Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down Donald Trump’s high-stakes return to the White House Correspondents Association dinner, his first appearance at the event as president. He explains why the event is a rite of passage, how past presidents have handled the comedy pressure, and what to watch for as Trump faces one of the toughest rooms in Washington.

Plus, Ben Ferguson breaks down the critical Texas Senate race and why Attorney General Ken Paxton could have a major edge over Senator John Cornyn. He also dives into what Ted Cruz is really like and what voters may be missing. Then, foreign policy expert Dr. Walid Phares explains why Iran could be stalling negotiations.

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Mark Halperin delivers a reported monologue on the growing uncertainty surrounding a potential U.S.–Iran deal, breaking down what’s actually on the table, the competing perspectives, and the high-stakes risks that could shape the outcome. “Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough joins, questioning who is really advising President Trump, raising concerns about the structure and effectiveness of the current war cabinet. He also explains why he believes Democrats are missing a key reality of the conflict, arguing the party is struggling to balance criticism of Trump and acknowledging Iran as a global threat. He also warns why a nuclear Iran remains an unacceptable outcome, emphasizing the importance of verification and enforcement in any deal.

Later, Scarborough reflects on the shift from MSNBC to MS NOW, offering new insight into his show and the network.

Former Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Neera Tanden also joins to outline what Americans need most right now, from housing to economic relief, and what Trump policies are the most popular. She also weighs in on will make a strong presidential candidate in 2028, challenging conventional thinking about experience, messaging, and electability.

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Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark

120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20%

Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-with-mark-halperin/id1810218232

Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2f0n8G4xqUo8aGxbbbtRjH%3Fsi%3D8e4ff54000cc438d

Follow Next Up with Mark Halperin on all social platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuphalperin

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nextuphalperin

X (Twitter): https://x.com/NextUpHalperin

Connect with Mark Halperin on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markevanhalperin

X (Twitter): https://x.com/markhalperin

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Mark Halperin delivers his reported monologue on what it really takes to survive a presidential campaign, drawing on decades of experience covering politics at the highest level. He breaks down how Bill Clinton navigated major scandals during the 1992 race and why his approach to crisis management still stands apart today, then broadens the lens to 2028 to explain why many potential candidates may ultimately decide not to run at all. From George W. Bush to Donald Trump, Halperin examines how past controversies surface, how candidates respond under pressure, and why the ability to withstand scrutiny may be the single most important factor in determining who can actually win.

Later, Stephen Moore joins to discuss why artificial intelligence could transform the economy faster than any shift in modern history, from its impact on jobs and productivity to the massive energy demands it will require. Plus, comedy legend Larry Wilmore weighs in on the evolving entertainment landscape, breaking down the current comedy boom and why audiences are returning to live experiences, before sharing his candid thoughts on Trump, the state of the arts, and why Marco Rubio stands out to him in the Trump cabinet.

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Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/MARK

Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark

Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-with-mark-halperin/id1810218232

Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2f0n8G4xqUo8aGxbbbtRjH%3Fsi%3D8e4ff54000cc438d

Follow Next Up with Mark Halperin on all social platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuphalperin

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nextuphalperin

X (Twitter): https://x.com/NextUpHalperin

Connect with Mark Halperin on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markevanhalperin

X (Twitter): https://x.com/markhalperin

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.