RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that he will run as an independent candidate in November’s mayor’s race. And, they talk about the Supreme Court releasing an unsigned decision that allows the Trump administration to lay off 1,400 employees at the Department of Education, paving the way for a significant reduction in the agency. Then, they discuss Alan Dershowitz's recent statements on the government’s treatment of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and California governor Gavin Newsom sitting down with conservative podcaster Shawn Ryan. Next, Andrew Walworth and Carl Cannon talk with RCP White House co...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the political and cultural impact of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, one year ago. They also talk about President Biden’s weekend social media post that “nobody cares” about Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, a New York Times article on President Biden’s use of the autopen to grant thousands of pardons and commutations at the end of his term raises more questions than it answers. Next, Carl Cannon talks with John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation and co-leader of the Freedom Conservative project about his recent RCP piec...

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and Emily Jashinsky, host of the new podcast “After Party,” discuss whether recent Trump decisions on immigration and the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files will hurt his base supporters. They also talk about Elon Musk and problems this week with his AI platform Grok, which posted anti-Semitic comments. Will artificial intelligence emerge as a political issue in 2026 and beyond? Plus, they have the “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Next, Andrew Walworth and Carl Cannon talk with presidential historian Tevi Troy about the connection between U.S. presidents and Iran, and whether the two coun...

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and National Review contributor Heather Wilhelm discuss whether President Trump should receive The Nobel Peace Prize, and the politics behind the selection process. The they discuss former White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor’s surprise decision to assert his Fifth Amendment rights to avoid self-incrimination during an interview with House lawmakers and California Governor Gavin Newsom's tour of South Carolina. Then Andrew Walworth and Carl Cannon talk with Miranda Devine, New York Post columnist and host of the podcast “Pod Force One,” about her recent exclusive interview with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. T...

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss whether President Trump will sign on to new sanctions against Russia, and a just released audio recording of Trump at a 2024 fundraiser shows the president informing donors that he once told Vladimir Putin he’d bomb Moscow if Russia invaded Ukraine. They also talk about CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s decision to refer former CIA director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey for criminal investigation. Plus, new polls suggest that the President’s budget bill is unpopular with voters and may impact Republicans in the 2026 midterms. Then...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the reaction to today’s cabinet meeting statement by Attorney General Pam Bondi on Jeffrey Epstein. Also, Elon Musk and former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang have met to discuss the future of Musk’s “America Party”. They also talk about the CIA’s report on the work done by intelligence agencies in their investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Plus, a Massachusetts judge has put a two-week hold on barring Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, which is called for in the new budget bill just passed by Congress. Next, Tom talks...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the politicization of the recent tragic flooding in Central Texas, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with President Trump at the White House. They also talk about a Sunday New York Times piece on how the Democratic Party is evaluating its policies on immigration, and they look at a new article by RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann on how Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center has resulted in more funding for the arts organization. Next, Carl talks to RCP contributor Greg Orman about Elon Musk’s announcement that he was...

