2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin

Donte Mills, a civil rights attorney and commentator, and Robby Starbuck, a filmmaker-turned-political activist. They debate U.S.-Israeli actions and risks of ground troops. They weigh regime removal versus diffuse power structures, discuss Cuba strategy and family ties, and react to presidential remarks claiming Iran’s influence is waning.

Brit Hume, veteran political journalist and TV commentator, offers seasoned analysis of U.S.-Iran tensions. He breaks down Trump’s pause on action, the dual track of negotiation and force, coalition dynamics, Iran’s resilience versus military overmatch, and the rhetoric around CIA claims. Short, sharp takes on military options, media performance, and what to watch next.

Yemisi Egbewole, a Democratic political strategist and commentator, joins to dissect war, polling, messaging, and political strategy. She breaks down how to persuade independents, curtail hawkish surrogates, and craft confident communications. The conversation also covers troop buildup vs ground invasion, market reactions, and how local politics shapes national outcomes.

Kevin Sheridan, GOP strategist offering Republican perspective on the war and politics, and Chuck Rocha, Democratic strategist versed in electoral dynamics, debate Iran developments. They discuss opaque Iranian decision-making, reports of U.S. troop movements, a reported 15-point peace plan, Trump's bold messaging and political motives, and domestic political fallout from foreign policy shifts.

John Podhoretz, editor and commentator on politics and foreign policy; Hans Nichols, national security reporter with Pentagon and White House experience; Katy Balls, Washington editor and political columnist. They debate whether talks with Iran are real, the military versus negotiation tradeoffs, Iran’s missile and munitions posture, and what winning or escalation would look like.

Nomi K., Democratic strategist who brings progressive analysis, and Alex Castellanos, veteran Republican strategist and commentator, debate 2028 dynamics. They parse who will control debates and how Trump might use them. They map GOP lanes from Trump loyalists to palatable alternatives and weigh which Democrats are overrated or underrated. The conversation touches on endorsements, donor shifts, and crossover populist possibilities.

Kristin Davison, GOP strategist offering Republican analysis; Ashley Etienne, Democratic strategist and former White House communications aide. They debate Iran’s nuclear claims, how politicians should handle a $200B funding request, war fatigue and public acceptance of ground troops. They also discuss Israel’s influence on U.S. decisions and partisan messaging battles.

Steve Elmendorf, a seasoned Democratic strategist and former congressional staffer, and Todd Ricketts, businessman and co-founder of Freespoke Search, join to debate Iran strikes, Strait of Hormuz risks, and coalition prospects. They explain Freespoke’s independent search approach, wrestle with AI’s disruptive effects, and weigh political fights over Fed leadership, J.D. Vance’s odds, and DHS qualifications.

John Fowler, former diplomat and newsletter analyst, offers diplomatic perspective. Fred Fleitz, ex-NSC chief of staff and CIA analyst, brings national security strategy views. Eli Lake, investigative national security columnist, provides intelligence and policy analysis. They discuss targeted assassinations in Iran, coalition shortfalls over the Strait of Hormuz, Israel’s campaign tactics, allied reluctance, and prospects for diplomatic off-ramps.

Clint Hinote, former Air Force lieutenant general and RAND scholar, offers military analysis on the Strait of Hormuz. Mehek Cooke, GOP attorney and strategist, provides conservative political commentary. They discuss coalition escorts, smart mines and maritime risks. They also debate using China as leverage, insurance and economic pressures, and how autonomy and diplomacy could shape regional strategy.