Next Up with Mark Halperin

40 Episodes
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By: MK Media

Next Up with Mark Halperin delivers unique political insight and reporting, with timely conversations featuring prominent voices in politics, media, and policy.

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Why Republicans May Have Already Lost the Midterms
#132
Today at 7:24 PM

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue reveals what political insiders in both parties say about the state of the 2026 midterm elections, asking whether Republicans have waited too long for the political environment to turn in their favor, and what it will take to change the trajectory. Then, Michael Knowles joins to give his preview of the midterms and look ahead to the next Republican presidential race, including what a Vice President J.D. Vance versus Sen. Ted Cruz showdown for the 2028 GOP nomination would look like.

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How Legacy Media is Killing Itself
#131
Last Tuesday at 2:30 PM

Mark Halperin sits down with media entrepreneur and Complex founder Rich Antoniello for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the media business. Antoniello explains why legacy brands are losing their hold on audiences, what separates successful new media companies from the rest, and how Fort Nash is betting on the growing influence of country music and Southern culture. Plus, he breaks down why so many media companies get video wrong, why YouTube subscribers are far more valuable than other social media followers, and what it takes to build a lasting media brand in an increasingly fragmented world

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Will AI Take Control of America Before It’s Too Late?
Last Saturday at 2:30 PM

Mark Halperin sits down with MIT professor and Future of Life Institute co-founder Max Tegmark to examine the enormous promise — and potentially existential risks — of artificial intelligence. Tegmark explains why he believes AI needs stronger government guardrails, why the race with China shouldn’t be used as an excuse for unchecked development, and what it will take to keep increasingly powerful technology under human control.

 

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The Secrets, Crime, & Media that May Swing The Midterms
#130
08/27/2026

Mark Halperin is joined by Steve Robinson, the Editor-in-Chief of The Maine Wire and Leland Vittert, host of the “On Balance with Leland Vittert”  to examine the political, economic, and media forces reshaping the country. Robinson breaks down the surprising changes unfolding in Maine, exposing organized crime, massive fraud, and cultural shifts hitting the state. Vittert explains why midterm candidates are now avoiding tough interviews and reveals which voters could decide the battle for Congress.

 

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Inside the Culture War Transforming Corporate America
#129
08/25/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue features the ultimate insider’s guide to how the political landscape will change in the final weeks before Election Day, with the key known unknowns laid out based on the secret plans of both parties. Then, Robby Starbuck explains why corporate America is abandoning DEI and assesses Republicans’ chances of holding the both chambers of Congress. Plus, Drew Holden joins to take a closer look at White House press coverage, and how the media is covering the civil war inside the Democratic Party.

 

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Who will be Trump’s Next Press Secretary?
08/22/2026

Mark Halperin sits down with former Trump White House Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley to break down what President Trump will be looking for in his next press secretary. Gidley explains why trust, loyalty, toughness, star power, and chemistry with Trump are essential — and weighs in on the names being floated to fill the role.

 

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Why Trump is Facing a Critical Moment for His Legacy
#128
08/20/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue explores why the fate of President Donald Trump’s legacy hangs in the balance, from the economy and AI to China and foreign policy. He’s joined by Larry O’Connor and Kevin Walling to debate the controversy surrounding Natalie Harp and the media’s treatment of prominent women in the Trump administration compared with their Democratic counterparts. Plus, in "Mark the Mailman", Mark examines Abdul El-Sayed’s political appeal and the risks he poses to Democratic Party.

 

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Is He the Next Obama?!
#127
08/18/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue shares his latest reporting on Jon Ossoff’s rising profile and whether the Georgia senator could emerge as the next leader of the Democratic Party. Then, Evan Barker joins Mark to explain why she defected from the Left and why she says they're betraying the party. Plus, Robby Soave explains how Democrats could still squander their opportunity in the 2026 midterms, and Jessica Reed Kraus grades the styles of some of America’s most prominent political figures.

