RealClearPolitics Podcast

Epizódok

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  The Economy and the Midterm Elections 02.10.2026 50p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s employment numbers and Vice President JD Vance’s comments on the economy and the midterm elections. Also, they look at the botched execution of Christa Pike and the future of the death penalty in America. Next, RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende joins the guys to discuss the latest RCP projections for the House of Representatives, plus, they discuss House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaking out on the political futures of Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Then, they talk about the release of the new film “Digger” from Warner Bros. starring Tom Cruise, which debuts this weekend in advance of the Paramount takeover of Warner Bros/Discovery. And finally, they dish out their, “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week.
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  Ken Paxton's Struggles 01.10.2026 49p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon dive into the recent governor's debate in California between Democrat Javier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, hosted by CNN. The discussion centers around the debate's impact, with Becerra seemingly winning by simply not faltering, despite his significant lead in the polls. The team analyzes the candidates' strategies, including Hilton's populist appeal and Becerra's frequent references to President Donald Trump, questioning whether this approach effectively addresses Californian voters' concerns. They also touch on the implications of Becerra's record and the broader context of Democratic leadership in the state. Later, Nicole Russell from USA Today joins the conversation to discuss the Texas Senate race, focusing on Ken Paxton's struggles amid controversies and the potential impact of his decision not to debate opponent James Talarico. Russell highlights the unusual amount of money being spent on this race, questioning the strategic decisions made by the GOP in supporting Paxton. The episode wraps up with a look at the Maine Senate race, where Susan Collins appears to be gaining ground against her opponent, as well as the recent heroic actions of a passenger on a hijacked flight, drawing parallels to broader themes of courage and leadership.
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  Yesterday’s AI Summit at the White House 30.09.2026 50p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Carolina Lumetta discuss yesterday’s AI summit at the White House and Sen. Eric Schmitt’s (D-MO) questioning of former Special Counsel Jack Smith at yesterday’s Senate hearings on Smith’s investigation of President Donald Trump. Next, they discuss revelations that the Department of Homeland Security is spending up to $20M on campaign-style ads for Donald Trump in advance of the midterms, White House efforts to address affordability and a new Wall Street Journal survey of voters’ economic concerns and preferred solutions. And finally, they discuss Senate races in Texas, New Hampshire and Minnesota.
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  New TV Ad by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders 29.09.2026 50p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss this morning’s Senate testimony by Jack Smith, the former special counsel behind the federal criminal cases against Donald Trump. Also, a preview of today’s White House meeting between President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson and leaders of America’s top AI companies. Next, Emily Jashinsky joins the guys to discuss the controversy over a new television ad run by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) featuring a young white male on welfare, Hispanic voters in the midterms, and Madonna’s appearance on last Sunday’s VMA awards on CBS. Then lastly, they discuss the Trump Administration’s reversion of Title IX to exclude trans students and the salience of trans issues in the 2026 midterms.
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  The Latest Senate and House Polls 28.09.2026 50p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest Senate and House polls with just 36 days to go to the November midterms. Then, Peter Berkowitz, author of the new book "Reclaiming Liberal Education in America", joins the guys to discuss the future of higher education. And finally, they discuss the legal and political ramifications of new national television ads featuring President Trump produced by the White House and paid for by the US taxpayer.
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  Last Night’s State Dinner at the White House 25.09.2026 50p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss last night’s state dinner at the White House. Then, Brian Gaffney joins the guys to discuss his new book "The School of Hard Knucks: My Three Sons and Baseballs’ Wildest Pitch”. Next they talk about a new study from Cornell University. And finally they wrap up with their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week.
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  The Ban of CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House 24.09.2026 49p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest on the ban of CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House and coverage of Senate races in Nebraska, Alaska and Texas. Then, RCP National political correspondent Susan Crabtree joins the guys to discuss religious suppression in China and today’s White House summit. And finally, they discuss new polling from Gallup that shows support for socialism in America at an all-time high, and now New York Times shareholders are suing the paper’s board over alleged biased coverage of Israel and Jewish issues.
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  Chinese Leader Xi Jinping Meets Trump at the White House 23.09.2026 49p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Carolina Lumetta discuss today's arrival of Chinese leader Xi Jinping for meetings at the White House and a state dinner on Thursday night. Also, the latest efforts by CNN, MSNOW and Politico to regain access to the White House following President Trump’s decision to ban them from the building. Then, Joe Abraham, father of Katie Abraham, who was just twenty when she was killed in a car crash caused by an intoxicated illegal immigrant is now the executive director of VOICE (Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement), an office within ICE. He joins the guys to discuss efforts to support victims of illegal alien crime and their families. Next, they discuss the settlement between California and Paramount that clears the path to Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros/Discovery, which includes the cable news channel CNN. Also, they talk about The New York Times reporting a ProPublica investigation into why the FBI shut down a campaign finance inquiry into an advisor to Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
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  The Campaign Trail is Expanding 22.09.2026 50p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss former Vice President Kamala Harris who is campaigning in Michigan today with Democratic Senate Candidate Abdul Al-Sayed, and Illinois governor JD Pritzker who announced Monday that he has lost 80 pounds, adding fuel to speculation that he is running for the Democratic presidential nomination. Then, James S.Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC joins the guys to discuss President Donald Trump’s speech this morning to the UN General Assembly and this week’s White House meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. And finally, they discuss a new essay in The New York Times Magazine by journalist Nikola Hanna Jones, who is most famous for her role in developing the 1619 Project, on her decision to enroll her own daughter in a failing New York public school.
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  The White House Ban of CNN, MSNOW and Politico 21.09.2026 50p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the White House ban of CNN, MSNOW and Politico and today’s meeting between NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump. Then, Mike Leon, Head of U.S. content for DAZN, the sports streaming platform and host of the podcast, “Can We Please Talk?” joins the guys to discuss the Protect College Sports bill and the future of college athletics. And finally, they discuss the President’s announcement that the proposed Washington Arch would now include drones, snipers and ammunition, and they also talk about this weekend’s protests at the Kennedy Center.
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  The AI Regulation Dilemma: Balancing Innovation and Safety 18.09.2026 50p

