Mark Halperin’s reported monologue explains the significance of a Spencer Pratt general election campaign regardless of the outcome — and what his success reveals about the current state of our politics. The New York Post’s Lydia Moynihan joins to discuss the billionaire backlash, the growing data center challenge, and the contempt for America's innovators. Plus, Mark answers your questions about the 2028 Democratic presidential contenders, before Jessica Patterson and Karen Skelton kick around ...
Jun 04, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 105
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue unveils his latest “8 for ’28” Democratic presidential nomination rankings, explaining who’s rising, who’s falling, and why he now believes for the first time that a surprise candidate could shake up the race. Plus, Mark and Yemisi Egbewole kick around Kamala Harris’s 2028 prospects and whether Graham Platner’s past could derail his political future. Also, former Laura Bush chief of staff Anita McBride reflects on the Bush family’s legacy and the transformation...
Jun 02, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 104
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue delivers the truth about the Texas Senate race, including the actual factors that will determine if Ken Paxton or James Talarico wins. Plus, pollster Spencer Kimball joins the program with shocking new data on state of the 2028 presidential fields for both parties, while Steve Maltepes discusses the political bet Mark says voters and strategists should avoid making. Last but not least, Mark answers Nexters’ questions in the return of “Mark the Mailman.” Pressur...
May 28, 2026•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 103
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down his new information on how limited President Trump’s options on Iran now are. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton join with their predictions on how Trump could end the conflict and the potential fallout. Plus, they explain how AI and social media are fueling conspiracy theories. Also: Buck plays the “Next Up” version of “The Newlywed Game” to test how well he actually knows Clay. Pressure - Focus Features: Go behind the scenes of the most high-stakes weath...
May 26, 2026•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 102
Mark Halperin’s new reported monologue breaks down how Tuesday’s campaign and election developments have shaken up the midterm landscape. Former Congressman Joe Cunningham and strategist Beverly Hallberg kicked around the president's choices, wins, and loses, plus new voting alignments, and growing concerns inside the Republican Party. Plus, Cunningham discusses his new book, “Life of the Party: How Democrats Lost America’s Trust — and How They Can Win It Back”, and explains why Democrats are no...
May 21, 2026•56 min•Ep. 101
Mark Halperin's reported monologue breaks down why Spencer Pratt’s mayoral campaign is resonating with frustrated voters, while Cabot Phillips discusses Trump’s polling challenges, growing concerns among Republicans, and why many young men are losing faith in America. Plus, former SEAL Team Six Operator Robert O’Neill reveals who really has control of the Stair of Hormuz and what he says the media is getting wrong about the Iran conflict. Pressure - Focus Features: Go behind the scenes of the mo...
May 19, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 100
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue debuts "Midterm Mania", giving new insight into the redistricting fights, political strategies, and messaging battles that will determine who wins in November. Plus, Larry O’Connor and Kevin Walling join Mark to discuss what it's like co-hosting "The Morning Meeting” together, sharing the personal journeys that brought them to the national stage. Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://Ba...
May 14, 2026•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 99
Mark Halperin uses his reported monologue to explore how Democrats have let support for victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants become a damaging issue and moral failure, even as Angel Moms have been central to Donald Trump’s immigration message and mission for more than a decade. Mitch Modell joins to share his take on the state of the economy and an innovative solution to the housing shortage. Plus, Tricia McLaughlin explains how AI is poised to completely transform campaigns and pol...
May 12, 2026•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 98
On today’s “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark’s reported monologue reveals why Marco Rubio is enjoying an extraordinary golden moment in the political sun and what it means for 2028. Beyond Rubio’s love affair with the Dominant Media and the favorable comparisons to JD Vance. Mark looks at some of the Secretary of State’s past bumps in the road and lays out what his sources say are the most likely outcome of the search by President Trump and the party for a successor to the incumbent. Then, News...
May 07, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 97
On this episode of “Next Up,” Mark Halperin’s reported monologue unveils his updated May “8 for ’28” Democratic presidential nominee rankings, breaking down the biggest shakeups, rising contenders, and surprising additions shaping the race for 2028. Spoiler alert: Bernie Sanders??!!!!??? Megyn Kelly joins Mark to discuss Tucker Carlson’s surprising New York Times interview and what it reveals about today’s shifting media dynamics, before diving into the Graham Platner controversy as the latest e...
