On Balance with Leland Vittert

On this episode of “On Balance,” Batya Ungar-Sargon fills in for Leland Vittert. Primary election results are coming in tonight. NewsNation’s Connell McShane provides live updates as we keep our eyes on Kentucky and other states, including Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Oregon and Pennsylvania. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., has already paid the price for going against President Trump, losing his primary. Now, all eyes are on Kentucky, where Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., is fighting for his seat after also being targeted by Trump. Batya takes a closer look at the political fallout facing Massie and the price of breaking with Trump. Can conservatives still be Republicans while also disagreeing with the president?

Meanwhile, looking ahead to 2028: Is the heir apparent Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio? 2WAY’s “The Morning Meeting” co-host Larry O’Connor, National Review columnist Caroline Downey, and Democratic strategist and civil and criminal defense attorney Donte Mills predict what comes next.

Later, Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., is almost certainly running for president. As 2028 approaches, Californians are struggling more than the average American, grappling with higher gas, grocery, electricity and housing costs. Is President Newsom what the U.S. needs right now? Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va., and Rep. Kevin Kiley, I-Calif., discuss.

Plus, how the war in Iran is impacting the U.S. economy. Farmers and truckers are especially struggling with high fertilizer and gas prices. National Black Farmers Association founder John Boyd joins truck driver and author Gord Magill, author of “End of the Road,” to discuss how the rising costs are affecting their work.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

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On this episode of “On Balance,” Batya Ungar-Sargon fills in for Leland Vittert. What had been going well for President Donald Trump is now unraveling. Struggling with the economy and foreign policy, Trump’s approval rating continues to fall, weighed down by high gas prices and rising inflation. “No Spin News” anchor and “We’ll Do It LIVE!” podcast host Bill O’Reilly breaks it down.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is weaving itself into nearly every aspect of society. Its rapid expansion has fueled concern about its implications, with growing calls for guardrails. Still, AI’s ties to stock market growth are undeniable. American Compass chief economist Oren Cass explains.

Later, breaking news out of San Diego: a deadly shooting at an Islamic center, where two suspected shooters were also found dead. NewsNation’s Jessica Kartalija reports.

Also, the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris may need to reconcile. Harris could reenter the spotlight with a potential 2028 presidential run. But do the party — and voters — want to give another chance? Former senior adviser to the Kamala Harris campaign and Substack author of “Endless Urgency,” Mike Nellis, joins Democratic strategist Madeline Summerville to discuss.

Tensions are also rising with Cuba. Reports of planned drone attacks against U.S. forces have been denied by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, even as Cuba is believed to have a stockpile of hundreds of drones. The developments follow a meeting between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and officials in Havana, as a possible indictment is considered against former Cuban President Raúl Castro. Axios White House correspondent and “MAGAville” newsletter author Marc Caputo analyzes.

Plus, Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District race. Incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., faces a tough primary fueled by Trump’s disapproval. Manhattan Institute vice president and pollster Jesse Arm discusses.

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"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

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On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert takes a closer look at President Trump’s economy coming off the heels of his China trip. It seems the U.S. is headed not for a golden age, but a gilded one. While his visit to China, joined by several U.S. billionaires, took the spotlight off the failing economy, he is now back home and in the hot seat. Dan Turrentine, a former Democratic adviser and co-host of "The Huddle," joins former Trump White House official Caroline Sunshine to analyze.

Meanwhile, Trump's Department of Justice will indict Cuba's leader Raúl Castro. Could Cuba be the next Venezuela for President Trump? Adolfo Franco, a Republican strategist and former assistant administrator for USAID Cuba, explains.

Also, the South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of former attorney Alex Murdaugh for the murders of his wife and son. His sole surviving son, who testified to his father’s innocence, is reportedly furious about another trial and the county clerk influencing the previous trial. What will the new trial reveal? NewsNation’s Brian Entin breaks it down.

This episode of “On Balance” originally aired on Friday, May 15, 2026.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.

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On this episode of "On Balance": Leland Vittert examines the boxing match of a meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping. As Taiwan and Iran hang in the balance and the two circle the ring, the world is wondering who will throw the first punch. Gordon Chang, a U.S.-China relations analyst and author of “Plan Red: China’s Project to Destroy America,” and Mary Kissel, former senior adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, analyze the negotiations.

Meanwhile, the election for Nebraska's U.S. Senate race is heating up. Incumbent Republican Senator Pete Ricketts easily won the nomination, while Cindy Burbank has secured the Democratic nomination, but is dropping out to endorse independent dark horse Dan Osborn, who joins “On Balance” tonight.

Later, we try predicting the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. Will there be a red wave or a blue wave, and how will Trump’s China trip shift the scales? Will Vice President JD Vance prevail over rising star Secretary Marco Rubio as the Republican nominee? 2WAY Editor-in-Chief Mark Halperin and his co-hosts of “The Morning Meeting,” Kevin Walling and Larry O’Connor, join to discuss.

Finally, is Trump’s foreign policy more successful than Democrats think? The Middle East is on our side, President Putin is potentially on the way out and Trump is seemingly rebuilding relations with China. Representative Dr. Ami Bera, D-Calif., a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, breaks it down.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.

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On this episode of "On Balance": Leland Vittert examines President Trump’s historic trip to China. The Chinese have literally rolled out the red carpet for Trump, but the stakes have never been higher. Ahead of Trump's meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, China has presented its four red lines. Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, retired Gen. Philip Breedlove and Elaine Dezenski, senior director at the FDD Center on Economic and Financial Power, provide insight into what's at stake.

