Podcast appearances and mentions of dave levinthal

As the 2026 election cycle takes shape, three stories signal how the political terrain is shifting: the return of Iowa to early-state relevance, the emergence of an independent challenge in Nebraska, and the Republican Party's willingness to get aggressive — fast.Iowa Democrats are pushing to reclaim their first-in-the-nation status — and they're doing it with or without national party approval. Senator Ruben Gallego is already promoting visits, and the message is clear: Iowa is back. For Democrats, this matters. The state has long served as a proving ground for insurgent campaigns, offering low costs, civic-minded voters, and a tight-knit media ecosystem. Barack Obama's 2008 breakthrough began in Iowa for a reason. It rewards organization, retail politics, and real ground games.The party's 2024 decision to downgrade Iowa was framed as a gesture to Black voters in states like South Carolina and Georgia. In reality, it was a strategic retreat by Joe Biden to avoid a poor showing. That backfired when Dean Phillips forced an awkward New Hampshire campaign and Biden had to rely on a write-in effort. Now, Iowa's utility is being rediscovered — not because it changed, but because the party's strategy failed. For candidates who want to win on message and mechanics, Iowa remains unmatched.In Nebraska, Dan Osborne is trying to chart a different kind of path — not as a Democrat, but as an independent with populist instincts. Running against Senator Pete Ricketts, Osborne is leaning into a class-focused campaign. His ads channel a blue-collar ethos: punching walls, working with his hands, and taking on the rich. He doesn't have to answer for Biden. He doesn't have to pick sides in old partisan fights. He just has to be relatable and viable.That independence could be Osborne's biggest asset — or his biggest liability. His support for Bernie Sanders invites the question: is he a true outsider, or a Democrat in disguise? Sanders has always caucused with Democrats and run on their ticket. Osborne will have to prove he can remain politically distinct while tapping into a coalition broad enough to win in a deeply red state. Nebraska voters might give him a chance, but they'll need a reason to believe he's not just another version of what they already know.And then there's the tone of the campaign itself. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is already running attack ads that border on X-rated. A recent spot reads aloud hashtags from a sexually explicit tweet in a bid to link opponents with cultural extremes. The strategy is clear: bypass policy, bypass biography — go straight for discomfort. Make voters associate the opposition with something taboo. Make the election feel like a moral emergency.These tactics aren't about persuasion. They're about turnout. They aim to harden the base, suppress moderates, and flood the discourse with outrage. The fact that it's happening this early suggests Republicans see 2026 as a high-stakes cycle where no race can be taken for granted. And if this is how they're starting, the tone by next summer could be even more toxic.All of this — Iowa's return, Osborne's challenge, the NRSC's messaging — points to a midterm cycle already in motion. The personalities are distinct. The tactics are evolving. But the stakes, as ever, are the same: power, perception, and the battle to define the political future before anyone casts a vote.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:01:56 - Midterm Ads00:15:18 - Interview with Dave Levinthal00:37:31 - Update00:38:11 - Ken Paxton and the Texas Senate Race00:43:02 - Congressional Districts00:47:31 - Fed Chair00:52:42 - Interview with Dave Levinthal (con't)01:11:22 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

Washington insider Dave Levinthal discusses the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Also, what happens in the NYC mayoral primary?

President Trump left the G7 Summit early on Monday, citing rising tensions in the Middle East as the reason. Washington insider Dave Levinthal talks about the dilemma the president faces.

Discussing the tragedy in Minnesota, the parade being held in Washington DC to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, no Kings protests happening around the country, conflict overseas between Israel and Iran, and more.

Featured in this episode, Dave Levinthal, Buffalo Mayoral candidate Garnell Whitfield, Avi Israel of Save the Michaels of the World, Former Congressman Chris Collins, and political analyst Carl Calabrese.

The escalating protests in Los Angeles are fueling a political feud between Governor Gavin Newsom and President Trump. Washington insider Dave Levinthal looks at the implications of the protests and war of words between Newsom and Trump.

Washington insider Dave Levinthal has the latest on the biggest stories in the nation's capital.

President Trump has again delayed tariffs on the EU. Washington insider Dave Levinthal says the president's strategy is to keep trade partners on their heels.

President Trump is heading to the Capitol to get his promised budget bill across the finish line. What are Washington lawmakers saying about Biden's cancer diagnosis? Washington insider Dave Levinthal tells us.

This is a panel discussion.Dave Levinthal is based in Washington, D.C., Dave has led Raw Story's newsroom as editor-in-chief and served as deputy editor of Business Insider, where he oversaw the publications political investigations and enterprise journalism.Lincoln Mitchell teaches political science and public policy at Columbia University.Stephen Pimpareis Professor of Public Policy at Vermont Law and Graduate School.Aaron Rosenthalis the research director for North Star Policy ActionThe discussion covers many topics.- Cost of living for US residents continues to rise- The age of the members of Congress is high, not representative of the population- The regulatory commissions are not working- The funding of local elections is no longer local- The Qatar plane for Trump WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Washington insider Dave Levinthal tells us about the fallout from the U.S.-China tariff pause in DC. Also, Trump heads to the Middle East.

Newark Airport is facing an air traffic controller staffing crisis, drawing bipartisan concern. Also, is reopening Alcatraz a possibility? Washington insider Dave Levinthal gives his thoughts.

Washington Insider Dave Levinthal discusses Donald Trump's first 100 days of his second (non consecutive) term, Canada's new Prime Minister, tariffs, the economy, and more.

President Trump's beef with Fed chair Jerome Powell is showing up on Wall Street, and not in a good way. Washington insider Dave Levinthal tells us whether Trump can fire Powell or not.

Attention has turned to China in the ongoing trade war. Washington insider Dave Levinthal says "the strategy is what Donald Trump wants in the moment."

Part 1:We talk with Mark Joseph Stern, Slate Senior Writer.We discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling on the legality of Trump's mass deportations, and the rationale, the 'Alien Enemies Act of 1798'. We discuss how this Act does not apply. We also discuss the ramifications of such a rationale. These would also apply to citizens, if Trump chooses, which he has already signaled that he would. Deportation to a foreign country, even by 'mistake' could be a danger to anyone in the US.Part 2:We talk with Dave Levinthal, a Washington, D.C.-based investigative journalist reporting on politics, government, money, ethics and the law. Dave contributes to Rolling Stone, Business Insider, Daily Beast, NOTUS, Politico, The Ankler & CenterClip.We discuss the Patriotic Millionaires, and their proposal for the future of the US, as described in their document, "2050 Agenda".We discuss the influence of the 'tech bros' and how it can be countered by the various proposals in the Patriotic Millionaires document dealing with money issues.  Music: From David Rovics, “The Richest Man in the World Says So”, 2025WNHN.ORG production

Congress has been relatively quiet when it comes to President Trump's implementation of broad tariffs. Washington insider Dave Levinthal says many Republicans in Congress are keeping their thoughts close to the vest in case of voter backlash.

President Trump's promised "Liberation Day" is Wednesday, but details are lacking. Washington insider Dave Levinthal talks about what is known right now.

Dave Levinthal joins the show to discuss Tariffs, Signal, Canada and more

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are outraged over a journalist being included on a Trump administration group chat that discussed plans for an attack on Houthi rebels. Washington insider Dave Levinthal tells us what he's heard.

Senator Chuck Schumer has postponed his book tour for "security", but others say it's because of his vote alongside Republicans to keep the government open. Washington insider Dave Levinthal has more on the state of the Democratic party.

Wall Street had its worst day of the year Monday as investors react to shifting tariff policy. There's more tariffs on the way, too, targeting manufacturing materials. Washington insider Dave Levinthal speaks with us from the nation's capital.

Washington Insider Dave Levinthal joins the show to talk Tariffs, Trumps speech, and more.

Dave Levinthal joins the show to discuss Tariffs on Canada going into effect today, and other DC Happenings

There's still plenty of confusion over Elon Musk's email asking federal employees to explain the work they've done throughout the week. Also, peace talks in Ukraine continue to develop. Washington insider Dave Levinthal looks at the top stories.

During last year’s election, Donald Trump joked about becoming a dictator, but “only on day one” of his second term as president. But over the past month, Trump has ignored laws passed by the US Congress, rejected the authority of US courts, forced the deletion of thousands of government websites and destroyed reams of scientific literature and public health data. It’s starting to look less and less like a joke. On this episode of the Briefing, Bension Siebert dives deep into whether Trump is genuinely beginning to turn the US into a dictatorship, and as Trump’s politics gain traction in Australia – most recently through billionaire Clive Palmer’s new political party – we ask what it would mean for this country if the world’s most powerful democracy slid into autocracy. On the other hand, Trump is no Hitler or Stalin – so is calling him a dictator...just a bit over-the-top? US investigative journalist Dave Levinthal and University of Melbourne lecturer in history Dr Sarah Walsh join Bension Siebert to help unpack these questions and more. Listen to The Briefing's episode on Trump's key cabinet picks here. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia today to set a framework for peace talks in Russia's war against Ukraine. Ukraine has been left without a seat at the table in the discussions. Also, what's the future of NYC mayor Eric Adams? Washington insider Dave Levinthal tells us.

