RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss President Trump’s message to Congress yesterday that the United States is in a “non-international armed conflict” with designated terrorist organizations involved in the drug trade, and whether the deployment of U.S. naval assets in the Caribbean means the U.S. is on-course for an armed conflict with Venezuela. They also discuss California governor Gavin Newsom’s embrace of memes directed at Republicans over the government shutdown, in light of a law he signed last year that would have made it illegal to parody politicians using artificial intelligence. The law was struck down by a federal judge. Next, Dan Varroney, author of the new book, Rethinking Economic Growth: How Small Business Can Help Consistently Grow the Economy, joins Carl Cannon and Andrew Walworth to talk about what government can do to help foster and support small businesses in America. Then closing up it's 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.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the second day of the government shutdown, and the debate over whether Democrats are demanding government healthcare for illegal immigrants in order to pass a budget compromise, a charge that Democratic leaders deny. Then, they talk about the heightened role of memes in the national debate over the government shutdown, and what the deeper implications of “meme culture” is for American politics. After that, they discuss Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s views on the New York mayoralty race, revealed in a new cover article in Vanity Fair. Also, they discuss a brand-new campaign ad from New York mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo that uses artificial intelligence to generate visuals of the former governor doing different jobs around the city. Then closing it up, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann joins the guys to discuss his latest article on Donald Trump’s announcement that the Administration had reached an agreement with Harvard University stating that now “their sins are forgiven". 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 politics of the government shutdown, which government functions will be affected, and the possibility that the Trump administration will use the shutdown to fire thousands of government employees. Then, they talk about Trump’s withdrawal of E.J. Antoni's nomination as director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the fact that BLS will not issue Friday’s jobs report due to the government shutdown. Next, they discuss new revelations from the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees chaired by Sen. Rand Paul about the TSA’s “Quiet Skies” surveillance program, which placed then Representative Tulsi Gabbard and at least three other members of Congress on a watch list. And finally, the guys chat about next month’s New Jersey gubernatorial election and recent controversies concerning Democratic nominee Mikie Sherill, who was blocked from attending her own graduation ceremony at the US Naval Academy due to her involvement in a 1994 cheating scandal. 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 Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s and President Donald Trump’s address to top military brass today. They also talk about the politics of a government shutdown, and whether the loss of federal jobs will affect how Democrats view the closure. Then, they talk about the good sales numbers for Kamala Harris’ new book, and yesterday’s decision by a federal judge to block the Trump Administration from firing more that 500 employees of the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and other international broadcasters. Then finally, RDP contributor Maggie Miller talks with writer and podcaster Ana Kasparian about her latest piece for RealClear Investigations on the state of the California economy. 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 Trump’s announcement that he plans to send federal troops to Portland, Oregon in order to protect federal ICE facilities, a move challenged in court by the city’s mayor and the state’s governor. They also discuss the shooting at a Michigan LDS church this weekend that left four people dead and at least eight people injured. Then, they talk about the media's reaction to the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and Trump’s promise to seek indictments against others. And they discuss New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ decision to drop out of his race for re-election, and raucous fan behavior at the Ryders Cup golf tournament. Then finally, Peter Berkowitz, author of the new book "Explaining Israel: The Jewish State, the Middle East, and America" joins the guys to discuss his book and the historic White House meeting today between Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. 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 talk about the indictment issued by a grand jury yesterday for former FBI director James Comey. Also, they discuss reports that the Justice Department is pushing for a federal investigation of the Open Society Foundations, a group founded by billionaire George Soros. They also discuss whether Senate Democrats will hold the line against a seven-week government funding stopgap passed by the House, and whether the Trump Administration’s threat to fire government workers in the event of a shutdown will pressure Democratic Senators to break ranks with leadership. Plus, they take a look at this year’s Ryders Cup, which started today at the Bethpage Black Course in New York, with President Trump in attendance. Next, Attorney and RCP contributor Richard Porter joins the guys to discuss the legal strategy behind the James Comey indictment and what happens next in the trial of the former FBI Director. And finally, the guys chat about their favorite stories in this week’s “You Cannot Be Serious” segment. 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, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the White House threat to fire federal workers if Congress allows the government to shut down on October 1st. They also talk about Wegmann’s in-depth profile of Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who says it is her intent to the be “the last Secretary of Education". Plus, they discuss the emerging rivalry between Kamala Harris and California governor Gavin Newsom in the run-up to the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, and Harris’ complaint in her new book that Newsom didn’t return a text when she reached out to him to discuss the announcement of her 2024 presidential run. Then winding it up, Emerson College Polling director Spencer Kimball joins Andrew Walworth and Carl Cannon to discuss new polling from Emerson that shows the New Jersey governor’s race a dead heat, considerably closer than the RCP average, which shows Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill up 6.5 points over Republican Jack Ciattarelli. 