RealClearPolitics Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Are We Winning the War? Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest news on The Iran War, including the seizure of an Iranian flagged freighter by the U.S. Navy and the prospects for a second round of peace talks. Then, Fox News contributor Mary Katherine Hamm joins the guys to discuss “MAHA moms” and what the GOP can do to appeal to them in the midterms. Also, Maine Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner is accused of making a Nazi salute at a political rally, drawing comparisons to coverage of Elon Musk. Then finally, they discuss a new article in the Atlantic alleging FBI Director Kash Patel is an excessive drinker, and that current and former government officials worry that his behavior constitutes a national security risk. Patel denies the story and has threatened to sue the magazine for libel. Plus, they chat about the Democratic National Committee which has narrowed the list of potential hosts for their 2028 convention to five cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Philadelphia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Straits of Hormuz are Open Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest news on the opening of the Straits of Hormuz, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s use of biblical metaphors describing the War in Iran, and Republicans in Congress who oppose the White House on FISA reauthorization and Haitian deportation. Then, they talk about California Governor Gavin Newsom’s use of $1.5 million in campaign funds to purchase copies of his new autobiography, accounting for two-thirds of the book’s total print sales. Also, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) faces charges of sexual misconduct, according to Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and President Trump’s plans to build a memorial arch gained approval of the DC Commission of Fine Arts, whose members are named by the White House. Next, they chat about the politics of the decision by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund to cease support for LIV Golf. And finally, the guys dish up their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories for the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zoran Mamdani's Revolutionary Plans for New York Apr 16, 2026

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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his proposal to set up five city-run grocery stores, and the new “pied-à-terre” tax on second homes valued at more than $5M in New York City. Then, they talk about Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s referral to the Justice Department for an investigation into two former government employees who played central roles in the effort to impeach President Trump. And, a new 900-page review from the Justice Department that says President Biden’s Attorney General Merrick Garland requested far harsher prison sentenced for pro-lifers than for pro-choicers when charged with similar crimes. Next, they discuss today’s special congressional election in New Jersey to fill the seat previously held by Governor Mikie Sherrill. And finally, they chat about new polling on the Virginia redistricting referendum, the California governor’s race, and the Democratic primary for Senate in Michigan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2026 Senate Midterms in Maine, Texas and Other States Apr 15, 2026

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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the 2026 Senate midterms in Maine, Texas and other states, and what those races say about who is the true leader of the Democratic Party right now. Then, RCP contributor Richard Porter joins the guys to discuss his article on the front page of RCP today on the politics of regulating artificial intelligence. Next, they talk about the political futures of two members of Congress from Florida who face possible expulsion over ethics violations: Republican Corey Mills who is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee for allegations of dating violence and campaign finance violations, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick who is charged with stealing $5 million in disaster relief funds. And finally, they discuss House Democrats introducing a bill on Tuesday to create a bipartisan panel with the power to remove the President under the the 25th amendment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rep. Eric Swalwell Resigns From Congress Apr 14, 2026

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Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Rep. Eric Swalwell’s announcement that he will resign from Congress, and whether fellow Democrats knew about his behavior before the revelations of the past week. Then, Matthew Bunson, Vice President and Editorial Director for EWTN and the author of the book Leo the Fourteenth: Portrait of the First American Pope joins the guys to discuss the war of words between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo, and whether the Iran War meets the various requirements prescribed by Catholic Just War Doctrine. Next, they talk about whether this year’s 11 percent increase in federal tax refunds will help the GOP’s case for affordability in advance of the 2026 midterms. And finally, they discuss the physical attack by ICE protesters on Turning Point USA reporter Savanah Hernandez in Minneapolis over the weekend, and whether her assailants will face justice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Donald Trump’s Move to Close the Straits of Hormuz Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and James S. Robbins; Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics; discuss President Donald Trump’s move to close the Straits of Hormuz after the failure of this weekend’s ceasefire talks and the electoral defeat of Hungarian president Victor Orban. Next, RCP National political correspondent Susan Crabtree joins the guys to discuss the fall of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) who quit the California gubernatorial primary after accusations of sexual misconduct, and what his withdrawal may mean for the governor’s race. Then, closing it up, they talk about President Trump’s Sunday social media post attacking Pope Leo XIV, and the results of this weekend’s Masters Tournament. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vice President JD Vance’s Role as Chief Iran Negotiator Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss Vice President JD Vance’s role as chief negotiator in this weekend’s talks to end the Iran War, and President Donald Trump’s social media post attacking Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson and other podcasters who have criticized U.S. and Israeli strategy in Iran. Then, Democratic political strategist Lanny Davis joins the guys to discuss his new book "Finding the Third Way: Lessons in the Politics of Civility from My Journey Through History". Next, they discuss tonight’s splashdown of NASA’s Artemis space capsule and the significance of the 10-day mission around the moon. And of course, they each give up their “You Cannot Be Serious” stories of the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Tentative Semi-Ceasefire in Iran Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon to discuss the ceasefire in Iran, the next steps in negotiations between Tehran and Washington and whether this is a “strategic pause” or the beginning of the end of the war. Then, they talk about the Democratic National Committee’s meeting in New Orleans and The Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network’s convention in New York City, both of which begin today. And finally, they discuss a new proposal from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) to place a moratorium on the construction of new data centers, and the effects of “Islamification” in Britain and what it may portend for America. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Iran Ceasefire Agreement Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the ceasefire in Iran, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s press conference this morning, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte starting a three-day visit to America today scheduling meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump, amid strained relations between the U.S. and its European allies. Then, they discuss the results of yesterday’s special congressional election in Georgia’s 14th district and the political impact of new allegations of sexual harassment against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) who is running for governor of California. Swalwell denies the charges. Plus, they talk about Medicare hospice fraud in California which involves hundreds of millions of dollars. Next, they discuss Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s release of New York’s “Racial Equity Plan” and his decision to delay free bus service for at least a year. And finally, they chat about CBS announcing the replacement for the soon to be canceled “The Late Show with Steven Colbert". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Countdown to Iran War Deadline Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the countdown to President Donald Trump’s 8 PM ET deadline for a resolution to the War in Iran, and what steps the U.S. might take if the Iranians do not comply. Also, Vice President JD Vance is in Hungary where he spoke about what comes next in the Middle East. Next, they discuss President Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton for governor of California yesterday, and today’s special election in Georgia’s 14th congressional district, where voters are deciding who will replace retired Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Then, they talk about Homeland Secretary Markwayne Mullin who said last night on Fox News that he would consider withdrawing customs officials from airports in sanctuary jurisdictions, which would disrupt international travel to major U.S. airports such as Chicago, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Philadelphia. And finally they look at a new in-depth piece from The New Yorker, examining the career and character of Sam Altman, CEO of Open AI, a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. 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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