Talking Politics

Pressure is mounting on US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, after the Repbulican’s disastrous midterms results.
Vice President JD Vance has blamed the losses of both houses of Congress on the Iran War, which has drastically driven up the cost of living in the US.
President Trump is so far sticking by Hegseth but Tom Bradby and Jessica Taylor from The Cook Political Report discuss how long that will last.
Could a change in Defense Secretary alter the trajectory of the war?
Tom and Jessica also discuss whether impeaching Trump for a third time would backfire on the Democrats and whether it is Hegseth instead who could face impeachment.
With big wins for Democrats in traditionally Republican states, Tom and Jessica also discuss how tribal America still is.

Donald Trump's Republican Party has suffered a crushing defeat in the midterms - losing power of both houses of Congress.
Previously die-hard Trump states like Texas, South Carolina and Kansas have turned against his party.
Tom Bradby, Correspondent Robert Moore and Jessica Taylor from The Cook Political Report discuss the President's next move.
Trump has admitted that the Iran war and its impact on the cost of living has turned voters away. So is he ready to change tack?
The Democrats are set to control both houses of Congress but with the President ready to wield his veto on any bills they pass, the team discuss what will actually change.
And with the race now on for the next Presidential election, they assess the frontrunners for both parties.

Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt was given exclusive access to Andy Burnham during his first 100 days as Prime Minister.
Having interviewed him many times over the years, Daniel joins Julie Etchingham and Robert Peston to reveal what he's learned about the man behind the office - including some surprising similarities to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The team examine Burnham's first actions as Prime Minister, how his ambitions have evolved and how radical his first few months have really been. They also explore his very different approach to political communication, from near-constant TikToks appearances, and ask whether his social media strategy is helping him connect with voters or risks alienating some of them.
Watch Burnham: Inside The First 100 Days, a Tonight Special, on YouTube or ITVX.

The Chancellor John Healey has delivered this year's budget pledging to put £100 in the pockets of millions of people to help with energy bills as well as well as aiming to provide the “breathing space” businesses and families needed.
On today's episode of Talking Politics Tom Bradby and Robert Peston are joined by Political Correspondent Romilly Weeks and Economics Editor Joel Hills to react to the Chancellor's first budget.
Whilst several announcements were made the team described it as "a slightly nothing budget" which won't rock the political boat - something Prime Minister Andy Burnham may well welcome.

In the week of his first Budget as PM, Andy Burnham has reignited the debate over freedom of movement with the EU, arguing that an “honest discussion” is needed about how immigration has changed since Brexit.
On today’s episode of Talking Politics, Tom Bradby and Robert Peston examine Burnham’s case for freedom of movement, the economic arguments for closer ties, and whether the debate risks reigniting questions about race and immigration in British politics. Are we heading towards a fundamentally different, much closer relationship with the EU?
They also assess the challenges facing Burnham and his Chancellor as they prepare to deliver the Budget, including rising energy bills, mounting pressure on the public finances and the risk of a crisis in government borrowing.
Could a cautious approach buy the government time in an increasingly uncertain world, or does Britain need a more radical economic reset?