RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss a video released by six Democratic lawmakers with military and national security backgrounds that urges American service members to not follow illegal orders from their superiors, and President Donald Trump’s response. They also talk about Senator Eric Swalwell (D.CA) declaring his candidacy in the governor’s race in California, and Trump critic George Conway saying he may enter the Democratic primary for Rep. Jerry Nadler’s congressional seat in mid-town Manhattan. Next, they discuss front page stories in The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal about the growing involvement of billionaires in American politics, and the struggle of middleclass Americans to make ends meet. Then, Rep. Gosh Gottheimer (D-NJ) joins the guys to discuss whether Democrats and Republicans can devise a compromise on health insurance costs that will avoid another government shutdown in January. And finally, a look ahead at today’s Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and they give their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories of the week. 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 the announcement that President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will meet for the first time face-to-face tomorrow in the Oval Office. And, they talk about Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent telling Fox News that taxpayers may receive a $2,000 “tariff dividend” next year, but he hopes they won’t spend it. Then, they discuss today’s funeral in Washington DC for former Vice President Dick Cheney. Plus, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) has been indicted on charges of stealing $5 million from FEMA during the Covid 19 crisis, funds she allegedly largely used to run for a seat in the House of Representatives, and hedge fund billionaire Tom Steyers announces his candidacy for the governor’s race in California. Then finally, Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America and the author of the book "The Primary Solution", joins the guys to discuss his proposal to create open primaries, a reform that he says will make politicians more responsive to all their constituents, not just the party faithful who vote in closed primary elections. 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 reports of a “secret” peace plan that is being negotiated by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterparts without input from Ukraine. Then, they talk about fallout from yesterday’s Oval Office comments by President Trump and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the murder of Saudi dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Next, RCP White House reporter Phil Wegmann joins the guys to discuss what's next in the efforts to compel the Justice Department to release documents related to the Epstein case. And, they chat about Trump’s relations with the press: he insults Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey, calling her “piggy” on Air Force One, and during yesterday’s Oval Office press opportunity, he tells ABC News White House reporter Mary Bruce that the FCC should revoke the network’s license. Then finally, they discuss the state of the redistricting battle across the country, including Texas where Republicans have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court challenging a federal three-judge panel’s rejection of the most recent remapping of the state’s congressional districts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center, sheds light on the Cook County property-tax crisis and the looming threat of a tax revolt. He discusses how downtown commercial declines are impacting residential neighborhoods, particularly in Black areas. The conversation dives into the proposed head tax, its potential negative effects on investment, and the unexpected pushback from the City Council. Additionally, they analyze the political consequences for Mayor Brandon Johnson amidst the fiscal turmoil, offering a glimpse into the intricate world of local governance.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss President Donald Trump’s changing position on: the release of the Epstein files, reciprocal tariffs on key grocery items, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). They also discuss recent developments in Latin America including riots in Mexico City over the weekend, Sunday’s presidential election results in Chile, and comments from President Donald Trump that President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela is seeking a dialogue with the United States. Then, they talk about Axios’ reporting that New York Times columnist Ezra Klein is raising concerns at the paper that he is providing advice to key players in the Democratic Party, including 2028 presidential hopefuls. Plus, Disney stock is down 9 percent in recent days. They wonder what's behind the price drop, and are streaming services becoming too expensive? 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 the challenges facing the leadership of both parties, as President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer face increased criticism from their political bases. Then, they discuss the Ford Motor Company’s decision to suspend production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck, the future of electric vehicles, and Ford CEO Jim Farley’s recent comments about the growing need for more skilled technical workers. And then winding it up, they talk about the new data from Gallup about the declining religiosity of Americans, and why in a recent Gallup poll 40 percent of young American women say they would like to permanently move to a different country. Plus, the guys give up their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. 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, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss last night’s signing ceremony at the White House where President Donald Trump ended the government shutdown and talked about the future of healthcare subsidies. Then, Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss yesterday’s release of selected Jeffrey Epstein emails and whether House and Senate Republicans will split from the President when forced to vote on the release of the full Epstein files. And finally, author and political commentator Chris Matthews joins the guys to discuss his new book Lessons From Bobby: Ten Reasons Robert F. Kennedy Still Matters, and what today’s Democrats and Republicans can learn from Kennedy’s personal and political career. 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 how both Republicans and Democrats are claiming victory following the longest government shutdown in history, and they preview tonight’s House vote on reopening the government. Then, they talk about the new emails from Jeffrey Epstein about his involvement with Donald Trump which was released today by House Democrats, and the upcoming House vote on releasing the Epstein files. Plus, President John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, who is best known for his social media posts, announced that he is running for Congress in New York’s 12th District in central Manhattan. And winding it up, Fred Ryan, director of the Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy and publisher and CEO of the Washington Post from 2014 to 2023, joins the guys to discuss the Justice Department’s decision to investigate the violence that broke out Monday on the Berkeley campus during an event sponsored by Turning Point USA, and what can be done to improve public dialogue about politics in general. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John J. Waters, a Naval Academy graduate and former Marine, shares his insights on Veterans Day and the Marine Corps' upcoming 250th anniversary. He reflects on the experiences of Vietnam veterans and the importance of military memorials. The discussion shifts to Trump's controversial 50-year mortgage proposal and how it could reshape homeownership in America. The panel also delves into the growing influence of Democratic Socialists in local elections, alongside the internal struggles of the Democratic Party regarding leadership and the filibuster.

The hosts dive into the Senate's decision to end the government shutdown, exploring the internal rift within the Democratic Party. They discuss Trump's spectacle at an NFL game, his promise of $2,000 checks, and his mass pardons, including controversial figures. The resignation of the BBC's director general over editing issues sparks a debate on media integrity. They also analyze the implications of Syria's new president visiting the White House and celebrate Warren Zevon's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.