Next Up with Mark Halperin

Mark Halperin delivers his reported monologue on the new uncertainty surrounding the war in Iran, breaking down the key unknowns and why China’s role could ultimately determine the outcome. He also examines Iran’s stepped up use of AI and viral content to influence perception during the conflict, explaining why tracking the real impact of this information warfare is nearly impossible and where the U.S. faces massive challenges. Plus, an Iranian-American professor from Johns Hopkins University joins to challenge some common assumptions about how people inside Iran are responding now, offering a firsthand perspective on fear, nationalism, and the gap between outside expectations and reality. Later, former Chief of Staff to VP Mike Pence, Marc Short joins the program to analyze the political landscape at home, explaining why Republicans could face real challenges in the midterms and why Republican control of the Senate may be threatened in the heartland. He also discusses the early outlook for 2028, including why the White House could shift back to Democrats and why Donald Trump might not endorse JD Vance.   Dutch: Switch to prescription flea protection and save $50 on your Dutch membership at https://Dutch.com/Mark using code MARK. Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/MARK 120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20% Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-with-mark-halperin/id1810218232 Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2f0n8G4xqUo8aGxbbbtRjH%3Fsi%3D8e4ff54000cc438d   Follow Next Up with Mark Halperin on all social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuphalperin TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nextuphalperin X (Twitter): https://x.com/NextUpHalperin   Connect with Mark Halperin on social media: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/markevanhalperin X (Twitter):  https://x.com/markhalperin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin” tackles the growing uncertainty shaping today’s biggest geopolitical story, as Mark uses his reported monologue to unpack the “fog of peace” surrounding the Iran ceasefire and why even top officials can’t fully explain what’s happening behind the scenes. He also takes on tough criticism of his April “8 for ’28” rankings of the Democrats top presidential prospects, breaking down the backlash, what he stands by, and how he evaluates the evolving field. Then, Jonathan Turley joins for a wide-ranging conversation on history, technology, and the rule of law. He discusses the inspiration behind his new book and why Thomas Paine remains such a complicated and consequential figure, before drawing striking parallels between America’s founding and the disruptive potential of the AI revolution. Turley also weighs in on mounting concerns about bias and political pressure inside the Justice Department, and what it all means for public trust in American institutions.   Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/MARK   120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20% Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark   Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts:  Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-with-mark-halperin/id1810218232 Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2f0n8G4xqUo8aGxbbbtRjH%3Fsi%3D8e4ff54000cc438d   Follow Next Up with Mark Halperin on all social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuphalperin TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nextuphalperin X (Twitter): https://x.com/NextUpHalperin   Connect with Mark Halperin on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markevanhalperin X (Twitter): https://x.com/markhalperin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who will the Democrats nominate for president next? Mark’s “8 for ’28” is back with his April rankings. In his reported monologue, he breaks down the current state of the evolving 2028 Democratic field. He highlights what he sees as the biggest weakness facing many of the contenders: a lack of clear messaging and modern media strategy, and explains why campaigns must now operate like full-time content machines. Mark also dives into why Rahm Emanuel is gaining traction, pointing to his aggressive media presence and clearer policy vision as key factors that set him apart in a crowded field. Mark is then joined by Karen Skelton and Yemisi Egbewole, for their takes on the April rankings, including if Kamala Harris remains near the top, and why JB Pritzker has slipped. They also debate Pete Buttigieg’s status as a potential wild card and whether he can break through despite skepticism within some portions of the party. Finally, Mark speaks with Iranian journalist Omid Memarian, who warns that the current war strategy in Iran could backfire, arguing that it may strengthen the regime rather than weaken it, and offers a sobering perspective on the path forward Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/MARK   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% Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Drew Holden, media analyst and managing editor who critiques legacy news coverage, joins to dissect media bias and newsroom dynamics. He explains why coverage of Donald Trump shifted, how journalists react to criticism, and what outlets should change to rebuild trust. Short, thoughtful takes on coverage choices, obituaries, and practical fixes for modern journalism.

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.