RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the nominations of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Trump’s HHS secretary and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum leading the Interior Department. They also talk about Trump’s promise to end “wokeness” in education, and this week’s House hearings on UFO’s and whether the Trump administration will release more information on UFO phenomenon. Next, Tom talks to Richard Porter, National Committee member for the RNC from Illinois, about Matt Gaetz and other Trump appointees. And then Andrew talks to RCP contributor Charlie Tidmarsh, author of the “This Week in Censorship” column about how Trump’s election will alter efforts to fight disinformation by the State Department and other agencies.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss historic precedents for Matt Gaetz’ nomination for attorney general, and how Washington is reacting to the appointment. Also reaction to Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence. They also talk about the Associated Press’ calling the House for the GOP and how Republicans in marginal districts will handle the Trump agenda. Also, some Democrats and members of the media condemn the US electorate in the wake of the election results, including Stephen Colbert who told his audience, “The majority has spoken, and they said they don’t care that much about democracy.” Next, Andrew talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Republican reaction to the Matt Gaetz appointment, what was really discussed at Wednesday’s Trump/Biden meeting, and Biden’s agenda for his six-day overseas trip to Peru and Brazil. And finally, Carl interviews Tim Shriver, CEO and founder of UNITE, about what we can do to improve our public dialogue in the coming Trump era.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss Senator John Thune of South Dakota being chosen as Senate Leader and Donald Trump’s meeting with Joe Biden at the White House. They also talk about Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy being named co-heads of Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency and the debate among Democrats on the role of transgender rights as a campaign issue in 2024. Next, Andrew talks to RealClear Defense contributor John Waters about Trump’s choice for Secretary of Defense, Fox News host and author Pete Hegseth. And then, Charlie Stone, host of “The Unknowns” on RealClearPolitics, talks to Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama, about potential stumbling blocks to Trump’s plan for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss Trump's latest cabinet picks including reports that Marco Rubio will be named Secretary of State, and what GOP control of the House will mean for Trump’s agenda. They also talk about the fight to lead Republicans in the Senate (Thune vs. Cornyn vs. Scott) and today’s visit to Washington by California governor Gavin Newsom. Plus, the post-election decline in viewership at MSNBC and CNN, and Chris Wallace’s decision to leave CNN for the world of podcasting. And then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Charles McElwee, editor of RealClear Pennsylvania, about the potential recount of the senate race between incumbent Democrat Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick, and the political future of Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss if Donald Trump’s slim victory in the popular vote and narrow gains in the House provide him with a mandate for change, and whether Democratic challenges to the results of the Pennsylvania Senate race amount to “election denial.” They also talk about Anthony Fauci’s $15 million federally funded security detail, and the admission by FEMA that one of its employees instructed disaster workers to avoid homes displaying pro-Trump yard signs in the wake of Hurricane Milton in Florida. Next, Tom talks to RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about Trump’s options for key figures in his new administration, and what his picks so far tell us about how he will operate. And finally, Carl talks to RealClear Defense editor David Craig about the importance of Veterans’ Day.

Andrew, Tom, and Emily Jashinsky, Washington correspondent for UnHerd, discuss the results of the Senate race in Pennsylvania, whether the GOP will win control of the House, and Trump’s appointment of Susi Wiles as the first female White House chief of staff. They also talk about legacy media’s reaction to the rise of podcasting and alternative sources of news and information, and Democratic explanations for why white women voted for Trump. Next, Tom Bevan talks to Richard Porter about Trump’s options for filling his cabinet and the final vote in Illinois. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Mike Leon, host of podcast “Can We Please Talk,” about why Trump improved his numbers among Hispanic voters in 2024 and what Democrats can do to win back this key voting bloc.

Andrew, Tom, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss how Democratic leadership is reacting to Donald Trump’s victory, and who is going to end up taking the blame for Harris’ defeat. They also talk about the Trump transition process, future roles for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk, and who is in line to fill key cabinet positions in the second Trump administration. Next, Tom Bevan talks to Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling about what the polls got right and wrong in this cycle, and whether pollsters will rethink their models in light of Tuesday’s results. And finally, Andrew talks to presidential historian Tevi Troy about what Trump’s election means for the mainstream media and the Democratic coalition, as well as about the utility of viewing the electorate through the lens of identity politics.

Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss Kamala Harris’ concession speech and the reaction of the Trump campaign to last night’s election results. They also talk about the latest election results, including Senate races and House races that could determine control of the House of Representatives. Next, Carl and Andrew talk to pollster Frank Luntz about what each candidate did right, and what each did wrong. And finally, they all discuss the next steps for the Democratic Party, and whether the mainstream media will change the way it covers Trump in the wake of last night’s GOP victories.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the early returns in the 2024 presidential election. Also, RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann reports from Mar-a-Lago. And finally, Democratic Advisor Lanny Davis predicts Kamala will win the election.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss final polling, including the RCP national average which shows Harris and Trump tied in the popular vote at 48.5% each. Also, what today’s campaign schedules tell us about how the candidates see the race in its final hours. They also talk about both presidential candidates’ closing arguments, and whether we'll know election results by tomorrow night. Plus, a preview of RCP’s live Tuesday night election coverage, which starts at 7 PM ET and can be seen on realclearpolitics.com. Next, Tom Bevan talks to RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende about the Des Moines Register's shocking weekend poll that shows Harris leading Trump in the traditionally red state of Iowa. And winding it up, Carl Cannon interviews Greg Orman, Kansas entrepreneur, author of “A Declaration of Independents,” and former independent candidate for governor and senator about how citizens of both parties should ready themselves for tomorrow’s election results, and how to look forward if their chosen candidate wins or loses.

Andrew, Tom and Carl discuss the media response to last night’s comments by Donald Trump about Liz Cheney. They also look at new Marist polls that show Harris leading in the “Blue Wall” states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Plus, they talk about Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s firing of his school board president, who had posted antisemitic comments on social media. Also, a look at Cannon’s most recent piece for RCP on how states attorney generals are suing energy companies, using the same playbook employed against cigarette makers. Then, Andrew talks to polling expert Henry Olsen about the early vote in critical swing states and what it may tell us about November 5th. And lastly, Carl interviews RCP contributor J. Peder Zane about the consequences of Democrats calling Trump “Hitler,” and what it may mean if Trump wins the election.

Andrew, Tom, and Carl discuss the role of unforced errors in politics and baseball, and look at the Trump campaign’s response to Joe Biden calling Trump supporters “garbage". They also talk about recent polls and Brit Hume’s views that reliance on polls has largely replaced shoe-leather campaign reporting, and not always for the better. Plus, they chat about today’s report from The New York Times on YouTube’s changing position on disinformation. And finally, Carl Cannon interviews J.T. Young about his new book Unprecedented Assault: How Big Government Unleashed America’s Socialist Left.

Andrew, Tom, and Carl review last night’s address by Kamala Harris and the reaction to President Biden’s comments calling Trump voters “garbage”. They also discuss swing-state polls and how the latest polling data affects each candidate’s path to victory in the electoral college. Then, they talk about the Washington Post‘s investigation of owner Jeff Bezos’ business interests in the wake of the paper’s decision not to endorse a presidential candidate. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Charles Lipson about his article, “The Spinal Tap Election: Everything is Turned Up to 11” and the role of democratic institutions and well-established procedures as antidotes to heightened political rhetoric.

Andrew, Tom, and Carl preview tonight’s address by Kamala Harris from the Ellipse in Washington DC and look at the reaction to Donald Trump’s Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden. They also discuss new national and swing-state polls and whether polls have gotten more accurate since 2020. Plus, they talk about Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos’ letter justifying the decision to not endorse a presidential candidate, and the uproar at CNN over an on-air argument between Republican commentator Ryan Girdusky and pro-Palestinian journalist Mehdi Hassan. Then lastly, Andrew talks to senior elections analyst Sean Trende about early voting in Nevada and whether it tells us anything about the final tally in the Silver State.

Andrew, Tom, Carl, and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Sunday’s Madison Square Garden Trump rally and the media's reaction. And, they also discuss Trump’s new lead in the RCP average of national head-to-head polls and whether it's possible for Trump to win the popular vote and lose in the electoral college. Then, they talk about Kamala Harris’ closing arguments and preview Tuesday’s address on the Ellipse and Michelle Obama’s pitch to undecided men. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Charles McElwee, editor of RealClear Pennsylvania, about where the presidential race stands in the Keystone state and what to watch for with eight days left until November 5th.