2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin

Katy Balls, Washington editor of The Times of London, shares her insights on the current political climate in the U.S. She delves into Trump's attacks on Somali Americans and how Ilhan Omar's response resonates within the community. The conversation shifts to the fallout from Turning Point USA's dispute with Candace Owens, and the tension between Josh Shapiro and Kamala Harris. Katy also reflects on journalistic responsibility and the evolving media landscape, providing a British perspective on American politics.

Mark Halperin welcomes Tim Rice, a political analyst from The Daily Wire, and Hans Nichols, a national political reporter with Axios. They dive into Trump's recent remarks about Ilhan Omar and the Somali community, revealing how rhetoric shapes political landscapes. The discussion also covers tension over Ukraine peace talks, skepticism surrounding the legality of military actions, and the significance of upcoming committee briefings. Moreover, they analyze the implications of a special election in Tennessee as a potential bellwether for political narratives.

Lyndsay Keith, an independent journalist, and Robby Soave, editor at Reason magazine, join to discuss the political fallout from a $1 billion fraud scandal linked to Minnesota's Somali community. They analyze Trump's comments on the situation, with Lyndsay cautioning against overblown narratives while Robby highlights significant governance failures. The duo also speculates on Ted Cruz's potential 2028 presidential run and shares insights on recent military actions, questioning accountability and legal ramifications.

Mark Caputo, a veteran White House reporter, joins to delve into the intriguing dynamics of Trump's potential second term. They discuss the surprising cordiality between Trump and Mayor-elect Eric Adams. Caputo outlines Trump's controversial Ukraine peace plan and how it contrasts with his first term's foreign policy. There's also a look at the political fallout from recent events, including the Democratic response to military strategies and the ongoing investigations surrounding Clinton and Epstein. Plus, Thanksgiving tips round out the conversation!

Amber Duke, a conservative media figure and commentator, joins to delve into pressing political topics. They tackle the fallout from a controversial video encouraging troops to refuse illegal orders, scrutinizing the implications of Trump's fierce reaction. The conversation shifts to Dick Cheney's legacy, highlighting personal memories and criticism of party shifts under Trump. Duke also shares insights on the tenuous prospects for a Russia-Ukraine peace plan, expressing skepticism about its viability and discussing the administration's economic messaging.

Join North Carolina State Senator Natalie Murdock, a Democrat focused on state policies, and former Governor Pat McCrory, a Republican, as they dissect the current political landscape. They cover the impact of immigration policies and AI regulations in their state, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. In the second hour, Ari David leads a spirited discussion on conservative infighting with guests like Laura Loomer and Saurabh Amari, exploring key influencers and ideological shifts within the movement.

Scott Jennings, a political commentator and author of *A Revolution of Common Sense*, shares insights from his time with President Trump in the Oval Office. He discusses the importance of engaging with Saudi Arabia over public criticism, dissecting Trump's controversial responses to pressing questions about Jamal Khashoggi. Jennings also analyzes the fallout from the recent Epstein disclosure bill and the split within the GOP between MAGA supporters and establishment figures. He reflects on his book tour and addresses the rising tensions within youth-led conservative movements.

Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley discusses Social Security's future and the necessity of scrapping the payroll cap for solvency. He rejects raising the retirement age, calling it ineffective, and warns about the risks of privatization. O'Malley criticizes Trump’s framing of Jeffrey Epstein's ties as a purely Democratic issue, while also reflecting on his friendship with Gavin Newsom and assessing Baltimore's crime strategies. His insights offer a mix of policy advocacy and personal anecdotes.

Katy Balls, Washington editor at The Times of London, provides insights on the BBC's recent controversies and bias towards parties like Reform UK. Rob Bluey, from The Daily Signal, discusses the government's role in housing policy and limits on presidential powers. Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, reflects on the site's shift from its original vision, emphasizing the impact of sourcing rules. Adam Wren shares his takes on Indiana's redistricting and the political relevance of focus groups, particularly for upcoming elections.

Ashley Etienne, a former communications advisor to Nancy Pelosi and Kamala Harris, teams up with GOP strategist Kristin Davison to analyze the current political landscape. They explore the importance of economic issues in elections and debate bipartisan healthcare strategies. Tensions within the Democratic Party over Obamacare illustrate the complexities of reform. The conversation also touches on legal battles over redistricting and potential implications for both parties, all while assessing Trump's standing for a second term.