Will Zohran Mamdani Ruin NYC... or Make NYC Great Again? And Meghan McCain on Usha Vance Exclusive
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.
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1:09:18
Partisan Divide on Iran, Inside Trump’s Big Decision, with Rachael Bade, and Sage Steele Unfiltered
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.
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1:05:18
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.
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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