
RealClearPolitics Podcast
News and Political Analysis from RealClearPolitics
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 45min
Is The GOP Now The Party Of Higher Taxes?
Join Pete Geren, former Democratic representative and Secretary of the Army, as he dives into the concerning decline in literacy among American children. He highlights the stark disconnect between parental perceptions and actual reading skills. Geren emphasizes the crucial role parents play in fostering literacy through reading aloud. The conversation also touches on the long-term implications of illiteracy for children's futures and the collective responsibility of both parents and educators to tackle this pressing issue.

Apr 16, 2025 • 45min
Democrats’ New Spring Break Destination: El Salvador
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador seeking the release of Abrego Garcia, and efforts by other Democrats including Senator Corey Booker (D-NJ) to visit the country. Also, Joe Biden gives a speech in Chicago attacking Donald Trump on social security. They also talk about U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s announcement that The Justice Department filed suit against the state of Maine for violating Title IX. Also, New York Attorney General Letitia James, who said during her efforts to convict Donald Trump of real estate fraud that, “No person is above the law,” now faces a federal criminal referral for alleged mortgage fraud. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Trump’s plans to change the Endangered Species Act as part of a larger effort to spur economic growth through deregulation. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to James Freeman of The Wall Street Journal about the latest efforts to moderate Democrats’ positions on regulation and the economy.

Apr 15, 2025 • 45min
Trump Wants To Deport “Home-Grown” Criminals
Join Adam Wise, Chief Innovation Officer at National Media Insights, and Juan Williams, author and Fox commentator, as they tackle pressing issues like the Trump administration's controversial deportation stance and the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions. Wise shares insights on revolutionary data-driven strategies for political campaigns, while Williams discusses his book on civil rights and the ongoing fight against censorship in education. Together, they explore the intersection of technology, politics, and society's evolving values.

Apr 14, 2025 • 45min
Will Carve-Outs For Tech Companies Undermine Trump’s Tariff Goals?
In this engaging discussion, Susan Crabtree, a national political correspondent for RCP and co-author of Fool's Gold, shares insights on Trump's complicated tariff policies for Chinese tech imports. They delve into the internal White House conflicts over these strategies and how they impact major companies like Apple. The conversation takes a turn to address political extremism, referencing a recent violent incident in Pennsylvania. They also explore diverse Democratic responses to Trump and the intriguing dynamics of space missions for women.

6 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 45min
Supreme Court Tells Trump: Bring Him Home
Sean Spicer, former White House Press Secretary and host of his own show, discusses immigration policy under Trump, addressing the complexities and challenges surrounding enforcement. Meanwhile, Nancy Rommelmann, a contributor at Real Clear Investigations, shares her exclusive insights from interviews with IRS agents involved in the Hunter Biden tax investigation, shedding light on their whistleblower experiences. The conversation also touches on the Supreme Court's recent rulings and the political landscape leading up to the 2028 elections.

Apr 10, 2025 • 45min
U.S. vs. China and Main Street vs. Wall Street
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the shifting White House rhetoric surrounding Trump’s trade policies. They also talk about yesterday’s House vote that would curtail federal judges’ ability to place nationwide injunctions on presidential orders, and whether the measure will pass in the Senate. Plus, Donald Trump’s executive order directing the Department of Justice to investigate former White House officials Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor, who Trump accused of “treason.” Also, Kennedy Center officials report that a fireworks show on March 29 attracted the largest audience in the Center’s history. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributor Eric Spitz about alleged anti-Jewish bias on the campus of M.I.T., and the political rivalry between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Apr 9, 2025 • 45min
Trump's Tariff Moves
Tom Bevan, Phil Wegmann, and Richard Porter discuss Trump's surprise move pulling back on tariffs for everyone - except China. Then, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon & Sean Trende discuss Ken Paxton's entry into the TX GOP Senate primary, and the news a Trump judge ruled in favor of the AP in their suit against the administration. Next, Carl Cannon talks to Salena Zito, who visited a steel factory in PA and wrote about it for the Washington Post. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to John Kass about his column on Trump's tariff strategy.

Apr 8, 2025 • 45min
Supreme Court Hands Trump Two Victories in 24 Hours
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss this week’s Supreme Court decisions that at least temporarily allows Trump to continue policies that had been blocked by lower courts. They also talk about internal disagreements within the Trump White House when it comes to tariff policy. Then, Tom talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Trump’s meeting with the Israeli prime minister. And lastly, Andrew talks to former chief economist of the World Bank and Brookings scholar Homi Kharas about the effect Trump’s tariff policies will have on the conduct of US foreign policy.

Apr 7, 2025 • 45min
Is Obama The Voice of Today’s Democratic Party?
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Former President Barrack Obama’s recent appearance at Hamilton College where he criticized the Trump Administration, and Kamala Harris’ speech on Trump’s policies where she told the audience, “I told you so”. They also talk about the market reaction to Trump’s tariffs. Amid growing calls for the president to negotiate lower trade barriers with allies and partners, will the Administration stand firm on across-the-board tariffs? Plus, they chat about the two women who will likely vie for the governorship of Virginia this fall, and whether the race tells us anything about what to expect in the 2028 midterms. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about Trump’s authority over trade policy, and the politics driving Trump on tariffs.

Apr 4, 2025 • 45min
A President Who Was “Out Of It”
Chris Christie, the former Governor of New Jersey, shares his expertise on Medicaid's critical role in treating opioid addiction, emphasizing the moral obligation to support recovery efforts. He critiques the Trump Administration's progress amidst ongoing challenges. Meanwhile, John McWhorter, a Columbia University linguist, dives into the evolution and complexities of pronouns, exploring their impact on communication and identity in today's society. Their discussions illuminate pressing issues in healthcare and language, blending personal anecdotes with broader societal implications.