Next Up with Mark Halperin

How the GOP Plans to Stop a Blue Wave, and the Inside Story of Hollywood's Biggest Legal Drama, with Maureen Callahan

4 snips
Feb 3, 2026
Maureen Callahan, columnist and culture critic who dissects celebrity and Hollywood power. She breaks down why awards season is now about Oscar campaigning, untangles the legal and PR maelstrom around It Ends With Us, and explores how fame warps family and careers. Quick takes on Wicked, Ariana, and where major stars stand in the fallout.
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INSIGHT

Midterms Tend To Punish The President

  • Midterm history shows presidents typically lose many House seats in midterms across modern presidencies.
  • Past exceptions required special circumstances, so the default risk remains high for the incumbent president.
ANECDOTE

Texas Special Election As Canary

  • A special Texas state legislative race saw Democrat Taylor Remitt win in a heavily Trump district despite big GOP spending and Trump backing.
  • The upset acted as a canary in the coal mine and intensified Republican concern.
ADVICE

How Republicans Could Mount A Comeback

  • Republicans can try to reverse trajectory by improving the economy and outspending Democrats down-ballot.
  • They should also manipulate primaries, run big messaging events, and target turnout among key groups.
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