Next Up with Mark Halperin

The Secrets, Crime, & Media that May Swing The Midterms

Next Up with Mark Halperin

Show Notes

Mark Halperin is joined by Steve Robinson, the Editor-in-Chief of The Maine Wire and Leland Vittert, host of the “On Balance with Leland Vittert” to examine the political, economic, and media forces reshaping the country. Robinson breaks down the surprising changes unfolding in Maine, exposing organized crime, massive fraud, and cultural shifts hitting the state. Vittert explains why midterm candidates are now avoiding tough interviews and reveals which voters could decide the battle for Congress.

Ro Body: Visit https://ro.co/nextup to see if you qualify for FDA-approved GLP-1 treatment options and get started. #sponsored

Lean: Get 20% off plus free rush shipping when you go to https://TAKELEAN.com and use code NEXTUP

SelectQuote: Compare top‑rated life insurance options. Visit https://SelectQuote.com/mark to get the right coverage at the right price.

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

Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts:

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

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

More from Next Up with Mark Halperin

Oct 23, 2026

“Next Up Predictions” premieres with a special deep dive into the prediction markets - the trades seeing the most action, the headlines driving the numbers, and insider conversations.

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.

See all episodes →