2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin Trump: "No Other President Could Do Some of This S--- I'm Doing," Iran War Is "Pretty Much" Over
6 snips
Mar 10, 2026 
Elizabeth Pipko, Republican communications strategist and former campaign staffer, and Chris Hahn, Democratic strategist with Senate experience, spar over Trump’s market messaging and war rationale. They debate whether strikes degraded Iran, congressional roles in military action, media coverage of presidential briefings, and the political fallout from bold presidential claims.
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Operation Names Shape Public Perception
- The president labels operations with dramatic names like Epic Fury and Midnight Hammer to frame success.
- Halperin notes Trump's claim Midnight Hammer knocked out Iran's nuclear potential within two weeks, despite disputes in reporting.
Pipko Explains Why Trump's Fluid Messaging Works
- Elizabeth Pipko says she's not surprised Trump vowed a short war because he's fluid with statements and transparent.
- She adds Trump can say things most politicians can't and still maintain supporters' trust.
Markets Are The Political Guardrail
- Chris Hahn highlights a single guardrail for Trump: the markets and gas prices.
- He argues Trump speaks to calm markets because gas costs strongly influence voter behavior ahead of November.