whether it is an allegory for Donald Trump’s political comeback.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss what we now know about the background and political views of Luigi Mangione, the suspected assassin of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, and the public's reaction to the latest news about the murder. They also ponder the reason why Democratic senators have so far declined to meet with Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard. Next, Andrew and Carl talk to political scientist Lara M. Brown about Tuesday’s speech by President Biden at the Brooking Institution where he defended his administration’s economic record. Also, a look at how the Biden presidency will be remembered by historians. Then, RealClearInvestigations reporter Julie Kelly and Carl Cannon discuss her recent RCP article outlining how the Justice Department has pressed forward with arresting and trying January Sixth Defendants, despite President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to pardon some of them.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the politics of two criminal cases that have captured public attention, the collapse of Assad regime in Syria, and reactions to comments Trump made to Kristen Welker in a major network interview. Next, Tom talks to founder and past president of the Democratic Leadership Council: Al From, about lessons from Bill Clinton’s rise in the early 1990s. And finally, Carl talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about the challenges of covering Joe Biden as he prepares to wind down his administration.

Andrew, Tom and Washington correspondent for UnHerd - Emily Jashinsky, discuss online and mainstream media commentary following the brutal murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including remarks that rationalize the assassination as a “reality check” for oligarchs. They also talk about a report by The Washington Post citing analysts who say the Trump Administration will shift its anti-terror activities away from white supremacists and other far-right groups. Plus, New York City Mayor Eric Adams will meet with Tom Holman next week, signaling a change in New York's status as a sanctuary city. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should seek congressional authorization to achieve sweeping governmental reorganization. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to author James Piereson about his New Criterion article on why Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency should target the N.E.D., and why it's so hard to shut down any government-funded operation.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss new reporting that the White House is considering issuing “preemptive pardons” for government officials who might be targeted by the new Trump administration. On the list for blanket pardons for illegal acts that may have been committed during the Biden presidency: retired general Mark Milley, former GOP Representative Liz Cheney, Senator Elect Adam Schiff and Dr. Anthony Fauci. They also talk about Mitt Romney’s exit from the Senate and the LPGA’s decision to require tour golfers to be female at birth or to have transitioned before the onset of puberty. Then, Tom Bevan and RCP National Correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss Thursday’s contentious House hearing on the two assassination attempts against Donald Trump, which devolved into a screaming match between Rep. Pat Fallon (R.-TX) and Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to Tevi Troy, senior fellow at the Ronald Regan Institute and the author of "The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry” about what Joe Biden can get done in the less than seven weeks left in his presidency.

The podcast delves into the Supreme Court's hearing on a controversial Tennessee law against gender-affirming care for minors, exploring the clash between state regulations and youth rights. It also highlights an emotional segment featuring Penelope Hegseth, who publicly called out her son on Fox News. Additionally, the discussion covers significant election outcomes, particularly the results in California’s 13th Congressional District, and the evolving landscape of Republican support amidst the backdrop of a potential second Trump administration.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss reporting by Jane Meyer in The New Yorker on Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s tenure running two non-profit organizations, which includes allegations of drinking, sexism and poor management. They then discuss reporting by Sohrab Ahamri in Compact Magazine that rebuts The New Yorker’s claims. Plus, they have a look at Kevin Dowd’s guest column in the Sunday edition of The New York Times. They also talk about President Biden’s trip to Angola where he talked about slavery, and Donald Trump’s plans to attend this weekend’s celebration of the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, where he will join more than 50 other world leaders. Next, Carl discusses Hunter Biden’s history with one of his former classmates, RCP contributor and CEO of Rootz.ai, Eric Spitz. Then finally, Andrew talks to James S. Robbins, Academic Dean of the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC about the war in Syria and how Donald Trump’s Middle East policy will differ from that of Joe Biden's.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the reaction to Hunter Biden’s pardon, and what it may mean for Biden’s legacy. They also talk about the nomination of Kash Patel to head the FBI, and MSNBC’s reaction to revelations that host Al Sharpton’s foundation received $500 thousand from the Harris campaign just days before he conducted a friendly interview with her on the network. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to New York Post writer Miranda Devine, author of Laptop from Hell, about why Joe Biden decided to pardon Hunter now and whether other pardons will come in the future. And then Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about how the White House press office is dealing with the Hunter Biden pardon.

Matt Taibbi, an independent journalist known for his insights on media bias, discusses Wikipedia's treatment of RCP's polling average and the media's influence in the election. Tim Shriver, CEO of UNITE, emphasizes the need for civil political dialogue in today's divisive climate, urging citizens to engage respectfully. Nellie Bowles, columnist and author, reflects on the evolving landscape of activism and journalism, delving into themes of cancel culture and societal change. Each guest brings a unique perspective on improving public discourse and understanding in a polarized world.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the origins and history of the Thanksgiving holiday in America. Then, RCP National Correspondent Susan Crabtree and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann join the discussion to talk about the past year in politics and look forward to changes in 2025. Next, RealClear Defense editor David Craig and former State Department official Peter Berkowitz talk about veterans’ affairs and foreign policy challenges for the incoming Trump administration. And rounding it out, RCP Senior Copy Editor Cathi Warren joins the fun to talk about what she is thankful for, and to provide an insight into what goes into publishing RealClearPolitics daily.