RealClearPolitics Podcast

Juan Williams, a Fox News political analyst and author, joins the discussion on Trump's virtual address to global leaders at Davos. He underscores the implications of Trump’s tariffs on international relations amid the Ukraine conflict. The conversation shifts to the rapid changes in immigration policy, including military deployment at the border and executive orders on citizenship. Williams also shares insights from his new book, focusing on the evolution of civil rights movements and the transformative role of social media in today’s activism.

In this engaging conversation, John Maxwell Hamilton, a professor at Louisiana State University and a political columnist, dives into Marco Rubio's initial actions as Secretary of State. He dissects Rubio’s pivotal cable to U.S. embassies, outlining its implications for an America-first foreign policy. The discussion shifts to the ambitious Stargate AI initiative, and later, Hamilton reflects on Trump's controversial inaugural address. The episode also honors baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki, celebrating his trailblazing legacy in the sport.

Richard Porter, a former RNC committeeman from Illinois and contributor to RealClearPolitics, joins the discussion on Trump’s recent pardons for January 6th defendants. They delve into the starkly divided views on these pardons, with a focus on the implications for justice and accountability. The conversation also touches on Trump's communication strategies and executive orders concerning emergency provisions. Furthermore, Porter reflects on the frigid inauguration events, highlighting the shifting political dynamics in the current landscape.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann review today’s inaugural address by President Donald Trump, as well as his remarks immediately after to supporters. They also talk about Biden’s last-minute pardons for his brothers, sister and their spouses, as well as pardons for January 6th House Committee members and others. Plus, Trump’s executive orders signed on his first day in office including those dealing with renaming the Gulf of Mexico and Mt Denali. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Andrew F. Puzder about his new book, "A Tyranny for the Good of its Victims", which argues that BlackRock, State Street, Fidelity and other large asset managers have imposed their political agendas on US public companies to the detriment of the US economy.

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.”

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".

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.