We are presenting a "best of" show for the Fourth of July weekend! 1. Tom Bevan talks to Ej Dickson, senior writer at New York magazine, about her recent article covering The Young Women’s Leadership Summit in Dallas, TX, and what factors explain the recent rise in support for MAGA among women aged 18-29. (aired June 18th) 2. Trump Border Czar Tom Homan tells RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann what "scares the hell out" of him concerning Iranian nationals in the United States. Homan predicts deportations will skyrocket after passage of Trump’s budget bill. (aired June 26th) 3. Carl Cannon talk...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the passage of President Trump’s budget bill by the House today. And, Trump talks to Russian president Vladimr Putin amid a pause of defensive weapons shipments to Ukraine. Then, they talk about Trump’s plans to helm the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence over the next year. Plus, the “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Next, Tom talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about a brewing conflict between Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence. And finally, Andrew and Carl...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the fate of Trump’s budget bill in the House. And they talk about the University of Pennsylvania agreeing to ban transgender athletes from its women's sports teams in a settlement with the Department of Education. Then, they discuss Paramount Global’s decision to settle a law suit brought by Donald Trump over the editing of a CBS News interview with Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. Plus, a discussion of Sam Tannenhaus’ recent Vanity Fair article comparing Trump’s leadership style to that of mob bosses in 1980s New Yo...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the Trump budget bill which passed the Senate today and also the latest episode in the feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Then, they talk about Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s comments today that Trump’s tariff policies have helped keep interest rates high. Plus, the Democratic National Committee announces summertime plans to build enthusiasm for the party in “non-political spaces". Next, they discuss today’s official closing of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s plans to cut 15% of the State Depa...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss a new poll from Gallup released today that shows the percentage of Americans who say they are "proud to be an American" has fallen to a record low. And, they talk about New York Democratic mayoral candidate Zohan Mamdani who was questioned about democratic socialism and what it means to him. Then, they discuss how, in the face of pressure from Donald Trump, Canada decided to rescind a tax on digital services that would have cost U.S. tech giants billions. Plus, President Trump prepares to visit a new holding facility being...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s rulings from the Supreme Court, including a 6-3 decision that limits the ability of federal courts to issue nationwide injunctions that block a presidents’ executive orders. They also talk about the fall-out from the New York Democratic mayoral primary. Then, they discuss new research from the Pew Research Center on the 2024 election and they deliver the “You Cannot Be Serious” stories from the week. Next, Carl and Andrew speak to Emerson College Pollster Spencer Kimball to discuss his most recent poll numbers, including a look at likely presidential candidates in 2028 and Emer...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s Pentagon briefing by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine on the Iranian strike and counterstrike in the Middle East. They also talk about, CNN anchor Jake Tapper defending his news organization’s brand of journalism. Then, they discuss the results of this weekend’s NATO summit, and the upcoming wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez which is estimated to cost as much as $55 million has sparked protests in Venice. Next, Trump Border Czar Tom Homan tells RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann what "...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the results of yesterday’s Democratic primary in New York City, where 33-year old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani now leads Andrew Cuomo in a ranked choice election and is likely to emerge victorious. And they talk about the House voting on articles of impeachment against Donald Trump over his military strike in Iran, with 79 Democrats voting in favor. Then, they discuss CNN’s report that an early U.S. intelligence assessment says Iran’s nuclear program was set back by months and its core components were intact, a story the White House reject...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the state of the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, and whether allowing the current Iranian regime to continue in power is the best outcome for Israel, the Iranian people and the U.S. They also talk about NATO’s decision to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, while President Trump seems to want to reinterpret Article 5, which calls for a common defense of all signatories. Plus, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) publicly toys with the idea of quitting the GOP to become an independent and caucus with the Democrats. Next, Carl and Andrew ta...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss how Republicans and Democrats are reacting to President Trump’s missile strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, as well as today’s retaliatory attack by Tehran on an American base in Doha, Qatar. They also talk about Tuesday’s New York Democratic Mayoral Primary, which features a crowded race and ranked choice voting. Anti-Cuomo forces have tried to work the new ranked choice voting system to their favor, and new research from Emerson College Polling predicts that Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani may win over current leader Andrew Cuomo after eight rounds of elimination. Next, Carl C...

