The McLaughlin Group

The McLaughlin Group -- December 25, 2020 guest panelist this week is Emily Jashinsky of The Federalist The panel hands out more awards, including those for Most Honest, Most Overrated Story, Biggest Story, Best Reporting, and Most Inspiring Moment. Plus, a look ahead with predictions on who is Destined for Political Stardom and Oblivion. Bonus topic: Domestic 2021 Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- December 18, 2020 guest panelist this week is political analyst Shermichael Singleton The panel takes a look back at the winners and losers, best and worst of 2020 in The McLaughlin Group's first ever Awards Show Bonus topic: a look ahead at foreign policy under a Biden Administration Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- December 11, 2020 guest panelist this week is Rachel Bovard of the Conservative Partnership Institute Issue one: Once More Unto the Courts While the president insists that ongoing legal challenges will secure his eventual reelection and overturn what he says are fraudulent results, the courts suggest otherwise. The Supreme Court as been reluctant to accept Trump-related legal challenges. In other judicial-related news, Hunter Biden confirmed on Wednesday that he is under federal criminal investigation related to his tax affairs. Issue two: From China Not with Love In an Axios news report this week, Congressman Eric Swalwell was named as a suspected target of a Chinese Intelligence influence operation. Axios suggests that an officer from China's Ministry of State Security bundled campaign contributions for Swalwell and infiltrated an intern into his office. Issue three: Mr. Musk Goes to Texas Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced this week he is relocating from California to Texas. While Musk will retain major operations in California, the move encapsulates a growing tech-exodus from the Golden State. Issue four: Georgia Senate Races Discussing the January 5th runoff races for the US Senate. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- December 4, 2020 guest panelist this week is John Tamny from RealClearMarkets Issue one: Toxic Transition Democrats are showing increased outrage at President Trump's refusal to concede the election to Joe Biden. Republicans say Democrats and the media have no interest in investigating potential voter fraud. Will we see this resolved before January 20th? Issue two: UFO Earlier this year, the Pentagon announced the formation of an "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force" whose mission is to investigate UFOs that appear near military aircraft and facilities. Issue three: Iran Iran promised retaliation this week following the assassination last Friday of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Fakhrizadeh was one of Iran's most senior nuclear scientists, with chief responsibility for the military components of the country's nuclear program. Issue four: Biden's Nominees Unveiling his economic team this week, President-Elect Joe Biden called on the Senate to confirm his nominees. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- November 27, 2020 guest panelist this week is Kelsey Bolar, senior policy analyst at Independent Women's Forum Issue one: Biden at Home Joe Biden has a long wish list of programs and policies he intends to enact during his White House tenure. But with republicans looking likely to retain control of the Senate, how much of what Biden wants will he really be able to do? And how will Biden balance his agenda with that of the Democratic Party left? Issue two: Biden Abroad The President-Elect says he's determined to strengthen America's alliances and engage the world on shared challenges. But facing a rising China and nuclear proliferation challenges from Iran and North Korea, some wonder whether Biden's presidency will be shaped by events rather than shape them. Issue three: GOP Strategy Republicans are optimistic they will hold control of the Senate after two Georgia Senate runoff races are concluded. But how will Republicans approach their dealings with President Biden? Will resistance be the rule? Issue four: Trump's Future As he leaves office, President Trump is considering what comes next. The president seems set to maintain a regular presence on social media. But beyond Twitter, what plans are in hand? Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- November 20, 2020 guest panelist this week is conservative strategist Matt Mackowiak Issue one: What Transition? With President Trump's legal challenges persisting, Joe Biden this week suggested that any effective transition of administrations might not begin until he becomes president on January 20th. Issue two: Biden's Plans Joe Biden unveiled more of his governing agenda this week, moving towards the democratic left on student loan forgiveness. But as Biden grapples with the prospect of a GOP Senate, some analysts suggest he'll have to choose between executive actions and ensuing court battles, or a more moderate negotiating stance. Issue three: 2,500 It was announced this week that by January 15th, 2021, troop levels would be reduced to 2,500 in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The moves might be supported by the American people, but some observers suggest that President Trump's reduction in US force levels is not consistent with his stated strategic objectives. Issue four: Of Tweets and Posts Discussing the battle between Republicans who say that social media companies are censoring conservative opinion in order to support Democratic Party interests, and Democrats who argue that social media companies aren't doing enough to deal with disinformation. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- November 13, 2020 guest panelist this week is Kerry Picket of the Washington Examiner  Issue one: Biden Versus Trump President-elect Joe Biden condemned President Trump for refusing to concede the 2020 Presidential Election. But the president was unmoved, asserting evidence of widespread electoral fraud. Issue two: Cabinet Progressives and conservatives hoping for some fresh faces and ideas in Joe Biden's cabinet are worried. A Politico report this week suggested that Biden intends to return many familiar, old Obama hands to high level positions in his administration. Issue three: Bye Bye Hong Kong Expelling four Hong Kong pro-democracy legislators this week, China found itself confronted with the mass-resignation of all remaining pro-democracy elected officials in the former British colony. The action formalized what has been known for months now, that Hong Kong is no longer a representation of China's claim to one country, two systems model. Issue four: Good News, Bad News A vaccine is finally on the horizon and likely to be available for emergency use by mid-December. This good news comes as US COVID infections average 100,000 new cases and 1,000 deaths each day. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- November 6, 2020 guest panelist this week is Ryan Girdusky of The Washington Examiner Issue one: Counting the Votes In an exceptionally tight presidential race, Joe Biden inched state by state toward the magic 270 electoral college votes and victory. But pointing at what they allege were voting irregularities, the Trump campaign pushed for the Supreme Court to take action. Issue two: Susan and the Senate Trouncing pollster expectations, Republican Senator Susan Collins won reelection in her Maine Senate race this week. Across the nation, the Republican Party beat the odds in tightly contested races, securing the prospect of a continued majority. Issue three: Polls and the World Polls prior to the election were very far from the results of the election. What does this mean going forward? And what does it say that so many in the media relied so heavily on such flawed data sets? Also, what does this election mean for American allies and foes around the world? Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- October 30th, 2020 guest panelist this week is Alexander Heffner of PBS Issue One: Key Swing States On Tuesday Americans will decide wether to re-elect President Donald Trump for a second term or give former Vice President Joe Biden the opportunity to form the next government. While Biden leads in polls, Republicans are optimistic with The Presidents rising numbers in key swing states that will determine who wins. Issue Two: The Senate Once assumed to be a re-election shoe in Lindsey Graham (R-SC) fears for his Senate seat. Grahams worries reflect a broader GOP concern, polling suggest that Democrats may seize the senate on Tuesday. The outcome will depend on 13 key races in 12 stats. Issue Three: What's Next? What will it mean if Joe Biden and more liberal democrats expand the governments roll in society? and on the other hand what would a 2-term Trump mean for our relationship with China and the character of our national discourse? Plus, Predictions of the Presidential Election outcome. Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- October 23, 2020 guest panelist this week is Ryan Girdusky of The Washington Examiner Issue one: Presidential Debate Debating Thursday, President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden exchanged sharp blows, each characterizing the other as unworthy of the nation's highest office. What are the key takeaways? Will the debate shift anything politically? Issue two: Campaign Final Run With the election just 11 days away, both campaigns escalated their final runs for votes. Former President Obama broke with his predecessors' protocol in campaigning against his successor and held his first in-person campaign appearance. Meanwhile, President Trump held rallies in key swing states. Issue three: Around the World in Ten Minutes Pope Francis offered support for same-sex civil unions, French President Emmanuel Macron advanced legislation to emphasize the secular foundations of the Fifth Republic, and the European Union recommenced trade talks with Britain. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- October 16, 2020 guest panelist this week is Alexander Heffner of PBS Issue one: Hunter's Emails The New York Post this week reported on an email from a senior Burisma official to Hunter Biden that appears to cast doubt on Joe Biden's assertion that he never spoke to his son about his Ukraine business dealings. Social media giants Facebook and Twitter censored the story, suggesting that it might contain misinformation. Issue two: ACB Goes to the Senate Seeking confirmation to the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett testified before the US Senate this week. Republicans praised ACB's intellect and poise, while Democrats warned she might overturn gay rights and abortion-related laws. Issue three: Campaign Trails With election day just 2 and a half weeks away, the Trump and Biden campaigns exchange sharp blows. As each campaign enters its final run, the evolving narratives are clear: Trump says Biden is a forgetful puppet of the far left, while Biden says Trump is an incompetent liar. Issue Four: COVID Politics President Trump seems to be giving ground in his ongoing standoff with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. At contention is the financial scale and distributive tenants of a second Coronavirus bailout. