Perino on Politics

It's the eve of Election Day, and a few key races have caught Americans' attention. Former GOP strategist and Host of "The Rich Zeoli Show," Rich Zeoli shares his take on the New Jersey and Virginia Gubernatorial Elections. He describes the issues that matter to voters as they head to the polls. Meanwhile, Rich notes the challenges the Democratic Party is facing. He explains why they are in a perpetual state of primarying one another while they continue to search for their base. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Rich discuss how President Trump is holding both the Democratic and Republican parties together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The government shutdown continues, with very few people outside of Washington, D.C., feeling its impact. Meanwhile, Election Day is a little over a week away for the New York City Mayoral Race, and Democrats are split on whether they support the Democratic Candidate Zohran Mamdani. Co-host of the Ruthless Podcast, John Ashbrook, describes the growing divide within the Democratic Party, which he calls a "civil war" within the party. He also examines the lack of authenticity among Democrats, which could be why young socialist candidates are creeping into more races around the country. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: John discusses President Trump's trip to Asia this week, and the results Americans could potentially see. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the weekend, the 'No Kings' protests stretched across the country, as some Americans voiced their frustrations with the current administration. Meanwhile, the government shutdown reached its twentieth day, and Congress continues to argue about who is responsible. FOX News Chief Political Anchor and Executive Editor of Special Report, Bret Baier, discusses some of President Trump's current foreign policy initiatives. Bret explains how the President's potential accomplishment of a Middle East peace deal could make critics look at the President in a completely different light. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Bret shares some exciting news! His new book, To Rescue The American Spirit: Teddy Roosevelt And The Birth Of A Superpower, is available wherever books are sold on Tuesday, October 21st. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, President Trump celebrates a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, which led to the release of twenty Israeli hostages. Founder of the bipartisan government relations firm Mehlman Consulting and author of The Age of Distribution Substack, Bruce Mehlman, discusses the President's involvement in brokering a deal and the difficulty of his job. Bruce also describes where Congress stands on day thirteen of the government shutdown. He explains why health care remains a significant focus. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Bruce takes a look at the impact of artificial intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the Trump administration expands its crime crackdown into new cities, Congress can't compromise on a deal to restart the government. FOX News Audio Political Analyst and Editor-in-Chief of Jewish Insider, Josh Kraushaar, breaks down why the shutdown could last longer than expected. As the second anniversary of October 7th approaches, the day the terrorist organization Hamas perpetrated attacks on the Israeli public, Josh discusses a possible deal on the table to end the war in the Middle East. He also shares the latest on why Jewish American voters are moving away from the Democratic Party. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Josh examine why Democrats are excited about up-and-coming Progressive candidates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a potential government shutdown hangs in the balance, Republican strategist and Executive Vice President at Targeted Victory, Matt Gorman, discusses previous shutdowns and why no one wins in this scenario. He breaks down the White House's efforts to stop it, explaining the dynamics of why some Congressional leaders are allowing it to happen. Matt also details the fallout surrounding former Vice President Kamala Harris's book tour, as he ponders her potential political future. Later, he describes President Trump's plan to correct crime in major U.S. cities. I Wish Someone Told Me: Dana and Matt discuss the importance of keeping up with pop culture news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump and thousands of Americans gathered to remember Charlie Kirk on Sunday. Only time will tell if his legacy and movement will help energize Republicans in the coming months. Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy describes his relationship with Kirk and his unique ability to rally young voters towards the Republican Party. Speaker McCarthy discusses the significance of President Trump's trip to the United Kingdom last week. He also details how the President stabilized significant conflicts in the world and continues to fix others. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Speaker McCarthy explains why he is keeping an eye on California Governor Gavin Newsom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie Kirk's assassination continues to reverberate around the country as many Americans speculate on why this happened and ask if the country is more divided than ever. Host of The Guy Benson Show on FOX News Radio, Guy Benson, and Outkick Columnist and Host of the Getting Hammered podcast, Mary Katharine Ham, step in for Dana to discuss Charlie's impact on American politics, his legacy, and the emotional response to his death. Guy and Mary Katharine highlight New York Governor Kathy Hochul's endorsement of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and weigh in on why extreme candidates could lead to enormous problems for the future of the Democratic Party. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Mary Katharine notes that despite the darkness the country has experienced over the past few weeks, Charlie Kirk's message for faith lives on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following President Trump's crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., public attention has increasingly turned to issues of crime and safety. At the same time, New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is actively seeking endorsements ahead of the upcoming election. As the race intensifies, some question whether mainstream Democrats will seek to distance themselves from this progressive faction. Republican Strategist and Co-Founder of South and Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, discusses the current issues Democrats face as they head into the 2026 Midterm Elections and the 2028 Presidential Election. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: President Trump and California Governor Newsom go head-to-head. Who will have the last laugh? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a few sleepy weeks in Washington, D.C., Congress returns from recess, where a budget battle is already brewing. Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors Matt Whitlock explains why a funding fight won't work in the Democrats' favor; however, he notes that nobody wins in a government shutdown. Matt describes the current messaging problem that Democrats face and highlights President Trump's approval ratings, which are significantly better at this point in his term than it was during his first term. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Matt touches on the rise of unaffiliated voters as the 2026 Midterm Elections inch closer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back to school means back to the basics, and this year, that might mean banning phones in schools as concerns grow over kids' learning and plummeting reading rates. The founder of En Avant Strategies and former staff director of the Senate Republican Communications Center, Antonia Ferrier, explains why parents and legislators have growing concerns about technology in the classroom. Antonia highlights the current crime issue Washington, D.C. is facing and why President Trump's crackdown is working. She also discusses whether President Trump will take similar action in other U.S. cities, which are overrun by crime. