Next Up with Mark Halperin

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.

Jeremy Jones, entrepreneur and co-founder of Redder AI, builds AI-driven political tools. Joe Cunningham, former South Carolina congressman, offers national security perspective. Natalie Winters, White House correspondent, tackles foreign policy and tech politics. They discuss building AI-first products, using social listening instead of polls, tech influence on campaigns, and how AI reshapes strategy and U.S. security debates.

Emily Jashinsky, columnist and podcaster known for media commentary, analyzes the Epstein fallout and when controversial ties should be career-ending. Michael Alfonso, a 25-year-old Trump-endorsed Republican running for Congress, discusses winning that endorsement, China and Taiwan policy, and AI regulation. Short takes on early 2028 jockeying and why certain political figures are rising or fading.

Andrew Sullivan, longtime political commentator and editor of The Weekly Dish, joins to dissect Trump’s cultural imprint and the coarsening of public discourse. He explores the rise of an “Epstein class” of ultra‑wealthy elites and the risks of AI‑driven wealth concentration. Sullivan also discusses political strategy, centrist renewal for Democrats, and why governments may struggle to control advanced AI.

Peter Schweizer, author and president of the Government Accountability Institute, investigates foreign influence on U.S. systems. He examines Chinese birth tourism and surrogacy, U.S. flight schools training Chinese pilots, and Mexico's consular and migrant political activities. Short, sharp conversations explore scale, research sources, and why these trends matter for American policy.

Emma-Jo Morris, conservative commentator and senior consultant, discusses immigration enforcement and political messaging. Jaime Harrison, former DNC chair and podcast host, offers inside views on fundraising and the 2028 nominating calendar. They debate Trump's media strategy, early-state politics, deportation narratives, and party logistics in short, sharp conversations.

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.

Debbie Dingell, Michigan representative focused on health care and bipartisan solutions, and Rich Lowry, National Review editor and conservative analyst, debate Minnesota’s fallout and national immigration fault lines. They spar over enforcement tactics, who should be prioritized for removal, and politically viable fixes like employer verification. Sharp perspectives and tough questions on law, order, and practical policy follow.

Buck Sexton, conservative broadcaster and national security commentator, and Clay Travis, sports-media entrepreneur and cultural commentator, join for a wide-ranging conversation. They debate iconic duos and generational divides. They explain how they succeeded in Rush Limbaugh’s old slot and discuss China-Taiwan semiconductor risks, rising cabinet figures, and 2028 GOP dynamics.