RealClearPolitics Podcast

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.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss Kamala Harris’ video remarks to supporters released on Monday, and Harris campaign senior advisor David Plouffe's revelation that Harris’ internal polling never showed her with a lead. They also talk about the nomination of lockdown critic Jay Bhattacharya of Stanford University to head the National Institutes of Health. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to Jay Bhattacharya, Trump’s nominee to head the NIH, about the importance of free speech and unfettered debate in discussing scientific issues. And winding it up, Carl Cannon talks with Emily Jashinsky, Washington correspondent for UnHerd, about Trump’s plan to “drain the swamp,” and what it may mean for business-as-usual within the beltway.

Sean Trende, Senior elections analyst at RealClearPolitics, and John Feehery, Republican strategist, dive into the recent dismissal of federal cases against Donald Trump, spotlighting its potential impact on his political journey. They discuss Biden's controversial proposal to cover weight loss drugs under Medicare, and the implications of Trump's suggested 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, raising concerns about trade dynamics. The duo also analyzes voter trends in California, particularly the evolving support for Republicans among Hispanic voters as the political landscape shifts.

Laura Forcum, President of the Independent Center and expert on independent voters, joins the discussion to delve into the political landscape. She highlights how independent voters are gaining influence, especially among younger generations disenchanted with traditional parties. The group also examines the implications of recent polls showing public support for Trump's transition, the local resistance to immigration laws, and the complexities of pardoning January 6th defendants. Forcum shares tips for navigating political discussions during Thanksgiving dinners, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue.

Charles McElwee, Editor of RealClear Pennsylvania, shares insights on the political shifts in Pennsylvania, particularly after the recent Senate race. Frances Collins, former NIH Director, discusses the delicate balance between politics and science during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for trust in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli officials, raising questions about international law biases, as well as the escalating tensions in Ukraine that impact global politics.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the withdrawal of the nomination of former Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general (and his political future) and they also discuss the status of Pete Hegseth’s nomination to head the Department of Defense. Plus, they talk about the upcoming conflict between state and municipal leaders and the Trump administration over federal deportation of illegal immigrants. Next, they discuss how the RCP Average performed in terms of anticipating the results of the 2024 election, and the fight over transgenders using female facilities in Congress. And finally, Andrew and Carl talk to RCP contributor Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution about US policy toward China and the role public diplomacy may play in the upcoming Trump administration.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss Trump's new cabinet nominations including Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education and Dr. Mehmet Oz to be administrator of Medicare and Medicaid. Also, they give a breakdown of where the $1.5 billion went that the Harris campaign spent in just ten weeks. Plus, they chat about Comcast’s decision to spin off MSNBC and some of its other cable channels into a new company and what that may mean for cable news, and they look at a new television ad from Jaguar that is being called “Budlight 2.0". Next, White House correspondent Phil Wegmann interviews Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) on her resolution requiring members of Congress to use the restrooms and facilities that correspond with their biological sex. This comes as Rep-elect Sarah McBride, the first transgender member of Congress, prepares to take office. And lastly, Carl Cannon talks to RCP Investigations contributor Lee Fang about Robert F. Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative and the populist politics surrounding his choice as a Trump administration cabinet official.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the still unsettled Senate election in Pennsylvania, where incumbent Bob Casey has yet to concede the race to challenger Dave McCormick, and they look ahead to the 2025 elections in Virginia and New Jersey. They also talk about a new poll from Echelon Insights which shows that 41 percent of Democrats think Kamala Harris should run atop the party’s ticket in 2028. Plus, they discuss the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address which was delivered 161 years ago today. Next, Tom Bevan talks to White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Trump’s latest cabinet picks including Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary. And then, Andrew Walworth talks to Catholic University professor Jakub Grygiel about Ukraine’s recent use of American-made missiles to strike deep within Russian territory and Moscow’s announcement that it is changing its nuclear doctrine to allow for the use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the announcement that Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski met with Donald Trump last Friday, and President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by the US to strike deep within Russian territory. They also talk about the reports of conflict between Elon Musk and key Trump advisors. Next, Tom Bevan talks to independent journalist Matt Taibi about his recent article on Wikipedia’s treatment of RCP’s polling average and the state of polling in the wake of the 2024 election. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network about efforts to strengthen civil society around the globe and promoting democracy in the 21st century.

Charlie Tidmarsh, a contributor to RCP and author of "This Week in Censorship," shares his insights on the unconventional nominations of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Doug Burgum in Trump's cabinet. They discuss the challenges these appointments pose in reshaping healthcare and environmental policies. Additionally, Tidmarsh explores Trump's promise to combat 'wokeness' in education and the implications for federal funding. A lively debate on UFO phenomena also emerges, highlighting public intrigue in the intersection of politics and extraterrestrial possibilities.