2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin

Amber Duke, a conservative media figure and commentator, joins to delve into pressing political topics. They tackle the fallout from a controversial video encouraging troops to refuse illegal orders, scrutinizing the implications of Trump's fierce reaction. The conversation shifts to Dick Cheney's legacy, highlighting personal memories and criticism of party shifts under Trump. Duke also shares insights on the tenuous prospects for a Russia-Ukraine peace plan, expressing skepticism about its viability and discussing the administration's economic messaging.

Join North Carolina State Senator Natalie Murdock, a Democrat focused on state policies, and former Governor Pat McCrory, a Republican, as they dissect the current political landscape. They cover the impact of immigration policies and AI regulations in their state, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. In the second hour, Ari David leads a spirited discussion on conservative infighting with guests like Laura Loomer and Saurabh Amari, exploring key influencers and ideological shifts within the movement.

Scott Jennings, a political commentator and author of *A Revolution of Common Sense*, shares insights from his time with President Trump in the Oval Office. He discusses the importance of engaging with Saudi Arabia over public criticism, dissecting Trump's controversial responses to pressing questions about Jamal Khashoggi. Jennings also analyzes the fallout from the recent Epstein disclosure bill and the split within the GOP between MAGA supporters and establishment figures. He reflects on his book tour and addresses the rising tensions within youth-led conservative movements.

Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley discusses Social Security's future and the necessity of scrapping the payroll cap for solvency. He rejects raising the retirement age, calling it ineffective, and warns about the risks of privatization. O'Malley criticizes Trump’s framing of Jeffrey Epstein's ties as a purely Democratic issue, while also reflecting on his friendship with Gavin Newsom and assessing Baltimore's crime strategies. His insights offer a mix of policy advocacy and personal anecdotes.

Katy Balls, Washington editor at The Times of London, provides insights on the BBC's recent controversies and bias towards parties like Reform UK. Rob Bluey, from The Daily Signal, discusses the government's role in housing policy and limits on presidential powers. Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, reflects on the site's shift from its original vision, emphasizing the impact of sourcing rules. Adam Wren shares his takes on Indiana's redistricting and the political relevance of focus groups, particularly for upcoming elections.

Ashley Etienne, a former communications advisor to Nancy Pelosi and Kamala Harris, teams up with GOP strategist Kristin Davison to analyze the current political landscape. They explore the importance of economic issues in elections and debate bipartisan healthcare strategies. Tensions within the Democratic Party over Obamacare illustrate the complexities of reform. The conversation also touches on legal battles over redistricting and potential implications for both parties, all while assessing Trump's standing for a second term.

Hans Nichols, a Capitol Hill reporter for Axios, joins veteran GOP strategist Alex Castellanos to delve into pressing political issues. They discuss the government's impending shutdown and the surprising effectiveness of Speaker Mike Johnson. The conversation heats up around the recent release of Epstein emails and the unexpected involvement of Rep. Boebert. They also explore J.D. Vance's populist appeal and its impact on voters, weighing questions of authenticity in today's political landscape.

Hogan Gidley, a former Trump White House press aide, and Steve Elmendorf, a seasoned Democratic strategist, discuss the fallout from the recent government shutdown. Gidley blames Chuck Schumer and the Democrats, while Elmendorf highlights internal party dynamics and the progressive pressure on leadership. The duo also tackles healthcare affordability and the GOP's lack of a coherent plan, alongside debates on accountability in journalism and the impact of private communications on politics. Their insightful back-and-forth offers a captivating glimpse into current congressional tensions.

John Kasich, the former governor of Ohio and U.S. congressman, discusses crucial political dynamics today. He addresses the recent defections of Democrats amid shutdown talks, emphasizing family welfare over party lines. Kasich critiques the left's drift and advocates for more centrist leadership. He proposes healthcare reforms targeting cost drivers and stresses the importance of unity in politics. Sharing anecdotes from his career, he laments the absence of effective leaders and urges collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

Marc Caputo, a political reporter at Axios, and Josh Christenson, Washington bureau chief of the New York Post, dive into the chaos of the government shutdown. They analyze Senator Schumer's funding plan and debate the sincerity of his bipartisan efforts. The duo reacts to John Thune's passionate Senate floor speech and discusses the implications of Trump's push to end the filibuster. They also predict a mid-November resolution and explore a recent poll on Democratic leadership, highlighting the changing landscape of Capitol Hill.