Next Up with Mark Halperin delivers unique political insight and reporting, with timely conversations featuring prominent voices in politics, media, and policy.
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In today’s episode, Mark Halperin’s reported monologue examines the political fallout from Tuesday’s New York City’s primaries and what the rise of Democratic Socialists could mean for the future of the Democratic Party in 2026 and beyond. Wise Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik joins to explain how decades of economic change have reshaped American politics, while Drew Holden discusses the lasting failures of the COVID response and why he believes the media fell short in investigating China’s rol...
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue steps back to break down the five biggest threats facing Donald Trump and his presidency beyond the Iran situation. He also examines what Keir Starmer’s resignation reveals about immigration, populism, and the changing political landscape in Europe. Then, Cabot Phillips and Hyma Moore join the conversation to discuss why healthcare is becoming a decisive voting issue and why Obamacare hasn't fixed our system. Plus - as Hakeem Jeffries potentially gets closer to...
In this special bonus episode, Mark Halperin sits down with a focus group of Maine voters to get beyond the polls and hear how they are really thinking about one of the most critical midterm races in the country. Voters share their candid views on Susan Collins, Graham Platner, and the issues shaping their decisions as the race increasingly draws national attention. Their answers are often surprising and provide a window into the national mood about electability, integrity, experience, and the d...
Join Mark Halperin for a special Father's Day episode. He sits down with his father, Morton Halperin, and his son, James, for a candid conversation about how fatherhood has evolved across generations and the lessons that endure. Then, NewsNation's Leland Vittert shares the powerful story behind his bestselling book “Born Lucky” and explains how his father's love and determination helped him overcome the challenges of autism. He also reflects on the overwhelming response to the book and why its m...
This episode features Mark Halperin's reported monologue on the Trump administration's Iran deal, dissecting its origins, the shift from military and economic pressure to incentives, and widespread skepticism regarding Iran's willingness to change. Halperin evaluates claims of 'rational' Iranian leaders and the deal's potential impact. Later, Glenn Beck offers his perspective, praising Trump's pragmatic 'America First' approach to avoid war, discussing the complexities of JD Vance's political appeal, and identifying a new type of populist leader in Graham Platner, before sharing insights on his own media philosophy and mission to preserve the Republic.
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue reveals the Graham Platner story almost everyone else is missing. Then best-in-class political strategist Doug Sosnik explains why Democrats have the midterm edge — along with one big caveat. And Robby Soave joins to discuss which party is winning over young male voters and how that matters now and for 2028 Chapter: For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial (262) 454-0503 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/mark*Paid Partn...
Mark Halperin’s reported monologue examines the twin political outrages over the L.A. mayoral race and CBS News drama. He explains why the right is hurting its own cause by reflexively alleging voter fraud as the culprit for Spencer Pratt's loss. Mark also breaks down Scott Pelley's firing from "60 Minutes", what the ousted newsman’s "evidence" actually proves about CBS News chief Bari Weiss, and the reality of liberal bias in the Dominant Media. Then, CNN's Michael Smerconish joins to discuss t...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
