2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin

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.

Mark’s featured guests this evening and former Obama, Biden and Harris adviser Ashley Etienne and GOP strategist Matt Whitlock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael LaRosa, a former Biden White House aide, and Mark Bednar, a GOP strategist, dive into critical discussions surrounding Trump's aggressive stance on Hamas disarmament. They analyze the implications of U.S. involvement in Gaza and debate whether an international peacekeeping force is feasible. The duo also explores partisan dynamics over the government shutdown, Trump's media tactics, and the challenges of bipartisan negotiations. With sharp insights and political commentary, they navigate the complex landscape of current events.

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a physician-scientist and owner of the LA Times, shares insights from Trump’s unconventional diplomacy in the Middle East. John Podhoretz provides a grand view on the historical significance of the Gaza peace deal and its implications for national policy. Meanwhile, Israeli Olympian AJ Edelman shares an emotional perspective on the recent hostage releases and discusses the complexities of Palestinian public opinion. Together, they dive into the interplay of regional dynamics and the future of diplomacy.

Frank O'Brien, a Democratic strategist and author focused on the electoral landscape, joins Beverly Hallberg, a GOP strategist and media coach, along with veteran journalist Jill Abramson, former executive editor of The New York Times. They explore Trump's controversial tariffs on China and discuss the implications of a ceasefire deal in Gaza. The panel also analyzes the potential impact of federal shutdowns on political messaging, debates the future of conservatism under Trumpism, and shares insights on Trump's public persona and health.