RealClearPolitics Podcast

Miranda Devine of the New York Post and host of the Podcast One podcast joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP contributor Richard Porter to discuss her exclusive interview yesterday with President Donald Trump, the nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General, and reaction to the naming of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence. Then, Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Richard Porter discuss yesterday’s contentious Congressional hearings that featured two Trump cabinet members: Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Next, they discuss today’s reports that former national security advisor John Bolton has...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss last night’s primary results from California, Iowa and New Jersey and look ahead to the effect congressional redistricting will have on the 2026 midterms. Then, they discuss Sen. Bernie Sanders' (D-VT) proposal for a sovereign wealth fund that would take ownership of half the stock in major American AI firms. Also, they chat about President Trump signing an executive order that's designed to make AI companies submit new models for government review, and AI firms pouring money into house elections supporting candidates of both parties who fa...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP National Political Correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss today’s California primaries. Then, they talk about the tension at the CBS News program “Sixty Minutes” between veteran correspondent Scot Pelley and CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss over her choice of Nick Bilton as Executive Producer for the long-running news program. Also, today is the official publication date for former First Lady Jill Biden’s book on her time in the White House. Next, they discuss today’s announcement from the White House that Bill Pulte has been named as the acting Director of National Intelligen...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss reports that Democratic Senate Candidate for Maine Graham Platner’s wife told a senior campaign aide that Platner had sent sexually explicit messages to women during their marriage. Also, an ICE facility in Newark, NJ has been the subject of increasingly violent protests. Then, RCP White House correspondent Carolina Lumetta joins the guys to discuss the fate of the Freedom 250 concert series on the national mall, following announcements by most of the musical acts booked for the event that they would not perform. Also, a judge orders the President’s name be remo...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest polling in advance of next Tuesday’s California primaries for governor and Los Angeles mayor. Also a look at last night’s Democratic debate for the U.S. Senate nomination in Michigan. Then, Author Blake Ashby joins the guys to discuss his new book, "Socialism and the Democratic Party: The Case for a Return to Moderated Capitalism". Then they discuss how a CIA employee was able to take home $40M worth of gold bars. Next, they talk about the Trump administration proposing a $250 bill featuring the President’s likeness. And finall...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss former First Lady Jill Biden’s recent remarks about President Joe Biden’s performance during the June, 2024 presidential debate, and new data from Emerson College Polling on the 2028 presidential race. Then, Documentary filmmaker Hannah Puder joins the guys to discuss her new short film “Operation Arnon,” which tells the story of a rescue mission to free four Israeli hostages held by Hamas after the October 7th attack. And lastly, they discuss New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s new housing plan, and a new Washington Post article examines the effect Ozempic and other GLP...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss yesterday’s Texas Senate Republican primary between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger State Attorney General Ken Paxton, which Paxton handily won. Also, a look at Graham Platner’s Senate campaign in Maine. Then, RCP contributor Greg Orman, author of A Declaration of Independents, joins the guys to discuss his latest RCP article on how news of the Justice Department’s “Anti-Weaponization” fund will play with independent voters in the midterms. Next, they discuss reaction to Pope Leo’s encyclical on artificial intelligence, including Vice President JD Vance’s comments that he found the docu...

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP contributor Richard Porter discuss today’s Texas Senate Republican primary between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger State Attorney General Ken Paxton. They also take a look at the proposed Department of Justice “anti-weaponization” fund established as part of a settlement between the IRS and President Trump that would compensate victims of lawfare, and efforts in Congress to block it. Then, Retired Air Force General John Teichert joins the guys to discuss the latest on the Iran War, including ongoing ceasefire negotiations and Monday’s U.S. bombing of Iranian targets near the Straits of Hormu...

In this flashback edition of Real Clear Politics - Andrew Walworth speaks with with historian Michael Auslin, author of "National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America". As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration, Auslin presents a compelling examination of this foundational document, which he describes as having three distinct lives: the relic, the symbol, and the cultural object. Then, Andrew welcomes Dana Perino, a well-known figure in media and the author of the compelling new novel, "Purple State". This marks a significant transition for Dana, moving from the realm of nonfiction—where she has shared in...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the release of the Democratic National Committee’s “autopsy report” on the 2024 presidential election and the rush by Congressional Republicans to leave Washington without voting on key issues including additional funding for the White House ballroom and the Justice Department’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund". Then, Ajit Pai, former FCC Chair and president and CEO of CTIA, the trade association that represents the wireless communications industry, joins the guys to discuss the FCC’s role in regulating broadcast content, including late night programming. And, they take a look at artificial intelligence and technological competition with China...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro for murder and its implications for US/Cuba relations. And, they talk about Amazon founder Jeff Bezos explaining how to make a billion dollars and President Donald Trump praising independent Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt. Next, Ronald Bailey, science correspondent for Reason magazine, joins the guys to discuss the twentieth anniversary of the release of “An Incovenient Truth,” Al Gore’s influential documentary on global warming. Then finally, they discuss tonight’s final episode of “Late Night with Stephen Colbert” on CBS, and the legacy o...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss yesterday’s primaries, including the defeat of incumbent Congressman Thomas Massie by Ed Gallrein, President Donald Trump’s hand-picked challenger. Also, the Senate reacts to Trump’s endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Texas GOP Senator John Cornyn. Then, RCP White House correspondent Carolina Lumetta joins the guys to discuss yesterday’s appearance by Vice President JD Vance before the White House press corps, President Trump’s impromptu press conference in front of the construction site for the White House ballroom, and the Justice Department's new “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” Hosted by Simplecast...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss today’s primaries in Kentucky, Georgia and Pennsylvania, including yesterday’s appearance by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth who traveled to Kentucky to campaign against Republican incumbent Representative Thomas Massie. Then, RCP national political correspondent Susan Crabtree talks to the guys about yesterday’s shooting at a mosque in San Diego. And, with two weeks until election day, California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton calls for rival Republican Chad Bianco to drop out of the race, and Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt releases a new video parody of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Tuesday’s Republican congressional primary in Kentucky’s fourth district, where President Donald Trump has made an extraordinary effort to defeat incumbent Republican Thomas Massey. Also, following Trump’s endorsement of a challenger in the GOP primary for Senate in Louisiana, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) lost his party’s nomination this weekend, placing third. Then, J. Peder Zane, editor in Chief of RealClear Investigations and co-host of the RealClear Investigations podcast, talks to the guys about two recent stories from the site: a look at the closure of a Wisconsin farm that raised b...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon wrap up the U.S./China Summit, and they take a look at yesterday’s meeting in Havana between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Cuba’s top security leaders, including Raul Castro’s grandson. Then, Matthew Spalding, Dean of the Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College’s DC campus and author of "The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence" talks to the guys about the 250th anniversary of American independence, the importance of civic education, and the “The Freedom 250 Mobile Museum,” which consists of six trucks that will tr...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP contributor Richard Porter discuss President Trump’s latest statements on affordability and the War in Iran, a proposed cut in the federal gas tax, and Vice President JD Vance and the new White House anti-fraud task force. Next, Michael Auslin of the Hoover Institution and author of the new book, "National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America" joins the guys to discuss the changing role of the Declaration of Independence in American culture, and the future of U.S./China relations. Then, they discuss new polling in the California governor’s race and...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss what to expect from President Trump’s two-day summit in Beijing. And, they talk about a new poll of likely Republican voters that shows Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 race for the GOP presidential nomination. Next, they discuss today’s Senate hearings chaired by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) featuring a long-time CIA employee on the origins of the COVID-19 virus, and a new report out of Israel that documents the horrors committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Also, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristoff’s contro...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss today’s Senate primary in Nebraska, where the leading Democratic candidate, Cindy Burbank, has promised that if victorious, she will not run in the November general election in order to give the independent candidate, Dan Osborne, a better shot at beating incumbent GOP Senator Pete Ricketts. Also, state lawmakers in South Carolina begin debate on redistricting, a move that would likely eliminate the seat currently held by influential Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn. Then, Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy joins the guys to discuss her a new book: All Am...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP National Political Correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss Democrats’ response to the Virginia State Supreme Court, including a proposal to lower the retirement age of Justices to 54. They also talk about Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) who wants to reform the Secret Service. Next, they discuss reality star Spencer Pratt’s campaign for mayor of Los Angeles and last Friday’s launch of Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Golden State Start’ initiative, a partnership with nonprofit Baby2Baby that will give every newborn delivered in participating hospitals 400 diapers for free. Then finally, they chat about the Defense Department’s release of n...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss today’s decision by the Virginia State Supreme Court to strike down the state’s recently passed redistricting plan designed to give Democrats more congressional seats in the 2026 midterms. Also, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) said on a recent podcast that it's impossible to “earn” a billion dollars in America, and that such a fortune could only be acquired through some sort of theft. Then, Greg Swenson, chairman of Republicans Overseas UK and cofounder of the Hamilton Society, joins the guys to discuss yesterday’s local and region...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and his quest to indict former National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci for alleged wrongful Senate testimony concerning gain-of-function research for the COVID-19 virus. Then, they talk about former President Barack Obama speaking to Stephen Colbert about the weaponization of the Justice Department, and Louise Lucas, the powerful Chair of the Virginia State Senate Finance Committee, who is the subject of a federal investigation for corruption involving her cannabis business. Next, Fox News Host Dana Perino joins the guys to discuss her new novel "...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the passing of CNN founder Ted Turner today at the age of 87. Also, they look at yesterday’s election results in Indiana where at least five GOP state lawmakers who opposed President Trump’s redistricting plans were defeated by Trump-backed challengers. And they have a discussion about billionaire Ken Griffin, who talked yesterday about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s efforts to increase taxes on the wealthy. Next, James Freeman of The Wall Street Journal joins the guys to discuss his latest “Best of the Web” column on the future of former Vic...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s primary election in Indiana where seven Republican state lawmakers face primary challenges from candidates backed by President Trump because of their opposition to redistricting the state. Also, a look at Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and speculation that he may switch parties amid growing criticism from fellow Democrats and sagging polls among Democratic voters. Next, Ron Bailey, Science Correspondent for Reason Magazine, joins the guys to discuss the 40th anniversary of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, and the future of nuclear energy. Then, they preview Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meet...

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP contributor Richard Porter discuss Reality TV star Spencer Pratt who is running for Mayor of Los Angeles as an outsider critical of the city’s established leadership and his effective campaign on social media which mocks incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, challenger Nithya Raman, Governor Gavin Newsom, and the state’s other Democratic establishment figures. The a conversation about Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey for threatening the life of President Donald Trump.  Also, a look ahead at tonight’s Met Gala and the controversy over Jeff Bez...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss a decision by a federal judge in Rhode Island to release an illegal alien from ICE custody despite the fact that he was charged with assault in Massachusetts and wanted in his home country of the Dominican Republic in connection with a murder. They also a look at the Democratic primary for Senate in Michigan. Then, Fox News contributor Mary Katherine Hamm joins the guys to discuss the latest on last Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, and President Trump’s new choice for U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Nico...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss reactions from political leaders and pundits to yesterday’s decision on the Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court, and the possible impact of that decision on congressional redistricting before the 2026 midterms. Then, Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution joins the guys to discuss President Donald Trump’s military and diplomatic options in the Iran War, and how upcoming elections in Israel may reshape the country and its relationship with the U.S. Next, they talk about the state of the gubernatorial race in California and how Eric Swal...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss today’s Supreme Court’s decision on the Voting Rights Act and its possible impact on redistricting and the 2026 midterms. Then, they discuss yesterday’s appearances by King Charles, and recent revelations concerning the possible origins of the Covid virus and the alleged coverup of the so-called “lab leak theory". And then lastly, they discuss yesterday’s indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and FCC actions against Disney in the wake of the President and the First Lady’s calling for late night host Jimmy Kimmel to be...

