RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss today’s FIFA event at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, where President Donald Trump received the first ever FIFA Peace Prize. Also, Trump has renamed the U.S. Peace Institute after himself, and used it as the venue for yesterday’s signing of a peace accord between The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Then, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon to discuss the arrest of the alleged Jan. 6, 2021 pipe-bombing suspect, and what the arrest means for FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino. Also a look at new economic numbers on inflation released this morning, and their implications for next week’s Federal Reserve vote on interest rates, scheduled for December 10th. Then finally, they discuss yesterday’s Supreme Court’s decision on redistricting in Texas. The Court blocked a lower court decision that found the new boundaries were likely unconstitutional because they were drawn based on race, allowing Texas to adopt the congressional map designed by the GOP in the upcoming 2026 midterms. Also, "You Cannot Be Serious" stories for the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the announcement that only one house has been rebuilt since wildfires devastated the Pacific Palisades in Southern California, as Los Angeles city officials continue to block reconstruction efforts. Also, which party will pay the political price if there is no compromise on continuing Obamacare subsidies before the end of the year? Then, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon to discuss a new poll from the Institute on American attitudes toward foreign policy issues, including support for NATO and Ukraine and views on the role of artificial intelligence in the U.S. military. And then, Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Turning Point USA’s public reaction to Candace Owens, who has spread conspiracy theories about the assassination of Charlie Cook, and Charlie Kirk Show producer Blake Neff’s invitation to Owens to appear on a special program dedicated to answering her accusations. Also, a new poll from the Media Research Center shows that only 24 percent of respondents correctly described Kirk’s alleged assassin as holding left-wing views.. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss takeaways from yesterday’s special election in Tennessee’s seventh congressional district, where Republican Matt Van Epps beat Democrat Aftyn Behn by nine points. Also, President Donald Trump calls affordability a Democratic hoax during yesterday’s televised cabinet meeting. Then, OutKick columnist Mary Katherine Hamm joins the guys to discuss the political future of Minnesota governor Tim Walz in the wake of a New York Times report that more than one billion dollars of taxpayer money has been stolen in Minnesota, in three separate plots that are currently under investigation by federal authorities. Also, a look at the 2028 Republican presidential field, and new polls that show Donald Trump Jr. in second place for the GOP nomination. After that they discuss "Notes on Being a Man", a new book from podcaster Scott Galloway about the state of masculinity in America. And finally, they look at football coach Lane Kiffin’s controversial move from the University of Mississippi to Louisiana State University. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss today’s special election in Tennessee’s reliably red seventh congressional district, where Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn is locked in a surprisingly close race with Republican Matt Van Epps for the seat vacated last summer by Representative Mark Green. Then, they discuss today’s cabinet meeting at the White House, and what is next in Venezuela and the Ukraine War. Also, new reporting on Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, USN Admiral Frank Mitch Bradley and the September 2nd attack on an alleged drug gun boat in the Caribbean, where two survivors of the initial airstrike were reportedly killed by a follow-on strike. And lastly they discuss a plan announced by billionaire Michael Dell and his wife Susan to give $250 to each of 25 million American children to supplement proposed “Trump Accounts,” for a total gift of $6.25 billion. Plus, they chat about new rules going into effect for Pentagon reporters, with press briefings scheduled for this week that will be attended by only a few conservative outlets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss whether the recent ambush of two National Guard members by an Afghan national will prompt changes in immigration law, and President Donald Trump’s remarks about Somali immigrants and the need for what he calls “reverse migration". Then, they discuss press reports that the U.S. Military killed two survivors of a September 2nd attack on a drug boat in the Caribbean, and Congressional calls for an investigation into Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s role in the alleged incident. Then finally, they talk about a New Yorker article by Benjamin Wallace-Wells on the effect of rising political violence on Americans’ willingness to participate in politics, and what can be done to lower the temperature of the national debate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy Thanksgiving! Here are some past interviews for you to enjoy on this holiday. Carl Cannon talks to human rights advocate Katrina Lantos Swett about threats to religious liberty here and around the world. Lantos Swett is President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, and former Chair and Vice-Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Tom Bevan talks to John Tillman, the founder of MediaPedia, a new company that hopes to provide transparency when it comes to media bias. The company uses artificial intelligence to rate the ideological leaning of reporters, which it says allows it to “empower news consumers to see the bias behind the bylines of legacy news outlets.” Andrew Walworth talks to war correspondent and former New York Times Pentagon reporter Thom Shanker about singer/songwriter Warren Zevon, whose gimlet-eyed view of world politics endeared him to a generation of foreign policy practitioners and observers. Zevon, who died in 2003 from cancer, was earlier this month inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss this morning’s lengthy New York Times article exploring whether President Donald Trump is showing his age. Also, in what many view as a new low, former MSNBC host Joy Reid advances what she calls a “MAGA fairy tale,” in which Vice President JD Vance will leave his wife Usha to marry Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, because “he needs a white queen instead of a brown Hindu.” Reid’s MSNBC show was cancelled last February. Next, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann joins the guys to discuss today’s leak of a conversation between Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterpart, as well as who might have been the source behind the leak. They also discuss Wegmann’s most recent RCP article on the split within the Republican Party on foreign policy, as revealed by the latest round of negotiations over the war in Ukraine. Then, they talk about new data from Emerson College polling that shows that the upcoming special election in Tennessee’s deep red seventh district is surprisingly close, with Democrat Aftyn Behn now within two points of Republican Matt Van Epps. And finally, they look at annual advice columns on talking politics around the Thanksgiving table. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the latest on ceasefire negotiations in the Ukraine War, and whether Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are at odds over how to move forward. Also, a look at the possible court martial of Senator Mark Kelly for his participation in a video that urged service members to refuse unlawful orders from their superiors. And a judge decides to delay the Administration’s case against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Then, Will Rinehart of the American Enterprise Institute joins the guys to discuss the politics of building new, massive data centers across the country and Americans’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Then finally, they discuss polling in New Hampshire that shows Pete Buttigieg in first place in the race for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, and an article in the RealClearPolitics Takeaway newsletter today on new polling from The Pew Research Center concerning voters' feelings about President Trump’s job performance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss relations between President Donald Trump and New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, and whether the two can find common ground to help make the city more affordable for its residents. Also, Trump is developing his plan to address the high cost of health insurance. Will it be the basis for a compromise that could avoid a government shutdown in January? Then, Dean of the Institute for World Politics - James S. Robbins joins the guys to discuss the latest on ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine, and the rising military pressure on Venezuela, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan “Raizin” Cain visits troops in the Caribbean. Then lastly, they discuss the news that Rep. Marjorie Tayor Greene (R-GA) will depart Congress in January, and what her political future may hold. Plus, a “teen takeover” of the annual tree-lighting ceremony in Chicago’s Millennium Park in Chicago on Friday night left one 14-year old boy dead from gunfire and many others wounded, raising new questions about the way the city handles crime. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss a video released by six Democratic lawmakers with military and national security backgrounds that urges American service members to not follow illegal orders from their superiors, and President Donald Trump’s response. They also talk about Senator Eric Swalwell (D.CA) declaring his candidacy in the governor’s race in California, and Trump critic George Conway saying he may enter the Democratic primary for Rep. Jerry Nadler’s congressional seat in mid-town Manhattan. Next, they discuss front page stories in The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal about the growing involvement of billionaires in American politics, and the struggle of middleclass Americans to make ends meet. Then, Rep. Gosh Gottheimer (D-NJ) joins the guys to discuss whether Democrats and Republicans can devise a compromise on health insurance costs that will avoid another government shutdown in January. And finally, a look ahead at today’s Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and they give their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories of the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the announcement that President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will meet for the first time face-to-face tomorrow in the Oval Office. And, they talk about Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent telling Fox News that taxpayers may receive a $2,000 “tariff dividend” next year, but he hopes they won’t spend it. Then, they discuss today’s funeral in Washington DC for former Vice President Dick Cheney. Plus, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) has been indicted on charges of stealing $5 million from FEMA during the Covid 19 crisis, funds she allegedly largely used to run for a seat in the House of Representatives, and hedge fund billionaire Tom Steyers announces his candidacy for the governor’s race in California. Then finally, Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America and the author of the book "The Primary Solution", joins the guys to discuss his proposal to create open primaries, a reform that he says will make politicians more responsive to all their constituents, not just the party faithful who vote in closed primary elections. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss reports of a “secret” peace plan that is being negotiated by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterparts without input from Ukraine. Then, they talk about fallout from yesterday’s Oval Office comments by President Trump and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the murder of Saudi dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Next, RCP White House reporter Phil Wegmann joins the guys to discuss what's next in the efforts to compel the Justice Department to release documents related to the Epstein case. And, they chat about Trump’s relations with the press: he insults Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey, calling her “piggy” on Air Force One, and during yesterday’s Oval Office press opportunity, he tells ABC News White House reporter Mary Bruce that the FCC should revoke the network’s license. Then finally, they discuss the state of the redistricting battle across the country, including Texas where Republicans have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court challenging a federal three-judge panel’s rejection of the most recent remapping of the state’s congressional districts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss new revelations from Tucker Carlson and Miranda Devine of the New York Post that raise questions about what the FBI knew about Thomas Crooks, the would-be assassin who fired 8 shots at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania last summer, wounding Trump and one other and killing Corey Comperatore. And they talk about, FBI Director Kash Patel coming under fire from within the agency for his use of the FBI’s plane and for providing a security detail to his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. Next, they discuss today’s White House visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and yesterday’s vote by the United Nations Security Council endorsing Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. Then finally, the Director of the Chicago Policy Center, Austin Berg, joins the guys to discuss the politics behind the alarming hikes in property taxes in Cook County, and whether higher property taxes will lead to a tax revolt. Plus, they talk about the House of Representatives advancing a resolution to condemn Chicago Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García for timing his retirement announcement to ensure his chief of staff would be the only candidate able to register for the Democratic primary ballot in the race to succeed him. