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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

The World Reacts To Trump’s Tariffs

Andrew Walworth, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss the reaction to Trump’s tariff announcement, including a Senate vote to rescind tariffs against Canada that passed with the support of all Democrats and four Republicans. They also talk about New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ announcement today that he will run as an independent in his re-election bid, setting up a possible November showdown with Democrat Andrew Cuomo. Also, anti-Trump ...

Apr 03, 202545 minEp. 829

“Liberation Day” Is Here

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the results of elections in two Florida congressional districts and a statewide contest for the state supreme court in Wisconsin. Plus, they chat about the political consequences of Trump’s tariff policies. Then, they talk about U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s decision to seek the death penalty in the trial of Luigi Mangione, who is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Also, a nursery school student in Britain is ex...

Apr 02, 202545 minEp. 828

Judge Stops Trump’s Deportation of Venezuelan Migrants

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the decision by a San Francisco judge to stop the Trump Administration from deporting up to 600,000 Venezuelan immigrants who are in the country illegally. They also talk about the fallout from the White House admission that it sent a Salvadoran who was suspected but not convicted of criminal behavior to the prison in El Salvador. Next, they discuss the decision to disinvite comedian Amber Ruffin from this spring’s White House Correspondents’ D...

Apr 01, 202545 minEp. 827

Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss tomorrow’s Wisconsin Supreme Court election and Elon Musk’s involvement, as well as Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley's bill to curtail activism by the courts, which was introduced today. They also talk about President's Trump’s remarks over the weekend saying he is “not joking” about a third run for the presidency. Plus, they look forward to Wednesday, which Trump has labeled “Liberation Day” as he plans to invoke new tariffs. Then, they discuss Uni...

Mar 31, 202545 minEp. 826

ICE Detains Tufts University Student

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss ICE's apprehension of a Turkish graduate student at Tufts University. Also, New York Representative Elise Stefanik is not going to the United Nations, but will continue to serve in Congress. Plus, they talk about last night’s appearance by Elon Musk and 7 DOGE executives on Fox News. Then, Andrew talks to Presidential Historian Tevi Troy about episodes in American history where sensitive information was inadvertently leaked to the press, includ...

Mar 28, 202545 minEp. 825

Kristi Noem Tapes a PSA With Venezuelan Prisoners As A Backdrop

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss today’s arrest of an illegal immigrant accused of being a leader of MS-13. Also, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visits the Salvadoran prison where deported alleged Venezuelan gang members are being held to tape a video message discouraging illegal border crossing into the U.S. They also talk about next Tuesday’s special election in Florida’s sixth district to fill the seat vacated by Mike Walz, President Trump’s national security advis...

Mar 27, 202545 minEp. 824

Trump White House vs. The Atlantic

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the release of text messages from the private thread of top US advisors discussing the strategy for U.S. strikes in Yemen, and the White House attack on Atlantic editor Jeffery Goldberg who was inadvertently included in the online discussion. They also talk about Senator Eric Schmidt’s hearings yesterday on how tech companies suppressed speech during the Biden administration, and the diplomatic maneuvering behind the second couple’s upcoming vi...

Mar 26, 202545 minEp. 823

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz in Hot Water Over Yemeni Bombing Leak

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the future of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz in the wake of revelations that he invited Atlantic Editor Jeffrey Goldberg to join a private text thread discussing strategy for U.S. strikes in Yemen that included other high level Trump advisors. They also talk about a new profile of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in The Washington Post. Plus, they discuss reports that Columbia University’s admini...

Mar 25, 202545 minEp. 822

AOC and Bernie, Zelensky's Time Interview, Big Law vs. Trump, FBI “Honeypot”

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the duo’s “Fighting Oligarchy” Tour, the future of the Democratic Party, and whether Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will run for president. Then they discuss next steps in Ukraine and President Zelensky's cover-story interview in Time magazine. Comedian Conan O’Brien is awarded the Mark Twain Prize in a celebration that featured multiple jokes about President Trump. Also, former Utah Representative Mia Love, the first B...

Mar 24, 202545 minEp. 821

DOGE Bro at the IRS

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Heather Wilhelm (Columnist for National Review) discuss Laura Ingraham's interview last night with Sam Corcos, a DOGE team leader working at the IRS. They also question - why the World Happiness Report is a sham, why Snow White is a train wreck, and why Gavin Newsom lied about LatinX? Then, Tom Bevan interviews Mark Penn, CEO of Stagwell, about the state of the Democratic party. And finally, Unknowns host Charlie Stone interviews author and lawyer - Scott Turow.

