RealClearPolitics Podcast

Phillip Magness, a tax historian, joins the discussion to delve into the historical significance of tariffs in U.S. revenue generation, particularly before the federal income tax was introduced. The conversation touches on Trump's recent executive order about Title IX and transgender athletes, emphasizing its political implications. They also explore the complexities of school choice initiatives and the evolving landscape of education reform. Intriguingly, they contemplate the possibility of revitalizing tariffs as a major funding source for the federal government.

Dive into President Trump's audacious proposal to transform Gaza into a luxury resort, exploring the cultural and geopolitical implications. The hosts dissect the complex Palestinian refugee dilemma and call for a united international approach for peace. The conversation shifts to Pam Bondi's role as attorney general and its impact on federal dynamics. In Chicago, the rising tensions between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Teachers' Union reveal challenges in education governance. Lastly, the Samizdat Prize celebrates free speech, emphasizing its vital role in a divided media landscape.

Peter Berkowitz, a contributor to RealClearPolitics and a columnist with the Hoover Institution, discusses the human rights movement's future in relation to American values. He emphasizes the need for the State Department to galvanize world opinion on inalienable rights. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing the Democratic Party in regaining middle-class support and the potential elimination of the Department of Education driven by figures like Elon Musk. Berkowitz offers insights into the delicate balance of domestic priorities amidst international concerns.

William R. Forstchen, a New York Times bestselling author and history professor, joins the discussion. He delves into the urgent threat of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, explaining how they could devastate modern infrastructure. Forstchen contrasts public misconceptions with the significant risks posed by EMPs, particularly from nations like North Korea and Iran. He advocates for protective measures like infrastructural modernization and personal preparedness to safeguard against such threats, highlighting the need to take this danger seriously.

Austin Berg, Vice President of Marketing for the Illinois Policy Institute, dives into the pressing issues facing Chicago under Mayor Brandon Johnson's leadership. He discusses the city's governance challenges, highlighting the significant role of the Chicago Teachers Union. Berg also emphasizes the need for reform, including a charter that introduces checks and balances, and reflects on the local media's shortcomings in addressing critical community matters. It's a candid exploration of the complex political landscape shaping the Windy City.

Tevi Troy, a presidential historian and author, teams up with Manhattan Institute Fellow Leor Sapir to dissect President Trump's controversial plan to send criminal migrants to Guantanamo Bay. They explore the historical context and political fallout of such tough immigration policies. The conversation also touches on Google's renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, tech's influence on politics, and the upcoming DNC chair election. Finally, they discuss the implications of Trump's executive order on transgender care for minors.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the confirmation hearings of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and the letter opposing his nomination published by his cousin, Caroline Kennedy. They also talk about the recent pause of Trump's controversial federal spending freeze, which has been meet with legal challenges across the country and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to revoke the security detail for former Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley. Plus, Karoline Leavitt's first White House press briefing, the promises made, and the reaction from the legacy media. Then finally, Andrew talks to James S. Robbins of The Institute of World Politics about L. Brent Bozell III, Trump’s nominee to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and Kari Lake, his pick to head the Voice of America. They discuss Robbins’ new article in RealClear Defense, “Make America’s Story Great Again.”

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss President Trump's recent executive orders regarding the federal workforce and Trump's aims to limit its size.  Then they discuss Vivek Ramaswamy's recent exit from the Department of Government Efficiency, which he was co-leading with Elon Musk, and Ramaswamy's chances of winning the governorship of Ohio. Also, a discussion President Trump's recent executive orders that may prevent transgender people from serving in the military, and reinstates service members who left the military due to COVID vaccine mandates.  Then they talk about a new Newsweek article on Kamala Harris’ political future, with reference to other U.S. vice presidents who failed in their presidential bids. Then Andrew Walworth interviews Boston Herald columnist and New England Law/Boston professor Wendy Murphy about how the Biden administration’s approach to transgender issues may have killed any chance that the ERA could become law.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and White House correspondent Phillip Wegman discuss the upcoming confirmation hearings of Robert F. Kennedy, Kash Patel, and Tulsi Gabbard.  Then they discuss the White House's plans for sweeping deportations of illegal immigrants, and this weekend’s row between Columbian president Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump over the return of roughly 160 illegal migrants from the U.S. to Columbia. Then, a conversation about JD Vance's first interview as Vice President of the United States with Margaret Brennan of CBS News. Finally, Andrew Walworth talks with Peter Berkowitz, former Director of the Policy Planning Staff at the US State Department, about Trump’s plan to resettle Palestinians, which represents a radical departure from past U.S. policy.

Selena Zito, a savvy reporter for the Washington Examiner, joins the conversation to dissect the March for Life in DC and its ties to the Trump administration's pro-life stances. The group tackles Trump’s plans to release classified documents on high-profile assassinations and how the Dobbs decision has reignited pro-choice activism. Zito also shares insights from her new book on the polarization of polling as the 2024 election approaches, critiquing how media narratives shape public perception in increasingly complex times.