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RealClearPolitics Podcast

RealClearPolitics, Carl Cannon, Tom Bevanrealclearpolitics-takeaway.simplecast.com
News and Political Analysis from RealClearPolitics
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Episodes

Mitch McConnell To Resign

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s announcement by Senator Mitch McConell that he would not run again for his Senate Seat and a new article from the Washington Free Beacon that reports a 2 billion dollar earmark – found by DOGE – for a brand new organization with links to Democratic activist Stacy Abrams. They also talk about the new HHS guidelines that align the agency with a January executive order signed by President Donald Trump on defining the sexes, and CBS Anchor G...

Feb 21, 202545 minEp. 799

Hannity Sits With Trump and Musk

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Sean Trende discuss the Trump-Musk interview on Hannity, and whether DOGE is what Americans were promised. They also talk about the looming cuts at the Pentagon, and why Trump's approval rating is at an all-time high. Next, Tom Bevan interviews author Marc Dunkelman about his new book, "Why Nothing Works". Then finally, Carl Cannon chats with RCP Contributor Richard Porter about artificial intelligence.

Feb 20, 202545 minEp. 798

Ukraine Talks Begin

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss the beginning of the Trump Administration's peace talks with the Russians over the Ukraine War. They also talk about Elon Musk's announcement that the government can't account for $4.7 trillion in payments and whether the public cares about the argument that Musk is "invading their privacy". Next, Carl Cannon speaks with Tony Woodlief, Sr. Fellow at the State Policy Network, about the administrative state. And finally, Tom Bevan chats with RCP Sr. ...

Feb 19, 202545 minEp. 797

President's Day Special: Best of RCP

Andrew Walworth hosts Boston Herald columnist and New England Law/Boston Professor Wendy Murphy about how the Biden administration’s approach to transgender issues may have actually killed any chance that the ERA could become law. Then, Carl Cannon talks with with Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution about how the State Department could galvanize world opinion around "inalienable" rights and reclaim the human rights movement by reflecting American values. Next, Phil Wegmann talks to Rep. Ji...

Feb 18, 202553 minEp. 796

Vance Storms Europe, Hawley's labor reform, Jonathan Turley, and Illinois Corruption

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss VP Vance's blistering speech at the Munich Security Conference and news that up to 200,000 more federal employees may be on the chopping block. Then they discuss Phil's story about MO GOP Sen. Josh Hawley's labor reform bill. Carl Cannon interviews Jonathan Turley about free speech and the RealClear Samizdat Prize. And then Tom Bevan talks to former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass about former IL Speaker Mike Madigan's conviction on 10 counts o...

Feb 15, 202545 minEp. 795

Judge Okays Trump's Federal Worker Buyout

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the Senate confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head HHS, and the announcement that approximately 75,000 federal workers have opted to accept Donald Trump’s severance package. They also talk about US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s promise to sue the state of New York over immigration policy, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants federal funds restored to house migrants in New York hotel rooms. Next, Andrew Walworth talks to Michael Bright,...

Feb 14, 202545 minEp. 794

Elon & Trump - the Oval Office Presser

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss Trump and Elon's Oval Office Press Conference on Tuesday evening, and the news that President Trump had a long phone call with Vladmir Putin about starting negotiations to end the Ukraine War. They also talk about today's inflation report and the birthday of America's greatest president. Next, Carl Cannon chats with George Condon, White House Reporter for the National Journal, about President Trump getting even with his enemies. And finally, Andrew...

Feb 13, 202545 minEp. 793

Are We On The Cusp Of A Constitutional Crisis?

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss how federal judges have struck down or delayed some of Trump’s signature reform efforts and how the administration and Congress are reacting. They also talk about President Trump’s legal maneuvers, including calling off the prosecution of Mayor Eric Adams of New York City and pardoning Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Plus, today’s White House meeting between King Abdullah of Jordan and President Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance’s ...

Feb 12, 202545 minEp. 792

The Politics of the Super Bowl

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss President Trump’s appearance at the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift, and the changing political messaging by the NFL. They also talk about the not-so-subtle politics of some of Sunday night’s Super Bowl television ads, including those from the NFL, Nike, Lays, Jeep and other advertisers. Plus, the legal challenges to DOGE’s recent activities, and whether the Democrats’ opposition to DOGE is sound politics. And finally, Tom Bevan talks with RCP senior ...