Mar 21, 202545 minEp. 820

Trends from the 2024 Election

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Sean Trende discuss the new data from David Shor on the 2024 elections. They also talk about the blithe response by some in the media to the ongoing attacks against Tesla and Trump's approval ratings and what that means for the 2025 and 2026 elections. Then lastly, Carl Cannon interviews Phil Wegmann, RCP White House Correspondent, about Donald Trump latest move shutting down the Dept. of Education.

Mar 20, 202545 minEp. 819

Trump vs. Judiciary

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Emily Jashinsky discuss the escalating battle between Donald Trump and the Courts. They also talk about the left's hatred of Elon Musk and the increasing violence against Tesla. Plus, Gov Ron DeSantis' op-ed in the WSJ heralding Trump's efforts to dismantle the Education Department. BONUS: they also give their picks for the winners of the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament. Then finally, Tom Bevan interviews Sean Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of The Federalist, about the jud...

Mar 19, 202545 minEp. 818

Trump-Putin Call, Trump vs. Courts

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Phil Wegmann discuss President Trump's 2-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin. And the escalating battle between Donald Trump and the Courts over his use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportation. Plus, they also talk about Chuck Schumer's damage control tour and the Democrats' ongoing efforts to find a leader and a message to counter Trump. Next, Carl interviews Peter Berkowitz, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, about the latest developments in the Middle East. A...

Mar 18, 202545 minEp. 817

Deportation Showdown: Trump vs. The Courts

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss President Trump's orders to deport 137 alleged Venezuelan gang members, as well as the deportation of a Lebanese doctor with an H1B visa and a teaching position at Brown University. Is the clash between the courts and the White House on immigration policy coming to a head? They also talk about Donald Trump’s social media post challenging the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s pardons because they were signed by autopen. Plus, the cold war between the pr...

Mar 17, 202545 minEp. 816

Senate Budget Showdown: Chuck Schumer vs. AOC

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Senator Chuck Schumer's decision not to oppose the GOP spending bill in order to avoid a government shutdown, and the angry responses to Senator Schumer from some of his fellow Democrats. Also, judges rule that Trump didn’t follow the law when firing probationary employees, but confirms the executive branch’s authority to reduce the federal workforce if done in accordance with existing rules and regulations. They also talk about the Trump admin...

Mar 14, 202545 minEp. 815

Democrats on the Move: The 2026 Senate Map Gets Tougher While Presidential Hopefuls Embrace “Alternative Media”

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss key players to watch, including Pete Buttigieg, Rahm Emanual, Gavin Newsom and Tim Walz, as well as Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) who announced her decision not to run again in 2026. Also, how Democrats, including former first lady Michelle Obama, are embracing podcasting to reach new audiences. Then, they talk about Russian president Vladimir Putin’s positive statements about a possible armistice in Ukraine, and Trump’s threat of a 200 percent...

Mar 13, 202545 minEp. 814

Recession Warnings Increase as Trump’s Trade War Continues

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss whether Wall Street worries about a recession are justified, and whether Trump’s handling of tariffs is contributing to economic uncertainty. They also talk about the upcoming Senate vote on the six-month spending bill, and whether Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will instruct fellow Democrats to vote no, forcing a government shutdown. Also, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announces that she will eliminate half the Department of Education’s workfor...

Mar 12, 202545 minEp. 813

US/Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the U.S. and Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia, the Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, and federal funding cuts to American universities. They also talk about ActBlue leadership changes, and who is funding the "Families Over Billionaires” media campaign. Next, Tom Bevan and Sean Trende discuss recent polls, including a new survey of Americans attitudes toward Republicans and Democrats on handling the economy. And finally, Andy talks to RCP national...

Mar 11, 202545 minEp. 812

Fifth Anniversary of the COVID Pandemic

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the fifth anniversary of World Health Organization’s declaration that COVID-19 was a pandemic. They also talk about the ascension of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who replaces Justin Trudeau as prime minister of Canada. AND - Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 83 percent of US AID contracts have been cancelled, while violent protests against Elon Musk hit Tesla showrooms and facilities. Plus, the chatter over sports commentator Steven ...

Mar 10, 202545 minEp. 811

More Sanctions Against Russia and the Emerging Trump Economy

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Trump’s threat of increased sanctions against Russia and the state of his negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, and what the most recent jobs numbers tell us about the emerging Trump economy. They also talk about the latest in what some call “Trump’s Revenge Tour:" the presidential executive order revoking the security clearances of Perkins Coie employees, and anti-DEI policies on college campuses. Next, Carl Cannon interviews Peter Berkowitz f...

Mar 08, 202545 minEp. 810

A Ceasefire In The Trade War?

