Next Up with Mark Halperin

Next Up with Mark Halperin

MK Media

#62 in Top Podcasts

Next Up with Mark Halperin delivers unique political insight and reporting, with timely conversations featuring prominent voices in politics, media, and policy.

Recent Episodes

20 episodes

Trump’s Iran Strategy Explained, the Mystery Behind Biden’s Health, and John Quincy Adams’ Remarkable Second Act

In this episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark uses his reported monologue to put to rest the debates over the “why?” and “why now?” questions about President Trump’s decision to use military force in Iran.  By looking at nearly half a century of statements from Trump himself and from his immediate predecessors, Mark illustrates how clear Trump’s rationale and reasons are for the historic decision, leaving space to ask the other important and germane war-time questions for the United States and the world.   Later, Mark is joined by Bob Crawford, bassist for The Avett Brothers and co-host of “The Road to Now” podcast, to discuss his new biography “America's Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick.” Crawford explains what drew him to Adams’ extraordinary life and why the sixth president keeps reappearing at key turning points in American history. He also recounts Adams’ remarkable second act after the presidency, when he served nearly two decades in Congress and became a leading voice in the fight against slavery. Finally, Dr. Raymond Scalettar joins the program to discuss the history of presidential health and the long-standing tension between transparency and privacy when it comes to America’s commanders-in-chief. He also weighs in on why concerns about President Biden’s health were not fully shared with the public.   Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/MARK   120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20% Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transcript
1d ago1:07:37

Gavin Newsom Opens Up About Dyslexia, 2028 "Veto" Power, and Past Marriage, Plus Trump's Strategic Iran Victory

This episode features an update on the latest in Iran and a revealing interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom. Mark opens with his reported monologue featuring an in-depth analysis of President Trump’s escalating conflict with Iran, scorecarding what appears to be early strategic and tactical wins while separating battlefield gains from political complexities. He breaks down what seems to be working for the administration, what it means for America as a whole, and the major risks and warning signs that could turn early success into mission creep, regional instability, or something far more difficult to contain. After that, Governor Gavin Newsom joins Mark for a deeply personal conversation about his memoir “Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery,” reflecting on his parents’ divorce, growing up between privilege and struggle, and writing the book for his children rather than for politics. He addresses the dyslexia debate head on, explains the disciplined system he uses to read and prepare, shares a never-before -told story about the “intervention” his children staged after learning about his first marriage to Kimberly Guilfoyle, and responds directly to the question about what would keep him from running for president.   120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20% Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transcript
3d ago1:08:10

Dominant Media’s Massive Blind Spots, the Key Midterm Ground Game, and James Rosen on Trump, Obama, and Scalia

In this episode, Mark Halperin argues in his reported monologue that too many journalists cover “politics” instead of “campaigns, leaving their audiences largely unaware of what really wins and loses elections. The vast majority of news coverage focuses on surface narratives and political gossip, leaving consumers in the dark about the asymmetrical campaign advantages that are the obsession of the pros. From data operations and AI-driven voter targeting to fundraising strategy and digital advertising, he explains how the craft of campaigning creates the edges that separate winners from losers — and determines who governs. Then author James Rosen joins to discuss why Justice Antonin Scalia remains one of the most consequential Americans of the last century. They explore Scalia’s originalism revolution, the controversy surrounding Bush v. Gore, and how Scalia’s legal philosophy still shapes the Supreme Court today, before ending on a lighter note with Rosen’s spot on Obama and Trump impressions and his deep knowledge of Beatles trivia. 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   Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transcript
8d ago1:12:18

Trump's Crucial State of the Union, the Key Difference Between 2016 and 2026, and AI and China Challenges

In this episode, Mark Halperin uses his reported monologue to reflect on how Donald Trump’s path from 2016 to today reshaped American politics — and why the country remains deeply divided in his second term. Drawing on signature moments with Stephen Colbert and Tucker Carlson, he looks at why what once felt to some  like a shocking political moment has now become a defining era, and why millions of Americans still struggle to understand each other across that divide. Mark is joined by Beverly Hallberg and Hyma Moore to discuss one of the biggest challenges ahead: how government should deal with artificial intelligence. They debate what role the president and lawmakers should play as AI transforms jobs, the economy, and society, and why government leaders struggle to keep up with technological change. The conversation also turns to the global economic race, as Alex Roy explains how China’s dominant rise in electric vehicle manufacturing threatens American automakers and the future competitiveness of the U.S. industry. From political division at home to technological competition abroad, this episode looks at the forces shaping where America goes next. Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/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 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transcript
10d ago1:11:24

How to Stay Ahead of the AI Revolution and What It Means for the Future of America, with Jeremy Jones

On a new episode of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark’s reported monologue breaks down why the AI revolution is bigger than most people realize and why millions risk falling behind if they don’t adapt now. He also breaks down AI pioneer Matt Shumer's rules for staying competitive in a rapidly changing economy, explaining how shifts in how people use AI today will determine if they succeed in the years ahead. Entrepreneur Jeremy Jones joins to discuss what it takes to build a business in today’s environment and how his life path led him into the AI world. He explains how campaigns, governments, and organizations are already using AI to track voter sentiment, test messaging, and potentially reshape political strategy. Plus, Natalie Winters and Rep. Joe Cunningham join to debate where both parties really stand on war, China, and the use of American military force overseas, and what it says about the future of U.S. foreign policy. https://shumer.dev/something-big-is-happening Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/MARK   120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20% Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transcript
15d ago1:09:54