 

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The Truth About Mamdani's NYC No One's Saying
08/15/2026

In this bonus episode of Next Up, Mark Halperin sits down with New York Post writers Lydia Moynihan and Rikki Schlott for a wide-ranging conversation about AOC’s political strategy, the debate over freezing her eggs, and whether distancing herself from the excesses of the progressive left could strengthen her national ambitions. They also examine the growing populist backlash against Flock cameras and Palantir and debate the tensions between innovation, security, and privacy. Plus, Moynihan and Schlott assess the state of New York City and what Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s socialist experiment could mean for the rest of the coun...


Why the Economy Could Cost Republicans the Midterms
#126
08/13/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue reveals both parties’ ultimate midterm messaging strategies on the main terrain: the economy.   Fierce South Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews joins to make her case, laying out her views on health care, gun control, her Democratic counterparts — and Taylor Swift. Katie Pavlich then weighs in on AOC’s future and Professor Robert Pape explains why Iran’s drone arsenal makes reopening the Strait of Hormuz a tall task.  

 

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Who Will Win the Democrats’ Bitter Civil War?
#125
08/11/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down the civil war between the Democratic establishment and the progressive left, and why the divide could reshape the party’s future. Michael Smerconish joins to discuss the rise of democratic socialism among younger voters and questions media scrutiny of Dr. Anthony Fauci. Curt Mills then joins to argue why Gavin Newsom remains the leading contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Plus, Brent Scher weighs in on the conservative reaction to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez freezing her eggs and the reality of her "woke 1" era.  

 

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Can a Jew Actually Become U.S. President?
#124
08/06/2026

Mark's reported monologue confronts a vital and controversial question: Will the Democratic Party nominate a Jewish candidate for president in 2028? With Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro atop Mark’s new “8 for ’28” rankings, Mark explores why Shapiro has the skills to defuse hostility to Israel within his party on the way to the White House. Then, Sen. Rand Paul weighs in on Dr. Anthony Fauci's legal exposure and the unanswered Covid questions he believes still deserve scrutiny. Finally, Mark and Neera Tanden break down what Abdul El-Sayed's Senate campaign against Mike Rogers could signal for Democrats heading into the midterms.

 

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The New Name Leading the 2028 Presidential Race
#123
08/04/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue unveils his latest “8 for ’28” Democratic presidential nominee rankings, explaining why Josh Shapiro has overtaken Gavin Newsom for the top spot and what the new primary calendar means for the 2028 race. Plus, former Sen. Cory Gardner breaks down Colorado's political transformation and Justine Brooke Murray examines progressive candidates with big midterm hopes. Then, Mark reacts to RFK Jr.'s contentious CNN interview with Dana Bash and the broader debate over trust, expertise, and the media.

 

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How Dr. Fauci's Media Pals Covered for Him
#122
07/30/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue serves as a critique of the Dominant Media’s coverage of the face-off between Dr. Anthony Fauci and Senator Rand Paul at this week’s epic Senate hearing, calling out the press’s obsession with saying Republicans have an “obsession” with Fauci, rather than focusing on the tens of millions of Americans who are desperate for answers about the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, Chris Salcedo joins Mark to discuss why Hispanic voters have shifted toward to the right, which party will produce America's first Latino president, and the cultural trends shaping national politics. Plus, Mark breaks down the g...


What Dr. Fauci's Diary Reveals About Who He Really Is
#121
07/28/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue examines the newly revealed diary entries from Dr. Anthony Fauci, exploring his desperate need for celebrity and how the Dominant Media protected him — and, with echoes of the Biden mental acuity press scandal, continues to coddle and champion him to this very day. Then, Larry O'Connor and Kevin Walling join Mark to break down the biggest political stories shaping the 2026 midterms, the overlooked campaigns that could swing the balance of power, and JD Vance's presidential prospects. Plus, the Mark dives into two under-the-radar factors that could create major challenges for Democrats heading into the next pr...


Is the Republican Establishment Trying to Politically Kill JD Vance?
#120
07/23/2026

Are the deep state and Republican establishment engaged in an op to take down JD Vance?   In today's episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark's reported monologue analyzes Vance's headline-making interview with Joe Rogan, examining what the reaction reveals about the vice president's political standing and his relationship with the Republican old guard. Mark also shares his latest reporting on why he believes President Trump may be preparing to escalate the conflict with Iran, while actor Ethan Suplee opens up about losing more than 300 pounds and the lifelong mindset that helps him keep the weight off. Plus, former Washi...