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- October 9, 2020 guest panelist this week is The Hill's Saagar Enjeti Issue one: Trumping Covid Waving from the White House balcony, President Trump returned home after a short stay at Walter Reed Military Hospital. Discussing Trump's response to COVID, having suffered it himself, and the political ramifications of his infection. Issue two: Harris vs. Pence Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris exchanged barbs in Wednesday's Vice Presidential debate. Discussing their performance and how it supplements the broader campaign environment. Issue three: Quad Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with the foreign ministers of Australia, India, and Japan this week. The meeting of the so-called "Quad" group in Tokyo had one focus: China. Namely, strengthening efforts to resist Chinese aggression. Issue Four: Potpourri Discussing Senate races, as Democrats become increasingly hopefully they can secure both House and Senate majorities this November. Also discussing new restrictions on H1B Visas, declassification of a 2016 CIA memo, and Amy Coney Barrett. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- October 2, 2020 guest panelist this week is A.B. Stoddard of RealClearPolitics Issue one: Cry "Havoc" President Trump and Vice President Biden held their first debate this week, and it was a fiery one. Both candidates launched scathing attacks on each other's character and views. And moderator Chris Wallace lost patience with President Trump's repeated interruptions. Issue two: Amy Coney Barrett Discussing ACB as the nominee to replace RBG on the Supreme Court. How should the Senate respond to her nomination? Will Democrats move to pack the court if a new Democratic Senate is elected in November? Issue three: $750 The New York Times reported this week that President Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017. Trump denies the report, but the issue has taken on new life in the context of the election. What is the moral responsibility of a citizen to pay taxes in a situation where federal and state codes offer numerous loopholes and deductions? Issue Four: Crossfire Hurricane Storms On Discussing former FBI director Jim Comey's testimony on the Hill, and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe's report that the US, in July 2016, accessed Russian intelligence suggesting Hillary Clinton was attempting to tar Trump with Russian links. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- September 25, 2020 guest panelist this week is Kelsey Bolar, senior policy analyst at Independent Women’s Forum Issue one: Replacing RBG Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away last Friday at the age of 87. An icon of the liberal wing of the nation's highest court, RBG was known for her incisive opinions, particularly on cases involving women's rights. Discussing President Trump's decision, very rapidly, to move toward filling her vacant seat on the Supreme Court. Issue two: Undiplomatic Remotely addressing the 75th UN General Assembly, President Trump and Chairman Xi Jinping of China traded both overt and veiled barbs. Relations between the two powers have soured in recent months, over a range of issues including the Coronavirus, Hong Kong, China's trade practices, and Beijing's attempt to seize the near entirety of the South China Sea. Reflecting these disagreements, UN Secretary General António Guterres warned we are moving in a very dangerous direction. Issue three: Breonna Taylor A Kentucky Grand Jury on Wednesday announced the indictment of Brett Hankison in the shooting of Breonna Taylor. Hankison was the only one of three officers involved in the shooting to be indicted. Protests and rioting followed the announcement. Issue Four: On the Campaign Trail Discussing the latest from the campaigns and the upcoming presidential debate. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- September 18, 2020 guest panelist this week is Kaylee McGhee of the Washington Examiner Issue one: Trump Train The Trump Train seems to be gaining steam in the key swing states of Florida, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. And his favorability rating, now at just over 43 percent, has also risen since July. How much should we read into this notion that Trump is staging a late comeback into this race? Issue two: Biden's Bandwagon Biden's lead narrows in the key swing state of Florida. However, he continues to hold commanding leads in national polls and in other swing states such as Pennsylvania. Where does the Biden campaign go from here? Issue three: Abraham Accords On Tuesday, the leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates established full diplomatic relations. Brokered by the Trump administration, the deal illustrates rising cooperation between the former devoted enemies, and reflects a re-centering of concern toward Iran. Issue Four: Potpourri Discussing the Breonna Taylor compensation, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on Trump immigration deportations, and the DOJ investigation into John Bolton's book. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- September 11, 2020 guest panelist this week is Ryan Girdusky of the Washington Examiner Issue one: Insecurity A mixture of peaceful protests and violent rioting continued across the nation this week. President Trump insists only he can restore order to America. And while Joe Biden has taken a more ardent stance against rioting, he also insists that police reform will be at the top of his governing agenda. Issue two: A Question of Legitimacy Discussing the Washington Post's article examining various election night outcomes and the potential for massive disinformation campaigns, violence in the streets, and a constitutional impasse. Issue three: Trump's Russia Record President Trump is often criticized for his approach toward Russian Leader Vladimir Putin. How does this measure up against his record? Issue Four: Where's the Power? Beset by wildfires, Californians continue to face intermittent power cuts this week. Discussing Democratic Party energy policies on climate change in this context. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- September 4, 2020 guest panelist this week is Kerry Picket of the Washington Examiner Issue one: Trump and Kenosha Visiting Kenosha, Wisconsin this week, President Trump doubled down on two of his central reelection narratives: that it is the Trump campaign against the media elite, and that Trump alone can deliver security to American streets. Joe Biden disagrees, saying the president is stoking a toxic anger and fueling disorder. Issue two: Biden Silence Speaking in Pennsylvania, Joe Biden this week addressed the civil unrest grappling the nation. However, he failed to take many questions from the media. And while he has conducted some local news interviews, his recent schedule has included no major network interviews. Issue three: Back to School The good news: COVID cases across the nation appear to be flattening out. The bad news: the Midwest is still struggling with the virus. But with schools and colleges returning to session, fears over the future are becoming very present concerns. Issue Four: Charlie Hebdo Discussing Charlie Hebdo's decision to republish the Mohammed cartoon. What are the limits and responsibilities of free speech?  Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- August 28, 2020 Seth Berenzweig fills in for Tom Rogan guest panelist this week is Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum Issue one: Virtual Republican National Convention After last week's Democratic National Convention, conducted virtually for the first time due to the pandemic, this week was the Republicans' turn to talk to America and tell their story of why Donald Trump deserves four more years as president. Issue two: Kenosha Killings and the Cultural Divide It's been a summer filled with civil rights protests that have at times led to riots in major cities. This now includes the heartland of America, after another tragic police shooting of a black man in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Issue three: The '92 RNC and the Buchanan Brigade At the Republican National Convention in 1992, Pat Buchanan delivered what the New York Times called a jarring political message, in what is often referred to as the "Culture War Speech." Issue Four: Mother Nature Continues to Roar Hurricane Laura pounded the gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas late this week, while over 14,000 firefighters continue to battle 3 major wildfires in California. The severity of these developments have brought into focus renewed concerns regarding the impacts of climate change. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- August 21, 2020 guest panelist this week is Dr. James D. Boys.  Issue one: The Democratic National Convention The Democratic Party crowned Joe Biden as their Presidential nominee. The convention was mostly virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic and democrats saluted Biden as the man to lead America Forward. Issue two: The Postal Issue House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused President Trump this week of slowing mail delivery and handicapping the U.S. Postal Service. President Trump denies the allegations but insists Mail-in voting carries many risks. Issue three: The Israeli UAE Peace Deal Israel and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to establish full diplomatic relations, brokered by the Trump Administration. The deal will see Israel suspend claims of sovereignty in over areas of The West Bank. Issue Four: The Situation in Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus requested Russian security assistance to put an end to nation-wide protests. Belarusians have taken to the streets every day since an august 9th election that they believe Lukashenko rigged. Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The McLaughlin Group -- August 14, 2020 guest panelist this week is Tiana Lowe of the Washington Examiner.  Issue one: Madame Vice President Discussing Kamala Harris as Vice President Biden's Vice President. What benefits does she bring? What risks? What does her accession say about the direction of Democratic Party? The panel also touches on President Trump's electoral strategy in the run up to the election. Issue two: Crime and Suburbia Discussing the resignation of Seattle's police chief in protest of budget cuts, violent crime in major cities, police reform - and Trump's assertion that he will win votes of suburban women over this issue. Issue three: COVID Politics Discussing the negotiations on the Hill, school reopening, Russia vaccine.  Plus: predictions! Twitter YouTube facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices