Next Up with Mark Halperin

Mark Halperin officially kicks off the 2028 presidential race with the debut of his “Invisible Primary Rankings” in his reported monologue. Who’s really ahead to lead the Democratic Party next? It’s not just about early voting states anymore. Mark ranks the contenders across categories that matter — from who owns the digital space to who passes the “hang test.” Buttigieg or Shapiro? AOC or Newsom? Who’s connecting with the base — and who’s falling flat? This is your early, essential guide to the nomination campaign that’s already begun (even if no one’s admitting it yet). Then, it’s hot topics with Meghan McCain — starting with the rumored Katy Perry–Justin Trudeau romance and the “Trump trauma bond” that might explain it. Meghan also goes off on Sen. Cory Booker’s latest floor gambit, and why it is the perfect example of a man still auditioning for Hamilton. She and Mark debate the Sydney Sweeney/American Eagle backlash, and Mark shares why Meghan’s genes make her a “Gorgeous Maverick.” Plus: the one question Meghan would ask Trump about Epstein — and it’s not what you think. Finally, David Bahnsen joins with news you can actually use. Is the economy booming or busting? Mark and David cut through the noise to explain what’s really happening — and what the Trump administration is doing about housing, education, and other costs hitting your wallet.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

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’s influence. 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!

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

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. Done with Debt: https://www.DoneWithDebt.com American 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 Paleo Valley: Visit https://paleovalley.com and use code NEXTUP at checkout to get 15% off your first order 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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

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 gold Paleo Valley: Visit https://paleovalley.com and use code NEXTUP at checkout to get 15% off your first order American 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

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s show with an in-depth analysis of Donald Trump’s decision-making process, breaking down the seven rules that guide his leadership. Mark explores how Trump’s instinct-driven choices, strategic use of chaos, and mastery of controlling the narrative have set him apart from past presidents—and allow him to effectively make choices and shape how his decisions are perceived. Then, Mark is joined by Batya Ungar-Sargon and Eric Bolling for an in-depth discussion on the changing landscape of immigration politics. The trio unpacks the real sentiments of Americans, exploring the complexities behind issues like mass deportation and the various stances within the MAGA movement. Plus, Michael Knowles from The Daily Wire traces JD Vance’s rapid rise within the GOP, from his Hollywood-blessed memoir to becoming one of the party’s most influential figures—perhaps even its future leader. Michael reveals to Mark the secret behind Ben Shapiro’s success, and the two try to answer a tough question: can Republicans be Swifties, too?

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s show with a hard look at the political and media fallout still unfolding as the one-year anniversary of the Trump assassination attempt draws near. In his reported monologue, Mark dissects how key Democrats and corporate media figures blamed Trump for the attempt on his own life—and how that narrative helped ignite the media credibility crisis now reaching a breaking point. And one year later, a central question remains: Who was the would-be assassin, and why do we still know almost nothing about him? Journalist Salena Zito joins Mark to discuss her explosive new book, “Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination Attempt of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland.” She recounts the moment the shots rang out in front of her, the chaos that followed, and how one small town became the unlikely epicenter of a national political shift. Plus, Emily Jashinsky and Dan Turrentine on Elon Musk’s third-party playbook, the media’s quiet retreat from the Epstein story, and what America’s appetite for conspiracy theories says about where the country is headed.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Mark Halperin is off of Next Up this week, but he joined Emily Jashinsky on her new MK Media show "After Party" - which you can subscribe to and join the party. They discuss the settlement between CBS News parent company Paramount and President Trump, the real reason CBS caved and paid Trump millions, the "dirty secret" about the corporate media, the state of the BBB, and more. Plus Emily on the way the Diddy verdict intersects with the end of the MeToo Era, and why Charlize Theron may look great but isn't as cool as she thinks she is, and is in fact part of the problem that led to the failures of the libertine lifestyle that has fallen out of favor with today's culture. Subscribe to After Party with Emily Jashinsky: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/after-party-with-emily-jashinsky/id1821493726 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0szVa30NjGYsyIzzBoBCtJ Social: https://afterpartyemily.com/

