Next Up with Mark Halperin Trump’s Chaos Messaging Strategy on Iran, Biggest "8 for ’28" Dem Contenders, and Biggest SCOTUS Cases to Watch, with Josh Gerstein
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Mar 10, 2026 Josh Gerstein, senior legal affairs reporter who covers the Supreme Court, joins to unpack court decisions tied to the Trump era. He talks about the Court’s emergency docket wins, how justices have deferred to the administration, and which big cases on birthright citizenship and immigration could reshape presidential power. Conversation also touches on strategic case selection and potential retirements.
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Build Base And Name ID Or Resources To Be Viable
- If you want to be a viable presidential nominee, build a natural base and either high name ID or resources to create one.
- Halperin explains Newsom, Shapiro, and Pritzker each have geographic/demographic bases and either existing national recognition or money to build it.
Early Wins Show Real Campaign Skill
- Winning early contests demonstrates campaign competence and organizes momentum even from unexpected backgrounds.
- Halperin cites Pete Buttigieg winning the 2020 Iowa caucuses and nearly winning New Hampshire as proof he knows how to win primaries despite being a small-city mayor.
Candidate Profiles Show Tradeoffs Between Strengths And Doubts
- Each potential nominee carries a distinct mix of strengths and doubts that shape electability within the party.
- Halperin runs through profiles: Newsom (front-runner scrutiny), Shapiro (outsider-but-governor), Pritzker (self-funded but unclear message).