RealClearPolitics Podcast

Join John Tamny, editor of RealClear Markets, who critiques Trump’s tariffs as ineffective for reviving American manufacturing, arguing that adapting to modern conditions is key. Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, reveals how federal entities contribute to media censorship, advocating for action to protect free speech. They dive into the implications of rising tariffs and explore the shifting political landscape with Eric Adams' unexpected independent run against Nathan Cuomo. All this sparks a lively discussion on the future of trade and media integrity.

Sean Trende, Senior elections analyst at RealClearPolitics, dives into the recent electoral results in Florida and Wisconsin, shedding light on what these outcomes mean for future political dynamics. The discussion covers the impact of Trump’s tariff policies on voter sentiment and explores the controversial trial of Luigi Mangione amid debates over the death penalty. Trende also reflects on the shifting landscape of the Democratic Party as it navigates challenges and strategizes for the 2028 primary, highlighting the urgency for a course correction.

Maria Cardona, a seasoned Democratic strategist, shares her insights on the recent federal ruling halting the deportation of 600,000 Venezuelan migrants. The discussion dives into the implications for immigration policy and racial discrimination. They also tackle the fallout from the White House's controversial decision to disinvite comedian Amber Ruffin from a major dinner. Additionally, Senator Cory Booker's fiery speech and the challenges surrounding transgender athletes in sports highlight the Democratic Party's direction amidst a politically charged landscape.

Lee Fang, an independent journalist known for his investigative work, delves into the stunning financial stakes of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election and how figures like Elon Musk are shaping local politics. He reveals how major Democratic donors have funneled millions to social media influencers to sway voter opinion, particularly targeting younger demographics. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by political campaigns, especially in effectively reaching and engaging diverse voter bases like Black communities.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss ICE's apprehension of a Turkish graduate student at Tufts University. Also, New York Representative Elise Stefanik is not going to the United Nations, but will continue to serve in Congress. Plus, they talk about last night’s appearance by Elon Musk and 7 DOGE executives on Fox News. Then, Andrew talks to Presidential Historian Tevi Troy about episodes in American history where sensitive information was inadvertently leaked to the press, including the case of General Robert E. Lee, who left his plans for invading the North wrapped around a cigar box. And finally, RCP Contributor Charlie Stone talks to Michael Cohen, who served as Donald Trump’s personal lawyer for more than a decade and was sentenced to a three-year jail sentence, about what he thinks may happen to Trump’s current set of advisors.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss today’s arrest of an illegal immigrant accused of being a leader of MS-13. Also, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visits the Salvadoran prison where deported alleged Venezuelan gang members are being held to tape a video message discouraging illegal border crossing into the U.S. They also talk about next Tuesday’s special election in Florida’s sixth district to fill the seat vacated by Mike Walz, President Trump’s national security advisor. Plus, PBS President Paula Kerger and NPR President Katherine Maher testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about continuing the $535 million annual federal contribution to public broadcasting. Next, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann interviews Senator Jeffery Merkley (D-OR) about the use of facial recognition scanning and biometric data gathering by the TSA at U.S. airports, which he contends is creating “an unchecked national surveillance system.” Then finally, Carl Cannon talks to Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz about the Trump Administrations’ decision to withdraw cancellation of Radio Free Europe and the role of public diplomacy in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the release of text messages from the private thread of top US advisors discussing the strategy for U.S. strikes in Yemen, and the White House attack on Atlantic editor Jeffery Goldberg who was inadvertently included in the online discussion. They also talk about Senator Eric Schmidt’s hearings yesterday on how tech companies suppressed speech during the Biden administration, and the diplomatic maneuvering behind the second couple’s upcoming visit to Iceland. Next, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the future of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and others. Will President Trump will hold anyone involved in the Signal leak accountable? And lastly, Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Investigations writers Bob Ivry and Jeremy Portnoy about their in-depth look at federal agencies with expired Congressional charters, which they say comprise at least 8 percent of the federal government.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the future of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz in the wake of revelations that he invited Atlantic Editor Jeffrey Goldberg to join a private text thread discussing strategy for U.S. strikes in Yemen that included other high level Trump advisors. They also talk about a new profile of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in The Washington Post. Plus, they discuss reports that Columbia University’s administration and faculty are divided over interim president Katrina Armstrong’s handling of Trump-ordered policy reforms. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende about the state of the Democratic Party, and whether there is an opening for a third party to emerge as a real alternative to the Democrat and Republican parties. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Health editor Jerry Rogers about reports that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to ban or heavily regulate television advertising by drugmakers, and what that would mean for both the pharmaceutical and television industry.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the duo’s  “Fighting Oligarchy” Tour, the future of the Democratic Party, and whether Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will run for president.  Then they discuss next steps in Ukraine and President Zelensky's cover-story interview in Time magazine. Comedian Conan O’Brien is awarded the Mark Twain Prize in a celebration that featured multiple jokes about President Trump. Also, former Utah Representative Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman in Congress, is dead at age 49. Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about the fight between The White House and some of America’s top legal firms. And Andrew Walworth talks to RealClear Investigations editor J. Peder Zane about a new article by RCI writer Paul Sperry that looks into allegations that FBI Director James Comey used a female undercover agent to fish for evidence of criminal activity by the Trump campaign as early as June, 2015."Image of Alexandria Ocasio Cortez courtesy of Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons"

Heather Wilhelm, a National Review columnist and forthcoming novelist, joins Mark Penn, CEO of Stagwell and Democratic politics expert, and bestselling author Scott Turow for a lively discussion. They dissect Laura Ingraham's interview with a DOGE team member at the IRS, tackle the flawed World Happiness Report, and critique the backlash against Disney's Snow White remake. As they navigate political shifts within the Democratic Party, they emphasize the importance of relationships over wealth in achieving true happiness.