Next Up with Mark Halperin

Why Republicans May Have Already Lost the Midterms

Next Up with Mark Halperin

Show Notes

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue reveals what political insiders in both parties say about the state of the 2026 midterm elections, asking whether Republicans have waited too long for the political environment to turn in their favor, and what it will take to change the trajectory. Then, Michael Knowles joins to give his preview of the midterms and look ahead to the next Republican presidential race, including what a Vice President J.D. Vance versus Sen. Ted Cruz showdown for the 2028 GOP nomination would look like.

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

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More from Next Up with Mark Halperin

Oct 22, 2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks the code on the two questions everyone is asking: are election polls flawed and, if they are, why? Wick Insights CEO David Burrell unveils compelling new research that explains the truth behind the massive polling flaw that is undermining much of the industry.

Oct 20, 2026

Mark’s reported monologue goes inside his exclusive trip on Air Force Two with Vice President JD Vance to North Carolina. Mark recounts what they talked about - from a possible endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu and Republicans’ midterm hopes… to his possible 2028 ambitions. Mark reveals what he took away from Vance’s unguarded remarks on a possible Trump presidential endorsement of his VP.

Oct 17, 2026

Mark Halperin speaks to The Wall Street Journal Contributor Julie Wernau about Florida’s disappearing orange groves - once one of the state’s defining industries. Wernau explains how orange trees have been decimated over the last few decades, the lack of local government support, and the new genetic technologies that are giving Florida growers hope before it's too late.

Oct 15, 2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue unveils his new “8 for ’28” rankings of potential Democratic presidential nominees - the final list before the midterm elections. Mark reveals major changes… including a Democratic powerhouse dropping off the leaderboard and the person he thinks is the most undervalued ’28 stock. Then Katie Pavlich breaks down Jon Ossoff’s true presidential ambitions, explains why President Trump’s second term seems so different than his first, and the chief known problem of the new White House press secretary. And Drew Holden exposes a biased and factually incorrect ABC News piece on Donald Trump Jr.’s business dealings and what lessons there are for the media.

Oct 13, 2026

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down the blame game brewing inside both parties. His Republican sources are quietly starting to point fingers at President Trump and the White House as affordability, Iran, and political spending continue to dominate campaigns. And if the “Blue tsunami” falls short of current high expectations, who will ultimately take the fall for the Democrats?

See all episodes →