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Antonia recap some of their experiences working on Capitol Hill and discuss the importance of having strong women leaders in the government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the 2026 Midterm Elections swiftly approach, some Democrats and Republicans are already looking ahead to the 2028 Presidential Election. Founder of Podium Strategies and former Chief of Staff and advisor to the Biden White House Press Office, Yemisi Egbewole, breaks down some of the challenges facing the current Democratic Party. Following President Trump's press conference last week about crime in Washington, D.C., Yemisi shares her thoughts on the issue and her growing concerns about youth crime in major cities. She also describes the best candidates to look at for the 2028 Election, and why Governors may be the best bet for the Democratic Party as they look to move beyond both the Biden administration era. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: As youth voters grow more concerned with the state of the U.S. economy, Yemisi explains why Democrats need to change their messaging tactics when appealing to younger generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A D.C. crime crackdown, trade deals, peace summits, and redistricting battles headline American politics this week, as President Trump capitalizes on his current momentum to manage the moment. Founder of the bipartisan government relations firm Mehlman Consulting and author of The Age of Distribution Substack, Bruce Mehlman, explains why artificial intelligence wouldn't necessarily make redistricting any easier. He also discusses how companies and foreign countries are handling President Trump's second term. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Bruce describes why it is not too soon to discuss the 2028 Presidential Election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the end of summer nears, Democrats continue to push their anti-MAGA agenda, and President Trump steamrolls ahead. Founder of the Stewart Group, Don "Stew" Stewart, unpacks the current political climate, including why the nation is more divided than ever. Stew suggests that Democrats' messaging is not helping them gain voters. He and Dana discuss potential issues that the Democrats could target and reform to address their declining popularity. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Stew examine states that are considering redistricting before the 2026 Midterm Elections. Will an attempt at gerrymandering help the Republican Party secure a win? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the 2026 Midterm Elections approach, are Americans already making decisions for the following November? Democratic Strategist and Senior Vice President at The Messina Group, Ty Matsdorf, provides insight into the current state of the Democratic Party. He shares how Democrats plan to flip the majority in 2026 and whether they will remain bogged down by the policies and actions of the Biden administration. Ty also describes the changing media landscape and the need for Democrats to adapt their messaging and outreach strategies to appeal to right-leaning voters. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Ty discuss whether questions concerning NYC Democratic Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani will frustrate other Democrats on the campaign trail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Outkick Columnist and Host of the Getting Hammered podcast, Mary Katharine Ham, guest hosts for Dana. She is joined by Republican strategist and co-founder of South and Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, to unpack the first six months of President Trump's second term and his agenda successes, which Republicans hope will lead to economic gains. Mary Katharine and Colin weigh in on the current state of the Democratic Party. Colin notes they're putting themselves on the wrong side of 80/20 issues, and without a unifying message or leader, they will continue to flounder. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: It has been one year since former President Biden dropped out of the 2024 Presidential race, and Colin explains why Americans still want answers about what happened during his presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Senate Republicans are laser-focused on getting the so-called rescissions package across the finish line. Republican strategist and Executive Vice President at Targeted Victory, Matt Gorman, breaks down the package aiming to claw back government spending. He explains that despite the previous noise surrounding President Trump and the former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk's initiative to cut waste, fraud, and abuse, their agenda isn't complete without the help of Congress. Meanwhile, as the 2026 Midterm Elections inch closer, Matt describes why the GOP base will define the results. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Matt highlight the discussion surrounding President Trump and the Epstein scandal. Has an online debate sparked internal fighting between MAGA Republicans? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the weekend, President Trump celebrated many of his accomplishments throughout the past six months, including the passage of the "Big, Beautiful Bill." National Reporter and Columnist for The Washington Examiner, Salena Zito, breaks down the Trump Administration's significant achievements thus far and what she hopes to see going forward. Salena explains why the American heartland is pleased with the administration's progress and is benefiting from a recent economic shift. Salena shares her new book, "Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland." She provides an insider's account of her experience on July 13th, 2024, and her phone calls with the President following his near assassination. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Salena unpack the controversy surrounding New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a big win at the Supreme Court, President Trump continues to push his agenda forward, with hopes that Congress will pass the 'big, beautiful bill' by Friday. However, this big piece of legislation is on a knife's edge. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) explains the process of reconciliation and the President's goal to prevent tax rates from increasing. Dana and Speaker McCarthy also discuss the recent Democratic primary election in New York City, where a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist won the nomination. They question whether this reflects the future of the Democratic Party. I Wish Someone Has Told Me: Speaker McCarthy addresses his prior concerns about President Biden's cognitive health, which is now under investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump ordered strikes on Iran's nuclear facility on Saturday, adding to the involvement of U.S. forces in the Middle East. Now, Americans wait to see how the Iranian Regime will react. FOX News Contributor, Outkick columnist, and host of The Getting Hammered Podcast, Mary Katharine Ham describes President Trump's effective strike. On the anniversary of Title IX, Dana and Mary Katharine highlight how Democrats continue to fail women by endorsing transgender men in women's sports. Mary Katharine illustrates why President Trump benefits from his adversaries who loudly oppose 80/20 issues. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Mary Katharine explains why she's revealing the truth about public sector unions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices