RealClearPolitics Podcast

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss the political legacy of Pope Francis, who died today at the age of 88. They also talk about today’s visit to El Salvador by four Democratic members of Congress, and the Supreme Court’s decision this weekend to block the Trump Administrations’ deportation efforts. Next, they discuss new reporting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conducted a second group chat on recent Yemeni airstrikes, this one including his wife and brother. Plus, this weekend’s demonstrations in London in reaction to a court decision that the word “woman" refers to biology, not gender. Then finally, Maggie Miller of RealClear Investigations talks to journalist Joel Kotkin about his latest two-part article on the state of California’s politics, economics and climate policy.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss how voters view the Trump Administration’s economic policies, including the White House’s battle with the Federal Reserve, the gyrating stock market, and tariffs. They also talk about Harvard’s move to sue the government over Trump’s demands for university reform, and a Minneapolis case where a state employee will not be criminally charged for allegedly keying six Teslas causing more than $20,000 worth of damage. Plus, Florida Republican Representative Byron Donalds, who held a town hall in his district on Monday, and how to a mark the 55th Earth Day, which is today. Then, Carl talks to RealClear Investigations reporter Vince Bielski about his latest article on the surprising public school revival in southern states, with Louisiana and Mississippi leading the way.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Senator Chuck Schumer's decision not to oppose the GOP spending bill in order to avoid a government shutdown, and the angry responses to Senator Schumer from some of his fellow Democrats. Also, judges rule that Trump didn’t follow the law when firing probationary employees, but confirms the executive branch’s authority to reduce the federal workforce if done in accordance with existing rules and regulations. They also talk about the Trump administration's withdrawal of its nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and they look at Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s defense of deporting Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who has been illegally detained by ICE. Plus, President Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center and the broader implications of the Right’s asserting itself in American culture and entertainment. Then finally, Tom Bevan interviews Senator Eric Schmidt (R- MO) about his plans to end what he calls “a shadowy network of NGOs, tech groups and governments working to the censor the Left’s enemies”.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Elon Musk’s statement that he will be turning his attention away from The Department of Government Efficiency and towards his commercial endeavors, including Tesla. And they talk about Senator Dick Durban (D-IL), the number two Democrat in the Senate, announcing today that he will not run for reelection in 2026. Then, they discuss the FDA’s decision to ban food dyes used in popular processed foods like Trix, Doritos and Gatorade. Plus, they mull over Andrew Cuomo who is the frontrunner in the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City, but his campaign is being criticized for incompetence. Next, RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann talks to Virginia Democrat Rep. Don Beyer about the ongoing trade war, the problem with Trump demanding that Europe buy Ford F150s, and why the “creative destruction” of capitalism is a good thing. Beyer is formerly the Virginia Lieutenant Governor, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland, and chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association. And Lastly, Andrew Walworth talks to RCP National Correspondent Susan Crabtree about California and her coverage of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s Earth Day trip to San Diego, where he called on Mexico’s government to clean up the Tijuana River. Also, Fox commentator Steve Hilton announced that he is running as a Republican for the governorship of the state.

Peace talks continue between Ukraine and Russia, even as Russia claims that Ukraine recently staged its first attack within Russian territory - a helicopter raid against an oil depot 22 miles from the Ukraine Border. At the same time, Vladimir Putin is working hard to keep information about the war from reaching the Russian people. Is the US doing enough to pierce what some now call “The Internet Iron Curtain?” And President Biden proclaimed March 31 Transgender Day of Visibility, embracing some of the issues identified by the LBGTQI community. Is this smart politics on the part of the White House? RealClearPolitics Washington bureau chief Carl Cannon, national correspondent Susan Crabtree, and White House reporter Phil Wegmann join Andrew Walworth on today’s RealClearPolitics Takeaway podcast.