The McLaughlin Group

The McLaughlin Group -- December 25, 2020

guest panelist this week is Emily Jashinsky of The Federalist

The panel hands out more awards, including those for Most Honest, Most Overrated Story, Biggest Story, Best Reporting, and Most Inspiring Moment.

Plus, a look ahead with predictions on who is Destined for Political Stardom and Oblivion.

Bonus topic: Domestic 2021

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The McLaughlin Group -- December 18, 2020

guest panelist this week is political analyst Shermichael Singleton

The panel takes a look back at the winners and losers, best and worst of 2020 in The McLaughlin Group's first ever Awards Show

Bonus topic: a look ahead at foreign policy under a Biden Administration

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The McLaughlin Group -- November 27, 2020

guest panelist this week is Kelsey Bolar, senior policy analyst at Independent Women's Forum

Issue one: Biden at Home

Joe Biden has a long wish list of programs and policies he intends to enact during his White House tenure. But with republicans looking likely to retain control of the Senate, how much of what Biden wants will he really be able to do? And how will Biden balance his agenda with that of the Democratic Party left?

Issue two: Biden Abroad

The President-Elect says he's determined to strengthen America's alliances and engage the world on shared challenges. But facing a rising China and nuclear proliferation challenges from Iran and North Korea, some wonder whether Biden's presidency will be shaped by events rather than shape them.

Issue three: GOP Strategy

Republicans are optimistic they will hold control of the Senate after two Georgia Senate runoff races are concluded. But how will Republicans approach their dealings with President Biden? Will resistance be the rule?

Issue four: Trump's Future

As he leaves office, President Trump is considering what comes next. The president seems set to maintain a regular presence on social media. But beyond Twitter, what plans are in hand?

Plus: predictions!

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The McLaughlin Group -- November 20, 2020

guest panelist this week is conservative strategist Matt Mackowiak

Issue one: What Transition?

With President Trump's legal challenges persisting, Joe Biden this week suggested that any effective transition of administrations might not begin until he becomes president on January 20th.

Issue two: Biden's Plans

Joe Biden unveiled more of his governing agenda this week, moving towards the democratic left on student loan forgiveness. But as Biden grapples with the prospect of a GOP Senate, some analysts suggest he'll have to choose between executive actions and ensuing court battles, or a more moderate negotiating stance.

Issue three: 2,500

It was announced this week that by January 15th, 2021, troop levels would be reduced to 2,500 in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The moves might be supported by the American people, but some observers suggest that President Trump's reduction in US force levels is not consistent with his stated strategic objectives.

Issue four: Of Tweets and Posts

Discussing the battle between Republicans who say that social media companies are censoring conservative opinion in order to support Democratic Party interests, and Democrats who argue that social media companies aren't doing enough to deal with disinformation.

Plus: predictions!

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The McLaughlin Group -- November 13, 2020

guest panelist this week is Kerry Picket of the Washington Examiner 

Issue one: Biden Versus Trump

President-elect Joe Biden condemned President Trump for refusing to concede the 2020 Presidential Election. But the president was unmoved, asserting evidence of widespread electoral fraud.

Issue two: Cabinet

Progressives and conservatives hoping for some fresh faces and ideas in Joe Biden's cabinet are worried. A Politico report this week suggested that Biden intends to return many familiar, old Obama hands to high level positions in his administration.

Issue three: Bye Bye Hong Kong

Expelling four Hong Kong pro-democracy legislators this week, China found itself confronted with the mass-resignation of all remaining pro-democracy elected officials in the former British colony. The action formalized what has been known for months now, that Hong Kong is no longer a representation of China's claim to one country, two systems model.

Issue four: Good News, Bad News

A vaccine is finally on the horizon and likely to be available for emergency use by mid-December. This good news comes as US COVID infections average 100,000 new cases and 1,000 deaths each day.

Plus: predictions!

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The McLaughlin Group -- November 6, 2020

guest panelist this week is Ryan Girdusky of The Washington Examiner

Issue one: Counting the Votes

In an exceptionally tight presidential race, Joe Biden inched state by state toward the magic 270 electoral college votes and victory. But pointing at what they allege were voting irregularities, the Trump campaign pushed for the Supreme Court to take action.