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 Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC last night and President Trump’s threat to “test” ABC on this with a possible law suit. They also talk about the announcement by the House Judiciary Committee that Google has agreed to stop using third-party fact-checkers and to welcome back to the platform creators they had previously removed due to political speech violations on topics such as COVID-19 and election integrity. Next, they discuss the attack on an ICE facility this morning that left two detainees dead and one in critical condition. And, they discuss House Democrats’ request that the government release tape that allegedly shows White House border czar Tom Homan accepting a bag of $50,000 cash from undercover federal agents, a charge the White House denies. 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 Trump’s appearance today at the United Nations’ 80th General Assembly in New York, where he spoke about immigration, climate change, and the future of the UN. Then, they talk about the publication of Kamala Harris’ book on the 2024 campaign," 107 Days", and her promotional appearances on The View, MSNBC and other outlets. Plus, they also discuss tonight’s return of Jimmy Kimmel to ABC, whether his return is a victory for free speech, and the decision by station owners Sinclair and Nexstar to continue preempting the program in their local markets. Then winding it up, RCP columnist Melinda Henneberger joins the gang to discuss her reaction to the memorial service for Charlie Kirk and her op-ed “Let’s Respond To Kirk’s Murder By Listening As Well As Speaking,” published today on RCP’s front page. 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 Sunday’s memorial service for Charlie Kirk, including conflicting remarks by his widow Erika Kirk and President Donald Trump on the subject of forgiveness. Also, Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) both speak out about the importance of First Amendment rights in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Then, they discuss today’s White House announcement on the causes and possible treatment for autism, and the response from the maker of Tylenol regarding its safety for use during pregnancy. Next, they talk about Sunday’s decision by the UK, Canada and Australia to formally recognize the state of Palestine, and France’s announcement that it will do the same thing soon in advance of the United Nations’ 80th General Assembly in New York. Lastly, they're joined by RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann to chat about the White House assessment of the Charlie Kirk memorial service and preview the President’s speech tomorrow at the UN. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom Bevan, Philip Wegmann, and Emily Jashinsky discuss new reporting on the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel from ABC and the ongoing debate over whether this is a true free speech issue. Then, they discuss a new Axios story saying AOC is considering a presidential run in 2028, and they also give up this week's "You CANNOT Be Serious" picks. Next, Tom Bevan chats with Dr. Scott Atlas, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and Co-Founder of the Global Liberty Institute, about his RCP article on the struggles of GenZ. And finally, RCP contributor Maggie Miller talks with psychologist and lead investigator Christopher J. Ferguson of RealClear Investigations about what many consider one of society’s last taboos: acknowledging that women can also be perpetrators of violence in relationships. 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 RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the reaction to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel from ABC, and the role that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and President Trump have played in the network’s decision. Then, they talk about President Trump’s announcement from the UK that he will designate Antifa as a major terrorist group, and what that may mean at the Justice Department and the FBI going forward. Plus, they discuss today’s excerpt from Kamala Harris’ forthcoming book published by the Atlantic, in which she says Pete Buttigieg was her first choice as running mate, but thought that pairing a gay man and a black woman on the presidential ticket “was too big of a risk". Then finally, Carl Cannon talks with Tim Shriver, founder and CEO of UNITE and co-creator of the Dignity Index, about how to regain civility in our public discourse. 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 reaction to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s remarks yesterday concerning hate speech, and Stephen Miller’s comments that the Justice Department would pursue “left-wing organizations that are promoting violence in this country.” Then they discuss today’s Senate hearing featuring FBI Director Kash Patel, his handling of the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and his stewardship of the agency so far. They talk about U.S relations with Venezuela after the U.S. blew up a second Venezuelan vessel that was allegedly carrying drugs destined for America. Also, remembering actor and activist Robert Redford, who died today at the age of 89. RCP Contributor Charlie Stone talks to New York Times journalist and author David Gelles about his new biography, Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the debate over free speech, cancel culture and the First Amendment in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the President’s assertion that leftwing groups were “already under major investigation". They also talk about the politics behind New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s endorsement of New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Plus, today’s announcement that the United States and China are close to an agreement that will allow TikTok to continue operation in the United States. Then finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributor and former State Department official Peter Berkowitz about his most recent article for RCP, ‘Debunking Genocide Allegations Against Israel". 