2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin

Mark’s featured guests this evening and former Obama, Biden and Harris adviser Ashley Etienne and GOP strategist Matt Whitlock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael LaRosa, a former Biden White House aide, and Mark Bednar, a GOP strategist, dive into critical discussions surrounding Trump's aggressive stance on Hamas disarmament. They analyze the implications of U.S. involvement in Gaza and debate whether an international peacekeeping force is feasible. The duo also explores partisan dynamics over the government shutdown, Trump's media tactics, and the challenges of bipartisan negotiations. With sharp insights and political commentary, they navigate the complex landscape of current events.

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a physician-scientist and owner of the LA Times, shares insights from Trump’s unconventional diplomacy in the Middle East. John Podhoretz provides a grand view on the historical significance of the Gaza peace deal and its implications for national policy. Meanwhile, Israeli Olympian AJ Edelman shares an emotional perspective on the recent hostage releases and discusses the complexities of Palestinian public opinion. Together, they dive into the interplay of regional dynamics and the future of diplomacy.

Frank O'Brien, a Democratic strategist and author focused on the electoral landscape, joins Beverly Hallberg, a GOP strategist and media coach, along with veteran journalist Jill Abramson, former executive editor of The New York Times. They explore Trump's controversial tariffs on China and discuss the implications of a ceasefire deal in Gaza. The panel also analyzes the potential impact of federal shutdowns on political messaging, debates the future of conservatism under Trumpism, and shares insights on Trump's public persona and health.

Joining Mark Halperin are Jeff Roe, a Republican strategist with extensive campaign experience, and Brian Wolff, a Democratic strategist and former Hill operative. They dive into the implications of Trump's potential second term and analyze the recent Middle East breakthrough, including its next steps. Tensions rise as they tackle government shutdown negotiations and dissect the Texas Senate race landscape. The discussion heats up with listener questions on immigration messaging and the impact of legal battles surrounding federal deployments. An insightful bipartisan dialogue!

Hans Nichols, a Congress reporter with Axios, delves into the latest on Capitol Hill and the Middle East. He discusses the intriguing possibility of a Middle East deal and the optimism surrounding it, including insights from Marco Rubio's briefing. The conversation also touches on speculation about a government shutdown, health-care negotiations, and the political implications of a fiery exchange between Mike Lawler and Hakeem Jeffries. The highlight features a controversial clip of Katie Porter scolding a staffer, raising eyebrows about her campaign.

Guests include Hyma Moore, a Democratic strategist known for his insights into electoral politics; Robby Soave, Editor at Reason and a libertarian voice on civil liberties; and Alex Castellanos, a Republican strategist offering campaign advice. They dive into Pam Bondi's performance at a Senate hearing, dissect Trump's messaging during the government shutdown, and discuss emerging Democratic candidates for 2028. The conversation also touches on DOJ metadata revelations, tech regulation, and the implications of political polarization today.

Join Batya Ungar-Sargon, a NewsNation commentator, and Steve Olikara, a nonprofit leader focused on reducing polarization, as they delve into President Trump's controversial remarks about Portland and the Insurrection Act. They analyze the implications of potential troop deployments and their legal ramifications. The discussion also explores Trump's diplomatic position on Gaza hostage negotiations and speculates on his political leverage amid rising tensions and market stability. It's a thought-provoking roundtable on current political dynamics!

Rachel Bade, a political reporter with expertise in congressional dynamics, and Mark Caputo, a veteran political commentator, delve into the intricacies of the government shutdown. They discuss Senate negotiations, the potential fallout of budget cuts, and Trump's Project 2025 messaging strategy. Analysis of Speaker Mike Johnson’s budget priorities and the implications for Democrats heats up the conversation. They also respond to listener questions about Medicaid for undocumented immigrants and the future political landscape as the shutdown continues.

Leland Vittert, News Nation anchor and author of 'Born Lucky,' shares his insights on the political landscape as he discusses his book, which explores his autism diagnosis and the support from his father. The conversation dives into the ongoing government shutdown, highlighting failed Senate votes and the media's role. Vittert critiques aggressive Republican messaging while addressing accusations against Trump. With humorous anecdotes and thoughtful commentary, he also tackles parenting challenges in special needs advocacy, providing hope to many.