Trump's Four Big Wins the Left Ignores, Plus Dem Identity Crisis, with Michael Smerconish, Emily Jashinsky, and Rich Lowry
Mark Halperin opens today’s show with his new signature reported monologue on the implications of the Democrats’ refusal to acknowledge the major accomplishments of the Trump presidency. He explains why these wins are still shaping the political landscape, and how the left’s continued denial of what’s ruined the party’s brand could cost them in the midterms and heading into 2028. Then, Rich Lowry and Emily Jashinsky join to break down the latest culture war flashpoints—from the viral backlash to Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad to the bizarre trend of branding denim ads as fascist. The panel unpacks what these online meltdowns reveal about Gen Z, media influence, and the risks Democrats face by letting social media outrage steer their message. Also, Michael Smerconish joins the show and examines the Democratic Party’s deepening identity crisis. He and Mark explore why the party struggles to define itself beyond opposition to Trump, how cultural fear has replaced moral clarity, and what it will take to rebuild a broader, more coherent coalition before 2028.
--------
1:16:57
--------
1:16:57
Why the Epstein Story is Sticking, Ro Khanna’s Quest for Answers, and What the Media is Ignoring
Today, Mark Halperin breaks down why the Trump–Epstein scandal won’t go away—and why it may be more politically dangerous than any controversy Trump has faced before. He unpacks what to watch for in Trump’s social media posts and what might be driving his cryptic responses to questions about Ghislaine Maxwell.Then, Rep. Ro Khanna explains why Epstein has become the defining symbol of government transparency—and why Congress must act now to stop the conspiracy spiral. He lays out the bipartisan push for a new investigation and why the pressure for answers is hitting a breaking point.Plus, Dan Turrentine and Batya Ungar-Sargon join Mark to debate what the media is missing while the Trump–Epstein story dominates the headlines—from Tulsi Gabbard’s explosive “deep state” allegations to whether Hillary Clinton lost in 2016 because of Russia… or her own campaign.
--------
1:12:50
--------
1:12:50
The Five Wars Shaping American Politics, Exclusive New NYC Mayor Poll, and Hunter Biden Uncensored
Mark kicks off today’s show breaking down the five biggest hot political wars dominating American politics—from Rahm Emanuel’s escalating battle with the progressive left to Trump’s ongoing feud with The Wall Street Journal and the Murdoch empire. Mark unpacks how these high-stakes fights are reshaping the parties, the media, and more. Then, new NYC mayoral polling sparks a fierce debate: can Andrew Cuomo actually beat Zohran Mamdani? Mark is joined by David Burrelland John Podhoretz to analyze the numbers, dissect the only path left for Cuomo to win, and explore why Mamdani’s support surge among young, childless voters. Meanwhile, James Carville warns Democrats they cannot let Mamdani define the party —and he’s not alone in raising alarms about the left’sinfluence. Also, Ben Ferguson joins to react to Hunter Biden’s extraordinary new claims involving Ambien, crack, and George Clooney. He and Mark discuss what the revelations say about the president’s state of mind during the debate. They also take a hard look at the deeper identity crisis inside the Democratic Party and ask whether it’s become too fractured to lead. Plus, celebrating the surprise return of Ted Lasso!
--------
1:17:44
--------
1:17:44
Megyn Kelly on Epstein, MAGA Fury, the Loyalty Test Trump Didn’t Expect, Plus the End of the Elites
Today, Mark Halperin sits down exclusively with Megyn Kelly for a deep dive on Epstein, why the scandal hits Trump’s base in a uniquely personal way, and why it’s not the political deal breaker the left might hope. Megyn reveals the unanswered questions that still matter to MAGA, why firing Comey’s daughter isn't the "scalp" that will satisfy the need for accountability, and why Pam Bondi might be the story's next casualty. She also explains why this may be the closest Trump has come to his “shoot someone on Fifth Avenue” moment.Then, Mark’s report on how Jeffrey Epstein came to embody the populist revolt against elite power and institutional failure. He traces how the saga evolved from a lurid scandal into a potent political metaphor—and shares what Trump told him back in 2016 about Epstein as a looming problem long before it exploded into the mainstream. But did Trump see the scandal coming for him? Mark has the inside story.Done with Debt: https://www.DoneWithDebt.comAmerican Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. 866-886-2026 or visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/Next . NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.orgPaleo Valley: Visit https://paleovalley.com and use code NEXTUP at checkout to get 15% off your first order
--------
1:03:30
--------
1:03:30
Tapper’s New Biden Cover-Up Spin Blames Trump, NBC Autopen Flop, and Talking Politics with Brit Hume
Mark opens with a sharp look at the latest in media malpractice—the press’ increasingly absurd cover-up of its own cover-up of Joe Biden’s cognitive decline. Rather than taking responsibility for their role in downplaying the president’s condition, reporters like CNN’s Jake Tapper are now spinning a new narrative: blame it all on “Trump-ness.” Plus, Hugh Hewitt’s enabling interview with the Original Sin authors raises tough questions about accountability in journalism—and whether the truth will ever be acknowledged by the co-conspirators.Then, a can’t-miss conversation with legendary newsman Brit Hume, Chief Political Analyst for Fox News. Mark and Brit break down the skewed priorities of major newsrooms, NBC’s embarrassing auto-pen “scoop,” and why Brit believes the Epstein files are “startlingly unimportant.”From there, it’s all things politics: Brit on why Trump 2.0 is a very different presidency, the meteoric rise of JD Vance, and an early look at the 2028 Democratic field—can Kamala Harris or Gavin Newsom lead the Left into the future?PLUS: Mark Halperin unveils the official name for his loyal audience.Birch Gold: Text NEXT to 989898 and get your free info kit on goldPaleo Valley: Visit https://paleovalley.com and use code NEXTUP at checkout to get 15% off your first orderAmerican Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. 866-886-2026 or visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/Next . NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Next Up with Mark Halperin delivers unique political insight and reporting, with timely conversations featuring prominent voices in politics, media, and policy.
Canada - english