I can think of no more romantic way for you to spend a quiet moment alone with your partner on this Valentine's Day than drawing a warm bath, throwing in some scented oils, and reading aloud the latest Politics, Politics, Politics post. "Great point, Justin," you can say to each other as you make longing eye contact and renew your commitment to one another. But it is in that spirit of passion that I tell you: somebody's gonna get f***ed — either the House or the Senate. This is a Republican problem, and we are in strange days. Normally, the People's House, which has a far higher headcount, operates with majorities of 10, 15, 20, maybe even 30 seats, at least in a bygone, un-gerrymandered era. In those situations, you could craft policy where some members of your own coalition wouldn't have to vote for it. The Republicans don't have that luxury.Right now, the House majority is two. Two people. And reinforcements aren't coming until April with the Florida special elections. We have no idea when the New York special election to replace Elise Stefanik will happen. The House wants to pass one big, beautiful bill with all of Donald Trump's agenda in it. The Senate doesn't want that. They would rather pass two bills. Over the last few days, as Lindsey Graham moved a budget bill out of the Senate, the message has been clear: if the House can't act, the Senate will. Meanwhile, the House, constantly scrapping for power because of its easily divided nature, is saying, "No, we're sending you one bill. You figure it out." And here's the inside sauce on it: the reason the House wants one bill, many House Republicans don't like massive bills crammed with everything at once. They prefer voting on things individually. But Republicans can't afford to do that right now. They need members to vote against what they've pledged to vote for, and the only way they believe they can achieve that is by bundling multiple things together including some things that fussy members can't not vote for.For example? Budget hawks who won't raise the debt by one penny… are you not going to vote for border funding? Same for Border Warriors who want every illegal migrant out tomorrow along with their whole family… are you going to be an all-or-nothing puritan and not green light the tax cuts?The Senate sending two bills to the House is a problem for Republicans. The first bill, likely the border package, would pass easily. But when the second bill—probably tax cuts—comes around, budget hawks will balk. And if the House, Senate, and White House are all in Republican hands but fail to pass Trump's legislative agenda, that would be a disaster. The Senate's noise has some in the White House thinking the House is a lost cause. Yesterday, the House finally released a budget, and sources inside the chamber are unhappy. “The numbers are bad, campaign promises are broken, and member priorities are ignored,” As one source put it. "We need a speaker with big balls. In fact, I'd take (Elon's) Big Balls over Mike Johnson's any day."Which brings us to Speaker Johnson, the Hudsucker Proxy speaker. If you've never seen that movie, Tim Robbins plays a mailroom worker who gets unexpectedly elevated to CEO by a scheming board looking for a patsy. The movie ends with Robbins proving himself to be an exceptional CEO. Johnson would love for that to be his story. But the speakership in this situation is an impossible job. He can only afford to lose two votes, and one of them is already Thomas Massie. He got this job because, after Kevin McCarthy was ousted, every other candidate had at least four enemies. Johnson? He was just well-liked enough to slip through. Now, he's at the center of the storm.The House budget committee has angered members, and things are bleak. This doesn't mean the end, but it does mean they might have to split into two bills. If that happens, tax cuts might take a long time—or not happen at all. That's a problem because tax cuts are a kitchen table issue. If Trump's cuts aren't in place by next year, it would be a massive failure. The number one reason people voted for Trump was to get inflation under control. If taxes go up, it's a disaster.And the issue here is that there is no legislative North Star. Paul Ryan isn't walking through that door. He was a legislative guy, a wonk. Right now, there's no one like that in the House. And there's certainly no one like that in the White House. And that's where we land now. The big question? Considering all the noise that has been made by DOGE, does the idea of those savings factor into any of these budget talks?If not, then get ready for a bumpy ride with the first test being the expiration of government funding on March 14th. Chapters:- 00:00:00 - Introduction and Overview- 00:00:50 - Valentine's Day Special Opening- 00:01:19 - Discussion on House vs. Senate Republican Strategies- 00:02:38 - The House's Push for a Single Comprehensive Bill- 00:04:38 - Challenges in Passing Trump's Legislative Agenda- 00:07:27 - Interview with Matt Laszlo on Congressional Dynamics- 00:10:12 - Democrats' Internal Struggles and Strategy- 00:20:22 - Potential Government Shutdown and Democratic Response- 00:32:00 - Republicans' Legislative Challenges and Budget Issues- 00:39:00 - Lobbying Efforts to Influence Trump's Immigration Policies- 01:00:00 - Interview with Dave Leventhal on Lobbying and Immigration- 01:24:00 - Closing Remarks and Additional News Updates This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

Members of the European Union are calling for counter-measures as President Trump introduces tariffs on steel and aluminum. Also, what's the strategy behind Trump's executive orders? Washington insider Dave Levinthal tells us.

Washington insider Dave Levinthal says we saw "Art of the Deal on a geopolitical scale" as President Trump threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico.

The Trump administration has started deporting migrants with violent pasts, but the numbers are still similar to what was seen in the Biden administration, says Washington insider Dave Levinthal.

President Donald Trump signed dozens of executive orders Monday, covering everything from TikTok to the border. Washington insider Dave Levinthal looks back at Trump's first day back in the White House.

Pete Hegseth is your next Secretary of Defense. Nothing from Tuesday's contentious hearing will likely pluck GOP votes away from him. If anything the histrionics of the Democrats on the panel will make it harder for skeptical Republicans to stray. The way you collapse a nominee when you are in the minority is you give them enough rope to hang themselves. Ask cordial questions that elevate in complexity and hope they screw something up. That is the most likely possibility with Trump's slate who are being painted as unready and unprepared.They did not do that.Instead we got screeds on Hegseth's personal history, financial management and his opinion of women. What standing does a Republican Senator have if he is on the side of Sen. Tim Kaine taking the moral high road on infidelity? That being said, even if the Democrats had played a more strategic hand it looks like the GOP had effectively closed ranks. The lynchpin of a potential washout was Iowa's Joni Ernst and she spent the first portion of her time discussing the importance of a Pentagon audit (the upside of finding someone from outside the traditional drafting grounds for SecDef since DoD has routinely failed audits) and then played home run derby pitcher on the subject of women in the military. Yesterday, Hegseth was the most vulnerable of Trump's nominees. Today, betting markets pin that honor on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard.But if the Republicans are on the same page the Democrats are going to take this seriously, then I would bet on the full slate sailing through. Also, on the this podcast…Jen Briney, host of Congressional Dish, joins to discuss the stakes of these hearings and the ideological divides within Trump's coalition. Dave Levinthal, the money man, is back to discuss Kamala Harris 24 continuing to charge donors months after losing.Chapters* 00:00:00 - Episode Introduction and Live Show Announcement* 00:01:35 - Pete Hegseth's Confirmation Hearing Analysis* 00:10:17 - Breakdown of Trump's Coalition Cabinet* 00:21:00 - Marco Rubio's Focus on Foreign Policy* 00:30:00 - Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel: Challenges and Prospects* 00:43:10 - Upcoming Events and Political Updates* 00:52:49 - Dave Levinthal This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

Part of Special Counsel Jack Smith's election interference report was submitted to Congress just after midnight, revealing Smith believed Donald Trump would have been convicted had he not won the election. Dave Levinthal breaks down more of the report.

Donald Trump's election victory was certified on Monday. Also, Jimmy Carter to lie in state at the Capitol, and the government is fighting a major steel merger. Washington insider Dave Levinthal has the latest from DC.

First, As the Nation gets ready to say its final goodbye to former President Jimmy Carter, a conversation with Stuart Eizenstat, Carter's chief White House domestic policy adviser and the author of “President Carter: The White House Years." Next, Henry Olsen of the Ethics and Public Policy Center discusses his recent New York Post op-ed in which he argues Donald Trump's White House win signals a historic "realignment" favoring the Republican party. Plus, Investigative journalist Dave Levinthal discusses his reporting into who is contributing large sums of money to President-elect Trump's inaugural committee - and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A state funeral has been ordered for 39th President Jimmy Carter. Also, the latest on the battle for House Speaker. Washington insider Dave Levinthal has the latest from DC.

Plenty of news came out of the nation's capital this week as time ticks away towards Trump's inauguration. Washington insider Dave Levinthal recaps the week in politics.

Donald Trump has joined the growing contingent of Americans questioning mysterious drone sightings in the northeast. Washington insider Dave Levinthal tells us more from DC.

Pete Hegseth met with Senators as his battle for approval for Secretary of Defense continues. Also, what happens next in Syria? Washington insider Dave Levinthal has the latest from DC.

Business Insider Contributor Dave Levinthal says lobbyists are flocking to Florida ahead of Trump's presidency.

