Next Up with Mark Halperin

Mark kicks off today’s episode with the January return of his signature “8 for ’28” reported monologue, revealing how the Democratic field is already shifting just months into the invisible primary. He walks through the latest shakeups in his rankings, why Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro remain firmly at the top, which candidates are gaining ground, and why others are slipping. Mark also lays out the biggest unanswered questions facing each contender — from fundraising and coalition-building to electability — and explains the tests he believes will determine who can actually win the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.Then Democratic strategists Karen Skelton and Patti Solis Doyle weigh in, offering their candid assessments of the field. They debate who truly belongs in the top tier, whether Pete Buttigieg has hit a ceiling, why Kamala Harris’s path back may be narrower than it appears, and whether 2028 could finally be Rahm Emanuel’s moment. The conversation also explores AOC’s upside, Ro Khanna’s recent surge of attention, and which candidates Democrats are still watching closely as the race begins to take shape.The episode also features an in-depth interview with Mike Rogers, who explains why he’s running again for the U.S. Senate and outlines his plans to fix Michigan’s future — from housing and manufacturing to AI, national security, and competing with China. Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/MarkExpressVPN: Visit https://ExpressVPN.com/MARK to find out how you can get up to four extra months.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin opens the episode with his reported monologue examining what the Minnesota shooting reveals about America’s deep Red–Blue divide — and why the national reaction to the tragedy says as much about our political culture as the violence itself. From the language used by leaders to the moral certitude on both sides, Mark breaks down how polarization is shaping conversations about grief, blame, and accountability.He then turns to the immigration debate, explaining why the left’s anger at ICE misses the larger forces driving the conflict — and how the Minnesota tragedy fits into a broader national struggle over enforcement, sovereignty, and political responsibility.Mark is then joined by Democratic strategist Hyma Moore and Republican Strategist Jeff Roe for a wide-angle discussion of where the immigration fight goes next, how both parties are positioning themselves, and what this moment reveals about the limits of political messaging in the face of real-world consequences.The conversation then shifts abroad, as Mark, Hyma, and Jeff break down why Europe is misreading Donald Trump’s strategy on Greenland — and what the confusion says about transatlantic assumptions, power, and negotiation under Trump.Finally, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joins Mark to explain how the Trump EPA is rewriting the rules on deregulation and enforcement, detailing the administration’s governing philosophy, the tools it’s using, and how environmental policy is being reshaped in real time. Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/MARK and use code MARK to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off.Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warrantyUnplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the "Little Marco" insults of 2016 to the most powerful foreign policy seat in Washington, how did Marco Rubio pull off the ultimate political reversal?In a new episode, Mark’s signature reported monologue looks at the strategic reinvention of Marco Rubio inside Trump World. While many rivals faded into the background, Rubio played a disciplined long game, with a self-styled roadmap to build key alliances with Ivanka Trump, JD Vance, Stephen Miller, and Susie Wiles. Mark also explores how Rubio became the "structural engineer" of the current administration's high-velocity doctrine, balancing finesse and muscle to confront global thugs.Mark is then joined by Republican strategist Kristin Davison and Democratic strategist Kevin Walling, to look ahead to the politics and governmental choices of 2026. Who are the Democratic standouts poised to challenge the status quo? From rising governors to swing-state stars, we’re mapping out the Blue horizon.Rounding out the episode, the legendary Jessica Reed Kraus (of House Inhabit) joins the show to spill the tea on the cultural-political crossover and her unique perspective on the stories the mainstream media won't touch or get right, including Epstein-Maxwell and Don Jr.’s wedding. Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/MARK and use code MARK to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off.Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today!Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A year in review through Mark Halperin’s most memorable reported monologues of 2025. From Democratic turmoil and seismic media shifts to explaining Trump’s political success and sizing up the road to 2028, Mark breaks down the forces shaping power, politics, and influence. Delta Rescue: Visit https://DeltaRescue.org to learn moreHome Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warrantyUnplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A look back at some of the most memorable guest conversations of 2025 on "Next Up with Mark Halperin."  Featuring Brit Hume, Joe Scarborough, Megyn Kelly, and Newt Gingrich on the stories, power dynamics, and political turning points that defined the year. https://hometitlelock.com/mark and use promo code MARK to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warrantyUnplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/MARK and order your UP phone today!Delta Rescue: Visit https://DeltaRescue.org to learn more Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.