RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the state of negotiations over Ukraine’s mineral rights, as well as the larger effort by the Trump administration to end the fighting in Ukraine. They also talk about a new TikTok interview with historian Victor Davis Hansen, who argues that Trump represents a return to “normalcy,” not a radical departure from political norms and what may be the next targets for the Department of Government Efficiency: public broadcasting, which has been losing audience to cable, satellite and web video services for decades, and the US Post Office, which faces increasing competition from private delivery services. Then lastly, Tom Bevan talks with Kevin Warsh of the Hoover Institution about inflation and the Federal Reserve. Warsh served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve from 2006 until 2011, and is often named as a leading contender to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chairman.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s announcement by Senator Mitch McConell that he would not run again for his Senate Seat and a new article from the Washington Free Beacon that reports a 2 billion dollar earmark – found by DOGE – for a brand new organization with links to Democratic activist Stacy Abrams. They also talk about the new HHS guidelines that align the agency with a January executive order signed by President Donald Trump on defining the sexes, and CBS Anchor Gayle King, Congressman Eric Swalwell, and others blaming the Trump administration for the recent airline crashes. Plus, Trump’s use of monarchical images, including portraying himself wearing a crown, on social media. Also, Hamas releasing the remains of four Israeli hostages, including two children and their mother, who died while being held captive by the terrorist group. Then finally, Carl Cannon talks with investigative reporter Judith Miller about the prospects for Mideast peace in the wake of today’s hostage release.

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Sean Trende discuss the Trump-Musk interview on Hannity, and whether DOGE is what Americans were promised. They also talk about the looming cuts at the Pentagon, and why Trump's approval rating is at an all-time high. Next, Tom Bevan interviews author Marc Dunkelman about his new book, "Why Nothing Works". Then finally, Carl Cannon chats with RCP Contributor Richard Porter about artificial intelligence.

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss the beginning of the Trump Administration's peace talks with the Russians over the Ukraine War. They also talk about Elon Musk's announcement that the government can't account for $4.7 trillion in payments and whether the public cares about the argument that Musk is "invading their privacy". Next, Carl Cannon speaks with Tony Woodlief, Sr. Fellow at the State Policy Network, about the administrative state. And finally, Tom Bevan chats with RCP Sr. Elections Analyst Sean Trende about the 2026 map and the Democrats' chances of retaking the upper chamber.

Andrew Walworth hosts Boston Herald columnist and New England Law/Boston Professor Wendy Murphy about how the Biden administration’s approach to transgender issues may have actually killed any chance that the ERA could become law. Then, Carl Cannon talks with with Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution about how the State Department could galvanize world opinion around "inalienable" rights and reclaim the human rights movement by reflecting American values. Next, Phil Wegmann talks to Rep. Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat, about how the Democratic Party can win back the support of middle-class voters. Himes is the ranking member of the House Intel Committee. And lastly, Tom Bevan speaks with Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute about Mayor Brandon Johnson's tenure and the challenges facing the Windy City.

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss VP Vance's blistering speech at the Munich Security Conference and news that up to 200,000 more federal employees may be on the chopping block. Then they discuss Phil's story about MO GOP Sen. Josh Hawley's labor reform bill.  Carl Cannon interviews Jonathan Turley about free speech and the RealClear Samizdat Prize. And then Tom Bevan talks to former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass about former IL Speaker Mike Madigan's conviction on 10 counts of conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud. 

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the Senate confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head HHS, and the announcement that approximately 75,000 federal workers have opted to accept Donald Trump’s severance package. They also talk about US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s promise to sue the state of New York over immigration policy, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants federal funds restored to house migrants in New York hotel rooms. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to Michael Bright, CEO of the Structured Finance Association about a Senate bill to cut credit card rates to 10 percent. Also, a look at Jonathan McKernan, who Trump nominated to be the new head of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. And finally, RCP Contributor Charlie Stone discusses the new Trump administration with Trump’s former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci.

James Freeman, Assistant editor at the Wall Street Journal and author of 'The Best of the Web,' discusses the intertwined fates of Elizabeth Warren and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). He dives into the challenges the CFPB faces, especially under Trump's opposition, and its implications for consumer protection regulations. The conversation also touches on the half-century legacy of political dynamics and accountability, making for a captivating exploration of current financial and political intersections.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss how federal judges have struck down or delayed some of Trump’s signature reform efforts and how the administration and Congress are reacting. They also talk about President Trump’s legal maneuvers, including calling off the prosecution of Mayor Eric Adams of New York City and pardoning Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Plus, today’s White House meeting between King Abdullah of Jordan and President Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance’s address in Paris about regulating artificial intelligence, his first major policy speech since taking office. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about how Trump’s executive orders will fare under judicial review, and the role of Congress going forward.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss President Trump’s appearance at the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift, and the changing political messaging by the NFL. They also talk about the not-so-subtle politics of some of Sunday night’s Super Bowl television ads, including those from the NFL, Nike, Lays, Jeep and other advertisers. Plus, the legal challenges to DOGE’s recent activities, and whether the Democrats’ opposition to DOGE is sound politics. And finally, Tom Bevan talks with RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende about current public opinion, including a CBS/Yougov poll released this weekend that showed Trump with a 53 percent approval rating.