The Government Shutdown: Week 3

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon have a discussion about the partial government shutdown as it enters its third week, and new polls showing who the American public blames for closing the government. They also discuss the Virginia governor’s race and campaign ads from both sides that focus on the issues of abortion and trans athletes in women’s spaces. Plus, they talk about new private texts that look likely to sink the nomination of Paul Ingrassia, the 30-year-old lawyer Trump nominated to lead the DOJ’s special counsel office. Plus, former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is out promoting her new book, but is dogged by questions about Joe Biden’s mental acuity. Then finally, Richard Kauffman, CEO of the Coalition for Green Capital, joins Andrew and Carl to chat about America’s growing demand for energy, and why he believes an “all of the above” approach to energy security must include renewable sources such as wind and solar power. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss reaction to this weekend’s “No Kings” demonstrations, and whether the marches harbinger a strong Democratic performance in the 2026 midterms. They also discuss whether the U.S. fight against the South American drug trade is heating up, as President Trump imposed new tariffs and cut aid to Colombia after Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized the Administration’s policy of firing missiles at alleged drug boats off the South American coast. Next, they wonder why President Trump granted clemency to George Santos, the former New York congressman convicted of wire fraud and identity theft. Santos had served three months of a seven-year sentence and was released this past Friday evening. Then finally, RCP contributor and former State Department official Peter Berkowitz joins Andrew Walworth and Carl Cannon to discuss the recent violence in Gaza, and whether the peace initiative that led to the release of 20 live hostages is already breaking down. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the indictment of Donald Trump’s former national security advisor John Bolton for allegedly mishandling classified materials. Bolton entered a plea of not guilty in a Maryland courthouse this morning. Then, they talk about two critical candidate debates from last night: the mayoral debate in New York City and the attorney generals’ debate in Virginia. And, they look at the New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, where with less than three weeks to go to Election Day, polls are tightening. Next, RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende joins the guys to discuss this week’s hearings at the Supreme Court on congressional redistricting, and they look forward to how redistricting may affect the 2026 midterms. And winding it up, they deliver this week’s “You Cannot Be Serious” stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon preview tonight’s New York mayoral debate and discuss yesterday’s appearance by Zohran Mamdani on Fox News, where he addressed President Trump directly and discussed Hamas, Israel and the Gaza peace process. They also discuss reports that Democrats are maneuvering to launch a primary challenge to Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) in 2028, and two 15-year-olds who beat former DOGE staffer Edward Coristine during a car hijacking attempt in Washington DC in August were sentenced yesterday. Each receiving probation, drawing criticism from the White House and Elon Musk. Then finally, they talk about President Trump’s claim that CIA operatives are inside Venezuela, and the legal issues around the sinking of alleged drug boats by the U.S. Navy off the Venezuelan coast. Plus, revelations by the Chicago Tribune that Illinois Governor J.D. Pritzker reported $1.4M in gambling income in 2024, which the governor’s office said he won playing blackjack. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the scandal concerning racist and antisemitic remarks made on a private Telegram chat by leaders of The Young Republican National Federation. They also talk about President Trump’s meeting yesterday with free-market economist, rock singer and Argentinian President Javier Milei. Trump promised $20 billion in loans to help Argentina’s struggling economy conditioned on Milei’s succeeding in upcoming elections. Then, they discuss the meaning and methodology of a new study that suggests the percentage of young Americans who identify as non-binary has fallen dramatically over the past few years. And lastly, they chat about the proposed plans to build what is being called the “Arc de Trump,” a 99 foot high memorial arch sited across the Potomac River from The Lincoln Memorial to mark America’s 250thanniversary on July 4, 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the reactions to a new Department of Defense directive that requires Pentagon reporters to sign an agreement that binds them to publish only information authorized by the DOD. Major news outlets, including RealClearPolitics, have refused to sign the document. They also talk about Barrack Obama’s appearance on Mark Maron’s final podcast, where the former president discussed President Trump’s policies on crime, the future of the Democratic Party, and his relationship with his wife Michelle. Then they discuss different Democratic responses to Trump’s role in the Gaza peace plan and the release of live hostages. And wrapping it up, they talk about recent protest demonstrations against ICE in Portland, which include a naked bike parade and marchers wearing inflatable animal costumes. Plus, a look ahead to this weekend’s “No Kings” protest across the nation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the release of the hostages from Gaza, President Trump’s address to the Knesset, and the global summit on the future of Gaza held in Egypt today. Then, they talk about Vice President JD Vance’s appearance on "ABC This Week with George Stephanopoulos," where they clashed over questions about Tom Homan and $50,000 in cash that he allegedly took from undercover FBI agents. They also discuss Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger’s response to questions about trans athletes in women’s locker rooms, and whether that issue will cost her in this November’s election. And, they chat about a House GOP proposal to withhold funds to jurisdictions that celebrate indigenous people’s day instead of Columbus Day, and NY Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to designate two statues of Christopher Columbus as historic monuments in order to keep Zohran Mamdani, if elected, from removing them. Finally, RealClear Defense Editor David Craig joins the guys to discuss the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and the role of naval power in future conflicts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the latest developments in Gaza, reaction to the awarding of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, and whether Donald Trump will win the Nobel next year. They also discuss last night’s contentious gubernatorial debate in Virginia between Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger. Then, RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks to NewsNation host Leland Vittert about his new book, "Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, And My Journey With Autism". And finally, the guys deliver this week’s “You Cannot Be Serious” stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Peter Berkowitz, author of "Explaining Israel: The Jewish State, the Middle East, and America", and former Director of Policy Planning at the U.S. Department of State; joins Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon to discuss the future of Gaza, the return of hostages and whether Trump’s peace plan will succeed. Then, the guys talk about last night’s gubernatorial debate in New Jersey and look ahead to tonight’s gubernatorial debate in Virginia. Plus, they chat about a new Gallup poll that shows a decline in Americans’ approval of key government agencies, part of a broader trend in declining trust of many public institutions. Then lastly, Edwin C. Hagenstein, author of the new book, "Vanishing Point: In Search of our Constitutional Future", joins Andrew and Carl to discuss how to view the Constitution in light of the current political environment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss former FBI director James Comey’s appearance in federal court in Virginia, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstruction of justice. They also talk about Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter’s exchange with local LA CBS reporter Julie Watts where she refused to answer follow-up questions on the campaign. Plus, Kamala Harris drops the F-bomb at a public appearance when talking about current politics, telling the audience, “these mother***s are crazy.” They also chat about Bari Weiss’s future as Editor in Chief of CBS News. And finally, Eric Trump talks to Tom Bevan and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about his new memoir, Under Siege: My Family's Fight to Save Our Nation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.