RealClearPolitics Podcast

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Today’s Primary Elections Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss today’s primary elections including new polling from South Carolina’s special election for the GOP senate nomination. Also, the Wall Street Journal reports states are making efforts to clean up their voting rolls in anticipation of attacks by the Trump Administration this fall. Then, Peter Berkowitz, author Explaining Israel: The Jewish State, the Middle East, and America, joins Andrew and Tom to talk about the state of U.S./Israel relations in the wake of Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of the Trump Administration’s latest peace plan for Gaza. Also, Israel’s reaction to the new defense pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Then finally, Andrew, Tom and Sean discuss Hunter Biden’s recent appearance on Tucker Carlson’s podcast and the politics of the declining crime rate in America, as both Democrats and Republicans take credit for long-term downward trends in criminality. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Previewing Key Primary Races in Wisconsin and Minnesota Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and RCP contributor and attorney Richard Porter preview tomorrow’s key primary races in Wisconsin and Minnesota and look at tomorrow’s special election to name a Republican candidate to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina on this fall’s ballot. Next, they discuss Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's (D-NY) remarks on the excesses of what she calls “Woke 1” and her Instagram stories that started this weekend describing the experience of freezing her eggs. Also, they talk about Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed distanced himself from streamer Hassan Piker’s remarks on America “deserving” 9-11. And finally, they discuss Todd Blanche’s confirmation as U.S. Attorney General and the WNBA forming a task force to determine who can play in the league following two former NBA players announcing that they want to join the 2027 WNBA draft. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will There Be a Third Political Party? Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP national correspondent Susan Crabtree discuss Tucker Carlson and the possible formation of a third political party, and how Democrats are closing ranks behind Abdul Al-Sayed since his victory in Tuesday’s Democratic senatorial primary. Then, J. Peder Zane of RealClear Investigations joins the crew to discuss Anthony Fauci’s presidential pardon and the origins of the COVID virus. Next, they discuss the introduction of the Right to Worship Act yesterday by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.). And lastly, they all deliver 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.

The Senate Stalls Vacation Time Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP White House correspondent Carolina Lumetta discuss what is happening in the U.S. Senate, which is staying in session to deal with issues including the SAVE America Act and confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General. Then, Washington Post columnist and author of the Margin of Victory newsletter Henry Olsen joins the show to discuss lessons from Tuesday’s Democratic primary results and today’s primaries in Tennessee. And finally, Air Force Brigadier General John Teichert (Ret.) joins the team to discuss a possible agreement between Oman and Iran to open the Straits of Hormuz, whether American forces are running low on munitions, and whether a strategy of “strategic interdiction” - which would include striking high-value economic targets like Kharg Island - should be adopted by the U.S. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reviewing the Results of Yesterday's Primaries Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss the results of key primaries held yesterday in Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Virginia and Washington State. Then, they talk about “candidate quality” problems facing the GOP in the midterms, including Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) who dropped out last night after House censure over “persistent and inappropriate conduct” toward two female staffers, Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) who plans to remain in the race despite facing allegations of domestic abuse, and Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ) who disappeared for four months while being treated for depression, but signed off on four stock transaction reports as required by Congress. Next, they discuss the politics of abortion in Kansas, where voters rejected an initiative that would have changed the way state supreme court justices are chosen. And finally, they talk about Maryland state lawmakers advancing a plan to put redistricting on the ballot this fall, in a move designed to eliminate the one reliably red district in the state, prompting one Eastern Shore representative to call for secession and a new state that he calls “Mardelva” that would combine parts of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. 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 Primaries in Five States Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss today’s key primaries in Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Virginia and Washington State. Then, former Secretary of Education and senior advisor with Bellwether Education Partners Jim Peyser joins the guys to discuss what is behind the “Mississippi Miracle,” the remarkable improvement in reading and math by Mississippi students, as evidenced in the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress report. Next, they talk about the “billionaires’ tax” in California, which was endorsed this weekend by the California Democratic Party over the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra. And finally, they discuss a new Gallup poll that shows Americans approval of the Supreme Court is at record lows, while Kamala Harris this weekend endorsed the idea of expanding the court from nine to 13 members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reviewing the Summit Meeting of the Democratic Socialists of America Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss this weekend’s summit meeting of the Democratic Socialists of America in Chicago, and they also discuss coverage of the storming of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on the tip of North Africa by 50,000 Moroccans. Then, RCP White House correspondent Carolina Lumetta joins the guys to discuss President Trump’s statements about US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro following her decision not to press charges against David Hearn, who had been accused of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. And, they also take a look at Todd Blanche’s nomination for US Attorney General, preparations for the Grand Prix race in downtown Washington, DC, and the President’s announcement that talks with Iran will resume today. Next, they discuss HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s heated exchange with CNN host Dana Bash on Sunday. And finally, they talk about the drama surrounding Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) amid calls from his former father-in-law Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) for the congressman to withdraw over accusations of spousal abuse, and whether Miller’s seat, in a reliably red district, is now in play. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who Hacked into Our Water Facilities? Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the recent hacking of water treatment facilities in Minnesota and other states, which have been attributed by some to Iranian-backed groups. They also talk about President Donald Trump announcing a breakthrough in the Gaza peace process. Then, Byron York, chief political correspondent for The Washington Examiner, joins the guys to discuss the state of the midterms, which are now just 95 days away. Next, they discuss the potential political impact of news that Maine Democratic senate candidate Troy Jackson is romantically involved with his second cousin, with whom he has two sons. And then finally, the guys give 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.

Zohran Mamdani Releases Names on the Millionaire Tax Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s release of the names, addresses and assessed property values of 960,000 New Yorkers who he says may be subject to the new “pied-a-terre tax” aimed at high net worth, part-time city residents. Also, new polling shows Democratic Socialists have broad support inside the Democratic Party, but would not fare well in a general election. Next, they discuss yesterday’s Senate hearing where Anthony Fauci asserted his Fifth Amendment rights 111 times, and what comes next. And then they talk about a Wisconsin brewer who promised to give out free beer if President Trump died and is now set to lose his alcohol permit over charges that he illegally transported beer over state lines. Also Ryder Williams, a 16-year-old California lifeguard who recently rescued a ten-year-old boy from drowning in the ocean, will be honored at the White House by President Trump. 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 Senate Hearing on the Origins of Covid 19 Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP contributor and attorney Richard Porter discuss today’s Senate hearing on the origins of Covid with Anthony Fauci, who answered every question from the committee by asserting his fifth amendment rights. Then, RealClear Investigations senior reporter James Varney joins Andrew and Carl to discuss his latest article “Biden Bucks: Climate Change Funds a Bonanza for State Outfits,” which looks at huge grants awarded to state agencies in the final months of the Biden Administration for green energy projects, and the Trump Administration’s attempt to claw the money back. Next, they talk about the schedule for the 2028 Democratic primaries, which will start in South Carolina on January 22, and which potential candidates are helped and hurt by the order. And finally, they look at the GOP contest for the 2028 presidential nomination, and whether there are candidates other than Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio who may get into the race. 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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