RealClearPolitics Podcast

First, Tom Bevan talks to RCP contributor Richard Porter about the hit movie Gladiator II, and whether it is an allegory for Donald Trump’s political comeback. Then, Carl Cannon talks to Tevi Troy, senior fellow at the Ronald Regan Institute and the author of "The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry” about what Joe Biden can get done in the less than seven weeks left in his presidency. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to author James Piereson about his New Criterion article on why Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency should target the N.E.D., and why it's so hard to shut down any government-funded operation. And finally, Andrew Walworth talks to Wall Street Journal columnist William Galston about the future of the N.E.D., which is reportedly targeted by Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency for elimination.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the release of the House Ethics Committee report on Matt Gaetz and what it means for his political career. Also, Donald Trump’s pursuit of the Panama Canal, which was transferred to Panamanian control in 1999, and his hopes to annex Greenland. Plus, they discuss whether pharmaceutical advertising should be banned from television, a move favored by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk. Also, a look at the revelation that 81-year-old Rep. Kay Granger (R.- TX) has been residing in Texas senior living facility and has not voted on the House floor since July. And winding it up they talk about the politics of President Biden’s two-track approach to student loan forgiveness.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the influence wielded by Elon Musk, especially in regard to the Congressional budget process. They also talk about a new Newsweek article by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Chair of the House Progressive Caucus, on how the Democrats can regain power by “unrigging” the system and Politifact’s annual poll of its readers, ranking ten whoppers told by politicians over the past year. Next, Tom speaks with White House reporter Phil Wegmann about America Fest. Then finally, in his most recent interview for the video series “The Unknowns,” RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks to legal analyst and journalist Jack Ford about the defense’s strategy in the upcoming trial of Luigi Mangione for the murder of healthcare executive Brian Thompson.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Trump’s rejection of Congress’ Continuing Budget Resolution and what it means for Speaker Mike Johnson’s future. They also talk about a new article from the Wall Street Journal on operations at the White House during the Biden administration, and how the staff reportedly adjusted the president’s schedule and availabilities to compensate for his declining health. Plus, they chat about George Stephanopoulos' new contract at ABC News in the wake of the company’s decision to settle President-elect Trump’s defamation suit and they look at the Amazon strike and Trump’s relations with the Teamsters. Then finally, Andrew talks about new developments in drone warfare with Thom Shanker, former Pentagon correspondent for the New York Times and co-author of the book, "Age of Danger: Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons and New Threats".