Perino on Politics

As 2025 comes to an end, Dana revisits her conversation with the founder of the bipartisan government relations firm, Mehlman Consulting, and the author of The Age of Distribution Substack, Bruce Mehlman, about foreign policy and what would become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Dana and Bruce spoke in October, on the heels of President Trump's major announcement on the war in Gaza and amid other key issues in the headlines around the world.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: For more political updates, visit Bruce's Substack, The Age of Distribution Substack.  This episode originally aired on Monday, October 13th, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shocking violence ensued over the weekend following a trio of violent attacks that left many on edge at the height of the holiday season. Founding partner at Cavalry LLC and Co-Host of the Ruthless Podcast, Josh Holmes shares how this past weekend's tragedies amplified growing concerns about terror across the globe.  Josh breaks down the primary health care dilemma in Congress and the need for Republicans to develop a strong, unifying message on the economy before the 2026 Midterm Elections.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Josh share their three Christmas wishes for American politics.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a memorable election win for Republicans, Americans are looking at Congress and its cost-cutting efforts. Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors Matt Whitlock describes President Trump's efforts to address an affordability issue in America. Matt also shares some of the upcoming Supreme Court cases he's paying attention to, including arguments over presidential power and birthright citizenship. I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Matt discusses how President Trump's tariffs are affecting trade with Europe.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bethany Mandel, a homeschooling mother of 6, a writer and host of 'The Mom Wars' podcast, shares how she is surviving travel with her children, teaching them about religion, architecture across history, and the world. She also discusses her view on teenagers and smartphones. Later, Dana and Bethany highlight a special election in Tennessee that has the entire Congress watching and the growing concerns of congressional members' personal safety.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Bethany describes the concerns that American moms have about the economy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana is on assignment this week, but host of the Getting Hammered and Naturally podcasts, Mary Katharine Ham, taps host of the Trey Gowdy Podcast, Trey Gowdy, to examine the political impact of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation, including how it affects the Republican majority in the House and the shifting dynamics inside the GOP.   Mary Katharine and Trey discuss the divide within the party over Ukraine, Russia, and U.S. foreign policy, and the confusion surrounding the State Department’s proposed peace plan.  I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Trey weighs in on how social media is reshaping political narratives heading into 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices