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Mark Halperin opens the latest episode of "Next Up" with his reported monologue on how President Trump’s decade-long war against the Dominant Media remains one of his most effective political tools. Mark highlights Trump’s unparalleled understanding of the news business, which, unbelievably, he gets better than journalists themselves do. Trump’s critique of the industry's flaws is as muscular as it is accurate, highlighting liberal bias, elitism, and a broken business model, all of which further erode the press’ credibility, which also energizes Trump’s base and conservatives at large. Then, former DNC Chair Jaime Harrison joins the program on a special occasion – his 50th birthday. Harrison offers an insider’s perspective on the Democratic Party’s fundraising challenges against the "billionaire class" of the GOP. He also dives into the heart of the 2028 presidential nominating process, noting that potential White House candidates do not yet seem to be lobbying for specific early states, and offers his prediction on the first-in-the-nation nominating calendar: South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Nevada. Finally, Emma-Jo Morris, Senior Consultant at Beck & Stone and co-host of The Group Chat on 2WAY, joins Mark to debate the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, arguing that the public supports mass deportation. She addresses recent criticisms regarding Vice President J.D. Vance’s temperament and stance on Israel, arguing that his "contemptuous tone" is a sensible and necessary reaction to hostile media frames. Morris also evaluates the current cabinet, offering high praise for HHS Secretary RFK Jr. while critiquing Kristi Noem’s performance. 120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20% Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/MARK and using code MARK. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin opens a new episode with a reported monologue on the shifting midterm landscape, explaining why Republicans are increasingly worried about a potential Blue Wave. He walks through new polling, historical patterns, and insider conversations that suggest what felt possible to sophisticated Republican strategists just weeks ago — keeping the House majority — for now has gone out of reach. And the clock could end working against the GOP, unless they make some significant changes, coupled with some luck, soon. Then Maureen Callahan joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on culture, celebrity, and power. Maureen and Mark break down why awards season is now driven by Oscar campaigning rather than performances, unpack the legal war surrounding “It Ends With Us” and the Hollywood players caught in it, and examine how fame and entitlement can distort family dynamics at the highest levels. The discussion also covers what is actually worth watching and listening to right now, from TV to podcasts, offering a sharp and unsparing look at the here-and-now culture. 120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20% Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/MARK and using code MARK. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin opens with his reported monologue arguing that America is losing sight of what matters by obsessing over elites, gossip, and political theater instead of grappling with the serious policy questions that matter. He makes the case that the media and political class are crowding out first-principles debates at a moment when the stakes could not be higher. Mark then turns to foreign policy and constitutional power, breaking down a revealing Senate exchange between Rand Paul and Marco Rubio that forces a hard rethink of what actually constitutes an act of war. The debate goes beyond partisanship and raises uncomfortable questions about American power, moral consistency, and the limits of executive authority. The episode closes with two deep dives on immigration. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joins Mark to discuss why the scenes in Minneapolis have unsettled the country and to wrestle with the most difficult deportation cases, the millions who fall between clear extremes. Then, National Review editor Rich Lowry offers the conservative perspective, laying out how the right is divided over deterrence, practicality, and whether there is any workable middle ground at all Cardiff: Get fast business funding without bank delays—apply in minutes with Cardiff and access up to $500,000 in same‑day funding at https://Cardiff.co/MARK   Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/MARK and using code MARK. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s episode of Next Up, Mark Halperin uses his reported monologue to go inside what really drove Donald Trump to change course on Minnesota. He lays out the specific voices that matter when Trump rethinks a decision and explains why media optics, internal pressure, and shifting political narratives pushed a rapid reversal — all informed by Trump insiders who really understand how he made the choice to head in a different direction. Later, Buck Sexton and Clay Travis join Mark for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from politics to culture to media. What starts as a playful debate over iconic duos quickly exposes a serious generational divide, before turning to how Clay and Buck managed to succeed in a time slot long defined by Rush Limbaugh. The episode wraps with a look inside Trump’s cabinet, as Buck and Clay explain why Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has quietly emerged as one of the administration’s most impressive figures and closes with a candid debate over who would actually make the stronger presidential candidate: Clay or Buck.   Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark Cardiff: Get fast business funding without bank delays—apply in minutes with Cardiff and access up to $500,000 in same‑day funding at https://Cardiff.co/MARK   Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/MARK and using code MARK. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump is leaning hard into foreign policy and national security, even as voters keep signaling they want answers on costs, security, and everyday life at home. In today’s reported monologue, Mark explains why second term presidents so often focus overseas and why that instinct can collide with midterm politics.  Davos isn’t Dayton, but the president just spent time in Davos dealing with Greenland, Europe, the Middle East, Ukraine, and more. Why? Then Mark is joined by Melissa DeRosa and Mark Bednar to test the administration’s core argument on Greenland and Venezuela. Can Trump actually connect those moves to tangible benefits for Americans, or is the message still stuck at the level of leverage and headlines? The panel also digs into the reported slowdown in low dollar giving, and what a $10 donor recession could mean for campaigns heading into 2026 and 2028. Finally, Mark sits down with Michael Knowles for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with the lasting impact of Charlie Kirk and expands into the broader story of coalition politics on the right. They talk faith and politics, the aftermath of political violence, the combustible immigration debate playing out in Minnesota, and a rapid round look at what the second Trump term has revealed about the people shaping it, including Trump himself. Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark  Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/MARK and using code MARK.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s episode with a sweeping reported monologue on Donald Trump’s escalating pressure campaign over Greenland and what it reveals about his broader foreign policy theory of the case and about his unique decision making style. Mark lays out five fundamentals about the president and this international controversy, from Europe’s dependence on U.S. power and Trump’s obsession with leverage to the idea that markets, not Congress or NATO allies, may be the only real constraint on how far he goes.   Mark then turns to Iran and the aftermath of the mass protests, breaking down why Trump’s decision not to strike was not a sign of weakness, but a calculated bet. He walks through the internal and allied pressure that shaped the decision, the risks of retaliation and regime consolidation, and why the story of Iran’s uprising may be closer to the beginning of the end than the end itself. Finally, Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik joins the show to explain what will actually matter in the 2026 midterms, why Trump’s standing on the economy is the central metric, and how structural realities in the House map could limit the implications of even a wave election. Sosnik also outlines what Democrats need to do to rebuild with working-class voters, why candidates define party brands more than messaging, and what traits the 2028 electorate may be looking for when the next presidential fight begins.   Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/MARK and using code MARK. Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/MARK and use code MARK to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark kicks off today’s episode with his reported monologue on the white-hot  fight over Greenland — and why Donald Trump’s push to bring the island under U.S. control is no longer just a provocative headline, but a brewing transatlantic clash with Denmark, Europe, NATO, and many of the 56,000 Greenlanders . He walks through the high-stakes national security argument, the political pressure building on all sides, and what this growing confrontation could mean for America’s standing in the Arctic and beyond. Then Morton Halperin joins the show to map out what a serious U.S. strategy toward Iran should be, including how America can support democratic change without blundering into another destabilizing conflict. Mark and Morton Halperin discuss what a post-theocracy Iran could look like, what U.S. policy should prioritize now, and what may come next as tensions escalate. Finally, Ben Ferguson and Yemisi Egbewole weigh in on how the Greenland fight could end — and what it ultimately means for Trump’s legacy. The conversation also zooms out to the bigger political landscape, as they break down why both parties remain trapped in Trump-era politics heading into the midterms and the early stages of the 2028 race.   ExpressVPN: Visit https://ExpressVPN.com/MARK to find out how you can get up to four extra months.  Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark kicks off today’s episode with the January return of his signature “8 for ’28” reported monologue, revealing how the Democratic field is already shifting just months into the invisible primary. He walks through the latest shakeups in his rankings, why Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro remain firmly at the top, which candidates are gaining ground, and why others are slipping. Mark also lays out the biggest unanswered questions facing each contender — from fundraising and coalition-building to electability — and explains the tests he believes will determine who can actually win the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Then Democratic strategists Karen Skelton and Patti Solis Doyle weigh in, offering their candid assessments of the field. They debate who truly belongs in the top tier, whether Pete Buttigieg has hit a ceiling, why Kamala Harris’s path back may be narrower than it appears, and whether 2028 could finally be Rahm Emanuel’s moment. The conversation also explores AOC’s upside, Ro Khanna’s recent surge of attention, and which candidates Democrats are still watching closely as the race begins to take shape. The episode also features an in-depth interview with Mike Rogers, who explains why he’s running again for the U.S. Senate and outlines his plans to fix Michigan’s future — from housing and manufacturing to AI, national security, and competing with China.   Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark ExpressVPN: Visit https://ExpressVPN.com/MARK to find out how you can get up to four extra months.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin opens the episode with his reported monologue examining what the Minnesota shooting reveals about America’s deep Red–Blue divide — and why the national reaction to the tragedy says as much about our political culture as the violence itself. From the language used by leaders to the moral certitude on both sides, Mark breaks down how polarization is shaping conversations about grief, blame, and accountability. He then turns to the immigration debate, explaining why the left’s anger at ICE misses the larger forces driving the conflict — and how the Minnesota tragedy fits into a broader national struggle over enforcement, sovereignty, and political responsibility. Mark is then joined by Democratic strategist Hyma Moore and Republican Strategist Jeff Roe for a wide-angle discussion of where the immigration fight goes next, how both parties are positioning themselves, and what this moment reveals about the limits of political messaging in the face of real-world consequences. The conversation then shifts abroad, as Mark, Hyma, and Jeff break down why Europe is misreading Donald Trump’s strategy on Greenland — and what the confusion says about transatlantic assumptions, power, and negotiation under Trump. Finally, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joins Mark to explain how the Trump EPA is rewriting the rules on deregulation and enforcement, detailing the administration’s governing philosophy, the tools it’s using, and how environmental policy is being reshaped in real time.   Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/MARK and use code MARK to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the "Little Marco" insults of 2016 to the most powerful foreign policy seat in Washington, how did Marco Rubio pull off the ultimate political reversal? In a new episode, Mark’s signature reported monologue looks at the strategic reinvention of Marco Rubio inside Trump World. While many rivals faded into the background, Rubio played a disciplined long game, with a self-styled roadmap to build key alliances with Ivanka Trump, JD Vance, Stephen Miller, and Susie Wiles.  Mark also explores how Rubio became the "structural engineer" of the current administration's high-velocity doctrine, balancing finesse and muscle to confront global thugs. Mark is then joined by Republican strategist Kristin Davison and Democratic strategist Kevin Walling, to look ahead to the politics and governmental choices of 2026. Who are the Democratic standouts poised to challenge the status quo? From rising governors to swing-state stars, we’re mapping out the Blue horizon. Rounding out the episode, the legendary Jessica Reed Kraus (of House Inhabit) joins the show to spill the tea on the cultural-political crossover and her unique perspective on the stories the mainstream media won't touch or get right, including Epstein-Maxwell and Don Jr.’s wedding.   Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/MARK and use code MARK to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today! Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A year in review through Mark Halperin’s most memorable reported monologues of 2025. From Democratic turmoil and seismic media shifts to explaining Trump’s political success and sizing up the road to 2028, Mark breaks down the forces shaping power, politics, and influence.   Delta Rescue: Visit https://DeltaRescue.org to learn more Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A look back at some of the most memorable guest conversations of 2025 on "Next Up with Mark Halperin."  Featuring Brit Hume, Joe Scarborough, Megyn Kelly, and Newt Gingrich on the stories, power dynamics, and political turning points that defined the year.   https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today! Delta Rescue: Visit https://DeltaRescue.org to learn more Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin opens the episode with his 2025 top political soundbites, revisiting the moments from politics and media that best captured the power shifts, internal party tensions, and national mood of the past year. From JD Vance’s viral confrontations, to Gavin Newsom’s rise, to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s dominance of the attention economy, to Ted Cruz–Tucker Carlson clashes inside MAGA, Mark explains why these clips mattered — and what they reveal about leadership, influence, and where American politics is heading in 2026. Mark is then joined by Dan Senor to discuss U.S. foreign policy and power inside the Trump administration. Senor explains why antisemitism thrives when leaders tolerate it, how political incentives shape silence on both the left and right, and why President Trump’s record on Israel has made him one of the nation’s strongest allies. He also breaks down how Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emerged as a singular figure in making U.S. foreign policy, wielding unusual influence through his close relationship with the president and his central role in managing global crises. Finally, Chris Collins joins Mark for a discussion about loyalty, justice, and what life looks like on the other side of a presidential pardon. Collins reflects on his status as the very first member of Congress to endorse Donald Trump in 2016, his experience with federal prosecution, and the moment Trump pardoned him just days before Christmas. He also offers rare insight into Trump’s private leadership style — describing a president who listens carefully, values loyalty deeply, and often behaves far differently in private rooms than he does on camera.   Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/MARK and using code MARK. Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today! Visit https://shopbeam.com/MARK and use code MARK to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin opens a new episode with his reported monologue featuring a “Next Up 2025 Media Review,” breaking down how the press changed over the past year and why those shifts matter for politics, public trust, and power. He examines the biggest winners and losers in media, identifies the most dangerous and hopeful trends shaping coverage heading into 2026 and beyond, and explains how structural incentives — not just ideology — are redefining what Americans see, hear, and believe. Mark is then joined by Rabbi David Wolpe for a conversation about the global rise of antisemitism. Rabbi Wolpe explains why antisemitism is a unique form of hatred rooted in conspiracy thinking, why too many people misunderstand where it comes from, and why confronting it requires moral clarity, honest language, and broader alliances across society. Finally, David Winston joins Mark to break down why the economy — and the views of independent voters — will ultimately decide the 2026 midterms. Winston explains how voters actually experience economic change, why perceptions are lagging behind real-world data, and how timing, cost of living, and credibility shape when people finally credit a president for economic improvement.   Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today! Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/MARK and using code MARK. Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s episode with the debut of his landmark new segment, “8 for ’28,” unveiling his deeply reported insider power rankings of the Democrats most likely to win their party’s 2028 presidential nomination. He walks through all of the top contenders — why Gavin Newsom sits at #1, what sets Josh Shapiro apart, and how Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris fit into a constantly shifting landscape. Mark breaks down the strengths, secret advantages, vulnerabilities, and political dynamics shaping this early field, using his decades of experience and fresh reporting to explain who actually has a path and why. He then shifts to the second four, examining the structural challenges and political pressures that may keep this group from breaking through in a crowded 2028 field. It’s a comprehensive, candid look at how insiders are handicapping the next Democratic nominee long before anyone officially enters the race. Mark is then joined by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for an in-depth conversation about the forces reshaping Arkansas. She reflects on how her high school experience has influenced her policy approach, why raising teacher pay has positioned Arkansas as a magnet for top educators, and how Walmart, energy innovation, and major employers are powering economic momentum across the state Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today! Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/MARK and using code   Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warrantyMARK.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.