Perino on Politics

Control of Congress hangs in the balance as millions of voter's head to the polls to deliver a verdict on Washington. Dana convenes her top political insiders, Colin Reed, Matt Whitlock, and Salena Zito examine kitchen-table economic anxiety, candidate quality, and Congresswoman Haley Stevens' (D-MI) shocking split with Michigan Democrats.

Uphill Battle: The panel explores the post-election policy fights, from California’s wealth tax to health care battles, that will immediately shape the road to 2028.

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Dana speaks with host of The Rich Zeoli Podcast, Rich Zeoli, about where voters stand just over a week before the midterms, and why some polling may be missing the mark. They discuss GOP spending in key Senate races and how the outcome could influence the Democratic Party’s 2028 presidential field, including Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Uphill Battle: Dana and Rich look at new concerns about AI and election security after an unauthorized attempt to access Georgia’s election website.

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With just two weeks until the Midterm Elections, voters continue to express frustration over the economy, giving Democrats a potential advantage as Republicans fight to hold onto Congress. Bruce Mehlman, founder of Mehlman Consulting and author of The Age of Disruption Substack, examines the latest polling, the challenges facing rural voters, and what a potential shift in congressional control could mean for a lame-duck congressional session.

Uphill Battle: Bruce and Dana look ahead to 2028, including the potential Republican and Democratic contenders and the political forces that could shape the next presidential race.

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With 22 days until Election Day, will Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate? Dana speaks with longtime Republican operative and former Senate Leadership Fund president Steven Law to analyze low GOP voter enthusiasm, key battleground races, and massive campaign ad spending.

Uphill Battle: Following the midterms, Dana and Steven discuss how potential candidates could set the stage for the 2028 Presidential Election.

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With control of the Senate hanging in the balance, Republicans face crucial warning signs across key 2026 battlegrounds. Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors and host of the 10-Minute Drill podcast, Matt Whitlock, examines essential Senate races in Texas, Maine, and Minnesota. They also explore President Trump's defensive campaign strategy and early 2028 presidential maneuvers.
Uphill Battle: Dana and Matt discuss why state-level court fights could rewrite the political map for years to come.

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With roughly 35 days until the midterm elections, Dana is joined by Don “Stew” Stewart, founder of The Stewart Group. They look back at the 2006 Midterm Elections for clues about today’s political landscape, from massive Super PAC spending and presidential travel to shifting generic ballot numbers.

Plus, they weigh in on the razor-thin races taking shape in key states like Texas and Michigan.

Uphill Battle: Stew and Dana examine how AI data centers and energy costs are shifting voter sentiment nationwide.

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President Trump is juggling foreign policy, the midterms, and a high-profile meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as he heads to the Empire State for the UN General Assembly. Guest host Colin Reed is joined by White House Reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Annie Linskey, for a look at the political challenges ahead.

Uphill Battle: Colin and Annie examine the growing impact of AI on the national stage.

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With just 50 days until the Midterm Elections, the fight for control comes down to razor-thin margins in swing races. Dana sits down with former RNC Chairman and former White House Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus, to dissect how Republicans plan to turn out presidential voters in off-year elections.

Uphill Battle: They unpack the political fallout surrounding artificial intelligence regulations, local data center backlashes, and critical looming votes on Capitol Hill.

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When America came under attack on September 11th, 2001, presidential leadership was tested like never before, with history on the line. 25 years later, Dana reunites with former Bush White House insiders Dan Bartlett, Eric Draper, John McConnell, Jeanie Mamo, and Nina Bishop to reveal what really happened behind closed doors.

From the chaotic White House evacuation to President Bush's iconic Ground Zero bullhorn speech, the team shares unscripted moments of resilience and resolve.

Never Forget: The team shares what they've found themselves thinking about in the lead-up to this 25th anniversary, and what should never be forgotten.

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Dana catches up with long-time friend and Axios co-founder Mike Allen to examine the nation's shifting political landscape as the countdown continues to the 2026 midterms. They discuss rising public backlash over AI data centers, internal battles facing House Democrats, and an early look at how the 2028 presidential race is shaping up. Mike also shares behind-the-scenes memories from covering Dana during her time in the Bush White House.

Book Club: Plus, Mike outlines actionable productivity strategies from his new book, Simplify: Do 50% More with 50% Less, to help you cut through modern noise and streamline your schedule.

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School choice is at the center of a growing national debate over the future of K-12 education. Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin discusses his new national effort, Empowering America’s Parents, and the push to expand education freedom tax credits and scholarships to millions of families. Governor Youngkin explains why he believes parents should have more control over their children’s education, and points to success stories in hopes of expanding the school choice movement.

Uphill Battle: Governor Youngkin weighs in on the challenges facing public schools, including declining enrollment and the growing demand for career and technical education.

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With less than 3 months until Election Day, who actually has the edge in the battle for control of Congress?

