RealClearPolitics Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.