  In this episode of RealClearPolitics, Andrew Walworth is joined by Washington bureau chief Carl Cannon and contributor Richard Porter to delve into the ongoing discourse surrounding artificial intelligence and its implications for society. They kick off the conversation by examining the recent calls from AI industry leaders for federal regulation, questioning the motivations behind these requests and the potential consequences for innovation. Richard shares insights from his latest article on the SEC filings of major AI companies, discussing the inherent risks these firms face and the importance of transparency in their operations. The panel reflects on the balance between ensuring safety in AI development and the fear of stifling creativity through excessive regulation. As the discussion evolves, the team explores the broader philosophical questions regarding AI's role in decision-making, particularly in military contexts, and the potential for a new species of intelligent beings. Carl expresses skepticism about the government's ability to effectively manage these risks without hindering progress, while Andrew raises concerns about the politicization of the AI debate. The episode also touches on the current political landscape, with a focus on the upcoming midterm elections. The crew analyzes key Senate races and the challenges facing Republican candidates as they navigate a polarized electorate. They highlight the significance of candidate quality and voter enthusiasm in shaping the electoral outcome. Finally, Katherine Gale, founder of the Institute for Political Innovation, joins the conversation to discuss the structural issues within the two-party system and the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America. She advocates for electoral reforms that would enhance competition and better reflect the electorate's desires. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that traverses the intersections of technology, politics, and the future of democracy.
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  Michigan's Senate Showdown: El Sayed vs. Rogers 17.09.2026 50p