Feb 11, 202545 minEp. 791

The Battle Over DOGE

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Emily Jashinsky discuss the ongoing battle over President Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to cut the federal government. They also talk about the bizarre story of Michigan State Democratic Representative Laurie Pohutsky and analyze rumors that Ron DeSantis' wife - Casey DeSantis may jump in the 2026 Florida Governor's race. Next, Tom chats with John Cochrane, who is Sr. Fellow at the Hoover Institution, about the list of 8 tax priorities released yesterday by the White H...

Feb 08, 202545 minEp. 790

President Trump and Title IX

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Trump's executive order regarding Title IX and transgender participation in women's sports. They also talk about the federal government's cancellation of contracts with Politico and CBS’s decision to release the unedited version of Kamala Harris' 60 Minutes interview in response to an FCC investigation and a Trump lawsuit. Plus, they discuss Department of Education reform, Trump's executive orders regarding school choice, and they look forward ...

Feb 07, 202545 minEp. 789

President Trump's Gaza Resort

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Richard Porter discuss: President Trump's plans to take over Gaza; Pam Bondi and the separation of powers/lawsuits; the Chicago Teachers' Union takeover; and the Samizdat Prize.

Feb 06, 202545 minEp. 788

RFK Jr, DOGE, Rep. Jim Himes, and Human Rights Under Trump

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and White House correspondent Phil Wegman discuss today’s committee vote in the Senate advancing Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s nomination to head HHS to the Senate floor. Then they talk about the possibility that Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency will next target the Department of Education for elimination, and what the political cost of such a move might be. Phil Wegmann talks to Rep. Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut, on what the Democratic Party sho...

Feb 05, 202545 minEp. 787

President Trump's Tariffs

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the strategy behind President Trump’s tariff policy. They also talk about the results of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s trip to Panama and Elon Musk’s mission to defund the Agency For International Development (AID). Plus, they chat about the Democratic National Committee electing new leadership. Then finally, Tom speaks with William R. Forstchen, a New York Times bestselling author and a Professor of History at Montreat College about the thr...

Feb 04, 202545 minEp. 786

Trump's Jekyl & Hyde Press Conference

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Trump's presser on the Washington D.C. mid-air collision and his ongoing attacks on DEI. They also talk about the Senate confirmation hearings for Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard. Plus, the news report of VP Vance's trip to East Palestine, OH and Marco Rubio's first trip as Secretary of State. Then finally, Tom Bevan speaks with Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute about Mayor Brandon Johnson's tenure and the challeng...

Feb 01, 202545 minEp. 785

Trump to Send Criminal Migrants to Guantanamo Bay

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and presidential historian Tevi Troy discuss Trump's Guantanamo Bay announcement and the politics of sending criminal illegal aliens to a migrant detention facility in Cuba. They also talk about Google's decision to change the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Google Maps, and the influence of Tech Titans on the Trump administration. Plus, the upcoming DNC chair election, the leading candidates, and the future of the DNC. Then finally, Tom chats with Manhattan ...

Jan 31, 202545 minEp. 784

Will Trump’s Spending Freeze Reignite The Resistance?

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the confirmation hearings of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and the letter opposing his nomination published by his cousin, Caroline Kennedy. They also talk about the recent pause of Trump's controversial federal spending freeze, which has been meet with legal challenges across the country and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to revoke the security detail for former Joint...

Jan 30, 202545 minEp. 783

Federal Workers, Ramaswamy, Harris, and the ERA

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss President Trump's recent executive orders regarding the federal workforce and Trump's aims to limit its size. Then they discuss Vivek Ramaswamy's recent exit from the Department of Government Efficiency, which he was co-leading with Elon Musk, and Ramaswamy's chances of winning the governorship of Ohio. Also, a discussion President Trump's recent executive orders that may prevent transgender people from serving in th...

Jan 29, 202545 minEp. 782

Cabinet Appointees, Deportation Policy, Tariff Threats, and JD Vance

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and White House correspondent Phillip Wegman discuss the upcoming confirmation hearings of Robert F. Kennedy, Kash Patel, and Tulsi Gabbard. Then they discuss the White House's plans for sweeping deportations of illegal immigrants, and this weekend’s row between Columbian president Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump over the return of roughly 160 illegal migrants from the U.S. to Columbia. Then, a conversation about JD Vance's first interview as Vice President of the Unit...

