The McLaughlin Group

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The McLaughlin Group Awards Show 2020 Dec 19, 2020

Show notes

The McLaughlin Group -- December 18, 2020

guest panelist this week is political analyst Shermichael Singleton

The panel takes a look back at the winners and losers, best and worst of 2020 in The McLaughlin Group's first ever Awards Show

Bonus topic: a look ahead at foreign policy under a Biden Administration

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Once More Unto the Courts, From China Not with Love, Mr. Musk Goes to Texas, Georgia Senate Dec 12, 2020

Show notes

The McLaughlin Group -- December 11, 2020

guest panelist this week is Rachel Bovard of the Conservative Partnership Institute

Issue one: Once More Unto the Courts

While the president insists that ongoing legal challenges will secure his eventual reelection and overturn what he says are fraudulent results, the courts suggest otherwise. The Supreme Court as been reluctant to accept Trump-related legal challenges. In other judicial-related news, Hunter Biden confirmed on Wednesday that he is under federal criminal investigation related to his tax affairs.

Issue two: From China Not with Love

In an Axios news report this week, Congressman Eric Swalwell was named as a suspected target of a Chinese Intelligence influence operation. Axios suggests that an officer from China's Ministry of State Security bundled campaign contributions for Swalwell and infiltrated an intern into his office.

Issue three: Mr. Musk Goes to Texas

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced this week he is relocating from California to Texas. While Musk will retain major operations in California, the move encapsulates a growing tech-exodus from the Golden State.

Issue four: Georgia Senate Races

Discussing the January 5th runoff races for the US Senate.

Plus: predictions!

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Toxic Transition, UFO, Iran, Biden's Nominees Dec 05, 2020

Show notes

The McLaughlin Group -- December 4, 2020

guest panelist this week is John Tamny from RealClearMarkets

Issue one: Toxic Transition

Democrats are showing increased outrage at President Trump's refusal to concede the election to Joe Biden. Republicans say Democrats and the media have no interest in investigating potential voter fraud. Will we see this resolved before January 20th?

Issue two: UFO

Earlier this year, the Pentagon announced the formation of an "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force" whose mission is to investigate UFOs that appear near military aircraft and facilities.

Issue three: Iran

Iran promised retaliation this week following the assassination last Friday of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Fakhrizadeh was one of Iran's most senior nuclear scientists, with chief responsibility for the military components of the country's nuclear program.

Issue four: Biden's Nominees

Unveiling his economic team this week, President-Elect Joe Biden called on the Senate to confirm his nominees.

Plus: predictions!

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Biden's Domestic Agenda, Biden's Foreign Policy, GOP Strategy, Trump's Future Nov 28, 2020

Show notes

The McLaughlin Group -- November 27, 2020

guest panelist this week is Kelsey Bolar, senior policy analyst at Independent Women's Forum

Issue one: Biden at Home

Joe Biden has a long wish list of programs and policies he intends to enact during his White House tenure. But with republicans looking likely to retain control of the Senate, how much of what Biden wants will he really be able to do? And how will Biden balance his agenda with that of the Democratic Party left?

Issue two: Biden Abroad

The President-Elect says he's determined to strengthen America's alliances and engage the world on shared challenges. But facing a rising China and nuclear proliferation challenges from Iran and North Korea, some wonder whether Biden's presidency will be shaped by events rather than shape them.

Issue three: GOP Strategy

Republicans are optimistic they will hold control of the Senate after two Georgia Senate runoff races are concluded. But how will Republicans approach their dealings with President Biden? Will resistance be the rule?

Issue four: Trump's Future

As he leaves office, President Trump is considering what comes next. The president seems set to maintain a regular presence on social media. But beyond Twitter, what plans are in hand?

Plus: predictions!

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Election Challenges, Biden's Plans, Iraq and Afghanistan, Social Media Giants Nov 21, 2020

Show notes

The McLaughlin Group -- November 20, 2020

guest panelist this week is conservative strategist Matt Mackowiak

Issue one: What Transition?

With President Trump's legal challenges persisting, Joe Biden this week suggested that any effective transition of administrations might not begin until he becomes president on January 20th.

Issue two: Biden's Plans

Joe Biden unveiled more of his governing agenda this week, moving towards the democratic left on student loan forgiveness. But as Biden grapples with the prospect of a GOP Senate, some analysts suggest he'll have to choose between executive actions and ensuing court battles, or a more moderate negotiating stance.

