Next Up with Mark Halperin Iran War and Midterms Strategy, Plus Ro Khanna on a Potential 2028 Presidential Run
10 snips
Mar 19, 2026 
Ro Khanna, California representative known for progressive tech and diplomacy views, discusses Iran, costs of conflict, diplomacy, and the personal calculus of a possible 2028 run. James Bennet, Lexington columnist at The Economist, analyzes Trump’s motives and risks in how the war is framed. Vin Weber, former congressman and Republican strategist, and Kevin Walling, Democratic strategist, debate how Trump, turnout, and money will shape the midterms.
AI Snips
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Episode notes
Regulate AI For Safety And Worker Share
- Khanna recommends regulating AI to prioritize safety, privacy, and worker protection rather than an unbridled accelerationist race with China.
- He proposes 'AI democratism': export safe AI, keep humans in the loop, and share gains with workers to prevent displacement.
Expand Medicare As Practical Single Payer Path
- Khanna supports expanding Medicare toward universal coverage as National Health Insurance while keeping supplemental private plans and charging a Medicare fee to replace premiums.
- He argues this will lower net costs by cutting insurer profits, PBMs, and allowing Medicare negotiation for drugs and facility fees.
Family And Fallout Shape Presidential Calculus
- Khanna describes personal and political tradeoffs of a presidential run, citing family considerations and the 'Epstein thing' as reasons the process is ugly.
- He frames the decision as primarily a family choice, with public scrutiny and nastiness weighing heavily.