The Senate Races That Will Decide Who Controls Congress
#119
07/21/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue takes you inside the latest state of play on the midterm landscape, explaining why the battle for control of Congress is becoming more competitive and the new emerging issues that could decide the outcome. Mark examines the growing backlash against Big AI, why so many Democratic candidates are running against the "establishment", and which party has the financial edge. Plus, David Bozell joins the show to discuss the persistent influence of parts of the legacy media and why news aggregators like Yahoo News and Apple News are far more influential than you may realize.

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What The Media Blackout of Trump's Election Speech Reveals
07/18/2026

In this bonus episode, Mark Halperin gives a master class on the White House and the media, breaking down the broad news media blackout of President Trump's primetime address on election security, explaining why he believes the controversy is more complicated than accusations of simple bias. Drawing on decades of experience covering both politics and the press, Mark examines how today's fractured media landscape, the legacy of 2020 election coverage, and the White House's own communications strategy all shaped the coverage of and response to the speech. He also lays out what both the networks and the Trump White House...


The Most Influential Issue Shaking Up Elections
#118
07/16/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue explains the split Democratic House vote on aid to Israel that saw Nancy Pelosi and AOC team up, as the Democrats and Republicans grapple with a radically changed landscape.  Former Bernie Sanders political adviser Tad Devine joins to discuss Sanders' growing socialist movement, how the Democratic Party establishment “screwed” Sanders in the 2016 presidential race, and who could carry the Vermonter’s mantle in 2028. Emily Jashinsky then weighs in on split views of J.D. Vance and what makes younger Americans so different than their elders. Plus, Mark shares personal insights into Senator Lindsey Graham that shows s...


Inside the New York Times' Failures Covering Graham Platner
#117
07/14/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue examines the New York Times' coverage of Graham Platner, breaking down their reporting failures, their public response, and why he believes key questions about accountability remain unanswered. Then, Mary Margaret Olohan joins to discuss the latest from inside the White House as the Iran conflict intensifies, her recent interview with Vice President JD Vance, and what she's hearing from top administration officials. Plus, former Hillary Clinton campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle weighs in on the Democratic Party's leftward shift and what it could mean for the 2028 presidential race.

 

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The Fate of Maine's Critical Senate Seat
07/11/2026

Mark Halperin breaks down the political fallout surrounding Graham Platner, examining the Democrats' frenzied effort to replace him while holding onto the campaign success he built.... explaining why replacing Platner may be far more difficult than many expect. Mark also takes a closer look at the media's role in his rise and fall, plus Susan Collins' reelection hopes in one of the most contested races in the country.


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Why Bernie Sanders Could Be the Next President, with Megyn Kelly
#116
07/09/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue takes on the biggest and most under-covered 2028 presidential campaign question: can Bernie Sanders overcome questions about his age and win the nomination? What would he need to do to silence the doubters, even as his movement continues to dominate the Democratic Party. Then, Mark is joined by Megyn Kelly to discuss the rise of socialism in America, anti-Israel sentiment, and the areas of growing frustration within the Republican Party. Megyn also weighs in on JD Vance vs. Marco Rubio, and why the VP has lost ground in some quarters.  

 

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The Massive Shift in the 2028 Presidential Race
#115
07/07/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue unveils his new July 8 for '28 Democratic presidential nominee rankings, explaining why Bernie Sanders is rising as the party's progressive wing gains momentum. He also examines why many of the party's potential 2028 contenders have been reluctant to challenge the socialist movement and what that could mean for the Democrats in 2026 and beyond. Plus, Melissa DeRosa and Erick Erickson break down the collapse of Graham Platner's Senate hopes and discuss the Democratic Party's leadership crisis.

 

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What America 250 is Really All About
#114
07/02/2026

In this special America 250 episode, Mark Halperin draws on his many decades covering politics all across the U.S.A. to deliver his reported monologue on the enduring strengths that have made the country exceptional for two and a half centuries, arguing that America's openness to ideas, opportunity, and innovation remains its greatest competitive advantage. He is joined by Victor Davis Hanson, to explore American exceptionalism, comparisons to China and Europe, and whether growing political polarization poses a serious threat to the nation's future. PBS host Aaron Tang joins to discuss the Founders' vision for civil discourse, the Supreme...