Issue three: 2,500

It was announced this week that by January 15th, 2021, troop levels would be reduced to 2,500 in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The moves might be supported by the American people, but some observers suggest that President Trump's reduction in US force levels is not consistent with his stated strategic objectives.

Issue four: Of Tweets and Posts

Discussing the battle between Republicans who say that social media companies are censoring conservative opinion in order to support Democratic Party interests, and Democrats who argue that social media companies aren't doing enough to deal with disinformation.

Plus: predictions!

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Biden vs. Trump, Biden Cabinet, Bye Bye Hong Kong, Vaccine News Nov 14, 2020

Show notes

The McLaughlin Group -- November 13, 2020

guest panelist this week is Kerry Picket of the Washington Examiner

Issue one: Biden Versus Trump

President-elect Joe Biden condemned President Trump for refusing to concede the 2020 Presidential Election. But the president was unmoved, asserting evidence of widespread electoral fraud.

Issue two: Cabinet

Progressives and conservatives hoping for some fresh faces and ideas in Joe Biden's cabinet are worried. A Politico report this week suggested that Biden intends to return many familiar, old Obama hands to high level positions in his administration.

Issue three: Bye Bye Hong Kong

Expelling four Hong Kong pro-democracy legislators this week, China found itself confronted with the mass-resignation of all remaining pro-democracy elected officials in the former British colony. The action formalized what has been known for months now, that Hong Kong is no longer a representation of China's claim to one country, two systems model.

Issue four: Good News, Bad News

A vaccine is finally on the horizon and likely to be available for emergency use by mid-December. This good news comes as US COVID infections average 100,000 new cases and 1,000 deaths each day.

Plus: predictions!

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Counting the Vote, Susan Collins and the Senate, Polling and the World Nov 07, 2020

Show notes

The McLaughlin Group -- November 6, 2020

guest panelist this week is Ryan Girdusky of The Washington Examiner

Issue one: Counting the Votes

In an exceptionally tight presidential race, Joe Biden inched state by state toward the magic 270 electoral college votes and victory. But pointing at what they allege were voting irregularities, the Trump campaign pushed for the Supreme Court to take action.

Issue two: Susan and the Senate

Trouncing pollster expectations, Republican Senator Susan Collins won reelection in her Maine Senate race this week. Across the nation, the Republican Party beat the odds in tightly contested races, securing the prospect of a continued majority.

Issue three: Polls and the World

Polls prior to the election were very far from the results of the election. What does this mean going forward? And what does it say that so many in the media relied so heavily on such flawed data sets? Also, what does this election mean for American allies and foes around the world?

Plus: predictions!

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Key Swing States, The Senate, and What's Next After The Election? Oct 31, 2020

Show notes

The McLaughlin Group -- October 30th, 2020

guest panelist this week is Alexander Heffner of PBS

Issue One: Key Swing States

On Tuesday Americans will decide wether to re-elect President Donald Trump for a second term or give former Vice President Joe Biden the opportunity to form the next government. While Biden leads in polls, Republicans are optimistic with The Presidents rising numbers in key swing states that will determine who wins.

Issue Two: The Senate

Once assumed to be a re-election shoe in Lindsey Graham (R-SC) fears for his Senate seat. Grahams worries reflect a broader GOP concern, polling suggest that Democrats may seize the senate on Tuesday. The outcome will depend on 13 key races in 12 stats.

Issue Three: What's Next?

What will it mean if Joe Biden and more liberal democrats expand the governments roll in society? and on the other hand what would a 2-term Trump mean for our relationship with China and the character of our national discourse?

Plus, Predictions of the Presidential Election outcome.

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Presidential Debate, Campaign Final Run, Global Potpourri Oct 24, 2020

Show notes

The McLaughlin Group -- October 23, 2020

guest panelist this week is Ryan Girdusky of The Washington Examiner

Issue one: Presidential Debate

Debating Thursday, President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden exchanged sharp blows, each characterizing the other as unworthy of the nation's highest office. What are the key takeaways? Will the debate shift anything politically?

Issue two: Campaign Final Run

With the election just 11 days away, both campaigns escalated their final runs for votes. Former President Obama broke with his predecessors' protocol in campaigning against his successor and held his first in-person campaign appearance. Meanwhile, President Trump held rallies in key swing states.

Issue three: Around the World in Ten Minutes

Pope Francis offered support for same-sex civil unions, French President Emmanuel Macron advanced legislation to emphasize the secular foundations of the Fifth Republic, and the European Union recommenced trade talks with Britain.

Plus: predictions!