Dana is joined by former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy to assess the state of the midterms as both parties prepare for the final stretch. Speaker McCarthy explains Republicans’ challenges with voter enthusiasm, the increasingly competitive races in Texas and Ohio, and how the Democratic Party’s progressive wing could reshape key contests across the country.

Uphill Battle: Dana and the Speaker look at how Artificial Intelligence and the growing backlash over data centers could become the next major political battleground.

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With the Senate heading home for summer recess and the Midterm Elections drawing closer, lawmakers are leaving plenty of unfinished business behind. Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, fills in for Dana and is joined by Washington Examiner and Washington Post columnist, Salena Zito. They discuss what was accomplished before the five-week break and the uncertain path forward with Iran.

The two also examine the growing debate over data centers and how the rise of democratic socialism has affected Democrats' relationship with working-class voters.

Uphill Battle: Salena explains why four highly competitive Pennsylvania House races could ultimately help determine which party controls Congress after November.

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As tensions with Iran fuel uncertainty overseas, the absence of the late Senator Lindsey Graham is being felt on Capitol Hill. Former Prosecutor and host of Sunday Night in America and The Trey Gowdy Podcast, Trey Gowdy, reflects on his longtime friend and the unique role Senator Graham played in shaping foreign policy and bridging political divides. With the Senate racing to address key priorities before its five-week recess, Trey weighs in on the fight over FISA and what it will take to get Congress moving.

Book Club: Plus, Trey shares a look inside his new legal thriller, The Sound of Regret—drawing on his own experience as a prosecutor to explore the complicated relationships, difficult choices, and very real risks at the heart of the criminal justice system.

You can pre-order HERE!

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With 99 days until the midterms, what still hangs in the balance?

Founder of Mehlman Consulting and author of The Age of Disruption Substack, Bruce Mehlman examines the road ahead, from the Democrats’ tough Senate map to how sticky inflation continues to weigh on voters.

Plus, Bruce and Dana dissect the escalating U.S.-China AI race following China’s release of the Kimi K3 model and recent autonomous security breaches.

Uphill Battle: Bruce breaks down which election reforms could actually rebuild public trust as President Trump pushes to pass the SAVE Act.

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Fresh off hosting a world-class World Cup, America faces a global game of politics that never stops. Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors and host of the 10-Minute Drill podcast, Matt Whitlock, analyzes the high-stakes battles shaping the upcoming Senate map.

He describes the fallout from Maine's Democratic caucus after Graham Platner’s departure, the ideological intra-party showdown brewing in Michigan’s Senate primary between Haley Stevens and DSA-backed candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and the chaotic gubernatorial primary unfolding in Wisconsin.

Uphill Battle: Dana and Matt explore the growing bipartisan pushback against AI data centers in local communities and a rare opportunity for bipartisan action on cryptocurrency regulation.

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Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died at the age of 71. As Congress comes back into session, how will the loss of Senator Graham affect the next four months and beyond?

Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, fills in for Dana today, joined by Fox News contributor and Outkick columnist Mary Katharine Ham. They discuss Senator Graham's legacy, his unique ability to build bipartisan bridges, and the global implications of losing his powerful, pro-Israel voice in international affairs. The duo also unpacks the ongoing electoral fallout surrounding Maine democrat Graham Plattner and the growing prominence of socialist candidates on the left.

Uphill Battle: Mary Katharine Ham shares her concerns about education and literacy levels, focusing on local school districts that are seeing massive drops in essential funding.

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Following a historic weekend celebrating America's 250th birthday, Americans united despite deep political divides. Partner at TAG Strategies Adam Scheidler highlights the importance of authenticity in political messaging and the challenges of communicating effectively in the current political climate.

Adam touches on the significance of visuals and storytelling in conveying messages, as well as the importance of understanding the audience in political communication.

Uphill Battle: Adam discusses the upcoming midterm elections and the need for Republicans to communicate their message effectively to counter the Democratic Socialists' influence.

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Founding Partner at Cavalry LLC and co-host of the Ruthless podcast, Josh Holmes analyzes the rise of new Democratic Socialists of America candidates and the challenges this poses for the Democratic Party. He explains how the DSA has effectively organized and communicated its message, while Democratic leadership appears unwilling to acknowledge a shift in the party. Dana and Josh also explain what this could mean for Republicans in the 2026 midterms.

Uphill Battle: Josh questions whether hyper-partisanship has gone so far that some politicians refuse even to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

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Fox News contributor, Outkick columnist, and host of the Getting Hammered podcast, Mary Katharine Ham shares how charismatic democratic socialists are successfully unseating establishment Democrats and why this far-left surge presents a massive national risk for the Democratic Party.

With the 250th birthday of America on the horizon, Mary Katharine shares practical advice for parents on using historic sites and local landmarks to foster national pride and historical literacy in their children.

Uphill Battle: Mary Katharine discusses how parents are facing a battle against excessive classroom screen time as teachers' unions are attempting to secure funding to combat a tech-overload crisis.

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