RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Rahm Emanual’s appearance on The View, where he hinted he was “in training” for a presidential run. Also, a new poll by the polling firm co/efficient shows that 26 percent of voters believe that no one is the face of the Democratic Party, tied with 26 percent who believe is it New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. They also talk about today’s Supreme Court hearing on whether federal judges can restrict the Trump Administration’s restrictions on the mandatory right to citizenship for all children born in the U.S. Plus, they chat about 3 Yale professors who say they're moving to Canada because of President Trump and Bruce Springsteen berating Trump as he starts his “Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour in England. Next, Carl talks to Peter Berkowitz, former Director of Policy Planning at the State Department, about President Trump’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, nuclear negotiations with Iran, and the idea of a “freedom zone” in Gaza administered by the U.S. And finally, Andrew talks to John Feehery, former press secretary to House Speaker Dennis Hastert, about the internal politics behind the current Congressional budget negotiations and whether the GOP will hold the House in the 2026 midterms.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s news that the budget bill moved out of the House Ways and Means Committee on a party line vote, and the grand jury indictment of Judge Hannah Duggan on two charges of obstruction of justice that carry a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $350,000 fine. They also talk about the reaction to the new book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson and a new article by New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger. Plus, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s statement that three Democratic representatives committed felonies while visiting an ICE facility in Newark last Friday. Also, Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson are deemed eligible for induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about the latest news concerning President Trump’s trip to the Middle East.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss new economic data that shows inflation cooling for the third straight month, and the new book "Original Sin" by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. They also talk about the internal politics of the Democratic National Committee, which is considering voiding last February’s election of David Hogg as vice chairman because the vote violated party rules on gender representation. Next, Tom Bevan talks to Josh Kraushaar, editor-in-chief of Jewish Insider about US/Israeli relations in light of Trump’s trip to the Middle East and the release of American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who had been held by Hamas for nineteen months. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP National Correspondent Susan Crabtree about California Governor Gavin Newsom’s challenges funding healthcare for illegal immigrants and a new directive on solving the state’s homelessness crisis.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Donald Trump’s four-day visit to the Middle East and the release of U.S. hostage Eden Alexander. Also, they talk about the announcement by the Trump Administration of major advances in trade negotiations with both China and the United Kingdom. Plus, recent safety issues at Newark Liberty Airport and how Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and the Federal Aviation Agency are responding. And finally, Andrew talks to RealClear Health editor Jerry Rogers about today’s presidential executive order saying Medicaid will now pay only the lowest price charged to any customer when it comes to purchasing drugs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.