Next Up with Mark Halperin

This episode of Next Up with Mark Halperin puts Mark in the hot seat. In a rare role reversal, he reflects on the personal and professional forces that shaped his career, from his father Morton Halperin and a childhood surrounded by politics to the lasting influence of ABC News Legend Peter Jennings, whose mentorship helped define his approach to journalism and life.   Mark is then joined by Drew Holden for a sharp, wide-ranging conversation about the state of the media and the debate over bias. Holden breaks down why coverage of Donald Trump shifted so dramatically, how journalists respond when their work is criticized, and what needs to change inside newsrooms to rebuild trust with the public, making this a candid and insightful look at the forces shaping modern media.   Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark 120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20% ExpressVPN: Visit https://ExpressVPN.com/MARK to find out how you can get up to four extra months. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A detailed breakdown of the nine Senate races that will decide control in 2026. Short profiles of vulnerable Democratic seats and the six contests Democrats must sweep. Analysis of three possible extra pickup paths in Iowa, Alaska, and Texas. A look at primaries, fundraising, and the political math shaping which party has the edge.

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.

Jonathan Freedland, Guardian columnist and U.K. expert on U.S. politics, discusses diplomacy versus military action with a focus on Iran and the strategic role of the Strait of Hormuz. Ralph Reed, longtime conservative operative and Faith and Freedom leader, analyzes Charlie Kirk’s impact, MAGA dynamics, and GOP state and national races. Multiple short conversations explore strategy, political messaging, and battlefield versus diplomatic tradeoffs.

Rand Paul, U.S. Senator from Kentucky known for libertarian-leaning views, discusses Iran, the risks of an open-ended Middle East war, and why reopening the Strait of Hormuz matters. He also covers national debt and entitlement reform, inflation, rising gas prices and electoral consequences. Short takes on tariffs, Fed leadership, AI risks, and a preview of an upcoming confirmation hearing.

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.

Bob Crawford, bassist for The Avett Brothers, podcaster, and author of a John Quincy Adams biography. He discusses Adams’s diplomatic career, the controversial 1824 election, and Adams’s powerful second act in Congress. The conversation touches on Adams’s stance on foreign policy and his evolving role in the fight against slavery.

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.

James Rosen, Chief Washington correspondent and author of a multi-volume Scalia biography, joins to discuss the justice’s rise and lasting legal influence. They dig into Scalia’s originalism, Bush v. Gore controversy, and how his philosophy shapes today’s Court. Conversation lightens with Rosen’s spot-on Obama and Trump impressions and surprising Beatles trivia.

Alex Roy, mobility entrepreneur and VC, on EVs, autonomy, and U.S. competitiveness with China. Beverly Hallberg, conservative strategist, on AI risks, white‑collar displacement, and safety vs innovation. Haima Moore, political strategist, on workforce upskilling, regulation, and how policymakers should learn from tech leaders. They debate AI governance, EV market threats, and the future of autonomous transport.