RealClearPolitics Podcast

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Sean Trende discuss news that NY Attorney General Letitia James is under criminal investigation and that Donald Trump pulled Ed Martin and replaced him with Judge Jeanine Pirro for DC prosecutor. They also talk about the blow up over Trump's nomination of Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General and Bill Gates's declaration that he will be giving away all of his $200 billion fortune. Plus, they weigh in on Chuck Todd's pronouncement that the media was not to blame for covering up Biden's decline. The guys also pick their nominees for this week's "You Cannot Be Serious". Lastly, Carl interviews Anne Welty about a new Esquire Magazine profile of comedian Nate Bargatze - who went from relative obscurity to superstardom in the last few years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom Bevan, Phil Wegmann and Carl Cannon discuss Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope in 2,000 years and the news that President Trump has announced a big, beautiful trade deal with the UK. They also ponder why John Fetterman is in the news this week - and not in a good way. Plus, they talk about the new wave of pro-Hamas protests hitting college campuses and the former first couple's appearance on The View. Then finally, Carl chats with Bill Galston of the Brookings Institution about whether this is Trump's economy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom Bevan, Phil Wegmann and Emily Jashinsky discuss Joe Biden's first media interview since leaving the Presidential race last year and new polling out of California that suggests his brand Is much diminished. They also react to news Trump nominated a batch of judges and that DC prosecutor Ed Martin is facing resistance from the GOP. Plus, Trump's quip to Canadian PM Carney and a new WSJ story reporting intel agencies have been instructed to gather more info on Greenland. Also, they talk about two cultural events (Met Gala and Pulitzers) that used to make a big splash, but barely made a ripple this year. Are the elites just talking to themselves? Then, lastly, Tom Bevan talks to RCP Sr. Elections Analyst Sean Trende about the Georgia Senate race and the broader political landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Donald Trump’s proposal to provide $1,000 and paid travel to illegal immigrants who self-deport, and a plan outlined by Senator Rubin Gallego (D-AZ) that involves a $5,000 fine and a work permit. They also wonder why Brian Kemp and other prominent governors are passing on the chance to run for Senate, and a new executive order stops U.S. funding of gain of function research in “countries of concern” including China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. Plus, the requirement that air travelers present a license or identification card that is REAL ID-compliant starting on May 7. Also, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announces he will cut 20 percent of all U.S. four star generals and admirals. And finally, RCP Contributor Maggie Miller talks to RealClear Investigations author David Swindle about his latest article on rising antisemitism, and what can be done about it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Donald Trump’s comments on Sunday regarding the U.S. Constitution, and former Vice President Mike Pence’s remarks at the JFK Library in Boston, where he received the “Profiles in Courage” award for his actions on January 6th. They also wonder how Congressional Republicans are handling the question of Medicaid funding in the 2026 budget negotiations, and how a scandal involving John Reid, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Virginia, is roiling the Republican Party ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election. Plus, they talk about discuss Trump’s proposal to convert Alcatraz from a tourist destination to an operational prison, and to place a 100 percent tariff on films produced overseas. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker’s recent trip to New Hampshire and whether he has national ambitions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Donald Trump’s 2026 budget that was released today and includes $163 billion in spending cuts. They also talk about personnel changes at the White House, and what the future may hold for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former National Security Advisor and UN ambassador nominee Mike Waltz, and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. Plus, an Executive Order signed late Thursday that terminates federal support for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. Also, the guys give their picks for this week’s “You Can’t Be Serious”. Then finally, RCP Contributor Charlie Stone and journalist Jack Ford talk to Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State, author, and a Democratic candidate for Michigan governor in 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the reassignment of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to become the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Also, a look at the implications of the minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S., signed Wednesday night. Then, Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the battle between Democratic strategist James Carville and Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg. Also, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) faces a decision: whether to run for the top Democratic spot on the House Oversight Committee or pass in order to spend more time in the field. Next, Carl Cannon talks to RCP columnist John Maxwell Hamilton about Abundance, a new book by Ezra Kelin and Derek Thompson that provides advice to progressives. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about President Trump’s efforts to change the way senior government officials are compensated, and the future of DOGE after Elon Musk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and National Review columnist Heather Wilheim preview tonight’s speech by 2024 Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris. They also discuss Wisconsin’s Supreme Court decision to suspend Milwaukee circuit judge Hannah Dugan, who has been charged with helping an illegal immigrant avoid arrest by ICE agents. Plus, they chat about Trump’s campaign-style speech in Detroit delivered on Tuesday evening, and his oval office interview with ABC News senior national correspondent Terry Moran. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor and author Greg Orman about the first 100 days of organized opposition to the second Trump administration. How fares “The Resistance"? And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Law Professor and Boston Herald columnist Wendy Murphy about a landmark case involving why women can’t register for the draft, and why this is - in her view “the most important women’s rights case of the past 50 years”. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sean Trende, Senior Elections Analyst at RealClearPolitics, joins the conversation to dissect the complexities of Trump's second term. The discussion includes the impact of tariffs on the economy and voter sentiment, examining how these strategies might shape public perception. The podcast also tackles the contentious issue of sanctuary cities and how recent Canadian elections reflect broader geopolitical dynamics. With Trump's influence looming over international politics, the dialogue reveals the intricate interplay of local and global factors in shaping voter behavior.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss coverage of the first 100 days of Trump’s second administration, and why Trump continues his love/hate relationship with the mainstream press. Then, they discuss this weekend’s trip to New Hampshire by Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker and his comments on fellow Democrats. And, Attorney General Pam Bondi launches an inquiry into the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue, which has raised $16 billion for progressive causes since 2004 and is already the subject of investigation by 19 state attorney generals. Plus, they talk about the latest developments in the Ukraine War, including this weekend’s meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and reaction to Putin’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire to commemorate Russia’s’ victory over Germany in WWII. Then, Andrew talks with diplomatic historian James S. Robbins, author of "This Time We Win: Revisiting The Tet Offensive" about this week’s 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, and the lasting legacy of the Vietnam War on America and the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.