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s show by breaking down why Democratic rising star Zohran Mamdani may have more in common with Donald Trump than meets the eye. From his underdog victory over Andrew Cuomo to his working-class message about affordability in New York City, Halperin explains how Mamdani is reshaping the political conversation—and why some Democrats are uneasy about it. Then, Meghan McCain joins the show to share her exclusive interview with Second Lady Usha Vance. From parenting advice to personal politics, McCain reveals how she landed the rare sit-down and what the media-shy wife of the Vice President really thinks about life in the spotlight—and the MAGA movement.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Mark Halperin opens today’s show with his reported monologue breaking down the Left’s partisanship on an issue that should transcend politics: stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. While Democrat Senator Chris Coons praises NATO’s new funding commitments and agrees Iran must be stopped, he—like many on the Left—refuses to credit Trump’s role in those efforts. Plus, Mark explains why national unity is essential in times of war, how partisan divisions only serve America’s enemies, and how both parties are guilty parties. Then, Politico Capitol Bureau Chief Rachael Bade joins with a behind-the-scenes look at Trump’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. She also unpacks Speaker Johnson’s careful balancing act with Trump and how J.D. Vance is winning over the GOP. Finally, Sage Steele sits down with Mark for a candid conversation about walking away from her dream job at ESPN, finding her voice in politics, and leading with kindness in the face of public criticism.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Mark Halperin begins the show by exposing the way the dominant legacy media is doubling down on their double standards, the false way they covered the Elon Musk salute compared to Cory Booker, and more. Then legendary journalist David Ignatius joins to talk about the stalemate and war of attrition shaping up between Ukraine and Russia, why there's no path to peace right now, why Putin is able to withstand the need for a ceasefire because public sentiment is in his favor, how Europe and Trump are reacting to the current situation, and more. And Sen. Jim Banks joins to talk about the threat of China, why he and Elizabeth Warren are completely aligned right now on the push against NVIDIA, whether America should accept Chinese college students, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Mark Halperin breaks down why JD Vance is the runaway favorite to be the GOP nominee and president in 2028 right now, why the current slate of potential Democratic 2028 nominees are so weak, the way to build a "Frankenstein" candidate featuring all the Dems' best traits, and more. Then Newt Gingrich, author of "Trump's Triumph," joins to talk about Trump's unique brand of intelligence, his ability to act in the moment but also show patience, the way his "alpha male" energy helps him politically, the failure of the woke movement, what elites don't get about Trump and his appeal, a coming Democratic civil war between the AOC and Schumer wings, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Mark Halperin begins the show by describing the culture of Donald Trump's Washington in the second term based on a series of conversations he's had with lobbyists on both sides of the aisle. He lays out the keys to get on Trump's good side, his complicated relationship with billionaires, why he'll forgive but never forget, and more. Then Batya Ungar-Sargon and Bridget Phetasy, who also host shows on 2Way, to talk about why Trump is going to war with Harvard and other symbols of the elites, whether average people care about the fight, and more. Then Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres joins to talk about the state of his party today, how it can reposition itself for the future, and more. And Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, joins to talk about where Trump stands on the issues of medicinal and recreational marijuana, the state of the industries today and what might happen next, whether a federal law to reclassify cannabis could be coming, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

Megyn Kelly joins Mark to discuss her explosive interview with Jake Tapper, how she thinks Tapper fell short, and what he still needs to admit about his role in the Biden acuity decline cover-up. Mark lays out a plan for the media to fix its credibility problem, starting with the need for newsrooms to clean house. Plus, Sen. Tom Cotton joins to discuss the D.C. Israeli Embassy staffer shooting, why the U.S. can’t allow Iran to develop a dangerous nuclear capability, and how the influence of the woke left has declined but could come back if Democrats retake power.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