Meanwhile, can China solve President Trump's economic woes at home? As the war in Iran rages on, gas prices are soaring and the cost of living is getting more unaffordable. Trump may be hoping a meeting with Xi will fix his problems, but that may not be the case. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Representative Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, weighs in.

Later, China-Taiwan relations: Xi’s biggest ask will likely be for Trump to pause U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. With fears of Chinese military action in Taiwan and potential bioweapons, amid an ongoing war with Iran, Trump must tread carefully. Co-authors of “2084: A Novel Of Future War," Elliot Ackerman, a former Marine CIA special activities officer, and retired Adm. James Stavridis explain it all.

Plus, how will Trump’s China trip play into the midterms? With both parties thinking they will walk away with a huge victory, Trump believes a successful meeting with Xi will result in a red wave. NewsNation’s Chris Cillizza joins former Steve Cortes, senior adviser in the Trump presidential campaign, to discuss.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

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On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert dissects President Trump’s trip to China and how critical the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is. How does Trump convince China he’s serious? With a president who thinks Iran is walking all over Trump, and who also cares about public opinion, China has the upper hand. Veteran Navy Intelligence Officer and TPUSA contributor Jack Posobiec discusses.

Meanwhile, is New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez throwing her hat in the ring for 2028? AOC for president may be possible, but the question remains whether she’s the Democrats' version of Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis, as she claims to have ambitions "way bigger" than the White House. Pollster and political analyst Frank Luntz predicts.

Finally, the midterms may not be the blue wave Democrats are expecting, and the latest on nationwide redistricting. Analyzing the situation is Semafor's White House correspondent, Shelby Talcott, and founder and CEO of the Carter Intelligence Group, Lee Carter.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.

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On this episode of "On Balance": Leland Vittert analyzes the start of the most important week of President Trump’s second term and all the high stakes that come with it. From China, Iran, Venezuela and Ukraine to gas prices, redistricting and the stock market: Can Trump deliver? Bill O'Reilly, anchor of “No Spin News” and host of the "We’ll Do It LIVE!" podcast, breaks it down.

Meanwhile, the war with Iran wages on. As it becomes more unpopular by the day, many are calling for the U.S. to pull out. Democrats are increasingly critical of Trump’s decisions on the conflict, but offer no solutions. Yet, the threat of a nuclear-powered Iran is very real. Marine Veteran, Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., joins to discuss.

Later, the Los Angeles mayoral election is heating up, with Spencer Pratt rising in the polls coming off a strong debate performance. Can a Republican really win in liberal LA? Peter Savodnik, senior editor of The Free Press, and Nikki Laurenzo, Nexstar’s host of “Inside California Politics," explain.

"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance

NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.

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On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert stresses the importance of not walking away from Iran until the job is done. Meanwhile, President Trump also announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. While Trump still deals with the overseas conflicts, Americans’ anger rises over the high gas prices. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, joins to discuss. Meanwhile, maybe we are not alone in the galaxy after all. The Pentagon released hundreds of images, videos and documents related to UFOs. The federal government has been sitting on these files for decades, but what were they so afraid of? Dr. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, investigates. Later, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down redistricting plans, leaving Democrats scrambling and Republicans celebrating a win. The ongoing redistricting fight could get uglier as southern states including Alabama and Mississippi look to redraw their maps. Rodney Hall, a Mississippi state representative, and Sarah Isgur, senior editor of The Dispatch, explain it all.This episode of “On Balance” originally aired on Friday, May 8, 2026. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert takes a closer look at the war in Iran and questions what’s happening, what’s important here and where things are. President Trump has to fend off not only the Iranians and Democrats, but members of his own party as well. Brig. Gen. John Teichert joins TPUSA contributor Jack Posobiec to discuss. Meanwhile, skyrocketing gas prices continue to put pressure on Americans as the war continues. While ending the war with Iran would help, it’s not the only way to get relief and reduce costs. Losing regulations and lowering gas taxes are possible solutions that politicians seem to ignore. Jillian Michaels, host of the “Keeping It Real” podcast, analyzes. Later, this week's Indiana state Senate election shows President Trump still has some power. On the other side of the aisle, former President Obama is struggling to combat complicated and out-of-touch messaging from the new progressive members of the Democratic Party. 2WAY’s editor-in-chief, Mark Halperin, and his co-hosts of “The Morning Meeting,” Kevin Walling and Larry O’Connor, join to talk about it. Plus, a deadly new malady called the hantavirus is raising concerns after an outbreak on a cruise ship. As the virus spreads and other individuals have died, the world is on edge. Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security senior scholar Dr. Amesh Adalja explains the threat and how it can be mitigated.This episode of “On Balance” originally aired on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert discusses the breaking news out of Iran. The ceasefire is seemingly in jeopardy as Iran and the U.S. exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides blaming each other. Former State Department official Jennifer Gavito, former senior intelligence official Andrew Borene and retired Rear Adm. Andy "Bucket" Loiselle react to the attacks. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is a man of many jobs; could the president of the United States be next? Rubio was chosen to meet with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday instead of Vice President JD Vance, leaving many asking why. Rubio’s mission: Repair America’s relationship with the first American pope. Host of “Personally Speaking” and pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, Monsignor Jim Lisante, explains the decision. Later, midterm madness continues. People from both aisles are struggling to predict the outcome. One side is fooling itself, but will it be the Democrats or the Republicans? Plus, the Los Angeles mayor’s race is heating up after a strong performance from Spencer Pratt, whose campaign is drawing comparisons to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Former Democratic strategist Evan Barker takes a closer look at the debate and what comes next in the mayoral race.This episode of “On Balance” originally aired on Thursday, May 7, 2026. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij