Next Up with Mark Halperin

On today’s “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark’s reported monologue reveals why Marco Rubio is enjoying an extraordinary golden moment in the political sun and what it means for 2028. Beyond Rubio’s love affair with the Dominant Media and the favorable comparisons to JD Vance. Mark looks at some of the Secretary of State’s past bumps in the road and lays out what his sources say are the most likely outcome of the search by President Trump and the party for a successor to the incumbent.

Then, NewsNation’s Leland Vittert joins the show for a wide-ran...

On this episode of “Next Up,” Mark Halperin’s reported monologue unveils his updated May “8 for ’28” Democratic presidential nominee rankings, breaking down the biggest shakeups, rising contenders, and surprising additions shaping the race for 2028. Spoiler alert: Bernie Sanders??!!!!???

Megyn Kelly joins Mark to discuss Tucker Carlson’s surprising New York Times interview and what it reveals about today’s shifting media dynamics, before diving into the Graham Platner controversy as the latest example of obvious media double standards. Later, Mollie Hemingway offers a fascinating look at why serving on the Supreme Court may be one of the weirdest and mos...

 Mark Halperin’s reported monologue tackles one of the most urgent questions in American life today: can the country overcome its deepening culture of political dehumanization? In a powerful presentation, Mark examines the rhetoric, tribalism, and condemnation fueling division across both sides of the aisle, while Katie Pavlich weighs in on political violence, media double standards, and what it would actually take to reduce America’s growing culture of outrage.

Plus, NBC’s Morgan Radford joins Mark to discuss her debut novel “Now Then”, exploring love, culture, and self-discovery. They also kick around what young people really want from t...

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down the facts, misinformation, and conspiracy theories surrounding the gunman at the White House Correspondents Association dinner, including why some false narratives continue to gain traction. He also reveals the major security failures at the event that exposed vulnerabilities far beyond what many are acknowledging.

Plus, Dan Senor explores how deeply Israeli intelligence may operate inside Iran, the secret emerging strategic option that could reshape the Iran conflict, and Mark explains why economic pressure alone may not force Tehran to surrender. Melissa DeRosa also joins to break down the biggest divides in...

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down Donald Trump’s high-stakes return to the White House Correspondents Association dinner, his first appearance at the event as president. He explains why the event is a rite of passage, how past presidents have handled the comedy pressure, and what to watch for as Trump faces one of the toughest rooms in Washington.

Plus, Ben Ferguson breaks down the critical Texas Senate race and why Attorney General Ken Paxton could have a major edge over Senator John Cornyn. He also dives into what Ted Cruz is really like and what vote...

Mark Halperin delivers a reported monologue on the growing uncertainty surrounding a potential U.S.–Iran deal, breaking down what’s actually on the table, the competing perspectives, and the high-stakes risks that could shape the outcome. “Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough joins, questioning who is really advising President Trump, raising concerns about the structure and effectiveness of the current war cabinet. He also explains why he believes Democrats are missing a key reality of the conflict, arguing the party is struggling to balance criticism of Trump and acknowledging Iran as a global threat. He also warns why a nuclear...

Mark Halperin delivers his reported monologue on what it really takes to survive a presidential campaign, drawing on decades of experience covering politics at the highest level. He breaks down how Bill Clinton navigated major scandals during the 1992 race and why his approach to crisis management still stands apart today, then broadens the lens to 2028 to explain why many potential candidates may ultimately decide not to run at all. From George W. Bush to Donald Trump, Halperin examines how past controversies surface, how candidates respond under pressure, and why the ability to withstand scrutiny may be the single most...

Mark Halperin delivers his reported monologue on the new uncertainty surrounding the war in Iran, breaking down the key unknowns and why China’s role could ultimately determine the outcome. He also examines Iran’s stepped up use of AI and viral content to influence perception during the conflict, explaining why tracking the real impact of this information warfare is nearly impossible and where the U.S. faces massive challenges. Plus, an Iranian-American professor from Johns Hopkins University joins to challenge some common assumptions about how people inside Iran are responding now, offering a firsthand perspective on fear, nationalism, and...

This episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin” tackles the growing uncertainty shaping today’s biggest geopolitical story, as Mark uses his reported monologue to unpack the “fog of peace” surrounding the Iran ceasefire and why even top officials can’t fully explain what’s happening behind the scenes. He also takes on tough criticism of his April “8 for ’28” rankings of the Democrats top presidential prospects, breaking down the backlash, what he stands by, and how he evaluates the evolving field.

Then, Jonathan Turley joins for a wide-ranging conversation on history, technology, and the rule of law. He discusses the ins...

Who will the Democrats nominate for president next? Mark’s “8 for ’28” is back with his April rankings. In his reported monologue, he breaks down the current state of the evolving 2028 Democratic field. He highlights what he sees as the biggest weakness facing many of the contenders: a lack of clear messaging and modern media strategy, and explains why campaigns must now operate like full-time content machines. Mark also dives into why Rahm Emanuel is gaining traction, pointing to his aggressive media presence and clearer policy vision as key factors that set him apart in a crowded field. Mark is then joi...

This episode of Next Up with Mark Halperin puts Mark in the hot seat. In a rare role reversal, he reflects on the personal and professional forces that shaped his career, from his father Morton Halperin and a childhood surrounded by politics to the lasting influence of ABC News Legend Peter Jennings, whose mentorship helped define his approach to journalism and life.

Mark is then joined by Drew Holden for a sharp, wide-ranging conversation about the state of the media and the debate over bias. Holden breaks down why coverage of Donald Trump shifted so d...

In this special episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark uses his unparalleled sources to deliver a full-length reported monologue demonstrating that Democrats still have an extremely steep hill to climb to take back the Senate majority in November. Shattering the conventional wisdom, Mark breaks down in detail the nine races that will decide control of the chamber. He starts by analyzing the three seats currently held by Democrats they are most at risk of losing, explaining the political dynamics driving vulnerability and how Republicans are positioning themselves to capitalize. He then lays out the three most likely pick...

Mark Halperin speaks with Congressman Ro Khanna of California about the real impact of the Iran war, weighing military gains against rising costs and making the case for diplomacy. Khanna also opens up about a potential 2028 presidential run and the personal and political factors, including family, shaping his decision. Then, the Economist’s James Bennet joins to examine President Trump’s motives in the conflict and the risks of how the war is being framed.

Lastly, Vin Weber and Kevin Walling join together to break down why Donald Trump, not the economy, will define the midterms and how...

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down the latest developments in the U.S. conflict with Iran, explaining why recent U.S. and Israel strikes are delivering meaningful tactical wins, while the broader strategy remains uncertain. He outlines what’s going well, what’s not, and why reopening the Strait of Hormuz is the single most critical factor in determining how this conflict unfolds, with major implications for the global economy and U.S. military strategy.

Plus, Jonathan Freedland joins Mark to discuss how he became an expert on American politics from the U.K., and why so man...

Tensions with Iran are escalating, and new risks are emerging that could make the mission far more difficult than the Trump administration expected. Mark uses his reported monologue to break down the military,  strategic, and public perception challenges now facing the United States, including, most immediately, the zero-sum fight to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the role of drones and asymmetric warfare, and why growing concerns inside Washington are raising questions about how the conflict could unfold. He also explains why public opinion may ultimately become the decisive factor in the mission’s success or failure.

Then Sen...

Mark Halperin opens the show with a reported monologue on the rapidly evolving Iran conflict and the role messaging plays in shaping global expectations. He explains how Donald Trump’s communication style can quickly shift market sentiment, influence oil prices, and alter the narrative around the war. Mark also examines why Trump’s seemingly inconsistent public statements may actually be part of a deliberate strategy he has used throughout his business career and presidency.

Next, Mark unveils his March edition of “8 for ’28,” ranking the Democrats he believes are most likely to win the party’s next presidential nomination...

In this episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark uses his reported monologue to put to rest the debates over the “why?” and “why now?” questions about President Trump’s decision to use military force in Iran.  By looking at nearly half a century of statements from Trump himself and from his immediate predecessors, Mark illustrates how clear Trump’s rationale and reasons are for the historic decision, leaving space to ask the other important and germane war-time questions for the United States and the world.  

Later, Mark is joined by Bob Crawford, bassist for The Avett Brothers and...

This episode features an update on the latest in Iran and a revealing interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom. Mark opens with his reported monologue featuring an in-depth analysis of President Trump’s escalating conflict with Iran, scorecarding what appears to be early strategic and tactical wins while separating battlefield gains from political complexities. He breaks down what seems to be working for the administration, what it means for America as a whole, and the major risks and warning signs that could turn early success into mission creep, regional instability, or something far more difficult to contain.

Af...

In this episode, Mark Halperin argues in his reported monologue that too many journalists cover “politics” instead of “campaigns, leaving their audiences largely unaware of what really wins and loses elections. The vast majority of news coverage focuses on surface narratives and political gossip, leaving consumers in the dark about the asymmetrical campaign advantages that are the obsession of the pros.

From data operations and AI-driven voter targeting to fundraising strategy and digital advertising, he explains how the craft of campaigning creates the edges that separate winners from losers — and determines who governs.

Then author James Ro...

In this episode, Mark Halperin uses his reported monologue to reflect on how Donald Trump’s path from 2016 to today reshaped American politics — and why the country remains deeply divided in his second term. Drawing on signature moments with Stephen Colbert and Tucker Carlson, he looks at why what once felt to some  like a shocking political moment has now become a defining era, and why millions of Americans still struggle to understand each other across that divide.

Mark is joined by Beverly Hallberg and Hyma Moore to discuss one of the biggest challenges ahead: how government shoul...

On a new episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark’s reported monologue breaks down why the AI revolution is bigger than most people realize and why millions risk falling behind if they don’t adapt now. He also breaks down AI pioneer Matt Shumer's rules for staying competitive in a rapidly changing economy, explaining how shifts in how people use AI today will determine if they succeed in the years ahead.

Entrepreneur Jeremy Jones joins to discuss what it takes to build a business in today’s environment and how his life path led him into the A...

“8 for ’28” is back. Mark Halperin debuts his February rankings of the most likely next Democratic presidential nominee, breaking down why Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro remain alone at the top of the list and why some major names are still on the outside looking in. He explains what’s driving movement early in the 2028 field, and what to watch for as the jockeying intensifies.

Plus, Republican Wisconsin congressional candidate Michael Alfonso joins to discuss winning Donald Trump’s endorsement at just 25 years old, his views on Trump’s policy record, and how younger candidates view future-oriented issues such as Chin...

Mark Halperin opens the episode with a deep dive into the changing standards of political scandal, from Bill Clinton in 1992 to today’s Epstein fallout. In what he calls a political “Wild West,” Mark explores why some public figures survive controversy while others are taken down, and what 2028 presidential hopefuls should be quietly worried about right now.

Then Andrew Sullivan joins for a candid and wide ranging conversation about Donald Trump’s lasting impact on America. Sullivan argues that beyond policy, Trump has reshaped the country’s political culture, coarsened public discourse, and expanded executive power in ways that...

In this episode of Next Up, Mark Halperin opens with his reported monologue on how a recent speech by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has Democrats energized and Republicans quietly concerned. Mark breaks down how Ossoff skillfully fused outrage at Donald Trump with economic populism, optimism, and disciplined messaging in a way many Democrats now see as a potential template for the 2026 midterms and beyond.

Mark is then joined by New York Times bestselling author Peter Schweizer for a wide-ranging conversation on what Schweizer calls the weaponization of immigration. Schweizer details how China exploits U.S. birthright citizenship...

Mark Halperin opens the latest episode of "Next Up" with his reported monologue on how President Trump’s decade-long war against the Dominant Media remains one of his most effective political tools. Mark highlights Trump’s unparalleled understanding of the news business, which, unbelievably, he gets better than journalists themselves do. Trump’s critique of the industry's flaws is as muscular as it is accurate, highlighting liberal bias, elitism, and a broken business model, all of which further erode the press’ credibility, which also energizes Trump’s base and conservatives at large.

Then, former DNC Chair Jaime Harrison j...

Mark Halperin opens a new episode with a reported monologue on the shifting midterm landscape, explaining why Republicans are increasingly worried about a potential Blue Wave. He walks through new polling, historical patterns, and insider conversations that suggest what felt possible to sophisticated Republican strategists just weeks ago — keeping the House majority — for now has gone out of reach. And the clock could end working against the GOP, unless they make some significant changes, coupled with some luck, soon.

Then Maureen Callahan joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on culture, celebrity, and power. Maureen and Mark brea...

Mark Halperin opens with his reported monologue arguing that America is losing sight of what matters by obsessing over elites, gossip, and political theater instead of grappling with the serious policy questions that matter. He makes the case that the media and political class are crowding out first-principles debates at a moment when the stakes could not be higher.

Mark then turns to foreign policy and constitutional power, breaking down a revealing Senate exchange between Rand Paul and Marco Rubio that forces a hard rethink of what actually constitutes an act of war. The debate goes beyond...

On today’s episode of Next Up, Mark Halperin uses his reported monologue to go inside what really drove Donald Trump to change course on Minnesota. He lays out the specific voices that matter when Trump rethinks a decision and explains why media optics, internal pressure, and shifting political narratives pushed a rapid reversal — all informed by Trump insiders who really understand how he made the choice to head in a different direction.

Later, Buck Sexton and Clay Travis join Mark for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from politics to culture to media. What starts as a play...

President Trump is leaning hard into foreign policy and national security, even as voters keep signaling they want answers on costs, security, and everyday life at home. In today’s reported monologue, Mark explains why second term presidents so often focus overseas and why that instinct can collide with midterm politics.  Davos isn’t Dayton, but the president just spent time in Davos dealing with Greenland, Europe, the Middle East, Ukraine, and more. Why?

Then Mark is joined by Melissa DeRosa and Mark Bednar to test the administration’s core argument on Greenland and Venezuela. Can Trump actuall...

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s episode with a sweeping reported monologue on Donald Trump’s escalating pressure campaign over Greenland and what it reveals about his broader foreign policy theory of the case and about his unique decision making style. Mark lays out five fundamentals about the president and this international controversy, from Europe’s dependence on U.S. power and Trump’s obsession with leverage to the idea that markets, not Congress or NATO allies, may be the only real constraint on how far he goes.  

Mark then turns to Iran and the aftermath of the mass p...

Mark kicks off today’s episode with his reported monologue on the white-hot  fight over Greenland — and why Donald Trump’s push to bring the island under U.S. control is no longer just a provocative headline, but a brewing transatlantic clash with Denmark, Europe, NATO, and many of the 56,000 Greenlanders . He walks through the high-stakes national security argument, the political pressure building on all sides, and what this growing confrontation could mean for America’s standing in the Arctic and beyond.

Then Morton Halperin joins the show to map out what a serious U.S. strategy toward Ir...

Mark kicks off today’s episode with the January return of his signature “8 for ’28” reported monologue, revealing how the Democratic field is already shifting just months into the invisible primary. He walks through the latest shakeups in his rankings, why Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro remain firmly at the top, which candidates are gaining ground, and why others are slipping. Mark also lays out the biggest unanswered questions facing each contender — from fundraising and coalition-building to electability — and explains the tests he believes will determine who can actually win the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

Then Democratic strategists Karen Skelto...

Mark Halperin opens the episode with his reported monologue examining what the Minnesota shooting reveals about America’s deep Red–Blue divide — and why the national reaction to the tragedy says as much about our political culture as the violence itself. From the language used by leaders to the moral certitude on both sides, Mark breaks down how polarization is shaping conversations about grief, blame, and accountability.

He then turns to the immigration debate, explaining why the left’s anger at ICE misses the larger forces driving the conflict — and how the Minnesota tragedy fits into a broader na...

From the "Little Marco" insults of 2016 to the most powerful foreign policy seat in Washington, how did Marco Rubio pull off the ultimate political reversal?

In a new episode, Mark’s signature reported monologue looks at the strategic reinvention of Marco Rubio inside Trump World. While many rivals faded into the background, Rubio played a disciplined long game, with a self-styled roadmap to build key alliances with Ivanka Trump, JD Vance, Stephen Miller, and Susie Wiles. 

Mark also explores how Rubio became the "structural engineer" of the current administration's high-velocity doctrine, balancing finesse and muscle to c...

A year in review through Mark Halperin’s most memorable reported monologues of 2025. From Democratic turmoil and seismic media shifts to explaining Trump’s political success and sizing up the road to 2028, Mark breaks down the forces shaping power, politics, and influence.

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A look back at some of the most memorable guest conversations of 2025 on "Next Up with Mark Halperin."  Featuring Brit Hume, Joe Scarborough, Megyn Kelly, and Newt Gingrich on the stories, power dynamics, and political turning points that defined the year.

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Mark Halperin opens the episode with his 2025 top political soundbites, revisiting the moments from politics and media that best captured the power shifts, internal party tensions, and national mood of the past year. From JD Vance’s viral confrontations, to Gavin Newsom’s rise, to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s dominance of the attention economy, to Ted Cruz–Tucker Carlson clashes inside MAGA, Mark explains why these clips mattered — and what they reveal about leadership, influence, and where American politics is heading in 2026.

Mark is then joined by Dan Senor to discuss U.S. foreign policy and power inside the Trump...

Mark Halperin opens a new episode with his reported monologue featuring a “Next Up 2025 Media Review,” breaking down how the press changed over the past year and why those shifts matter for politics, public trust, and power. He examines the biggest winners and losers in media, identifies the most dangerous and hopeful trends shaping coverage heading into 2026 and beyond, and explains how structural incentives — not just ideology — are redefining what Americans see, hear, and believe.

Mark is then joined by Rabbi David Wolpe for a conversation about the global rise of antisemitism. Rabbi Wolpe explains why antisemitism is a uni...

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s episode with the debut of his landmark new segment, “8 for ’28,” unveiling his deeply reported insider power rankings of the Democrats most likely to win their party’s 2028 presidential nomination. He walks through all of the top contenders — why Gavin Newsom sits at #1, what sets Josh Shapiro apart, and how Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris fit into a constantly shifting landscape. Mark breaks down the strengths, secret advantages, vulnerabilities, and political dynamics shaping this early field, using his decades of experience and fresh reporting to explain who actually has a path and why.

He then sh...

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s episode with his signature reported monologue on the escalating Netflix–Paramount battle for Warner Bros. — and why it has politicians simultaneously looking for advantage and feeling increasingly uneasy. He explains why this goes well beyond a Hollywood corporate fight, with major implications for Donald Trump and for how information will reach voters in the 2026 and 2028 elections. As political advertising continues shifting to streaming, Mark breaks down how the fate of Warner’s assets could reshape the mechanics of voter outreach in the years ahead.

Mark is then joined by Wall Street Journal...