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Donald Trump’s tariff strategy, including the decision to pause most tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and carve out exemptions for US automakers. They also talk about yesterday’s House hearings with four sanctuary city mayors, and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s new podcast, which featured Trump supporter Charlie Kirk as his first guest. Plus, a draft White House executive order to close the Department of Education, and Jay Bhattacharya, who def...

Mar 07, 202545 minEp. 809

Trump Speaks, Democrats React

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss highlights from Tuesday night's address to Congress by Donald Trump, and the reactions from both sides of the aisle. They also talk about a speech by Representative Elise Stefanik, Trump’s nominee to be ambassador to the United Nations, at Monday's Antidefamation League Summit in New York City. Plus, a look at Trump’s remarks about U.S plans for Greenland and the Panama Canal. Next, Carl talks to veteran White House reporter George Condon of th...

Mar 06, 202545 minEp. 808

Previewing Trump’s Speech and How Will Democrats Respond?

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon talk about tonight’s address by Donald Trump to Congress and how Democrats are planning to respond. They also discuss how allowing trans women to compete against biological women has become a bedrock issue for Democrats, despite polls showing the majority of American voters oppose it. And, they mull over the latest diplomatic developments between the U.S. and Ukraine, including Trump’s decision to pause military aid and Zelensky’s statement calling last...

Mar 05, 202545 minEp. 807

Can Europe Save Ukraine Without Trump?

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest developments in efforts to stop the war in Ukraine, including this weekend’s meeting among European leaders. They evaluate whether the rift between President Zelensky of Ukraine and President Trump is reparable. Then, they look ahead to tomorrow's address by Donald Trump to Congress, and discuss former New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s bid to become the next mayor of New York City. Plus, they talk about a New York Times op-ed that attr...

Mar 04, 202545 minEp. 806

Fireworks at the White House

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, RCP Contributor Richard Porter and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss today’s fiery Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelensky regarding the rare minerals deal and Russia's war against Ukraine. They also talk about today’s nationwide protest where consumers were asked to boycott big box and online stores. Also, the Supreme Court’s reacts to arguments over a reverse discrimination case brought by a an Ohio woman who claims she was passed over for a prom...

Mar 01, 202545 minEp. 805

Bureaucracy Gone Wild

Tom Bevan, Phil Wegmann and Emily Jashinsky discuss the NSA sex chat story, the FBI "honeypot" story, and the IRS leaker story. They also talk about the backlash to Jake Tapper's new book about the cover up of Biden's mental fitness and the larger story of the media's lost credibility. Next, Tom interviews Matt Podgorski, pollster from M3 Strategies, about his new survey showing Brandon Johnson with a 6.6% approval rating. And lastly, Carl chats with Jonathan Rauch, a writer for The Atlantic, ab...

Feb 28, 202545 minEp. 804

The House Passes Trump's Budget Bill

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and Sean Trende discuss President Trump's first cabinet meeting and the House's dramatic passage of a budget last night. They also look at Byron Donalds' chances to become Governor of Florida, Gavin Newsom's new podcast, and Jeff Bezos' announcement about the Washington Post Opinion Page. Next, Carl Cannon interviews Richard Porter about his RCP column on J.B. Pritzker's budget address comparing Trump and MAGA to Nazi Germany. And lastly, Andrew Walworth chats with James R...

Feb 27, 202545 minEp. 803

Trump, Russia And The UN Vote

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss French president Emmanuel Macron’s meeting with Donald Trump, and two UN votes where the U.S. denied Russia was to blame for the war in Ukraine. They also talk about Vivek Ramaswamy's bid for the Ohio governorship and former New York governor Andrew Cuomo pondering entering the Democratic mayoralty primary in New York City, which would pit him against the city’s current mayor, Eric Adams. Plus, they also chat about Rachel Maddow and the future ...

Feb 26, 202545 minEp. 802

Elon Musk Asks Federal Employees: What Did You Do Over the Last Five Days?

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss an email message sent out by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency asking federal employees to account for their last week’s activities. They also talk about Donald Trump’s decision to replace both the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the US Navy. Plus, the fight between the Trump White House and the Associated Press over naming the “The Gulf of America,” and the decision by MSNBC to cancel Joy Reid’s nightly show, which has been ...

Feb 25, 202545 minEp. 801

Zelinsky VS Trump: Who Is In Charge of Negotiations To End The Ukraine War?

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the state of negotiations over Ukraine’s mineral rights, as well as the larger effort by the Trump administration to end the fighting in Ukraine. They also talk about a new TikTok interview with historian Victor Davis Hansen, who argues that Trump represents a return to “normalcy,” not a radical departure from political norms and what may be the next targets for the Department of Government Efficiency: public broadcasting, which has been losing ...

Feb 22, 202545 minEp. 800
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