8 for ’28 Is Back with Newsom Still on Top and Mark Kelly Added to the List, Plus Alfonso and Jashinsky

“8 for ’28” is back. Mark Halperin debuts his February rankings of the most likely next Democratic presidential nominee, breaking down why Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro remain alone at the top of the list and why some major names are still on the outside looking in. He explains what’s driving movement early in the 2028 field, and what to watch for as the jockeying intensifies.Plus, Republican Wisconsin congressional candidate Michael Alfonso joins to discuss winning Donald Trump’s endorsement at just 25 years old, his views on Trump’s policy record, and how younger candidates view future-oriented issues such as China and artificial intelligence.And, Emily Jashinsky weighs in on the Epstein fallout, explaining when controversial associations should become career-ending and how politics and media decide who faces consequences.120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20%Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/MARK.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17d ago1:06:40

Political Scandal Double Standards, the "Epstein Class" Divide, and Trump’s Cultural Impact, with Andrew Sullivan

Mark Halperin opens the episode with a deep dive into the changing standards of political scandal, from Bill Clinton in 1992 to today’s Epstein fallout. In what he calls a political “Wild West,” Mark explores why some public figures survive controversy while others are taken down, and what 2028 presidential hopefuls should be quietly worried about right now.Then Andrew Sullivan joins for a candid and wide ranging conversation about Donald Trump’s lasting impact on America. Sullivan argues that beyond policy, Trump has reshaped the country’s political culture, coarsened public discourse, and expanded executive power in ways that may outlast his presidency. He also weighs in on the rise of the so called “Epstein class,” the dangers of extreme wealth concentration in an AI driven economy, and why he believes governments may ultimately be incapable of fully controlling artificial intelligence.Sullivan closes by reflecting on the future of the Democratic Party, and who he would choose as president if he could hand pick the next leader of the United States. 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  ShipStation: Streamline your shipping and save up to 15 hours a week with ShipStation—try it free for 60 days at https://ShipStation.com using code NEXTUP.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.

22d ago1:13:38

How China is Weaponizing America's Immigration System, with Peter Schweizer, PLUS Why Ossoff Has Democrats Buzzing

In this episode of Next Up, Mark Halperin opens with his reported monologue on how a recent speech by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has Democrats energized and Republicans quietly concerned. Mark breaks down how Ossoff skillfully fused outrage at Donald Trump with economic populism, optimism, and disciplined messaging in a way many Democrats now see as a potential template for the 2026 midterms and beyond.Mark is then joined by New York Times bestselling author Peter Schweizer for a wide-ranging conversation on what Schweizer calls the weaponization of immigration. Schweizer details how China exploits U.S. birthright citizenship through birth tourism and surrogacy, raises alarms about American flight schools training Chinese pilots who may later serve in the PLA, and challenges the idea that the Mexican government is a passive player in the migration crisis.Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/MarkShipStation: Streamline your shipping and save up to 15 hours a week with ShipStation—try it free for 60 days at https://ShipStation.com using code NEXTUP.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  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

24d ago1:06:15

Trump's Media War Strategy, the 2028 Dem Calendar, Immigration Narratives, with Jaime Harrison and Emma-Jo Morris

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.

29d ago1:12:57

How the GOP Plans to Stop a Blue Wave, and the Inside Story of Hollywood's Biggest Legal Drama, with Maureen Callahan

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.

2/3/20261:03:53

How Minnesota Sparked a National Immigration Debate, and Intra-GOP "War" Fight, with Rep. Dingell and Rich Lowry

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.

1/29/20261:07:36

The REAL Story of Why Trump Changed Course on Minnesota, and How Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Took Over After Limbaugh

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/MarkCardiff: 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.

1/27/20261:07:18

The Truth About Trump's Second Term Foreign Policy Strategy, and the Charlie Kirk Void, with Michael Knowles, DeRosa and Bednar

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/warrantyBank 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.

1/22/20261:13:19

What's Really Behind Trump’s Greenland and Iran Strategy, and the Truth About the Economy, with Doug Sosnik

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/MarkBeam: 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.

1/20/20261:07:21

Trump’s Greenland End Game and His Showdown with Europe and NATO, Plus Iran’s Next Chapter Revealed, with Ben Ferguson, Yemisi Egbewole, and Morton Halperin

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.

1/15/20261:10:21

Why Pritzker Is Rising and Buttigieg Is Slipping in the "8 for '28" Dem Nomination Rankings, with Dem Party Experts

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/MarkExpressVPN: 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.

1/13/20261:16:19

How America’s Red-Blue Divide Plays Into the ICE Shooting in MN, and Trump’s Global Power Plays Explained

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/warrantyUnplugged: 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.

1/8/20261:15:46

Rubio’s Political Resurrection and Power in Trumpworld, and Jessica Reed Kraus Spills Political Tea

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.

1/6/20261:14:07

Dems in Disarray, Bari Takes Over CBS, Trump's Success Explained, & A Look Ahead at 2028: Mark's Most Memorable Reported Monologues of 2025

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 moreHome 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/warrantyUnplugged: 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.

12/30/20251:06:38

Brit Hume, Joe Scarborough, Megyn Kelly, Newt Gingrich: Memorable Guests of 2025

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/warrantyUnplugged: 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.

12/23/20251:19:01