May 05, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 96
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue tackles one of the most urgent questions in American life today: can the country overcome its deepening culture of political dehumanization? In a powerful presentation, Mark examines the rhetoric, tribalism, and condemnation fueling division across both sides of the aisle, while Katie Pavlich weighs in on political violence, media double standards, and what it would actually take to reduce America’s growing culture of outrage. Plus, NBC’s Morgan Radford joins M...
Apr 30, 2026•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 95
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down the facts, misinformation, and conspiracy theories surrounding the gunman at the White House Correspondents Association dinner, including why some false narratives continue to gain traction. He also reveals the major security failures at the event that exposed vulnerabilities far beyond what many are acknowledging. Plus, Dan Senor explores how deeply Israeli intelligence may operate inside Iran, the secret emerging strategic option that could reshap...
Apr 28, 2026•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 94
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down Donald Trump’s high-stakes return to the White House Correspondents Association dinner, his first appearance at the event as president. He explains why the event is a rite of passage, how past presidents have handled the comedy pressure, and what to watch for as Trump faces one of the toughest rooms in Washington. Plus, Ben Ferguson breaks down the critical Texas Senate race and why Attorney General Ken Paxton could have a major edge over Senator Jo...
Apr 23, 2026•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 93
Mark Halperin delivers a reported monologue on the growing uncertainty surrounding a potential U.S.–Iran deal, breaking down what’s actually on the table, the competing perspectives, and the high-stakes risks that could shape the outcome. “Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough joins, questioning who is really advising President Trump, raising concerns about the structure and effectiveness of the current war cabinet. He also explains why he believes Democrats are missing a key reality of the conflict...
Apr 21, 2026•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 92
Mark Halperin delivers his reported monologue on what it really takes to survive a presidential campaign, drawing on decades of experience covering politics at the highest level. He breaks down how Bill Clinton navigated major scandals during the 1992 race and why his approach to crisis management still stands apart today, then broadens the lens to 2028 to explain why many potential candidates may ultimately decide not to run at all. From George W. Bush to Donald Trump, Halperin examines how pas...
Apr 16, 2026•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 91
Mark Halperin delivers his reported monologue on the new uncertainty surrounding the war in Iran, breaking down the key unknowns and why China’s role could ultimately determine the outcome. He also examines Iran’s stepped up use of AI and viral content to influence perception during the conflict, explaining why tracking the real impact of this information warfare is nearly impossible and where the U.S. faces massive challenges. Plus, an Iranian-American professor from Johns Hopkins University jo...
Apr 14, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 90
This episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin” tackles the growing uncertainty shaping today’s biggest geopolitical story, as Mark uses his reported monologue to unpack the “fog of peace” surrounding the Iran ceasefire and why even top officials can’t fully explain what’s happening behind the scenes. He also takes on tough criticism of his April “8 for ’28” rankings of the Democrats top presidential prospects, breaking down the backlash, what he stands by, and how he evaluates the evolving field. ...
Apr 09, 2026•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 89
Who will the Democrats nominate for president next? Mark’s “8 for ’28” is back with his April rankings. In his reported monologue, he breaks down the current state of the evolving 2028 Democratic field. He highlights what he sees as the biggest weakness facing many of the contenders: a lack of clear messaging and modern media strategy, and explains why campaigns must now operate like full-time content machines. Mark also dives into why Rahm Emanuel is gaining traction, pointing to his aggressive...
Apr 07, 2026•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 88
This episode of Next Up with Mark Halperin puts Mark in the hot seat. In a rare role reversal, he reflects on the personal and professional forces that shaped his career, from his father Morton Halperin and a childhood surrounded by politics to the lasting influence of ABC News Legend Peter Jennings, whose mentorship helped define his approach to journalism and life. Mark is then joined by Drew Holden for a sharp, wide-ranging conversation about the state of the media and the debate over bias. H...
Mar 31, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 87
In this special episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark uses his unparalleled sources to deliver a full-length reported monologue demonstrating that Democrats still have an extremely steep hill to climb to take back the Senate majority in November. Shattering the conventional wisdom, Mark breaks down in detail the nine races that will decide control of the chamber. He starts by analyzing the three seats currently held by Democrats they are most at risk of losing, explaining the political d...