  In this episode of RealClearPolitics, Andrew Walworth is joined by Washington bureau chief Carl Cannon and White House correspondent Carolina Lumetta to dissect the latest developments in the political landscape. They kick off with an analysis of the current RCP Senate map, highlighting the tight races in key states such as Michigan and Iowa, and discussing how candidates are navigating their relationships with controversial figures like Hasan Piker. The conversation shifts to the implications of President Trump's fluctuating approval ratings and his impact on Republican candidates as they approach the midterms. The panel reflects on Trump's recent remarks and campaign strategies, particularly in battleground states, and how these factors may influence voter sentiment. Additionally, the episode touches on the ongoing discussions surrounding the Kennedy Center and the president's controversial push for recognition amid renovation debates. Carolina shares insights from a recent press conference held in the Rose Garden, where Attorney General Todd Blanch addressed voting fraud efforts and the administration's communication strategies. Finally, the crew examines the implications of a lawsuit against Columbia University by Khalil, raising questions about free speech and the role of educational institutions in the current political climate.
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  The Battle Over Impeachment 16.09.2026 50p

  On this episode of RealClearPolitics, Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon dive into the latest political maneuvers from Capitol Hill, including the recent failed impeachment attempt against President Donald Trump by Rep. Al Green. The they dissect the implications of Democratic leadership's hesitance to fully commit to impeachment as Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks on accountability and oversight. The discussion turns to the upcoming California governor's race, with insights from RCP's Susan Crabtree on Steve Hilton's campaign strategy against the Democratic machine, particularly focusing on ballot harvesting. The crew examines the political landscape as they analyze the dynamics between Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris, especially in light of Newsom's recent comments about not running if Harris enters the race. Finally, the episode touches on the Chicago mayoral election and the challenges facing Mayor Brandon Johnson as he seeks re-election amidst low approval ratings. The conversation wraps up with a look at the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran's concert tour and the fallout from rapper Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the music industry regarding free speech.
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  Gavin Newsom's Stance on 2028 Presidential Race 15.09.2026 50p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) interview while fly fishing with CNN’s Jake Tapper, where he said he would not run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028 if Kamal Harris decided to run. Also, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) returns to the Senate floor to vote yesterday after a three-month absence due to health problems. RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende joins the crew to discuss yesterday’s Supreme Court’s decision to block the Trump Administration from moving forward with restrictions on mail-in ballots before the 2026 midterms. Also, a look at campaign spending by Republican PACS for the midterms. Andrew and friends discuss reporting that a large portion of Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamian wedding activities this spring were paid for by a Russian businessman with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also, a Catholic couple from Northborough, Massachusetts has spoken out about their fight with the state, which has placed their biological daughter in child protective services and placed a restraining order on them saying the family was insufficiently supportive of the minor’s gender transition therapy.
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  The F-15 Rescue Mission 14.09.2026 49p

  Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP contributor Brigadier General John Teichert, USAF (Ret) discuss Sunday’s “60 Minutes” report on the rescue of the crew of an US F-15 from Iran last April, and recent events in the Ukraine War, including a Russian drone attack on a train near the Polish border this weekend. The guys also discuss possible Congressional action to regulate artificial intelligence and reaction to President Donald Trump’s promise of a $5,000 check to every adult American if the GOP wins both the House and Senate in November. Andrew and Carl also discuss President Trump’s recent remarks favoring Irish unification and press coverage of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 which emphasizes “Islamophobia.”
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  25 Years Later: The Legacy of 9/11 and Its Impact on American Politics 11.09.2026 50p

  On this special episode of RealClearPolitics, Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, sharing powerful clips from former President George W. Bush and discussing the lasting impact of that tragic day on American foreign policy. They delve into the Bush Doctrine and its implications, examining how the events of 9/11 shaped a generation's view of national security and global engagement. The conversation shifts to the poignant remarks of 9/11 victim's family members, highlighting their calls for accountability regarding Saudi Arabia's role in the attacks. As they grapple with the complexity of justice and closure, the guys explore the broader political ramifications of these sentiments in today's landscape. Attention then turns to the GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas, where the rhetoric surrounding Islamism and the Democratic Party's shift is scrutinized. Governor Greg Abbott's declaration to ban Sharia law in Texas sparks a debate on the relevance and potential overhyping of such policies in the current political climate. Finally, the episode wraps up with insights from key speeches at the convention, including J.D. Vance's and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s remarks, as they articulate contrasting visions for America. Andrew, Tom, and Carl analyze the effectiveness of these messages in energizing the Republican base and their implications for the upcoming elections.
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  Midterm Strategies: Dividends, Endorsements, and Political Turns 10.09.2026 48p