How Justice Barrett & the Supreme Court Just Changed Everything, with Benny Johnson & Tim Rice
#112
06/30/2026

In the newest edition of “Next Up,” Mark’s reported monologue examines how Hakeem Jeffries is losing control of the Democratic Party as socialists gain influence and reshape the party's direction. Benny Johnson joins the show to discuss why many conservatives feel betrayed by Justice Amy Coney Barrett and which Democratic presidential candidates he believes Republicans should fear most in 2028. Plus, Tim Rice breaks down the political impact of the Supreme Court's latest rulings, and Mark answers viewer questions on Josh Shapiro, James Talarico, election integrity, and the race to 2028 in another edition of “Mark the Mailman.”

 

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Why Socialists Are Rising Within the Democratic Party
06/27/2026

In this special bonus episode, Mark Halperin's reported monologue takes a deeper look at one of the biggest stories reshaping American politics: the rise of Democratic Socialists inside the Democratic Party. Mark explores why this movement is gaining momentum, what it wants, and why the party establishment is struggling to respond. Is this simply a New York story—or the beginning of a much larger transformation that could redefine the future of the party?

 

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How Politicians Ignored the TRUTH about COVID
#111
06/25/2026

In today’s episode, Mark Halperin’s reported monologue examines the political fallout from Tuesday’s New York City’s primaries and what the rise of Democratic Socialists could mean for the future of the Democratic Party in 2026 and beyond. Wise Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik joins to explain how decades of economic change have reshaped American politics, while Drew Holden discusses the lasting failures of the COVID response and why he believes the media fell short in investigating China’s role in the pandemic. Plus, Gotham City legend Mitchell Modell shares how the Knicks’ championship inspired his return to the sports a...


The 5 Biggest Threats to Donald Trump
#110
06/23/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue steps back to break down the five biggest threats facing Donald Trump and his presidency beyond the Iran situation. He also examines what Keir Starmer’s resignation reveals about immigration, populism, and the changing political landscape in Europe. Then, Cabot Phillips and Hyma Moore join the conversation to discuss why healthcare is becoming a decisive voting issue and why Obamacare hasn't fixed our system. Plus - as Hakeem Jeffries potentially gets closer to becoming House Speaker, does he have what it takes to do the job?

 

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What Maine Voters Really Think About Graham Platner and Susan Collins
06/20/2026

In this special bonus episode, Mark Halperin sits down with a focus group of Maine voters to get beyond the polls and hear how they are really thinking about one of the most critical midterm races in the country. Voters share their candid views on Susan Collins, Graham Platner, and the issues shaping their decisions as the race increasingly draws national attention. Their answers are often surprising and provide a window into the national mood about electability, integrity, experience, and the desire for change.

 

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Why These Men Are So Special
#109
06/18/2026

Join Mark Halperin for a special Father's Day episode. He sits down with his father, Morton Halperin, and his son, James, for a candid conversation about how fatherhood has evolved across generations and the lessons that endure. Then, NewsNation's Leland Vittert shares the powerful story behind his bestselling book “Born Lucky” and explains how his father's love and determination helped him overcome the challenges of autism. He also reflects on the overwhelming response to the book and why its message has resonated with families across America.  Happy Father’s Day!!!

 

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Is Trump's Iran Deal Really "America First", with Glenn Beck
#108
06/16/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue tells the story you won’t hear anywhere else: what’s really going on with the Trump administration’s negotiations with Iran — and the key questions that will determine if the deal succeeds. Then, Glenn Beck explains why the deal is “America First”, why he believes JD Vance could be one of the most consequential political figures of the next generation, which Democrat he finds to be a compelling leader, and why Graham Platner appeals to some Maine voters as a new kind of “Trump.”

