RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s employment numbers and Vice President JD Vance’s comments on the economy and the midterm elections. Also, they look at the botched execution of Christa Pike and the future of the death penalty in America. Next, RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende joins the guys to discuss the latest RCP projections for the House of Representatives, plus, they discuss House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaking out on the political futures of Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Then, they talk about the release of the new film “Digger” from Warner Bros. starring Tom Cruise, which debuts this weekend in advance of the Paramount takeover of Warner Bros/Discovery. And finally, they dish out their, “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon dive into the recent governor's debate in California between Democrat Javier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, hosted by CNN. The discussion centers around the debate's impact, with Becerra seemingly winning by simply not faltering, despite his significant lead in the polls. The team analyzes the candidates' strategies, including Hilton's populist appeal and Becerra's frequent references to President Donald Trump, questioning whether this approach effectively addresses Californian voters' concerns. They also touch on the implications of Becerra's record and the broader context of Democratic leadership in the state.

Later, Nicole Russell from USA Today joins the conversation to discuss the Texas Senate race, focusing on Ken Paxton's struggles amid controversies and the potential impact of his decision not to debate opponent James Talarico. Russell highlights the unusual amount of money being spent on this race, questioning the strategic decisions made by the GOP in supporting Paxton. The episode wraps up with a look at the Maine Senate race, where Susan Collins appears to be gaining ground against her opponent, as well as the recent heroic actions of a passenger on a hijacked flight, drawing parallels to broader themes of courage and leadership. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Carolina Lumetta discuss yesterday’s AI summit at the White House and Sen. Eric Schmitt’s (D-MO) questioning of former Special Counsel Jack Smith at yesterday’s Senate hearings on Smith’s investigation of President Donald Trump. Next, they discuss revelations that the Department of Homeland Security is spending up to $20M on campaign-style ads for Donald Trump in advance of the midterms, White House efforts to address affordability and a new Wall Street Journal survey of voters’ economic concerns and preferred solutions. And finally, they discuss Senate races in Texas, New Hampshire and Minnesota. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss this morning’s Senate testimony by Jack Smith, the former special counsel behind the federal criminal cases against Donald Trump. Also, a preview of today’s White House meeting between President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson and leaders of America’s top AI companies. Next, Emily Jashinsky joins the guys to discuss the controversy over a new television ad run by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) featuring a young white male on welfare, Hispanic voters in the midterms, and Madonna’s appearance on last Sunday’s VMA awards on CBS. Then lastly, they discuss the Trump Administration’s reversion of Title IX to exclude trans students and the salience of trans issues in the 2026 midterms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest Senate and House polls with just 36 days to go to the November midterms. Then, Peter Berkowitz, author of the new book "Reclaiming Liberal Education in America", joins the guys to discuss the future of higher education. And finally, they discuss the legal and political ramifications of new national television ads featuring President Trump produced by the White House and paid for by the US taxpayer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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