RealClearPolitics Podcast

Eric Spitz, a contributor at RCP, shares insights on the current political landscape and Biden's legacy. The conversation dives into Trump's upcoming inaugural address and its potential to unify amidst political division. Spitz discusses the implications of Trump's 'law and order' approach on crime and law enforcement, while also reflecting on the evolving 'America First' foreign policy and its international impacts. The chat concludes with a look at the challenges facing the Democratic Party, especially regarding leadership and future electoral strategies.

Charlie Tidmarsh, a contributor and censorship analyst, joins the discussion to tackle pressing topics like President Biden's farewell address and its implications for free speech amid rising misinformation. They analyze Pam Bondi's Senate confirmation hearing and the evolving political landscape in Florida with Governor DeSantis's recent appointments. The conversation also dives into the implications of TikTok's national security debate, exploring political motivations and the tech sector's influence on democracy.

Discussing Biden's farewell address, the conversation dives into his presidency's legacy and challenges, comparing his approval ratings to historical figures like Jimmy Carter. The group analyzes the political intricacies of rebuilding Los Angeles post-wildfires, emphasizing regulatory relief implications. Media accountability is a hot topic too, with a focus on CNN's libel lawsuit and changes at MSNBC amid struggles in ratings. Insights from a White House correspondent provide a deeper look at Biden's administration and Trump's looming return.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Tuesday's appearance by Trump Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth before the Senate Armed Services Committee. They also talk about Monday night’s release of the Justice Department’s 137-page report on Donald Trump’s alleged role in overturning the 2020 election, federal aid for California in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires, and Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal op-ed by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) who says she will work with Trump to “unrig” the US economy. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to former New York Times Pentagon correspondent and author Thom Shanker about President Biden’s speech at the US State Department on Monday, where he claimed that he was leaving incoming President Donald Trump “a very strong hand.” 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 Governor Gavin Newsom’s complaint that “disinformation” threatens peoples’ safety during the Los Angeles wildfires. They also talk about Pete Hegseth’s upcoming Senate hearings and today’s speech by President Biden at the State Department, where he discussed his foreign policy legacy, saying that he is “leaving the next administration with a very strong hand”. Then finally, Carl talks with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) about his new book: "It Takes Chutzpah: How to Fight Fearlessly for Progressive Change". 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 today’s sentencing of Donald Trump in the New York records case. They also talk about the political impact of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the Los Angeles wild fires. Next, Phil Wegmann talks to Michael Sobolik of the Hudson Institute about today’s arguments before the Supreme regarding a federally mandated sale of the social media platform TikTok, and how the Trump Administration will treat China and Beijing’s involvement in the Panama Canal. And lastly, RealClear contributor Peter Berkowitz talks to Carl Cannon about how US foreign policy will change under the second Trump Administration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Susan Crabtree, a national political correspondent for RCP known for her insightful analysis, joins the discussion surrounding the memorial service for Jimmy Carter. They delve into the implications of Meta ending third-party fact-checking on journalism. The conversation shifts to Trump’s recent meeting with GOP Senators and tensions within the party. Crabtree also highlights the significant issues surrounding California wildfires, criticizing local leadership and discussing the urgent need for climate policy reform amidst political conflicts.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Susan Page’s USA Today interview with outgoing President Joe Biden, who claims he could have beaten Donald Trump in November and regrets not doing more to counter disinformation. They also talk about Meta’s decision to end third-party fact checking for its social media platforms and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to reserve $25 million for legal fees to help his state fight the federal government under Donald Trump. Next, RealClear Investigations writer Aaron Mate talks with Carl Cannon about massive redactions made to the FBI’s recently released report on the agency’s probe of claims that President Donald Trump was a Russian agent. And finally, Charles McElwee, Editor of RealClear Pennsylvania, and Andrew Walworth discuss next steps in the saga over Nippon Steel’s plans to acquire U.S. Steel, a merger that has been denied by the Biden Administration. 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, joins the discussion on Greenland's potential future and its geopolitical significance. He highlights Greenland's growing independence aspirations and the strategic interests the U.S. holds in the region. The conversation also touches on the impact of natural resources and recent infrastructure developments in Greenland, exploring how these factors might shape U.S.-Greenland relations. Freeman's insights provide a fascinating look at the intersection of environmental concerns and global politics.

Andrew Walworth is joined by RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann to discuss today’s certification of election results on Capitol Hill, as well as the future of pardons for the January 6th defendants. Then, they talk about the announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that he is resigning as head of the Liberal Party and how that will affect US/Canadian relations in the future. Next, they chat about what happens next on Capitol Hill concerning legislation dealing with immigration, taxes and energy. And they take a look at President Biden’s visit to New Orleans today to meet with victims of the recent terrorist attack in the French Quarter. Then, wrapping it up, RCP contributor Charlie Stone interviews Jon Long and Ford Fischer, the creators of the documentary “Fight Like Hell,” which chronicles the events leading up to and including January 6, 2021. The documentary (https://www.fightlikehellmovie.org/) features never-before-seen footage and attempts to cover J6 without bias. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.