RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the drama behind today’s vote for Speaker in the House and they look at Senator John Thune (R-SD), the new Senate Majority Leader. They also talk about Thursday’s recognition by Joe Biden of former Rep. Liz Cheney for her role in investigating Donald Trump and the activities of January 6th and the GOP reaction. Plus, Thursday’s New York Times article on the increasing threat of danger for New York City subway riders, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says alcoholic beverages should carry cancer warnings to increase awareness that drinking is now a leading cause of preventable cancer. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to commentator Stephen Moore about President Biden’s announcement that he will stop the $15 billion takeover of U.S. Steel by the Japanese company Nippon Steel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This discussion features J. Peder Zane, an insightful RCP Contributor focusing on media accountability, and Geoffrey Pohanka, chairman of Pohanka Automotive Group with deep knowledge of the automotive industry. They dive into the shocking domestic terrorism attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, critiquing the government’s response. Zane highlights the importance of objective media coverage, while Pohanka addresses ‘range anxiety’ as a hurdle for electric vehicle adoption and the influence of evolving policies on the auto industry.

First - Andrew Walworth and Carl Cannon interview political scientist Lara Brown on Biden’s legacy. Then, Andrew talks to Jay Bhatacharia who is a Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economics Research. They have a discussion about free speech. Next, Tom Bevan chats with author and political scientist Charles Lipson on big winners and losers of the past year. And finally, Carl speaks with Columnist Miranda Devine on winning the Samizdat award. 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 look back at 2024 to discuss the most important political stories of the year. Then, they talk about the event, story or trend that most surprised them in the year just past. Next, they discuss the reporters and columnists who provided great coverage or commentary in 2024. And winding it up, they talk about the political winners and losers of the year, and look forward to who is positioned to gain political ground in 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charles H. Lipson, a political science expert from the University of Chicago, shares insights into the shifting political landscape of 2024. He discusses the growing divisions within the Trump coalition, especially regarding H-1B visa policies for tech workers. Jerry Rogers, an editor focused on health policy, examines the ramifications of Trump nominees on future healthcare systems. They also tackle President Biden's leadership challenges and preview potential contenders for the Democratic Party's 2028 nomination.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss recent reports that House Republicans are complaining to President-Elect Donald Trump about Speaker Johnson’s performance. But is there anyone who can replace him? They also talk about a recent interview by Tucker Carlson of Teamster President Sean O’Brien who says Harris told Teamsters “I’m going to win with or without you.” Plus, a look at Donald Trump’s Christmas Eve message to 37 death row inmates issued clemency by Joe Biden and a new poll that shows seven out of ten Democrats are consuming less news in the wake of the election and declining ratings for CNN and MSBC. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Education editor Nathan Harden about President Biden’s recent activity around student loans, including a decision to provide additional relief to public sector workers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

First, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about the hit movie Gladiator II, and whether it is an allegory for Donald Trump’s political comeback. Then, Carl Cannon talks to Tevi Troy, senior fellow at the Ronald Regan Institute and the author of "The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry” about what Joe Biden can get done in the less than seven weeks left in his presidency. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to author James Piereson about his New Criterion article on why Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency should target the N.E.D., and why it's so hard to shut down any government-funded operation. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Wall Street Journal columnist William Galston about the future of the N.E.D., which is reportedly targeted by Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency for elimination. 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 release of the House Ethics Committee report on Matt Gaetz and what it means for his political career. Also, Donald Trump’s pursuit of the Panama Canal, which was transferred to Panamanian control in 1999, and his hopes to annex Greenland. Plus, they discuss whether pharmaceutical advertising should be banned from television, a move favored by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk. Also, a look at the revelation that 81-year-old Rep. Kay Granger (R.- TX) has been residing in Texas senior living facility and has not voted on the House floor since July. And winding it up they talk about the politics of President Biden’s two-track approach to student loan forgiveness. 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 influence wielded by Elon Musk, especially in regard to the Congressional budget process. They also talk about a new Newsweek article by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Chair of the House Progressive Caucus, on how the Democrats can regain power by “unrigging” the system and Politifact’s annual poll of its readers, ranking ten whoppers told by politicians over the past year. Next, Tom speaks with White House reporter Phil Wegmann about America Fest. Then finally, in his most recent interview for the video series “The Unknowns,” RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks to legal analyst and journalist Jack Ford about the defense’s strategy in the upcoming trial of Luigi Mangione for the murder of healthcare executive Brian Thompson. 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 Trump’s rejection of Congress’ Continuing Budget Resolution and what it means for Speaker Mike Johnson’s future. They also talk about a new article from the Wall Street Journal on operations at the White House during the Biden administration, and how the staff reportedly adjusted the president’s schedule and availabilities to compensate for his declining health. Plus, they chat about George Stephanopoulos' new contract at ABC News in the wake of the company’s decision to settle President-elect Trump’s defamation suit and they look at the Amazon strike and Trump’s relations with the Teamsters. Then finally, Andrew talks about new developments in drone warfare with Thom Shanker, former Pentagon correspondent for the New York Times and co-author of the book, "Age of Danger: Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons and New Threats". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.