I am obsessed with how much money the Kamala Harris campaign spent. Hundreds of millions of dollars per week spent on creating a once-in-a-lifetime glittering election machine only to deliver less electoral votes than John Kerry.Some FEC reports are available but reporting on the excesses is also bubbling up. For example, Harris recreated the set of Call Her Daddy in a DC hotel room so she didn't have to fly to Los Angeles. Videos of a party thrown by the KamalaHQ social media team for Fashion Week have also surfaced. I believe the Harris ‘24 might be a turning point for donor patience, so we will have much more on it going forward. But to whet your whistle… we have Dave Levinthal to chat about it today.Combine that with Kirk Bado of National Journal's Hotline to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and you have today's episode! Also, Trump's cabinet appointments continue. Chapters00:00 Introduction02:39 Kirk Bado40:32 Update On Trump Appointments55:00 Dave Levinthal This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

Dave Levinthal w/ Tom Puckett on Hardline full 1149 Sun, 10 Nov 2024 16:58:46 +0000 vkntwCfbmkPkgNlM6aRvdjHMfDkLCfRW news WBEN Extras news Dave Levinthal w/ Tom Puckett on Hardline Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=ht

The results have been streaming in as voters deliver their verdict on Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as they battle to become the next president of the United States. Trump and Harris have been doing everything possible up until the final moments urging people to get out and vote. Meanwhile, there have been bomb threats in the key swing states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona, and fake FBI accounts online have been calling the integrity of the vote into question, and been wild weather in various places - from heavy rain across several states, to snow, to the threat of wildfires in California. When can we possibly expect to learn who will be the next president of the United States?  To take us through the day's drama, and what we can take from the results so far, Bension Siebert is joined by journalist Dave Levinthal live from the ground in Washington DC to bring you the latest. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have faced off in what could be the final debate before the election in November. The polls are neck and neck, both at the national level and in key swing states – and almost everyone likely to cast a vote in the US already has a strong opinion about Donald Trump. But plenty of people were still making up their mind on Kamala Harris, so the pressure was on her to define herself and convince undecided voters. The stakes were incredibly high - and meanwhile, outside the debate studio, pop superstar Taylor Swift made a surprise intervention. On this special US presidential debate edition of the Briefing, Bension Siebert interviews Washington journalist Dave Levinthal about all the key moments, and his verdict on who won.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Appearing at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Kamala Harris has accepted the party's nomination for president in the most important speech of her career so far. Taking the opportunity to outline her platform to millions of Americans set to cast her vote in November, she made passionate points for women's and reproductive rights, freedom and stability, addressed Israel and Gaza and other global conflicts, that Donald Trump “wants to be an autocrat himself” and described the Republican party as, simply put, "out of their minds”. It's been a big week for the democratic party at the Democratic National Convention, with political pageantry at its finest on display. Dave Levinthal, Editor-in-Chief of Raw Story, joins Bension Siebert live from Chicago to unpack what was said, and the week that was in American politics.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hooray for the Smokey Back Room! We pick your candidates so you don't have to!Justin discusses the influx of money into Kamala Harris' campaign, the role of super PACs and state party committees in fundraising with Dave Levinthal of Raw Story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ohio Republicans have inadvertently solved a potential problem for the Democratic National Party by prompting the DNC to expedite President Biden's nomination through a virtual roll call vote. The Biden campaign's fundraising numbers have dipped, causing concern about their ability to compete with Trump in the money race. Dave Levinthal joins the show to discuss.Chapters00:00 Ohio Republicans' Impact on the Democratic National Convention10:44 Controversy Surrounding Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito54:02 Engaging with Political Discourse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The optimists case for Joe Biden. Poll numbers are going up! Bad news can't last forever? Can it?Justin and Dave Leventhal discuss the fundraising numbers of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. They highlight that while Biden's numbers are good, it is still early in the election cycle and things can change. They also discuss the abnormal setup of Donald Trump's joint fundraising committee and how it allows him to use campaign funds for personal use. It was noted that small dollar donations are not coming in as fast or at the same dollar amount as they once did. This could be a sign that peak small dollar donations have passed or it could be an aberration due to various reasons.Also: the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, the Joe Biden impeachment reaching an endgame and more.00:00 Introduction01:09 Optimistic Biden Case for November05:47 Foreign Policy: Israel and Ukraine09:07 Border Issue10:47 Incumbents Win12:56 Bridge Collapse in Baltimore15:27 Biden Impeachment Inquiry51:46 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin discusses the Senate map, safe Democratic seats, lean Democratic seats, likely Republican seats, and the Democrats' challenge. We then delve into the races that will define the Senate, including Montana, Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Also, the importance of a coherent abortion strategy for the Democrats.Dave Levinthal (Raw Story) joins to discuss fundraising in the 2024 election, the reliance on Super PACs, the fundraising of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, key down-ballot races to watch, Ted Cruz as a star maker, and the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.