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, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the apprehension of a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and statements by Republican Governor Spencer Cox of Utah and Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont on the political impact of Kirk’s murder. They also talk about President Trump’s plan to send the National Guard to Memphis, and they give up their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about Charlie Kirk’s legacy, and the future of Turning Point USA and other organizations Kirk founded. Will they continue without him? And finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP contributors Joel Kotkin and Wendell Cox about their recent RCP article, “Revival: Americans Heading Back to the Hinterlands,” concerning why more Americans are moving to smaller communities, and how that demographic trend may affect American politics in the future. 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 reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, including President Trump’s announcement that he would award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, and the firing of commentator Matthew Dowd for on-air remarks made on MSNBC. Then, they run down the many ways the country is recognizing the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. And, they talk about today’s inflation numbers released by The Bureau of Labor Statistics and next week’s Federal Reserve meeting, when the Fed will vote on whether to raise short-term interest rates and if so, by how much. Plus, a federal judge has ruled that Fed Governor Lisa Cook can participate in the meeting and remain on the job pending resolution of her lawsuit against the Trump Administration. And then finally, Carl Cannon talks to RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann, who has been on pool duty at the White House for the past 24 hours. 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 shooting of Charlie Kirk today while speaking on a college campus in Orem, Utah. And they discuss Donald Trump calling for the death penalty for the killer of Iryna Zaratska, a Ukrainian woman murdered in August on a light rail train in Charlotte, South Carolina by an assailant who was out on cashless bail. Then, they talk about the first excerpt from Kamala Harris’ new book 107 Days, published today in The Atlantic, where she discusses Joe Biden’s decision whether to run again in 2024, and says that the White House did not support her during her term as Vice President. Next, they talk about a new executive order that may grossly curtail pharmaceutical advertising on television, and the economic impact that may have on television news programs that rely on advertising by drug companies. And finally, Andrew talks to James Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC about Russia’s use of drones to violate Polish airspace last night, and whether the Trump Administration will respond with more sanctions against Russia and its trading partners. 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 todays’ revisions to employment data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the reaction to the release of videotape of a horrific attack of a woman riding a bus in Charlotte, N.C. by an assailant who had been arrested 14 times and was released pending trial on cashless bail. They also talk about the release by House Democrats of the birthday card for Jeffrey Epstein allegedly written and signed by Donald Trump, as well as other subpoenaed documents from the Epstein estate. And they discuss the feud between Vice President JD Vance and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) over the U.S. missile attack on a Venezuelan boat that killed 11 alleged drug smugglers. Plus, they discuss “Operation Midway Blitz,” the Administration’s immigration enforcement initiative launched in Chicago, and the reaction of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Then finally, RCP Contributor Maggie Miller talks with RealClear Investigations writer John Murawski about the state of civics education in America’s high schools and the Jack Miller Center, which is training teachers to teach civics using original documents. 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, Carl Cannon and RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende discuss the aftermath of last week’s ICE raid on a huge Hyundai plant in Georgia and the prospects of the National Guard being deployed to Chicago and Boston. They also examine the most recent polls for the upcoming gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virgina, and the mayor’s race in New York City. Plus, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya agrees that Florida is right to lift vaccine requirements, citing Europe’s comparative success with voluntary vaccines. Next, Carl Cannon talks to George Condon of the National Journal about Randal “Duke” Cunningham, who was both a decorated Navy pilot and a convicted member of Congress. Cunningham died last week at the age of 83. And finally, Andrew Walworth and Carl Cannon talk to Dr. Matthew Bunson, Vice President and Editorial Director for EWTN about the Catholic Church’s recognition this weekend of two new saints, including Carlo Acutis, a young man who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15 and has been called “the patron saint of the internet” and “God’s Influencer”. 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 employment numbers, Trump’s reaction to them, and whether the Federal Reserve will cut rates in September. They wonder if Trump will send the National Guard to New Orleans instead of Chicago, and they chat about DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s handling of the takeover of the city’s police department. Then, they discuss author Malcolm Gladwell’s recent statement that he misrepresented his own views on men participating in women’s sports three years ago because he felt “cowed” at the time. Plus, the guys give up this week’s “You Cannot Be Serious” stories. Next, Carl talks to RCP contributor and author of "A Declaration of Independents"; Greg Orman about Elon Musk’s political influence and whether Musk should continue his support for the GOP. And finally, Andrew talks to RCP national political correspondent Susan Crabtree about her recent RCP article on the fight between Jewish teachers and the National Education Association, the country’s largest teachers union, concerning teaching the Holocaust and other Jewish topics in public schools. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.