Jan 28, 202545 minEp. 781

Washington March For Life Features J.D Vance

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s March for Life demonstration in Washington DC, and the relationship between the second Trump administration and pro-life organizations. They also talk about Trump’s announcement that he would release thousands of classified documents dealing with the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Plus, on today’s first presidential trip of his second term in office, President Trump visits North Car...

Jan 25, 202544 minEp. 780

Trump Addresses Davos Leaders

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss President Trump’s virtual address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland where he discussed the Ukraine War and US tariffs. Also, a look at JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon’s remarks on tariffs. They also talk about Trump’s rapid response to immigration, including sending troops to the border and rescinding birthright citizenship by executive order (which is already being challenged in the courts); Vivak Ramaswamy’s departure from the Depar...

Jan 24, 202545 minEp. 779

Marco Rubio’s First Actions as Secretary of State

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the first cable sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to US embassies around the world, and what it portends for his tenure. They also talk about Tuesday’s press conference at the White House concerning “Stargate,” a major infrastructure project to promote AI in the US. Also, a look at Trump’s suggested solution to California’s water issues. Plus, Carl talks about the career, wit and wisdom of Ichiro ...

Jan 23, 202545 minEp. 778

Trump Pardons January 6th Defendants

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the flurry of pardons offered by both presidents, and what it means for the future. They also talk about Trump’s communications strategy and his executive orders, including emergency provisions for the border and energy. Then finally, Tom Bevan talks with Ricard Porter about Monday’s frigid inaugural events in Washington, DC. and Trump’s executive orders.

Jan 22, 202545 minEp. 777

President Trump's Inaugural Address

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann review today’s inaugural address by President Donald Trump, as well as his remarks immediately after to supporters. They also talk about Biden’s last-minute pardons for his brothers, sister and their spouses, as well as pardons for January 6th House Committee members and others. Plus, Trump’s executive orders signed on his first day in office including those dealing with renaming the Gulf of Mexico and Mt Denali. Then fi...

Jan 21, 202545 minEp. 776

Looking Forward to Donald Trump's Inauguration

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon look forward to Monday’s Inauguration: who will be there, who won't attend and Trump’s inaugural address. They also discuss the latest crime statistics from the Department of Justice and Heather Mac Donald’s recent piece in the City Journal where she argues that Trump must get law enforcement agencies to return to their “original missions”. Plus they chat about a new Politico article by global strategist Thomas P. M. Barnett on whether Trump’s promise o...

Jan 18, 202545 minEp. 775

Pam Bondi Faces the Senate

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende review Wednesday’s prime time address by Joe Biden. They also discuss President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. attorney general Pam Bondi’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to name Attorney General Ashley Moody as the state’s next Senator. Plus, they also talk about the future of the social media site TikTok. Then lastly, Andrew talks to RCP Columnist Charlie...

Jan 17, 202545 minEp. 774

Biden's Farewell Address

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon preview tonight’s prime time address by Joe Biden, and discuss his last-minute actions designed to thwart the incoming Trump administration. They also talk about the politics of rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires and the costs and benefits of regulatory relief when it comes to permitting new construction in the affected areas. Plus, they discuss CNN’s handling of a billion-dollar libel suit, and MSNBC President Rashida Jones’ decision to step do...

Jan 16, 202545 minEp. 773

Pete Hegseth Appears Before the Senate

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Tuesday's appearance by Trump Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth before the Senate Armed Services Committee. They also talk about Monday night’s release of the Justice Department’s 137-page report on Donald Trump’s alleged role in overturning the 2020 election, federal aid for California in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires, and Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal op-ed by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) who says she will work with Trump to “u...

Jan 15, 202545 minEp. 772

Gavin Newsom and “Disinformation”

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss Governor Gavin Newsom’s complaint that “disinformation” threatens peoples’ safety during the Los Angeles wildfires. They also talk about Pete Hegseth’s upcoming Senate hearings and today’s speech by President Biden at the State Department, where he discussed his foreign policy legacy, saying that he is “leaving the next administration with a very strong hand”. Then finally, Carl talks with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR...

Jan 14, 202547 minEp. 771

Trump is Sentenced

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss today’s sentencing of Donald Trump in the New York records case. They also talk about the political impact of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the Los Angeles wild fires. Next, Phil Wegmann talks to Michael Sobolik of the Hudson Institute about today’s arguments before the Supreme regarding a federally mandated sale of the social media platform TikTok, and how the Trump Administration will treat Chi...

Jan 11, 202545 minEp. 770
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