Four Truths About Trump and Iran, Netanyahu’s Gamble, and Bombshell Reports About “Leaderless” Dems
Mark kicks off the show with a deep dive into the four truths about Trump and Iran, and the fundamentals about his biggest foreign policy decision yet. He breaks down the underreported dynamics inside the White House, how U.S.-Israel relations are shaping global responses, why the real divide goes far beyond MAGA, and what Trump has—and hasn’t—decided. Plus, a historical parallel to JFK’s handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and why Trump’s critics may be misunderstanding both his instincts and strategy. Then, Dan Senor, host of the “Call Me Back” podcast, joins the show to break down the U.S.–Israel relationship in the context of the Iran crisis. He and Mark explore Netanyahu’s strained history with American presidents, whether it’s already too late to reach a diplomatic resolution with Iran, and why comparisons between Bibi and figures like Churchill or Kissinger may be more complicated than they seem—especially when it comes to Trump. Later, Democratic strategist Patti Solis Doyle weighs in on the Democratic Party’s post-2024 meltdown and why the party has yet to rebound from the election “massacre.” The former Hillary Clinton campaign manager reacts to scathing new reports about dysfunction at the DNC, offers a blunt assessment of the Democrats’ attempt to cover up Joe Biden’s cognitive decline, and explains why the party remains rudderless heading into 2026 and 2028. Plus, Mark and Patti discuss the future of the party: is anyone on the Democratic team capable of leading the party out of what she calls a “messageless” and “leaderless” spiral?
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1:09:41
U.S. Weighs War with Iran, Trump Faces MAGA Backlash, Plus David Mamet on Israel, Hollywood and TDS
Mark Halperin kicks off today’s show with a deep dive into Trump’s foreign policy philosophy, his instinct to avoid war, and the factors influencing a potential U.S. entry into the Israel-Iran conflict. Then, Mark examines the backlash Trump is facing from some in the MAGA movement, why parts of the isolationist right oppose a war with Iran, and what that might mean for the country and his administration. Then, legendary playwright, David Mamet, joins Mark to share his thoughts on Israel’s current position and why he believes Prime Minister Netanyahu is “bringing peace to the Middle East.” Mamet argues that Trump’s rhetoric might actually produce results—and that “being nice” isn’t a real strategy. Plus, Mamet weighs in on Hollywood, Democrats, Trump Derangement Syndrome, and more.
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1:04:24
Secrets to Staying Ahead of the News, What Trump's Really Like, and Mark's Dad on "Enemies" List
Mark Halperin kicks off the show by unveiling his unique reporting strategy that helps him stay ahead of today’s top news stories. Mark explains why the tougher immigration talk is coming, the potential real-world fallout of Israel attacking Iran’s nuclear program, and the China trade deal that highlights a concerning vulnerability for Americans.Plus, Mark explores the unpredictable Trump-Musk dynamic and why what happens next could have profound effects on real lives. Miranda Devine joins to share insights from her new Trump interview, discuss Congressional investigations into Biden, and reflect on how Hunter Biden’s laptop led to her big break. Finally, Mark and Morton Halperin celebrate an early Father’s Day, with Mark’s dad recounting how Nixon and Kissinger’s actions landed him on the enemies list, led to wiretaps, and much more.
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1:12:31
Raids, Riots & Roadblocks: California in Turmoil, Democrats Sidetracked on 2028 Plans
Mark Halperin kicks off the show with a deep dive into the California immigration protests—what’s really driving the unrest, how the media is covering (or spinning) the story, and why it matters far beyond the West Coast. He also breaks down why some Democrats publicly blaming law enforcement could end up boosting Trump and the GOP. Then, Mark turns to the road to 2028: revisiting the GOP’s successful—and still secretive—2024 strategy that returned Trump to the White House, and examining how Democratic infighting and DNC dysfunction are keeping the party from mounting a credible counterstrategy. Later, Batya Ungar-Sargon and Dan Turrentine join the conversation to explore the Democrats’ immigration dilemma, potential new leadership within the party, and how the Left’s messaging is driving working-class voters straight into Republican arms. Can Democrats win them back—and how?
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1:12:47
What Happens When Trump is Furious With You, and Rebrand Fails by Karine Jean-Pierre & Meghan Markle
Mark Halperin kicks off the show with the latest news about Trump’s current relationship with Elon Musk, reveals what it is like to have Trump both love you and hate you at the same time, and describes what it is like to get a phone call from a furious Donald Trump. Meghan McCain joins Mark to discuss failing rebrand attempts by Meghan Markle and Biden’s controversial press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre. Plus, Meghan says the media will finally drop the softball interviews during the former press secretary’s upcoming book tour and will make Jake Tapper’s brutal media blitz seem like “Disneyland,” by comparison. Then, Silicon Valley’s congressman, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), explains why Democrats lost the tech hub to the GOP, what the left can do to win it back, and why he thinks the Democrat 2028 nominee should try to be more like Trump.
Next Up with Mark Halperin delivers unique political insight and reporting, with timely conversations featuring prominent voices in politics, media, and policy.
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