RealClearPolitics Podcast

House Vote to Ban Stock Trading by Members of Congress 23.07.2026 50min

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss yesterday’s House vote to ban stock trading by members of Congress, and the controversy caused by the Trump Media and Technology Group announcement that they will sell early access to the President’s social media posts for as much as $100,000 per month to investors who can then trade on the information before it is known by the general public. Then, Spencer Kimball, director of Emerson College Polling, joins the guys to discuss a new poll that shows Democrats with an 11-point lead in the generic Congressional ballot. And, they also talk about new data on the race for the Republican and Democratic 2028 presidential nominations. Next, they discuss reports that an artificial intelligence model from Open AI escaped its “sandbox testing environment” and gained access to a closed internet site, where it accessed information needed to cheat on a test performed by its developers. And then finally, they talk about WNBA star Sophie Cunningham speaking out about biological men competing in women’s sports, leading to calls for her to be banned from the league.

Reviewing the Arizona Primaries 22.07.2026 50min

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss New Jersey governor Mikie Sherill’s announcement yesterday that the state found 6,600 non-citizens on its voter rolls, and President Donald Trump’s approval of U.S. assistance to Saudi Arabia for the development of a civilian nuclear power program, which critics fear could lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Then, Democratic strategist Maria Cardona joins the team to discuss the Democratic National Committee’s meeting this week on the calendar for the 2028 Democratic primaries and which states are likely to go early. Next, they discuss a recent post by Van Jones urging his fellow progressive Democrats to reject some policy proposals coming from the Democratic Socialist wing of the party. And finally, they talk about yesterday’s House hearings on what the White House has called the “ideological capture” of the Smithsonian institution, and whether the cartoon character Mickey Mouse contains, as the Smithsonian claims, “vestiges of longstanding traditions of blackface minstrelsy.”

Previewing Today’s Arizona Primaries 21.07.2026 50min

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon preview today’s primaries in Arizona and discuss the changing definition of who constitutes working-class voters in modern America. Then, RCP national correspondent Susan Crabtree joins the guys to discuss California politics, including new polling in the governor’s race and First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s response to reports of a federal investigation into potential tax fraud and evasion. Also, Google co-founder Sergey Brinn has committed $87 million to fighting a new billionaire tax in California, which will be on the ballot in November. Next, they talk about new U.S. tariffs on select Canadian goods. And finally, they discuss Nicaragua president Daniel Ortega who announced yesterday that he is cancelling all future elections in the country.

Who Will Be the Democratic Candidate for Senate in Maine? 20.07.2026 50min

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the state of the race to replace Graham Platner as the Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine and South Carolina’s race for the GOP Senate nomination following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. Then, RCP White House correspondent Carolina Lumetta joins the guys to discuss the Administrations’ reaction to four American deaths in the Iran War over the weekend, and President Trump’s appearance at the final game of the World Cup on Sunday. And finally, they discuss New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s statement on whether New York Police will try to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the U.N. General Assembly in September, New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first address since taking office, and the politics of the new film version of The Odyssey.

Reviewing President Trump's Address to the Nation 17.07.2026 50min

RCP Contributor Richard Porter joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon to discuss last night’s address to the nation by President Trump on election integrity, and Thursday’s remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s on communism at a ministerial level meeting called by The State Department on the resurgence of political terrorism. Then, the guys discuss last night’s Democratic candidate debate in Maine to replace Graham Platner, new polls in the South Carolina GOP race to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, and new accusations against Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) involving sexual relations with two congressional staffers. Next, they talk about the U.S. response to a new round of Canadian wildfires, including a move to sanction Canada in the U.S. Senate. And finally, the guys give up their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week.

Previewing Tonight’s Televised Address by President Donald Trump 16.07.2026 49min

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon look forward to tonight’s televised address by President Donald Trump where he reportedly will reveal new information about the 2020 elections, and discuss Todd Blanche’s two-day confirmation hearings for Attorney General before the U.S. Senate. Then, Charles McElwee, editor of RealClear Pennsylvania, joins the guys to discuss the future of Senator John Fetterman and Governor Josh Shapiro, as well as the politics of data centers, energy and land use in the 2026 Pennsylvania midterms. Next, they talk about yesterday’s Senate Homeland Security Committee hearings on fraud and abuse. And finally, they discuss the release of the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform, which includes abolishing the U.S. Senate, open borders, full voting rights for non-U.S. citizens, and public ownership of major industries.