Mark Halperin breaks down Biden’s cancer diagnosis announcement and why the timing of it raises serious red flags. Mark explains the reasons why the Bidens can’t be trusted and warns that the media coverage since the announcement shows signs the press is already slipping back into the bad habit that cost them their credibility: the media’s mistaken belief that the Bidens don’t lie – even now. Plus, Joe Scarborough and Mark Halperin take their years-long private debate public for the first time on "Next Up." Scarborough details what led him to making the “best Biden ever” viral comment, and why he still believes Biden’s “bad days” didn’t mean he was incapable of governing.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Mark Halperin dives into the latest twists in the "Original Sin" Biden book rollout, Jake Tapper's changing PR strategy, how the media keeps failing as it misses more opportunities to win back trust with the audience, the "journalistic corruption" at CNN as Brian Stelter misses the real story in his coverage, and more. Then Meghan McCain, host of "Citizen McCain" on 2WAY, joins to talk about how Jake Tapper writing this Biden cognitive decline book is like O.J. Simpson writing "If I Did It," the McCain family relationship with the Bidens, how to fix the media, and more. Then Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk joins to talk about how the MAGA grassroots movement works, what MAGA thinks of the "big beautiful bill" coming up for a vote soon, their priorities and what they don't care about, the Bannon wing of the party vs. the GOP establishment, what he'd say to a meeting with Kamala Harris, the future of media, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

Mark Halperin exposes the truth about President Biden's cognitive decline cover-up, and why the real "Original Sin" implicates Jake Tapper and the press at large. Then Rich Lowry joins to discuss Trump's unusual China strategy and the media's attempt to avoid responsibility for Biden. And Sen. Michael Bennet on Dem failures and how the party can regain momentum.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Mark Halperin lays out why the Democratic party is in even worse shape than you - and they - think, the truth about polling on the Dems, the weak presidential field for 2028, and more. Then VA Sec. Doug Collins joins to discuss how the left and media are falsely spinning DOGE cuts at his department, the truth about what the Trump cabinet is really like, and more. Then Batya Ungar-Sargon joins to discuss Joe and Jill Biden on The View, the denial the former president is still displaying, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Mark Halperin begins the show discussing the two most powerful people in the Trump administration - Stephen Miller and JD Vance. Then Senator Rand Paul joins to discuss the negative comments he's hearing from his constituents about tariffs, the fallacies he says the need for tariffs are based on, why the trade deficit is "meaningless accounting," his efforts to fight "risky research," his favorite Trump admin disruptors, and more. Then Democratic veterans Steve Elmendorf and Karen Skelton join to discuss the state of the Democratic party, what they can learn from Trump, and what 2028 Democratic hopefuls need to change to win back voters.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Mark Halperin discusses his breaking news reporting that Mike Waltz is out as NSA, why there were rumblings about his role there even before Signalgate, how Steve Witkoff might be next up for the job, how a recent hit piece against Witkoff relates to this news today, what it actually takes to run for and become president, the need for that person to part of the national conversation, why Barack Obama was the gold standard, Gretchen Whitmer's shaky COVID history, Trump's interest in helping select both the GOP and Dem nominee, and more. Then California Governor Gavin Newsom joins to discuss why he’s not a “crazy liberal,” talks bucking his own party when he thinks Democrats go too far, and his thoughts on young men increasingly leaning conservative. Plus, is a run in 2028 Next Up for the California Governor? Then Jessica Reed Kraus and Jessica Millan Patterson join to discuss the successes of HHS Secretary RFK Jr. so far, the overall rise of MAHA as a common sense bipartisan movement, which Trump admin official they'd like to have dinner with, advice to the admin about Signal and other issues, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

On the debut of “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark starts with the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, the reality of the polls, what gets ignored by the partisans, how Biden's mental acuity decline cover-up destroyed the press’ credibility, the latest on Pete Hegseth and what could happen to him, and more. Plus, Sen. Ted Cruz joins to discuss the historic opportunity the Trump administration has to change the country, the two different paths for Trump’s tariff plan, what DOGE can do with the budget, 2028 Democratic contenders and more. Then Emma-Jo Morris and Marc Caputo join to discuss how the Trump administration is handling immigration and the economy after the first 100 days, the successes and failures on the border and trade, the top 5 Trump administration officials who have more power since the start of the term, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Next Up with Mark Halperin launches on April 29 - delivering unique political insight and reporting, with timely conversations featuring prominent voices in politics, media, and policy.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025