Mar 24, 2026•58 min•Ep. 85
Mark Halperin speaks with Congressman Ro Khanna of California about the real impact of the Iran war, weighing military gains against rising costs and making the case for diplomacy. Khanna also opens up about a potential 2028 presidential run and the personal and political factors, including family, shaping his decision. Then, the Economist’s James Bennet joins to examine President Trump’s motives in the conflict and the risks of how the war is being framed. Lastly, Vin Weber and Kevin Walling jo...
Mar 19, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 84
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down the latest developments in the U.S. conflict with Iran, explaining why recent U.S. and Israel strikes are delivering meaningful tactical wins, while the broader strategy remains uncertain. He outlines what’s going well, what’s not, and why reopening the Strait of Hormuz is the single most critical factor in determining how this conflict unfolds, with major implications for the global economy and U.S. military strategy. Plus, Jonathan Freedland joins...
Mar 17, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 83
Tensions with Iran are escalating, and new risks are emerging that could make the mission far more difficult than the Trump administration expected. Mark uses his reported monologue to break down the military, strategic, and public perception challenges now facing the United States, including, most immediately, the zero-sum fight to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the role of drones and asymmetric warfare, and why growing concerns inside Washington are raising questions about how the conflict could...
Mar 12, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 82
Mark Halperin opens the show with a reported monologue on the rapidly evolving Iran conflict and the role messaging plays in shaping global expectations. He explains how Donald Trump’s communication style can quickly shift market sentiment, influence oil prices, and alter the narrative around the war. Mark also examines why Trump’s seemingly inconsistent public statements may actually be part of a deliberate strategy he has used throughout his business career and presidency. Next, Mark unveils h...
Mar 10, 2026•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 81
In this episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark uses his reported monologue to put to rest the debates over the “why?” and “why now?” questions about President Trump’s decision to use military force in Iran. By looking at nearly half a century of statements from Trump himself and from his immediate predecessors, Mark illustrates how clear Trump’s rationale and reasons are for the historic decision, leaving space to ask the other important and germane war-time questions for the United State...
Mar 05, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 80
This episode features an update on the latest in Iran and a revealing interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom. Mark opens with his reported monologue featuring an in-depth analysis of President Trump’s escalating conflict with Iran, scorecarding what appears to be early strategic and tactical wins while separating battlefield gains from political complexities. He breaks down what seems to be working for the administration, what it means for America as a whole, and the major risks and war...
Mar 03, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 79
In this episode, Mark Halperin argues in his reported monologue that too many journalists cover “politics” instead of “campaigns, leaving their audiences largely unaware of what really wins and loses elections. The vast majority of news coverage focuses on surface narratives and political gossip, leaving consumers in the dark about the asymmetrical campaign advantages that are the obsession of the pros. From data operations and AI-driven voter targeting to fundraising strategy and digital advert...
Feb 26, 2026•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 78
In this episode, Mark Halperin uses his reported monologue to reflect on how Donald Trump’s path from 2016 to today reshaped American politics — and why the country remains deeply divided in his second term. Drawing on signature moments with Stephen Colbert and Tucker Carlson, he looks at why what once felt to some like a shocking political moment has now become a defining era, and why millions of Americans still struggle to understand each other across that divide. Mark is joined by Beverly Hal...
Feb 24, 2026•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 77
On a new episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark’s reported monologue breaks down why the AI revolution is bigger than most people realize and why millions risk falling behind if they don’t adapt now. He also breaks down AI pioneer Matt Shumer's rules for staying competitive in a rapidly changing economy, explaining how shifts in how people use AI today will determine if they succeed in the years ahead. Entrepreneur Jeremy Jones joins to discuss what it takes to build a business in today’s...
Feb 19, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 76
“8 for ’28” is back. Mark Halperin debuts his February rankings of the most likely next Democratic presidential nominee, breaking down why Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro remain alone at the top of the list and why some major names are still on the outside looking in. He explains what’s driving movement early in the 2028 field, and what to watch for as the jockeying intensifies. Plus, Republican Wisconsin congressional candidate Michael Alfonso joins to discuss winning Donald Trump’s endorsement a...
Feb 17, 2026•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 75