Issue two: Susan and the Senate

Trouncing pollster expectations, Republican Senator Susan Collins won reelection in her Maine Senate race this week. Across the nation, the Republican Party beat the odds in tightly contested races, securing the prospect of a continued majority.

Issue three: Polls and the World

Polls prior to the election were very far from the results of the election. What does this mean going forward? And what does it say that so many in the media relied so heavily on such flawed data sets? Also, what does this election mean for American allies and foes around the world?

Plus: predictions!

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The McLaughlin Group -- October 30th, 2020

guest panelist this week is Alexander Heffner of PBS

Issue One: Key Swing States

On Tuesday Americans will decide wether to re-elect President Donald Trump for a second term or give former Vice President Joe Biden the opportunity to form the next government. While Biden leads in polls, Republicans are optimistic with The Presidents rising numbers in key swing states that will determine who wins.

Issue Two: The Senate

Once assumed to be a re-election shoe in Lindsey Graham (R-SC) fears for his Senate seat. Grahams worries reflect a broader GOP concern, polling suggest that Democrats may seize the senate on Tuesday. The outcome will depend on 13 key races in 12 stats.

Issue Three: What's Next?

What will it mean if Joe Biden and more liberal democrats expand the governments roll in society? and on the other hand what would a 2-term Trump mean for our relationship with China and the character of our national discourse?

Plus, Predictions of the Presidential Election outcome.

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The McLaughlin Group -- October 23, 2020

guest panelist this week is Ryan Girdusky of The Washington Examiner

Issue one: Presidential Debate

Debating Thursday, President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden exchanged sharp blows, each characterizing the other as unworthy of the nation's highest office. What are the key takeaways? Will the debate shift anything politically?

Issue two: Campaign Final Run

With the election just 11 days away, both campaigns escalated their final runs for votes. Former President Obama broke with his predecessors' protocol in campaigning against his successor and held his first in-person campaign appearance. Meanwhile, President Trump held rallies in key swing states.

Issue three: Around the World in Ten Minutes

Pope Francis offered support for same-sex civil unions, French President Emmanuel Macron advanced legislation to emphasize the secular foundations of the Fifth Republic, and the European Union recommenced trade talks with Britain.

Plus: predictions!

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The McLaughlin Group -- October 16, 2020

guest panelist this week is Alexander Heffner of PBS

Issue one: Hunter's Emails

The New York Post this week reported on an email from a senior Burisma official to Hunter Biden that appears to cast doubt on Joe Biden's assertion that he never spoke to his son about his Ukraine business dealings. Social media giants Facebook and Twitter censored the story, suggesting that it might contain misinformation.

Issue two: ACB Goes to the Senate

Seeking confirmation to the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett testified before the US Senate this week. Republicans praised ACB's intellect and poise, while Democrats warned she might overturn gay rights and abortion-related laws.

Issue three: Campaign Trails

With election day just 2 and a half weeks away, the Trump and Biden campaigns exchange sharp blows. As each campaign enters its final run, the evolving narratives are clear: Trump says Biden is a forgetful puppet of the far left, while Biden says Trump is an incompetent liar.

Issue Four: COVID Politics

President Trump seems to be giving ground in his ongoing standoff with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. At contention is the financial scale and distributive tenants of a second Coronavirus bailout.

Plus: predictions!

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The McLaughlin Group -- October 9, 2020

guest panelist this week is The Hill's Saagar Enjeti

Issue one: Trumping Covid

Waving from the White House balcony, President Trump returned home after a short stay at Walter Reed Military Hospital. Discussing Trump's response to COVID, having suffered it himself, and the political ramifications of his infection.

Issue two: Harris vs. Pence

Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris exchanged barbs in Wednesday's Vice Presidential debate. Discussing their performance and how it supplements the broader campaign environment.

Issue three: Quad

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with the foreign ministers of Australia, India, and Japan this week. The meeting of the so-called "Quad" group in Tokyo had one focus: China. Namely, strengthening efforts to resist Chinese aggression.

Issue Four: Potpourri

Discussing Senate races, as Democrats become increasingly hopefully they can secure both House and Senate majorities this November. Also discussing new restrictions on H1B Visas, declassification of a 2016 CIA memo, and Amy Coney Barrett.

Plus: predictions!

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