  Join Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, Richard Porter, and Andrew Walworth as they broadcast live from the GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas. The episode kicks off with a recap of President Donald Trump's electrifying speech, where he promised a $5,000 dividend to every adult citizen if Republicans secure a victory in the midterms. The hosts dissect the implications of this bold claim, questioning its feasibility and potential impact on the electorate. As the discussion unfolds, the team reflects on the dynamics of the convention, highlighting Trump's ability to energize the crowd and the challenges faced by other Republican candidates. They also delve into the surprising endorsement of Republican Dave McCormick by Democratic Senator John Fetterman, raising questions about party alignment and voter sentiments in Pennsylvania. In the latter part of the episode, the conversation shifts to the intersection of technology and politics, with Carolina Lumeta reporting on an AI-focused event that coincided with the convention. The hosts explore the ongoing debates surrounding artificial intelligence, regulatory measures, and the potential risks associated with its rapid advancement. Finally, the episode pays tribute to the late Charlie Kirk, reflecting on his contributions to political discourse and the tragic loss felt by his family and community. The hosts emphasize the importance of respectful debate and the dangers of political violence.
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  Midterms in Focus 09.09.2026 50p

  Join Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, and Carolina Lumeta as they report live from the GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas. The team dives into the strategic implications of the convention, with insights from RNC Chairman Joe Gruters, who emphasizes the importance of putting President Trump on the ballot for the upcoming midterms. Carolina shares her thoughts on the Republican Party's messaging and key themes to watch for, including the push against Democratic socialism. The conversation shifts to the notable absences of some Republican candidates from swing districts, raising questions about Trump's influence on the ticket. The group explores the delicate balance candidates must strike between energizing the MAGA base and appealing to swing voters. With critical Senate races on the horizon, the hosts analyze individual state dynamics and the potential impact of local candidates on the broader national landscape. As the episode progresses, they discuss the significance of the convention for energizing the Republican voter base and the challenges posed by rising gas prices and inflation. They also touch on the evolving landscape of the Democratic Party and the potential ramifications of the upcoming elections for both parties.
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  This Was Calculated 08.09.2026 50p

  Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s Republican and Democratic Senate primaries in New Hampshire and the Republican Midterm Convention, which kicks off in Dallas tomorrow. The guys also discuss New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s signing ceremony last Friday marking the 25th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Centers, where he passed the ceremonial pen to his Chief Counsel, Ramzi Kassem, who previously represented an al-Qaeda terrorist with links to the attack on the Pentagon. Also, students at Utah Valley University plan to protest a memorial event marking the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was killed by a gunman on the campus on September 10th. Lastly, Andrew and friends discuss back to school issues, including New York State’s decision not to release data showing school performance on Advance Placement tests and the progress of the charter school and school choice movements in the years since the Covid closures.
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  We've Made A Mistake 04.09.2026 49p

  President Trump is set to address the nation tonight with an important update on the ongoing conflict in Iran, now entering its second month. Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon analyze the implications of the war, particularly in light of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks about reevaluating the United States' relationship with NATO. As questions arise regarding the effectiveness of NATO in the current geopolitical landscape, the trio debates whether the alliance still serves America's interests. The conversation shifts to the domestic front, discussing the potential political fallout from the war on gas prices and the upcoming elections. They also touch on President Trump's communication style and its impact on international relations. Additionally, the episode highlights the excitement surrounding NASA's Artemis 2 mission, which aims to return humans to the moon, and the contrasting opinions on the significance of space exploration. Finally, the discussion turns to the Supreme Court's hearing on birthright citizenship, with insights from Paul Thacker, who provides a detailed analysis of the legal arguments at play. The episode wraps up with a look at the intersection of sports and politics, focusing on the recent release of NBA guard Jaden Ivey and the implications of his views on LGBTQ issues.