2 More Die in ICE-Involved Shootings 15.07.2026 49min

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the death of man in Florida who was killed by a tractor trailer yesterday in Florida as he was fleeing immigration authorities, the third death in less than a week involving ICE agents. Also, the Michigan senate primary becomes the latest battleground between the Democratic Socialists and Progressives within the Democratic Party. Next, John Teichert, retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and a frequent contributor to RCP, joins the guys to discuss the War in Iran and the President’s promise of renewed bombing of the country’s infrastructure. Then, they discuss new evidence cited by Republican Senators that purports that Special Counsel Jack Smith lied to Congress about not reading text messages and transcribed phone calls from 44 lawmakers during his investigation of Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. And finally, they talk about the House passing legislation to make Daylight Savings permanent, a move that may face more opposition in the Senate.

ICE Agents Shoot a Motorist in Maine 14.07.2026 49min

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the shooting by ICE agents of a motorist in Maine, the second ICE shooting incident in less than a week. Also, a look forward at tomorrow’s scheduled Senate confirmation hearings of Todd Blanche for Attorney General and Jay Clayton for Director of National Intelligence. Next, they talk about Pete Buttigieg’s recent trip to Iowa and his chances of winning the Democratic presidential nomination for 2028, and new polling on the Iowa senate and gubernatorial races. Then, they discuss yesterday’s choice of the late Lindsey Graham’s sister to fill out his term in the U.S. Senate, and potential candidates for the seat in the upcoming Republican primary, including Nancy Mace. And finally, they talk about Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testifing today before Congress about the need for additional funding for the Supreme Court, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio launching an effort to dismantle the International Criminal Court.

Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham 13.07.2026 49min

The Media's Framing of Socialism. 10.07.2026 50min

Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the media's framing of socialism. Then, Andrew Walworth and Carl interview author Stephen B. Young about his new book, "America vs the Overclass." Next, Tom and Carl discuss Marco Rubio deporting the Laotian child sex offender who was pardoned by Tim Walz. Then finally, the guys give up their "You Cannot Be Serious" stories of the week.

Graham Platner Withdraws from the Maine Senate Race. 09.07.2026 50min

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, and Mary Katherine Ham discuss Graham Platner's announcement that he is withdrawing from the Maine Senate race. Next, Carolina Lumetta joins the team and they talk about the latest on President Trump: the resumption of the Iran War, the Freedom Fuel stations, and whether or not he will allow the bipartisan housing bill to become law. Then finally, they discuss the White House's 162-page report criticizing the Smithsonian for become too woke and political.

Democratic Drama in Maine 08.07.2026 50min

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Richard Porter discuss the unfolding political drama surrounding Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine. As tensions rise and the clock ticks down to his potential withdrawal, they discuss the implications for the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape. Then, they touch on the current state of the presidential race, where Kamala Harris appears to be leading in the polls, yet betting markets tell a different story. This discrepancy raises questions about the effectiveness of polling and the unpredictable nature of political campaigns. Then lastly, they discuss international politics, including Donald Trump's recent comments on Iran and the complexities of Middle Eastern relations. The chaotic nature of Trump's administration continues to create uncertainty, and they analyze the potential consequences of his decisions on global stability.

Big Trouble for Graham Platner 07.07.2026 50min

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss the sexual assault allegations against Graham Platner and what it means for the Democrats' chances to take the Senate. Then, they talk about President Donald Trump at NATO, the Charlie Kirk murder trial preliminary hearing, and US Men crashing out of World Cup.

Reviewing the Fourth of July Celebrations 06.07.2026 49min

Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the Fourth of July celebrations and the competing speeches of Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump. Then, Carolina Lumetta joins the guys to discuss the Trump accounts and Trump's impending trip to the NATO summit. Then, they talk about the controversy surrounding the World Cup overturning the red card given to American star Balogun.

Plans for the Semiquincentennial Celebration 02.07.2026 49min

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss plans for this year’s semiquincentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence on the National Mall, where record temperatures are expected and President Donald Trump will speak. Also, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has a message for New Yorkers when it comes to staying cool during this weekend’s historic heatwave. Next, Juan Williams of Fox News joins the guys to discuss America at 250 and the rise of Democratic Socialists within the Democratic Party. And lastly, the guys discuss personal reflections on the Declaration of Independence and America’s founding.