RealClearPolitics Podcast

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss VP Vance's blistering speech at the Munich Security Conference and news that up to 200,000 more federal employees may be on the chopping block. Then they discuss Phil's story about MO GOP Sen. Josh Hawley's labor reform bill.  Carl Cannon interviews Jonathan Turley about free speech and the RealClear Samizdat Prize. And then Tom Bevan talks to former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass about former IL Speaker Mike Madigan's conviction on 10 counts of conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the Senate confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head HHS, and the announcement that approximately 75,000 federal workers have opted to accept Donald Trump’s severance package. They also talk about US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s promise to sue the state of New York over immigration policy, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants federal funds restored to house migrants in New York hotel rooms. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to Michael Bright, CEO of the Structured Finance Association about a Senate bill to cut credit card rates to 10 percent. Also, a look at Jonathan McKernan, who Trump nominated to be the new head of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. And finally, RCP Contributor Charlie Stone discusses the new Trump administration with Trump’s former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Freeman, Assistant editor at the Wall Street Journal and author of 'The Best of the Web,' discusses the intertwined fates of Elizabeth Warren and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). He dives into the challenges the CFPB faces, especially under Trump's opposition, and its implications for consumer protection regulations. The conversation also touches on the half-century legacy of political dynamics and accountability, making for a captivating exploration of current financial and political intersections.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss how federal judges have struck down or delayed some of Trump’s signature reform efforts and how the administration and Congress are reacting. They also talk about President Trump’s legal maneuvers, including calling off the prosecution of Mayor Eric Adams of New York City and pardoning Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Plus, today’s White House meeting between King Abdullah of Jordan and President Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance’s address in Paris about regulating artificial intelligence, his first major policy speech since taking office. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about how Trump’s executive orders will fare under judicial review, and the role of Congress going forward. 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 President Trump’s appearance at the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift, and the changing political messaging by the NFL. They also talk about the not-so-subtle politics of some of Sunday night’s Super Bowl television ads, including those from the NFL, Nike, Lays, Jeep and other advertisers. Plus, the legal challenges to DOGE’s recent activities, and whether the Democrats’ opposition to DOGE is sound politics. And finally, Tom Bevan talks with RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende about current public opinion, including a CBS/Yougov poll released this weekend that showed Trump with a 53 percent approval rating. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John Cochrane, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, sheds light on new tax reforms, including a contentious proposal on taxes for tips. Phil Wegmann, a White House correspondent, discusses the political fallout of Elon Musk's influence on public sentiment and employee rights, and a Michigan senator's personal reproductive choices amidst the Trump era. The conversation also touches on Casey DeSantis's potential gubernatorial aspirations, encapsulating the intersection of personal decisions and the broader political landscape.

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.