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and Richard Porter discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis and the proposed new congressional map for the state of Florida. Also, Virginia’s Supreme Court heard arguments challenging Virginia’s initiative on redistricting, and House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffries defends his rhetoric about the redistricting fight in the wake of the attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Next, they preview today’s address to Congress by King Charles, and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which the King is here to celebrate. Then, they discuss Anthropic’s latest AI, called “Mythos” which is bei...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Saturday’s White House Correspondents Dinner, which both Tom and Carl attended in person. Also, Margaret Brennan’s interview with President Trump after the WHCD shooting and how the shooting affects the future of both DHS funding and construction of the proposed White House ballroom. Then, they discuss King Charles and Queen Camilia’s visit to the U.S.which starts today. Also, President Trump’s proposal for a federal takeover of Spirit Airlines and the White House reaction to the latest ceasefire proposal from Tehran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See http...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s announcement by U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro that The Justice Department is closing its investigation into Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell and the alleged cost overruns in renovations at the Federal Reserve. They also talk about the New York Times introducing the term “microlooting” to the lexicon in a podcast entitled “The Rich Don’t Play by the Rules. So Why Should I?”. Next, they preview this weekend’s White House Correspondents Dinner, which will feature an appearance by President Donald Trump for the first time as president. And...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the political battle over redistricting, as attention shifts from Virginia to Florida, where state lawmakers will meet next week on a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts to provide as many as three additional seats to the Republicans. Also, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testified Tuesday on Capitol Hill regarding the future of gas prices. Then, Mollie Hemingway, author of the new book "Alito: The Justice Who Reshaped the Supreme Court and Restored the Constitution", joins the guys to discuss the career of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and tensions between co...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the Justice Department’s indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center for fraudulent fundraising and for providing financial support for the leadership of the KKK and other white supremacist organizations. Also, voters in Virginia approved a referendum that will redraw the state’s congressional districts to give Democrats a 10 to 1 advantage in the House, but the Virginia Supreme Court may yet weigh in on whether the referendum was legal. Next, Dr. Corey Franklin, former Director of Medical Intensive Care at Cook County Hospital and now a contributor to the Chicago Tribune editorial page...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s redistricting referendum in Virginia and President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Federal Reserve Kevin Warsh, whose Senate confirmation hearings start today. Then, Editor in Chief of Jewish Insider - Josh Kraushaar joins the guys to discuss Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and other Democrats’ views on the Iran War and Israel, the relationship between AIPAC and the Democratic Party, and how anti-Israeli candidates will fare in the midterms. And lastly, they discuss President Trump’s reaction to news that Tim Cooke is retiring as CEO of Apple, and reports that Dem...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest news on The Iran War, including the seizure of an Iranian flagged freighter by the U.S. Navy and the prospects for a second round of peace talks. Then, Fox News contributor Mary Katherine Hamm joins the guys to discuss “MAHA moms” and what the GOP can do to appeal to them in the midterms. Also, Maine Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner is accused of making a Nazi salute at a political rally, drawing comparisons to coverage of Elon Musk. Then finally, they discuss a new article in the Atlantic alle...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest news on the opening of the Straits of Hormuz, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s use of biblical metaphors describing the War in Iran, and Republicans in Congress who oppose the White House on FISA reauthorization and Haitian deportation. Then, they talk about California Governor Gavin Newsom’s use of $1.5 million in campaign funds to purchase copies of his new autobiography, accounting for two-thirds of the book’s total print sales. Also, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) faces charges of sexual misconduct, according to Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and President Trump’...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his proposal to set up five city-run grocery stores, and the new “pied-à-terre” tax on second homes valued at more than $5M in New York City. Then, they talk about Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s referral to the Justice Department for an investigation into two former government employees who played central roles in the effort to impeach President Trump. And, a new 900-page review from the Justice Department that says President Biden’s Attorney General Merrick Garland requested far harsher prison sentenced for pro-l...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the 2026 Senate midterms in Maine, Texas and other states, and what those races say about who is the true leader of the Democratic Party right now. Then, RCP contributor Richard Porter joins the guys to discuss his article on the front page of RCP today on the politics of regulating artificial intelligence. Next, they talk about the political futures of two members of Congress from Florida who face possible expulsion over ethics violations: Republican Corey Mills who is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee for allegations of dating violence and campaign...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Rep. Eric Swalwell’s announcement that he will resign from Congress, and whether fellow Democrats knew about his behavior before the revelations of the past week. Then, Matthew Bunson, Vice President and Editorial Director for EWTN and the author of the book Leo the Fourteenth: Portrait of the First American Pope joins the guys to discuss the war of words between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo, and whether the Iran War meets the various requirements prescribed by Catholic Just War Doctrine. Next, they talk about whether this year’s 11 percent increase in f...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and James S. Robbins; Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics; discuss President Donald Trump’s move to close the Straits of Hormuz after the failure of this weekend’s ceasefire talks and the electoral defeat of Hungarian president Victor Orban. Next, RCP National political correspondent Susan Crabtree joins the guys to discuss the fall of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) who quit the California gubernatorial primary after accusations of sexual misconduct, and what his withdrawal may mean for the governor’s race. Then, closing it up, they talk about President Trump’s Sunday s...

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Vice President JD Vance’s role as chief negotiator in this weekend’s talks to end the Iran War, and President Donald Trump’s social media post attacking Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson and other podcasters who have criticized U.S. and Israeli strategy in Iran. Then, Democratic political strategist Lanny Davis joins the guys to discuss his new book "Finding the Third Way: Lessons in the Politics of Civility from My Journey Through History". Next, they discuss tonight’s splashdown of NASA’s Artemis space capsule and the significance of the 10-day mission ar...