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and National Review contributor Heather Wilhelm discuss Donald Trump’s decision to allow a two-week window for diplomacy to work in Iran, and a federal appeals court ruled on Thursday that the president could maintain control over the California National Guard, despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s protests. They also talk about Catlin Clark’s impact on women’s professional basketball and the reaction of her fellow players. Also, “You Can’t Be Serious” for the week just past. Next, Carl talks to RCP contributor and former State Department official Peter Berkowitz about what may happen next in the confron...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the controversies surrounding today’s celebration of Juneteenth. And, they have a discussion about the Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on Wednesday looking into President Joe Biden’s mental acuity during his term in office. They also talk about recent troubles within the leadership of the Democratic Party, including the ousting of Vice Chair David Hogg and the resignation of union leaders Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunders. Next, Tom Bevan talks to Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and co-author of The New Chicago Way about Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon John...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Donald Trump’s decision-making process on Iran, and what the recent showdown between Tucker Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) says about the MAGA movement’s split on how far to go to deny Tehran a nuclear weapon. They also talk about the arrest of NY City mayoral candidate Brad Lander, the latest Democrat to be handcuffed during a protest. Plus, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) delivers a tearful description of his detainment by the Secret Service after he disrupted Kristi Noem's press conference. Next, Tom talks to E...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s statements by President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance as they face opposition to deeper U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran from MAGA stalwarts like Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon. They also talk about a recent Washington Post/Ipsos poll on Americans attitudes toward the budget bill and reforms to Medicaid, plus, a look at today’s Virginia Gubernatorial Primary. Next, Carl Cannon talks with White House correspondent for National Journal magazine George Condon about President Trump’s brief attendance at the G-7 meeting in Canada and Trump’...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, including Iran’s overtures to continue talks over their nuclear weapons program and Donald Trump meeting today with fellow world leaders at the G-7 conference in Alberta, Canada. They also talk about Saturday’s military parade in Washington, DC and the “No Kings” demonstrations held around the country. And, they look at coverage of the motivation of the alleged shooter who attacked two Minnesota lawmakers in their homes over the weekend. Then, they discuss whether Donald Trump is adjusting his immigration enforcement strategy following criticism that ICE...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the impact of Israel’s latest military strike against Iran. They also look ahead to this weekend’s parade in DC marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army and the “No Kings” demonstrations scheduled for cities around the country to protest Donald Trump’s policies. Then, they discuss the reaction to the confrontation between secret service agents and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) when he disrupted a press conference by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Plus, they each give their picks for this week’s “You Can’t Be Serious". Next...

Photo of Tim Walz courtesy of Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0  via Wikimedia Commons

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss California governor Gavin Newsom’s televised address criticizing Donald Trump’s speech to the troops at Fort Bragg. They also talk about the results of last night’s New Jersey primary, and a plan buried within Trump’s budget to give every U.S. baby $1,000 upon birth. Next, RCP contributor Maggie Miller talks to Daniel Yergin, author of "The New Map: Energy, Climate and the Clash of Nations" about meeting America’s current and future energy needs. And finally, Carl Cannon talks to Jackie Cushman, chair of the Adams Memorial Commission and president...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and 700 marines to help protect federal buildings in Los Angeles amid accusations from California Democrats that the Administration is responsible for escalating the situation. They also talk about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s appearance today before the House to discuss the Pentagon budget and other issues, including the President’s use of the National Guard. Plus, the Democratic National Committee is voting on whether to redo the election of David Hogg as Vice Chair. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil W...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to quell riots in Los Angeles, and the response of California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass. They also talk about the detention of Great Thunberg and other activists who attempted to deliver food aid to Gaza by boat, and ABC News’ decision to suspend correspondent Terry Moran following his early Sunday morning social media post attacking White House advisor Stephen Miller and President Trump. Then, Carl Cannon and Andrew Walworth talk to RCP national correspondent Susan Crabtree about the difficult rela...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the policy differences behind the schism between President Trump and Elon Musk, and what it may mean for legislation and the future of the Republican Party. They also talk about a new initiative by the Democratic Party to study and connect with young male voters, and they have their “You Can’t Be Serious” stories for the week. Next, Carl Cannon and Andrew Walworth talk to presidential historian Tevi Troy about the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and yesterday’s Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and German C...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the war of words that has erupted between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and a look at last night’s debate among Democratic candidates for New York City Mayor. They also talk about the new order signed by President Trump that bars travelers and immigrants from 12 countries and restricts entry from seven others. Plus, former Biden press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party in advance of publishing a book on her White House experience. Next, Carl Cannon talks to Meredith Sumpter, president and CEO of FairVote, ab...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest polling numbers from Real Clear Politics, including polls that measure President Trump’s approval rating and how voters respond to a generic congressional ballot question. Also, Democratic Arizona governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a Republican-backed measure that would have banned China from buying property close to U.S. airbases in the state. Is this good policy, and is it good politics? Then, they are joined by RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann to discuss the black-tie gala on Tuesday night hosted by the new think tank, The American Compass Institute. The ev...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the Justice Department’s decision to launch an investigation into the use of the autopen by staff to put President Biden’s signature on last-minute pardons, and border czar Tom Homan warns of a major terrorist attack involving some of the 2 million illegals who evaded ICE detention when crossing the border. They also talk about Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer’s demand for an apology from Elon Musk for his DOGE activities, and a new report from Senator Elizabeth Warren outlining claims that Musk enriched himself and his family while in government service. Also...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the state of ceasefire negotiations in the Ukraine War, and whether the U.S. Senate will force the imposition of stronger tariffs against Moscow. They also talk about Bolder, Colorado where the man who's suspected of a terrorist attack against demonstrators advocating for the release of Jewish hostages - is being charged with a federal hate crime. Then, they discuss the Polish presidential election where Trump’s preferred candidate won a narrow victory on Sunday, and Kamala Harris skipping the California Democratic Convention this weekend and instead sending a three-minute video. Next, RC...

