RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the historically high number of retirements from Congress, its effect on the 2026 midterms, and new polls from Texas that show Democratic Senate candidate Jasmine Crockett and Republican Ken Paxton leading in their respective primary races. Then, Democratic congressional candidate Phil Andrew joins the guys to discuss the race in Illinois’ ninth district, where 15 candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination. And finally, they talk about emails recently released from the Epstein files. Also, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and three of Trump’s top immigration officials testify on the Hill as Friday’s deadline for funding the government looms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss the Seahawks Super Bowl victory, as well as the Bad Bunny vs. TPUSA dueling half time shows, and they select their Best and Worst Super Bowl ads. Then, RCP National Political Reporter Susan Crabtree joins the guys to discuss the plight of Jimmy Lai. Plus, the politics surrounding the Olympic Winter Games in Italy. Then finally, they discuss the controversy over a video posted by Donald Trump late Friday night, and later deleted, which depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as gorillas and they provide a preview of this weeks Samizdat Award Ceremony and their 2026 honorees. 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 launch of the Trump RX website, the relaunch of Kamala Harris’ social media account, and the prospects of another partial government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Then, RCP contributor and author John Waters joins the guys to discuss his essay, “The American Manifesto,” co-authored with Adam Ellwanger which appears on the front page of realclearpolitics.com this morning. The article is part of “America Turns 250,” a series of RCP commissioned pieces to celebrate the 250thanniversary of the country’s founding. And finally, They chat about the Superbowl, including which half-time show they will be watching, PLUS, the guys dish up 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 the latest developments in the search for Nancy Guthrie. Also yesterday’s NBC interview with President Donald Trump and Megyn Kelly’s interview with Vice President JD Vance. Then, Real Clear Investigations Editor J. Peder Zane joins the guys to discuss Portland, Oregon and whether voters will demand a change of policy on the problems with crime, public drug use, and homelessness that continue to plague the city. Then finally, they chat about the politics of the Winter Olympics, including ICE protests in Milan and policies over transgender athletes. 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 a recent Federalist article about nurses who have taken to social media to threaten MAGA supporters, ICE and others with whom they disagree politically. Also, border czar Tom Homan announced this morning that he is drawing down 700 of the 3,000 ICE agents deployed to Minneapolis. Then, RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende joins the guys to discuss President Trump’s statement that he wants the federal government to run elections and the future of the voter ID laws. And finally, they talk about California governor Gavin Newsom’s new autobiography and the announcement that The Washington Post is laying off one-third of its staff this morning. 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 a landmark court case in Westchester County, New York where a jury awarded $2 million to a woman who sued her doctor and psychologist for malpractice concerning their roles in a double mastectomy performed on her when she was 16 years old. Also, a Democrat won a special election in Texas for a state senate seat by 14 points in a district that President Trump carried in 2024 by 17 points. Then, RCP contributor Richard Porter joins the guys to discuss Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s “ICE on Notice” executive order, which lays the foundation for the city to prosecute federal immigration agents. And then, they talk about the decision by the Clintons to appear before the House Oversight Committee to discuss their knowledge of and relationship with Jeffery Epstein. Plus, Tom Bevan provides his review of “Melania,” the new documentary film profiling the First Lady. 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 open borders messaging from last night’s Grammy Awards, including statements from Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish. Also a look at whether the Democratic Party’s embrace of defunding ICE will help or hurt them in the midterms, and the Democratic primary campaign for Senate in Illinois, where defunding ICE has become a major issue. Then, Nick Troiano, Executive Director of Unite America, joins the guys to discuss a new poll jointly conducted with RealClear Opinion Research that examines voter attitudes toward reforming the primary system, including open primaries, where all voters are able to participate in primary elections. And finally, they discuss Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s handling of the recent snowstorm and frigid weather in New York City, where a reported 14 people have died due to exposure. Plus, the debate over layoffs at The Washington Post, and whether owner Jeff Bezos has an obligation to continue supporting the paper in light of its recent record of losing $100 million a year. 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 this morning’s announcement that Kevin Warsh is President Trump’s choice to chair the Federal Reserve, and former CNN anchor Don Lemon’s arrest last night for his alleged role in a protest that disrupted church services in Minneapolis earlier this month. Then, Lee Ellis, author of the new book The Rational Nationalist, joins the guys to discuss how voters can improve their understanding of politics by rethinking their biases and approaching public policy with dispassion. Next, they talk about the reaction to Hillary Clinton’s article in The Atlantic published today on the need for more empathy on the part of Donald Trump and his supporters. Plus, a response to viewers’ comments, and their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week, including the debut of an original song entirely created by AI protesting Bill Belichick’s exclusion from The NFL Hall of Fame, inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s quick turnaround on his latest release, “The Streets of Minneapolis”. 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 Border Czar Tom Homan’s press conference this morning in Minneapolis and whether the Trump Administration and local and state authorities can compromise on ICE enforcement. Plus, Senator Amy Klobuchar’s announcement yesterday that she is running for governor of Minnesota. Then, Edward Pinto, co-director of the American Enterprise Institute Housing Center, joins the guys to discuss affordability in the U.S. housing market and what steps could be taken to lower prices for homebuyers. And finally, they discuss the new documentary film “Melania” which opens Friday, and Bruce Springsteen’s new song “Streets of Minneapolis” which he wrote this past Sunday and released yesterday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

They recount a town-hall attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar and the security and political fallout that followed. They parse the president's reaction and debates over local and federal responsibility. They examine U.S. strategy toward Venezuela, Cuba and Iran and a high-profile Senate appearance. They cover a White House push for child savings accounts and recent major layoffs affecting the job market.