RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the changing positions of European and Pacific allies concerning their support for efforts to aid the U.S. in efforts to open the Straits of Hormuz. Also, the effect of rising oil prices on the U.S. economy and the political impact on the midterm elections. Then, Attorney and RCP contributor Richard Porter joins the guys to discuss Illinois governor JB Pritzker’s promise of continued lawfare if elected president and his endorsement of the platform of a new progressive advocacy group called Project 2029. Plus, the guys discuss the announcement that student loan processing would be transferred from the Department of Education to the Treasury Department and what it means for the future of the DOE. Also, “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the resignation of former counterterrorism official Joe Kent over the Iran War, and today’s vote by the Senate Homeland Security Committee to advance the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to head the Department of Homeland Security. Then, veteran and author John Waters joins the guys to discuss the most recent developments in the Iran War, including Israel’s targeting of Iranian oil fields. And finally, they discuss Corey Lewendowski, advisor to former DHS Secretary Kristy Noem. He is the subject of a Congressional probe into allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Plus, The Wall Street Journal reports that service-oriented tenants such as spas, nail salons and gyms leased more space than goods-based retailers for the first time in 2025, a sign of big changes in the U.S. economy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the results of yesterday’s Democratic primaries in Illinois. Also, the Senate votes to move forward with debate on the SAVE America act. Then, former New York Times Pentagon reporter and author Thom Shanker joins the guys to discuss how press coverage of the Iran War is different from previous conflicts, the heightened role of artificial intelligence in creating fake news on social media about the war, and strategic implications of the Middle East deployment for the U.S. and China in the Pacific theater. Then finally, they discuss a New York Times investigation published this morning that alleges late labor leader Cesar Chavez sexually abused girls as young as 12 years old. As a result of these revelations, The United Farm Workers is now distancing itself from the annual March 31st celebration in his honor. Plus, they talk about California governor Gavin Newsom who claimed last Sunday that California is a lower tax state than either Texas or Florida. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Phil's Oval Office exchange with Vice President JD Vance yesterday about his support for the Iran War. Also, yesterday’s announcement that Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and will continue her job at the White House during treatment. Then, they discuss press coverage of the Iran War and FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s threat to revoke broadcasters’ licenses over their coverage of the conflict. Also, President Trump yesterday called Cuba a “very weakened nation” and says “I think I can do anything I want with it.” Next, they talk about a new poll that shows that 59 percent of American adults believe a college degree is “not worth the cost.” Also, Ireland’s leader, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, visits Washington today for a full round of celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day, including events on Capitol Hill and the White House. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon preview tomorrow’s Democratic Senate primary in Illinois, where abolishing ICE has emerged as a key talking point for all three leading candidates. They also take a look at Janet Mills, the 78-year-old governor of Maine who is running for the Democratic nomination for Senate. Then, they discuss President Donald Trump’s recent comments on America’s allies and their reluctance to send support units to open the Straits of Hormuz, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s statement this morning that the President may delay his scheduled end-of-the-month trip to China if the war is still going on. And finally they talk about last night’s Oscar Awards show, U.S. golfer Cameron Young’s win at the 2026 Players Championship, the U.S. victory over the Domincan Republic in the World Baseball Classic and the start of March Madness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon, RCP White House reporter Phil Wegmann and RCP national political correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss Medicare corruption in California, the investigation into video ads produced featuring Kristi Noem while she headed the Department of Homeland Security, and the upcoming California governors’ debate. Then, Ben Weingarten, contributor at RealClear Investigations, joins Andrew, Carl, and Phil to discuss his recent article on Don Lemon’s arrest for allegedly disrupting a St. Paul church service, and whether journalists and legal observers should be shielded from prosecution. Next, they discuss yesterday’s bipartisan passage in the Senate of a new housing bill, and whether it will achieve its goal of making homes more affordable. Then finally, the guys share their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) who announced this morning that he would seek an 18th term in Congress at the age of 85, amid reports that he was planning to withdraw in hopes of handing his seat to his daughter. Also, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) reversed his opposition to ending the filibuster in the Senate in order to secure passage of the Save America Act, claiming the decision was not affected by his hope for President Donald Trump’s endorsement in the upcoming run-off election against his challenger, State Attorney General Ken Paxton, for the Republican Senate nomination in Texas. Then, Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution joins the guys to discuss today’s announcement by Iran’s new supreme leader that the Straits of Hormuz will remain closed, last night’s statement by President Trump that the Iran War had already been won, and the future of the world energy market. Next, they talk about today’s article in The Washington Post concerning Sen. Markwayne Mullen (R-OK) which reports that he once hired a felon who illegally stored guns at one of Mullins’ facilities. Mullen is slated to testify before Congress next week seeking confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security. Plus, a new music video featuring the AI generated character Tilly Norwood has been released encouraging Hollywood to embrace artificial intelligence, just in time for this year’s Oscar weekend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss extreme partisanship and the Iran War, including how Senators comment following White House briefings. Also, the closing of The Straits of Hormuz and how the price of oil will affect Administration decision making on the war. Then, RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende joins the team to discuss yesterday’s special election results from Georgia, new polling in the California governor’s race, and President Donald Trump’s trip today to Kentucky and Ohio. Next, they discuss Starbucks’ decision to relocate executive offices to Nashville and company founder Howard Schultz’ decision to move to Miami in advance of Washington State passing a new tax on millionaires. And lastly, they talk about the recognition of New York City’s police for heroism during this Saturday’s attempted bombing outside of Gracie Mansion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss President Donald Trump’s press conference last night on the Iran War and Vice President JD Vance’s political future. Then, Richard Porter joins them to discuss medical innovation when it comes to treating cancer and what steps could be taken to improve innovation in the healthcare industry. Next, they talk about new polling in the Maine Senate race, where Republican Susan Collins will likely face off against either Graham Platner or Governor Janet Mills. Then finally, they discuss, the AI program called Claude which provides surprising answers when prompted to discuss converting to Christianity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest on the War in Iran, including rising oil prices, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s remarks from last night on “Sixty Minutes,” and Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) comments on the future of Cuba. Then, Jeffrey Gedmin, President of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, discusses the future of public diplomacy following this weekend’s judicial ruling that last spring Kari Lake was not legally authorized to cut jobs and funding at Voice of America and other government-funded broadcasting agencies. And, they discuss reports that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife – Rama Duwaji – posted “likes” to social media posts critical of Israel in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, including one that called New York Times’ reporting on rapes by Hamas “a hoax.” Also, they talk about the GOP gathering today for their annual policy conference to discuss the party’s legislative agenda and plans for the midterm elections. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.