RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the decision by the Democratic National Committee to not release the long-awaited autopsy report on the 2024 election, and Judge Hanna C. Dugan of Wisconsin is convicted of obstructing federal immigration agents and helping a Mexican immigrant avoid capture outside her courtroom. Then, Presidential historian Tevi Troy joins the guys to remember the life and contribution of writer and editor Norman Podhoretz, the influential neoconservative who died this week at the age of 95. Then, they look at a new survey by the Manhattan Institute which looks at the change and continuity of attitudes within the Republican Party. Next, they discuss President Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to celebrate “Freedom 250” next year, including a state fair on the national mall, a UFC match on the grounds of the White House, and “The Patriot Games,” a sporting event which features the best two high school athletes from all 50 states and US territories. Then finally, the guys give up their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. 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, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss last night’s address to the nation by President Donald Trump and the promise of a “warriors’ dividend” of $1,776 to most American service members. Also, insight into White House reaction to this week’s Vanity Fair article and photos of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and other senior administration officials. Then, they discuss the addition of descriptive plaques to the presidential portraits on the “Presidential Walk of Fame” that President Trump installed in September. Also, a new poll claims that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) would best Vice President JD Vance in a head-to-head contest for the presidency. Then lastly, they talk about a new article in the online publication The Compact by Jacob Savage about what he calls “The Lost Generation” of white male millennials whose professional careers were set back by DEI in the early 2000s. 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 preview tonight’s address to the nation by President Donald Trump and discuss the politics surrounding the fact that Congress will likely end the year without extending subsidies to the ACA. Then, Democratic strategist Maria Cardona joins the guys to discuss the state of the Democratic Party, strategies to win Congress in 2026, and the presidency in 2028. And finally, they discuss President Trump’s $10 billion libel suit against the BBC and Mediaite’s list of the most influential people in the news media in 2025, which includes Megyn Kelly who they ranked as number three. 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 White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles interview with Vanity Fair published today, where she said the President has an “alcoholic personality” and spoke critically of some top Trump Administration figures. They also talk about a Washington Post article based on Rasmusen pollster Mark Mitchell’s meeting with President Donald Trump which outlines the stressed relationship between President Trump and his MAGA base. Next, lawyer and frequent RCP contributor Richard Porter joins the guys to discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson’s leadership in Chicago and Illinois governor JB Pritzker’s chances to win the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Then, they discuss Vice President JD Vance’s visit today to Pennsylvania, where he addressed affordability. And finally, they talk about the conviction by Chinese authorities of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai for sedition, and whether the US and Britain can take steps to free him. 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 three violent incidents from the weekend: the antisemitic massacre at Bondi Beach in Australia that left 15 dead and 40 wounded, the shooting at Brown University where the assailant is still at large, and the attack on U.S. troops in Syria that left two US soldiers and an interpreter dead. Then, they discuss CBS News Editor Bari Weiss’ town hall event with Erika Kirk and the announcement that Kirk plans to meet privately with Candace Owens. Next, they talk about the fight over control of Warner Bros/Disney between Netflix and Paramount, and what it may mean for the future of CNN. Then finally, they discuss the release by House Democrats of new photos and images from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, including pictures of Donald Trump. And tragically, director and political activist Rob Reiner and his wife were murdered this weekend, Reiner’s son is in custody, and President Donald Trump reacted with a social media post. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.