RealClearPolitics Podcast

In this Memorial Day special edition, Andrew Walworth presents an extended interview with World War II veteran and author Bill Swanson. Swanson served in the US Marines from 1944 to 1946. He enlisted at the age of 18 and served as a rifleman in the Third Divisions’ Ninth regiment. He fought at Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Guam, and Iwo Jima. He wrote a book about his time in the war, which remained in a drawer for thirty years. Then In 2022, this remarkable book was published, with the title: The View from my Foxhole: A Marine Private’s World War II Combat Experience, from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima. Bill Swanson passed away on March 20th, 2023 at the age of 98, and on this day we remember him and all who served. In the first part of the program, John Sorensen and John Waters of RealClear Defense talk with his son, Jim Swanson about growing up in the Swanson household and the origins of the book. Then John Waters interviews Bill Swanson.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende discuss last night’s Trump rally in The Bronx and a new ad released by the Biden campaign at black voters. They also chat about some remarks made by Trump to a TV reporter after the rally about how he views Nikki Haley and whether he revealed his top three choices for a potential running mate. They also go over yesterday’s 6-3 Supreme Court decision regarding redistricting in South Carolina and the controversy surrounding Justice Alito’s flying of flags associated with MAGA and the January 6th attack on the capitol at his home and vacation residence. Then rounding it out, they have a special Memorial Day segment - Carl Cannon interviews historian Mark Salter (who worked as speechwriter and chief of staff for John McCain) about true veteran heroes of the past.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the strategy behind Donald Trump’s rally in the Bronx tonight and Nikki Haley’s statement yesterday that she would be voting for Trump. They also talk about new polls that show ticket splitting may be more common in 2024 than in previous elections and Florida Senator Rick Scott’s announcement that he will join the race for leadership of Senate Republicans after Mitch McConnell steps down. Next, they discuss today’s report by the New York Times that Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pressing to relax restrictions on the use of US weapons by Ukraine, to allow them to target missile and artillery launch sites within Russia itself. Also, they take a look at today’s House testimony by three university presidents about their handling of student protestors. Then finally, Andrew Walworth talks with Anne Rathbone Bradley, professor of economics at the Institute for World Politics and vice president of Academic Affairs at The Fund for American Studies about the growing bipartisan consensus over implementing tariffs and whether the era of global free trade is really coming to an end.

Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss the primary results for California and other states and new swing state polls that contain some good news for the Biden campaign. They also talk about the new polls from Harris that show what Americans know and don’t know about the economy and new court documents that reveal the FBI authorized the use of deadly force during the August 2022 raid on Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago. Next, Carl talks with Attorney Lanny Davis about the defense resting in the Trump Hush Money Trial and what happens next. And then Andrew talks with RCP columnist Charlie Tidmarsh about the alleged coverup at the NIH concerning the origins of Covid and the defunding of the Global Disinformation Index a British nonprofit that had previously received money from the State Department and other governments around the world.

Andrew, Tom, and Carl talk about new Gallop numbers and President Biden's edited speech. They also discuss an Email scandal involving Dr Anthony Fauci. Then Tom speaks with Sean Trende on the Top Ten perfect VP picks for Trump. And finally, Andrew interviews James S. Robbins on the ICC issuing warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu.

Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss the latest national polls and Ezra Klein’s recent New York Times piece on “Seven Theories for Why Biden is Losing”. They also chat about President Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College this weekend and the reaction to Republican Missouri Secretary of State candidate Valentina Gomez’ viral video campaign. Next, they talk about Senator Marco Rubio’s remarks on Sunday when he discussed mass deportation of illegal immigrants and whether he will accept the results of the 2024 election. And finally, Carl Cannon talks with RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about recent polls in Florida and Arizona, as well as other swing state polls.

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the Dems problem with the working class vote and the latest squabbling in Congress. They also talk about the sports star controversies involving Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker and professional golfer Scottie Scheffler. Then finally, Tom interviews Senator Tim Scott about Donald Trump's success with black voters, his thought on who will be Trump's VP, and civility in America.

Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, and Sean Trende discuss the debate about the presidential debates and President Biden invoking his executive privilege over the recordings of his interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur. They also talk about the Bob Menendez corruption trial and the Louisiana redistricting case. Next, Carl Cannon talks with Dane Strother about the Louisiana redistricting case as well as the 2024 Senate races. And finally, Tom Bevan talks with Susan Crabtree about the news that 2 illegal aliens were detained after trying to drive onto the Marine Base in Quantico. He also preview Susan's upcoming article on the sources of funding of the anti-Israel protesters.

Andrew, Carl, and Tom talk about President Biden’s video this morning agreeing to debate former President Trump, the conditions surrounding the debate format, and the future of the US Commission on Presidential Debates. They also discuss the results of yesterday’s Maryland and West Virginia primaries and Michael Cohen’s cross examination at the Trump hush money trial. Next, Carl Cannon talks with RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann about recent investigations of the FDIC which have led to calls for the resignation of Chair Martin Gruenberg. And lastly, Andrew Walworth talks with James S. Robbins; Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC and author of "This Time We Win: Revisiting the Tet Offensive"; about the parallels between today’s campus protests and student activism during the Vietnam War.

Andrew, Carl, and Tom discuss the New York Times/Sienna polling numbers on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and whether he fits the conventional profile of an independent presidential candidate in terms of identifying new issues and constituencies ignored by the two major parties. They also chat about some new political ads from Trump and Biden PACs and the politics behind President Biden’s announcement today of new tariffs on China. Next, Andrew Walworth talks with Josh Kraushaar, editor in chief of Jewish Insider, about the Jewish vote in today’s Maryland primary. And wrapping it up, Tom Bevan talks with Chicago based attorney and RCP contributor Richard Porter about new polling on the perception of racism and DEI programs among Illinois voters.