2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin

Karen Skelton, a seasoned Democratic strategist with ties to presidential campaigns, and Kristin Davison, a sharp GOP strategist, delve into the heated political landscape surrounding the government shutdown. They discuss Schumer's fiery rhetoric against Trump and the blame game among party leaders. The conversation also touches on Biden's international strategy, SNAP spending increases, and the implications of wealth gaps. Both guests highlight campaign dynamics and the crucial role of messaging in today's politics, offering a glimpse into the strategies that shape public perception.

Hyma Moore, a Democratic strategist and former DNC chief of staff, shares insights on political dynamics, while David Burrell, a nonpartisan pollster, reveals intriguing AI survey findings. They delve into the ramifications of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits and discuss the blame game, along with how upcoming governor races might shift political strategies. The conversation also touches on the implications of a potential third Trump term and public reaction to AI's growing role in politics.

Amber Duke, a Senior Editor at The Daily Caller, and Michael LaRosa, a former Biden White House aide, dive into the latest political storm. They dissect the potential impacts of a government shutdown on workers and debate Chuck Schumer's leadership strategy. The duo challenges the role of Senate math versus procedural norms in negotiations. Additionally, they discuss how Trump’s media coverage overshadows significant stories, while exploring the dynamics of the New York City mayoral race, including Curtis Sliwa's unexpected role.

Ryan Gerdusky, a political commentator and founder of the 1776 Project PAC, joins Katie Balls, editor at The Times, to delve into President Trump's escalating military strategy in Latin America. They discuss Trump 2028 plans shared by Steve Bannon and analyze the implications of U.S. military movements like the aircraft carrier deployment to Colombia. Gerdusky also critiques GOP messaging on healthcare and the ongoing impact of government shutdowns on federal workers, highlighting strategic political tensions.

Ari David, founder of Upward News, and journalist Aaron Parnas dive into the intriguing world of politics. They discuss the protracted government shutdown, exploring who’s responsible for the stalemate. The conversation shifts to President Trump's controversial pause on sending federal troops to San Francisco, spurred by the mayor's plea. They also tackle NYC's mayoral race, predicting its outcome amidst campaign missteps. Finally, they ponder the economic landscape, balancing stock market optimism with daily struggles faced by Americans.

This discussion features Steven Olikara, a Democratic strategist and CEO of Bridge Entertainment Labs, and Beverly Hallberg, a GOP media strategist and president of District Media Group. They dive into the emotional reactions surrounding the East Wing demolition, exploring its symbolic implications and the controversy of private funding for renovations. The guests also dissect Trump's comments about the new ballroom, the potential corruption of pay-to-play, and how the demolition reflects broader political polarization, offering insights into the NYC mayoral race and shutdown politics.

Hogan Gidley, a former Trump White House deputy press aide, and Yemisi Egbewole, the former Biden White House press office chief of staff, engage in a lively discussion on pivotal political issues. They dive into strategies surrounding a potential government shutdown and analyze Trump's stance on Russia and Ukraine. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of the New York City mayoral race and debates about Biden's cognitive state, all while tackling healthcare affordability in a spirited audience Q&A.

Kristin Davison, a GOP strategist with a sharp eye on political dynamics, teams up with Hans Nichols, a national security correspondent, for an enlightening discussion. They dive into the Ninth Circuit ruling allowing Trump to deploy troops to Portland and its potential Supreme Court implications. The panel also unpacks the ongoing government shutdown, assessing blame and compromise prospects, while exploring Trump's fluctuating stance on Ukraine and energy policy's ties to Russia. Insightful debates on messaging and state race previews add depth to this engaging conversation.

Marc Short, a GOP strategist and former chief of staff to Mike Pence, joins Robby Soave, a libertarian writer from Reason magazine, for a lively discussion. They delve into Trump's potential second term and the implications for Democrats. The pair analyze the nuances of Trump’s commutation of George Santos, explore the shaky ceasefire terms between Israel and Hamas, and critique NYC's recent mayoral debates. They also tackle government shutdown dynamics and how charisma affects today's political landscape.

David Burrell, founder of the polling firm WIC, offers keen insights into the New York mayoral race, highlighting the vital voter turnout metrics crucial for candidate Cuomo. Political commentator Nomi Kunst passionately advocates for Zoran Mamdani, explaining his grassroots strategy and potential to shift local politics. The discussion explores how memorable debate moments might change momentum and the implications of undecided voters. Panelists dive into the current polling trends and the dynamics shaping the election, making for an engaging political analysis.