Dem Uniters and Dividers Shape the Party's Future, Dominant Media Hypocrisy, Lessons Kamala Missed

Mark Halperin opens today’s episode with a sharp new reported monologue on the Democratic Party’s biggest challenge heading into 2028: how to unite enough of the country to appeal to a deeply divided America. He traces how recent presidents left office with more polarization than when they began and explains why Democrats must reconcile their instinctive opposition to Trump with the need to broaden their appeal. Within the party itself, Mark highlights the growing tension between “Uniters,” who seek to expand the tent, and “Dividers,” who double down on base-energizing strategies — a split personified in figures like Gavin Newsom and AOC, whose ambitions and tactics reveal where the party may be heading.

Larry O’Connor then joins to unpack the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s memorial and what it reveals about America’s fractured political culture. Mark and Larry discuss the need for compassion and dialogue, and why both are essential if the country hopes to bridge divides, even as partisanship grows more toxic. Larry and Mark also examine the coverage of lawfare against Donald Trump and its ripple effects on cases involving James Comey and others, exposing how double standards in the legal system fuel distrust and deepen polarization. They also explore how the press continues to fail the public — and why independent media outlets are gaining traction as Americans seek alternatives to legacy coverage.

Finally, veteran strategist Patti Solis Doyle sits down with Mark to take a critical look at Kamala Harris’s new book, explaining why it misses the mark if her goal was to launch another run for political office. Rather than offering real insights into political strategy, the book leans on petty anecdotes and overlooks the bigger picture of how Democrats can learn from their mistakes. Patti also weighs in on AOC’s rise, J.D. Vance’s Oval Office prospects, and the broader 2028 landscape, outlining why some candidates may struggle to build the skills and coalitions needed to compete.

ChapterFor free and unbiased Medicare help, dial 2624540503 or go to

Disclaimer: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and standalone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.

Delta RescueVisit to learn more

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every day

Watch full clips of Next Up with Mark Halperin here

Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts:

Follow Next Up with Mark Halperin on all social platforms:

X (Twitter)

Connect with Mark Halperin on social media:

X (Twitter)