RealClearPolitics Podcast

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Trump, Iran, and the UFC: A Wild Week in Politics Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of RCP, Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest on ceasefire negotiations in the Iran War, last night’s UFC matches at the White House, and the progressive movement’s counter-programming to the UFC event. Then, we turn to the significance of President Trump’s 80th birthday, Elon Musk’s status as the world’s first on-paper trillionaire and the response of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT.) Wrapping up with a discussion on tomorrow’s GOP senate primary in Georgia and American fans reaction so far to the 2026 World Cup.

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Midterms, Mayhem, and Misinformation: The 2026 Election Landscape Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Bevan, Richard Porter and Carolina Lumetta discuss the House GOP's failure to pass the FISA extension, Trump's comment that he "loves the inflation," and the press's preview of the UFC "Claw" on the South Lawn of the White House. Then, Tom Bevan, Richard Porter and Emily Jashinsky discuss the CEO of ActBlue taking the 5th Amendment 21 times in yesterday's House testimony. We also discuss the new excerpt from Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan's new book on the Trump administration featuring the crisis over its handling of the Epstein Files. In the final block, Tom Bevan, Richard Porter and Emily Jashinsky discuss the start of the World Cup, the GOP's 6th straight win in the Congressional baseball.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the current political climate as we approach the midterms.

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The House Slips Up on FISA Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Tom Bevan, Richard Porter and RCP White House Correspondent Carolina Lumetta discuss the House GOP's failure to pass the FISA extension, Trump's comment that he "loves the inflation," and the press's preview of the UFC "Claw" on the South Lawn of the White House. Then, Tom, Richard and Emily Jashinsky discuss the CEO of ActBlue taking the 5th Amendment 21 times in yesterday's House testimony. They also chat about the new excerpt from Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan's new book on the Trump administration featuring the crisis over its handling of the Epstein Files. Then finally, they talk about the start of the World Cup, the GOP's 6th straight win in the Congressional baseball game, and the Knicks' historic comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Graham Platner’s Victory in the Maine Democratic Senate Primary Jun 10, 2026

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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Graham Platner’s victory in yesterday’s Maine Democratic senate primary and look at the GOP gubernatorial and senate primary results in South Carolina. Also, they take a look at a new AI attack ad running today in Texas against Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, and what it may portend for political advertising in the 2026 midterms. Next, RCP columnist and Hoover Institution fellow Peter Berkowitz joins the guys to discuss the latest developments in the Iran War, and strains in US/Israeli relations. Then finally, they discuss reactions to the sentencing of black high school student Karmelo Anthony, who received a 35-year sentence for the murder of 17-year-old white student Austin Metcalf in a Texas courtroom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Maine Democratic Senate Primary Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s Maine Democratic senate primary, and what it may mean for the Democratic Party nationally in the 2026 midterms. And, they take a look at the GOP gubernatorial and senate primary being held today in South Carolina. Next, RCP National Political Correspondent Susan Crabtree joins the guys to discuss the counting of votes in California’s primaries. Then, the guys discuss threats to Supreme Court justices, including the recent “swatting” of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. And finally, they chat about President Trump attending Game 3 of the NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden last night where the New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Counting of Votes in California’s Primaries Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the counting of votes in California’s primaries. In the Los Angeles mayor’s race, challenger Spencer Pratt has fallen to third place behind incumbent Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman. Also, a look at tomorrow’s Maine Democratic Senate primary, where controversial candidate Graham Platner is expected to win and face incumbent Republican Susan Collins in the November general election. Then, Prineha Narang, Professor in Physical Sciences and Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCLA joins the guys to discuss her recent RCP article on AI and America’s military and what the recent dispute between AI company Anthropic and the Pentagon may mean for the U.S./China competition for military technological dominance. Next, they discuss President Donald Trump’s appearance Sunday on “Meet The Press” where he walked off the set after host Kristen Welker pressed him on accusations of election fraud. And lastly, they talk about former “Sixty Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley’s interview to the New York Times this weekend where he said the program “is on fire” and that CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss “doesn’t know what she is doing.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Best of Real Clear Politics Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

BLOCK A Retired Air Force General John Teichert joins Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and Richard Porter to discuss the latest on the Iran War, including ongoing ceasefire negotiations and Monday’s U.S. bombing of Iranian targets near the Straits of Hormuz. BLOCK B Documentary filmmaker Hannah Puder joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon to discuss her new short film “Operation Arnon,” which tells the story of a rescue mission to free four Israeli hostages held by Hamas after the October 7th attack. BLOCK C Ajit Pai, former FCC Chair and president and CEO of CTIA, the trade association that represents the wireless communications industry, joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon to discuss the FCC’s role in regulating broadcast content, including late night programming. Also, a look at artificial intelligence and technological competition with China. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Miranda Devine's Interview with President Donald Trump Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Miranda Devine of the New York Post and host of the Podcast One podcast joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP contributor Richard Porter to discuss her exclusive interview yesterday with President Donald Trump, the nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General, and reaction to the naming of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence. Then, Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Richard Porter discuss yesterday’s contentious Congressional hearings that featured two Trump cabinet members: Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Next, they discuss today’s reports that former national security advisor John Bolton has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge concerning his handling of classified material. And finally, Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner of Maine cuts short his visit to DC, where he met with Democratic senators. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Primary Results from California, Iowa and New Jersey Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss last night’s primary results from California, Iowa and New Jersey and look ahead to the effect congressional redistricting will have on the 2026 midterms. Then, they discuss Sen. Bernie Sanders' (D-VT) proposal for a sovereign wealth fund that would take ownership of half the stock in major American AI firms. Also, they chat about President Trump signing an executive order that's designed to make AI companies submit new models for government review, and AI firms pouring money into house elections supporting candidates of both parties who favor federal over state regulation of the industry. Next, they discuss last night’s firing of long-time correspondent Scott Pelley from the CBS News program “Sixty Minutes.” And finally, they talk about the White House Correspondents Dinner which is rescheduled for July 24th and this time President Trump says he will attend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today’s California Primaries. Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP National Political Correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss today’s California primaries. Then, they talk about the tension at the CBS News program “Sixty Minutes” between veteran correspondent Scot Pelley and CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss over her choice of Nick Bilton as Executive Producer for the long-running news program. Also, today is the official publication date for former First Lady Jill Biden’s book on her time in the White House. Next, they discuss today’s announcement from the White House that Bill Pulte has been named as the acting Director of National Intelligence. Pulte will also remain in his job as head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. And finally, they discuss police body cam footage that was released yesterday from the murder of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student in the UK who was killed by a Sikh in Southampton who used a ceremonial knife to stab Nowak at least five times. Nowak bled to death shortly after being handcuffed by the police, who believed Nowak was the attacker. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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