Broadcasting at the Reagan National Economic Forum in front of a live audience at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the future of technology and populism with Joe Lonsdale, Founder & Managing Partner of 8VC. Then, they speak with Rep. Jodey Arrington, Chairman of House Budget Committee on how he shepherded the big beautiful bill to passage in House. Next, they interview Rep. Beth Van Duyne, 24th District of Texas and they talk about China and dysfunction in Washington DC. Then winding it up, they speak to David Trulio, President & CEO of the Ronald Reagan...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the US Court of International Trade’s ruling saying that Trump overstepped his authority when he used the Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify his tariff policy. And they talk about a Boston-based judge extended her block of the Trump Administration’s efforts to stop Harvard from enrolling foreign students. Then they discuss President Trump’s use of the pardon, including his recent pardon of Paul Walczak, a nursing home executive who was convicted of stealing $11 million in payroll taxes and whose mother contributed more than $1 million to the Trump campaign. Plus, they m...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Emily Jashinsky, Washington correspondent for the Unherd website, discuss Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement that the CDC will no longer recommend Covid 19 shots for healthy children and pregnant women. Also, is the bromance between Elon Musk and President Trump breaking up over Trump’s budget bill? They also talk about what Artificial Intelligence may mean for white collar workers in the information economy and whether AI will be a major issue in the 2028 elections. Next, RCP National Correspondent Susan Crabtree discusses with Tom her latest RCP article on how one California high school’s decisi...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss President Trump’s increasing frustration with Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine War, and Britain’s King Charles III’s address to the Canadian Parliament, where he said, “Freedom and democracy are under threat.” Then, they talk about the FBI’s decision to reopen cases including cocaine found in the White House during the Biden administration and the leak of the Supreme Court decision of the Dobbs case, which led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Also, they talk about Miranda Devine’s new column in the New York Post calling for an investi...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss last night’s private dinner for top investors in the Trump family’s $TRUMP crypto coin. Also, today a judge halted the Trump administration’s move to strip Harvard of its ability to enroll international students. They also talk about what has changed in the five years since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by police, which happened on May 25, 2020. Plus, this week’s “You Can’t Be Serious” segment. Next, Carl talks to Harvard Law Professor Emeritus Alan Dershowitz about his new book "The Preventative State", which deals with balancing the increasing...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss last night’s assassination of a Jewish couple who worked at the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC. And they talk about Trump’s budget bill which now moves to the Senate, after passing in the House by a single vote. Then they discuss Elon Musk’s decision to spend less time and money on politics and more on running his companies. Plus, they wonder what role Hunter and Jill Biden played in running the Biden White House. Next, Carl Cannon talks to Republican elections attorney Cleta Mitchell about issues that could affect the 20...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s Oval Office meeting between President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. They also discuss Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio’s second day of Senate hearings on U.S. foreign policy. Then, they talk about Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s decision to veto a bill that would have set up a state commission on slavery reparations. Plus, the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division opened an investigation into Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson after public statements about his hiring practices. Next, Tom talks to RCP White...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the reactions from Donald Trump and Hakeem Jeffries to the announcement this weekend that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Also, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D.-NJ) is charged with felony assault against a federal officer during a protest earlier this month at and ICE detention center. Then, they discuss the Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision to allow the Trump Administration to remove temporary protective status for 350,000 Venezuelan migrants, and former FBI director James Comey telling MSNBC how he found a shell formation spelling out “8647” on a beach walk with h...