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss President Donald Trump’s changing position on: the release of the Epstein files, reciprocal tariffs on key grocery items, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). They also discuss recent developments in Latin America including riots in Mexico City over the weekend, Sunday’s presidential election results in Chile, and comments from President Donald Trump that President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela is seeking a dialogue with the United States. Then, they talk about Axios’ reporting that New York Times columnist Ezra Klein is raising concerns at the paper that he is providing advice to key players in the Democratic Party, including 2028 presidential hopefuls. Plus, Disney stock is down 9 percent in recent days. They wonder what's behind the price drop, and are streaming services becoming too expensive? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the challenges facing the leadership of both parties, as President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer face increased criticism from their political bases. Then, they discuss the Ford Motor Company’s decision to suspend production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck, the future of electric vehicles, and Ford CEO Jim Farley’s recent comments about the growing need for more skilled technical workers. And then winding it up, they talk about the new data from Gallup about the declining religiosity of Americans, and why in a recent Gallup poll 40 percent of young American women say they would like to permanently move to a different country. Plus, the guys give up their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss last night’s signing ceremony at the White House where President Donald Trump ended the government shutdown and talked about the future of healthcare subsidies. Then, Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss yesterday’s release of selected Jeffrey Epstein emails and whether House and Senate Republicans will split from the President when forced to vote on the release of the full Epstein files. And finally, author and political commentator Chris Matthews joins the guys to discuss his new book Lessons From Bobby: Ten Reasons Robert F. Kennedy Still Matters, and what today’s Democrats and Republicans can learn from Kennedy’s personal and political career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss how both Republicans and Democrats are claiming victory following the longest government shutdown in history, and they preview tonight’s House vote on reopening the government. Then, they talk about the new emails from Jeffrey Epstein about his involvement with Donald Trump which was released today by House Democrats, and the upcoming House vote on releasing the Epstein files. Plus, President John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, who is best known for his social media posts, announced that he is running for Congress in New York’s 12th District in central Manhattan. And winding it up, Fred Ryan, director of the Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy and publisher and CEO of the Washington Post from 2014 to 2023, joins the guys to discuss the Justice Department’s decision to investigate the violence that broke out Monday on the Berkeley campus during an event sponsored by Turning Point USA, and what can be done to improve public dialogue about politics in general. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Author and RCP contributor John J. Waters joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon to discuss Veterans Day, 2025 and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corp. They also talk about last night’s appearance by President Donald Trump on the Laura Ingraham Show on Fox News, where he discussed what he sees as American voters’ misperceptions of the economy. Also, they look at Trump’s proposal to introduce a 50-year mortgage, and what it would mean for home ownership in America. Then, they discuss the fight within the Democratic Party over ending the Democratic filibuster in the Senate and increasing calls from progressives for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step aside. Also, while Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York mayor’s race has gained the most attention , other candidates associated with the Democratic Socialists of America are faring well in local elections across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s Senate vote to end the Democratic filibuster and reopen the government, as well as the split within the Democratic Party over ending the government shutdown. They also discuss President Donald Trump’s appearance Sunday at the Washington Commanders/Detroit Lions game, his promise to provide $2,000 to most Americans due to his tariff policies, and his pardon of more than 70 individuals including former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows for their roles in challenging the results of the 2020 elections. Next, they discuss the possible reasons why the BBC’s director general and head of news - resigned over the past weekend. And finally they talk about today’s White House visit by the new president of Syria, a former terrorist who until recently had a $10 million bounty on his head, and Warren Zevon’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss new polling on candidate preferences for the 2028 presidential nomination for both parties, and this morning’s reporting from Politico that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is telling close associates that he believes Vice President JD Vance is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Then, they talk about the role of energy prices in last Tuesday’s election, and President Donald Trump’s new agreement with pharmaceutical manufacturers to sell GLP-1 products like Wegovy and Zepbound at discounted prices to Medicare and Medicaid recipients. Then finally, the guys discuss the jury verdict in Washington, DC of the former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at a federal officer in protest last August. Plus, this week’s “You Cannot Be Serious” stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.