Next Up with Mark Halperin

Gavin Newsom Opens Up About Dyslexia, 2028 "Veto" Power, and Past Marriage, Plus Trump's Strategic Iran Victory

Mar 3, 2026
Gavin Newsom, California governor and author of Young Man in a Hurry, talks candidly about his dyslexia and the reading system that turned it into a strength. He opens up about his memoir’s family roots, his first marriage and how his children reacted. He also discusses family veto power over any presidential run and reflects on public image and political consequences.
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INSIGHT

Early Strategic Wins And Major Risks In Iran

  • Mark Halperin frames the Iran operation as tactically successful so far, citing surprise, degraded Iranian command, and strong US-Israel coordination.
  • He warns strategic risks remain: no clear endgame, potential mission creep, regional spread, and economic/political costs like oil volatility and polling drops.
INSIGHT

Media Negativity Masks Tactical Successes

  • Halperin warns media coverage skews negative and may hide what's going well for the administration, urging readers to look harder at tactical gains.
  • He cites effective missile defense, limited US/Israeli losses, and weakened Iranian leadership as often-overlooked positives.
INSIGHT

Unexpected Bipartisan Backing Strengthens The Administration

  • Halperin highlights unusual bipartisan support for Trump's Iran action, including establishment Republicans like Jeb Bush and some Democrats, reducing political isolation.
  • He notes Congress likely won't pass restrictions on the president's war powers in this moment.
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