 

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The Truth Behind Graham Platner's Sudden Political Rise
#107
06/11/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue reveals the Graham Platner story almost everyone else is missing.  Then best-in-class political strategist Doug Sosnik explains why Democrats have the midterm edge — along with one big caveat. And Robby Soave joins to discuss which party is winning over young male voters and how that matters now and for 2028

 

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What You’re Not Being Told about Scott Pelley’s CBS Firing
#106
06/09/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue examines the twin political outrages over the L.A. mayoral race and CBS News drama. He explains why the right is hurting its own cause by reflexively alleging voter fraud as the culprit for Spencer Pratt's loss. Mark also breaks down Scott Pelley's firing from "60 Minutes", what the ousted newsman’s "evidence" actually proves about CBS News chief Bari Weiss, and the reality of liberal bias in the Dominant Media. Then, CNN's Michael Smerconish joins to discuss the state of modern journalism and why many Democrats continue to stand by Graham Platner despite his cont...


Spencer Pratt’s National Implications + Democrats’ Contempt for America’s Innovators.
#105
06/04/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue explains the significance of a Spencer Pratt general election campaign regardless of the outcome — and what his success reveals about the current state of our politics. The New York Post’s Lydia Moynihan joins to discuss the billionaire backlash, the growing data center challenge, and the contempt for America's innovators. Plus, Mark answers your questions about the 2028 Democratic presidential contenders, before Jessica Patterson and Karen Skelton kick around Gavin Newsom's legacy and the future of California politics.

 

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Mark Halperin's New 8 for ’28 Rankings and the Debate Over Democrats' Future
#104
06/02/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue unveils his latest “8 for ’28” Democratic presidential nomination rankings, explaining who’s rising, who’s falling, and why he now believes for the first time that a surprise candidate could shake up the race. Plus, Mark and Yemisi Egbewole kick around Kamala Harris’s 2028 prospects and whether Graham Platner’s past could derail his political future. Also, former Laura Bush chief of staff Anita McBride reflects on the Bush family’s legacy and the transformation of the Republican Party.

 

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Texas Senate Revelations + New 2028 Presidential Polling
#103
05/28/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue delivers the truth about the Texas Senate race, including the actual factors that will determine if Ken Paxton or James Talarico wins. Plus, pollster Spencer Kimball joins the program with shocking new data on state of the 2028 presidential fields for both parties, while Steve Maltepes discusses the political bet Mark says voters and strategists should avoid making. Last but not least, Mark answers Nexters’ questions in the return of “Mark the Mailman.”

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What's really happening in Iran, Plus Buck Sexton's & Clay Travis' Predictions
#102
05/26/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down his new information on how limited President Trump’s options on Iran now are. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton join with their predictions on how Trump could end the conflict and the potential fallout. Plus, they explain how AI and social media are fueling conspiracy theories.  Also: Buck plays the “Next Up” version of “The Newlywed Game” to test how well he actually knows Clay.  

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Trump's GOP Grip Costing the Midterms + "Paralyzed" Democrats
#101
05/21/2026

Mark Halperin’s new reported monologue breaks down how Tuesday’s campaign and election developments have shaken up the midterm landscape. Former Congressman Joe Cunningham and strategist Beverly Hallberg kicked around the president's choices, wins, and loses, plus new voting alignments, and growing concerns inside the Republican Party. Plus, Cunningham discusses his new book, “Life of the Party: How Democrats Lost America’s Trust — and How They Can Win It Back”, and explains why Democrats are now “paralyzed” in the search for a comeback.

 

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The New Trends Reshaping America’s Voters
#100
05/19/2026

Mark Halperin's reported monologue breaks down why Spencer Pratt’s mayoral campaign is resonating with frustrated voters, while Cabot Phillips discusses Trump’s polling challenges, growing concerns among Republicans, and why many young men are losing faith in America. Plus, former SEAL Team Six Operator Robert O’Neill reveals who really has control of the Stair of Hormuz and what he says the media is getting wrong about the Iran conflict.

 

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Midterm Mania! New Insight & Reporting into the 2026 Races
#99
05/14/2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue debuts "Midterm Mania", giving new insight into the redistricting fights, political strategies, and messaging battles that will determine who wins in November. Plus, Larry O’Connor and Kevin Walling join Mark to discuss what it's like co-hosting "The Morning Meeting” together, sharing the personal journeys that brought them to the national stage.

 

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