2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin

Mark Racicot, former governor of Montana, discusses his efforts to restore thoughtful conservatism, addressing the need for Republican independence amid Trump's influence. Andrew Kerr, investigative reporter, presents shocking findings about Wes Moore, scrutinizing his embellished academic claims including discrepancies in his Rhodes scholarship narrative. The discussion dives into how these revelations might affect voter perceptions and media scrutiny, alongside a debate on the political implications of marijuana reclassification.

Guests Todd Ricketts, a businessman and co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, and Brian Wolff, a seasoned Democratic strategist, dive into the current political landscape. They discuss Trump's comments on the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuela and the potential legal implications. The conversation also explores economic concerns, with insight into the Federal Reserve's decisions. Additionally, they evaluate the political motivations behind Trump’s call to sell CNN amid ongoing debates about the 2028 Democratic favorites. It’s a lively exchange filled with sharp analysis!

Michael LaRosa, a former Biden White House press aide, and Matt Whitlock, a Republican strategist, dive into the current political landscape. They dissect Trump's bold claim of an 'A++++ economy' and its implications for upcoming elections. The duo debates the balance of messaging for GOP surrogates and authenticity in political advertising, particularly critiquing Gavin Newsom's polished approach. They also touch on transparency issues in Congress and the contrasting media accessibility of Trump and Biden, offering a lively exchange of perspectives.

Jon Tester, a former U.S. Senator from Montana with a rich background in agriculture and defense, joins Pat McCrory, former North Carolina Governor, to discuss pressing political issues. They delve into the impact of tariffs on farmers, the $12 billion aid plan, and the fallout from Trump's remarks regarding an ABC reporter. The discussion touches on congressional oversight, the dynamics of the Republican party, and the implications of foreign policy decisions. With insights on AI competition and the political landscape ahead, it's a lively and informative exchange.

In this engaging discussion, guests Patrick Graffini, a political strategist and Substack writer, and Malcolm Kenyatta, a progressive Pennsylvania state representative, tackle pressing political issues. They dive into the Minnesota Medicaid fraud allegations and the implications for Governor Tim Walz's reelection. The panel also evaluates President Biden's campaign strategies and the impact of recent polling trends. Additionally, they assess the intense Netflix-Warner Discovery bidding battle, reflecting on the merging of politics and corporate interests.

Kevin Walling, a Democratic strategist known for crafting media strategies, joins Elizabeth Pipko, a Republican communications guru with ties to Trump’s circle. They dive into the fallout from Governor Tim Walz's comments on Trump’s rhetoric, noting increased local tensions. Walling pushes for accountability in war powers, while Pipko highlights the impact of partisanship on political reactions. The duo also tackles campaign funding challenges and the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections.

Katy Balls, Washington editor of The Times of London, shares her insights on the current political climate in the U.S. She delves into Trump's attacks on Somali Americans and how Ilhan Omar's response resonates within the community. The conversation shifts to the fallout from Turning Point USA's dispute with Candace Owens, and the tension between Josh Shapiro and Kamala Harris. Katy also reflects on journalistic responsibility and the evolving media landscape, providing a British perspective on American politics.

Mark Halperin welcomes Tim Rice, a political analyst from The Daily Wire, and Hans Nichols, a national political reporter with Axios. They dive into Trump's recent remarks about Ilhan Omar and the Somali community, revealing how rhetoric shapes political landscapes. The discussion also covers tension over Ukraine peace talks, skepticism surrounding the legality of military actions, and the significance of upcoming committee briefings. Moreover, they analyze the implications of a special election in Tennessee as a potential bellwether for political narratives.

Lyndsay Keith, an independent journalist, and Robby Soave, editor at Reason magazine, join to discuss the political fallout from a $1 billion fraud scandal linked to Minnesota's Somali community. They analyze Trump's comments on the situation, with Lyndsay cautioning against overblown narratives while Robby highlights significant governance failures. The duo also speculates on Ted Cruz's potential 2028 presidential run and shares insights on recent military actions, questioning accountability and legal ramifications.

Mark Caputo, a veteran White House reporter, joins to delve into the intriguing dynamics of Trump's potential second term. They discuss the surprising cordiality between Trump and Mayor-elect Eric Adams. Caputo outlines Trump's controversial Ukraine peace plan and how it contrasts with his first term's foreign policy. There's also a look at the political fallout from recent events, including the Democratic response to military strategies and the ongoing investigations surrounding Clinton and Epstein. Plus, Thanksgiving tips round out the conversation!