Perino on Politics

When America came under attack on September 11th, 2001, presidential leadership was tested like never before, with history on the line. 25 years later, Dana reunites with former Bush White House insiders Dan Bartlett, Eric Draper, John McConnell, Jeanie Mamo, and Nina Bishop to reveal what really happened behind closed doors. From the chaotic White House evacuation to President Bush's iconic Ground Zero bullhorn speech, the team shares unscripted moments of resilience and resolve. Never Forget: The team shares what they've found themselves thinking about in the lead-up to this 25th anniversary, and what should never be forgotten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana catches up with long-time friend and Axios co-founder Mike Allen to examine the nation's shifting political landscape as the countdown continues to the 2026 midterms. They discuss rising public backlash over AI data centers, internal battles facing House Democrats, and an early look at how the 2028 presidential race is shaping up. Mike also shares behind-the-scenes memories from covering Dana during her time in the Bush White House. Book Club: Plus, Mike outlines actionable productivity strategies from his new book, Simplify: Do 50% More with 50% Less, to help you cut through modern noise and streamline your schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

School choice is at the center of a growing national debate over the future of K-12 education. Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin discusses his new national effort, Empowering America’s Parents, and the push to expand education freedom tax credits and scholarships to millions of families. Governor Youngkin explains why he believes parents should have more control over their children’s education, and points to success stories in hopes of expanding the school choice movement. Uphill Battle: Governor Youngkin weighs in on the challenges facing public schools, including declining enrollment and the growing demand for career and technical education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With less than 3 months until Election Day, who actually has the edge in the battle for control of Congress? Dana is joined by former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy to assess the state of the midterms as both parties prepare for the final stretch. Speaker McCarthy explains Republicans’ challenges with voter enthusiasm, the increasingly competitive races in Texas and Ohio, and how the Democratic Party’s progressive wing could reshape key contests across the country.  Uphill Battle: Dana and the Speaker look at how Artificial Intelligence and the growing backlash over data centers could become the next major political battleground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Senate heading home for summer recess and the Midterm Elections drawing closer, lawmakers are leaving plenty of unfinished business behind. Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, fills in for Dana and is joined by Washington Examiner and Washington Post columnist, Salena Zito. They discuss what was accomplished before the five-week break and the uncertain path forward with Iran. The two also examine the growing debate over data centers and how the rise of democratic socialism has affected Democrats' relationship with working-class voters. Uphill Battle: Salena explains why four highly competitive Pennsylvania House races could ultimately help determine which party controls Congress after November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As tensions with Iran fuel uncertainty overseas, the absence of the late Senator Lindsey Graham is being felt on Capitol Hill. Former Prosecutor and host of Sunday Night in America and The Trey Gowdy Podcast, Trey Gowdy, reflects on his longtime friend and the unique role Senator Graham played in shaping foreign policy and bridging political divides. With the Senate racing to address key priorities before its five-week recess, Trey weighs in on the fight over FISA and what it will take to get Congress moving.  Book Club: Plus, Trey shares a look inside his new legal thriller, The Sound of Regret—drawing on his own experience as a prosecutor to explore the complicated relationships, difficult choices, and very real risks at the heart of the criminal justice system. You can pre-order HERE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 99 days until the midterms, what still hangs in the balance? Founder of Mehlman Consulting and author of The Age of Disruption  Substack, Bruce Mehlman examines the road ahead, from the Democrats’ tough Senate map to how sticky inflation continues to weigh on voters. Plus, Bruce and Dana dissect the escalating U.S.-China AI race following China’s release of the Kimi K3 model and recent autonomous security breaches. Uphill Battle: Bruce breaks down which election reforms could actually rebuild public trust as President Trump pushes to pass the SAVE Act. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh off hosting a world-class World Cup, America faces a global game of politics that never stops. Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors and host of the 10-Minute Drill podcast, Matt Whitlock, analyzes the high-stakes battles shaping the upcoming Senate map. He describes the fallout from Maine's Democratic caucus after Graham Platner’s departure, the ideological intra-party showdown brewing in Michigan’s Senate primary between Haley Stevens and DSA-backed candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and the chaotic gubernatorial primary unfolding in Wisconsin. Uphill Battle: Dana and Matt explore the growing bipartisan pushback against AI data centers in local communities and a rare opportunity for bipartisan action on cryptocurrency regulation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died at the age of 71. As Congress comes back into session, how will the loss of Senator Graham affect the next four months and beyond?    Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, fills in for Dana today, joined by Fox News contributor and Outkick columnist Mary Katharine Ham. They discuss Senator Graham's legacy, his unique ability to build bipartisan bridges, and the global implications of losing his powerful, pro-Israel voice in international affairs. The duo also unpacks the ongoing electoral fallout surrounding Maine democrat Graham Plattner and the growing prominence of socialist candidates on the left.  Uphill Battle: Mary Katharine Ham shares her concerns about education and literacy levels, focusing on local school districts that are seeing massive drops in essential funding.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a historic weekend celebrating America's 250th birthday, Americans united despite deep political divides. Partner at TAG Strategies Adam Scheidler highlights the importance of authenticity in political messaging and the challenges of communicating effectively in the current political climate. Adam touches on the significance of visuals and storytelling in conveying messages, as well as the importance of understanding the audience in political communication. Uphill Battle: Adam discusses the upcoming midterm elections and the need for Republicans to communicate their message effectively to counter the Democratic Socialists' influence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Founding Partner at Cavalry LLC and co-host of the Ruthless podcast, Josh Holmes analyzes the rise of new Democratic Socialists of America candidates and the challenges this poses for the Democratic Party. He explains how the DSA has effectively organized and communicated its message, while Democratic leadership appears unwilling to acknowledge a shift in the party. Dana and Josh also explain what this could mean for Republicans in the 2026 midterms. Uphill Battle: Josh questions whether hyper-partisanship has gone so far that some politicians refuse even to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fox News contributor, Outkick columnist, and host of the Getting Hammered podcast, Mary Katharine Ham shares how charismatic democratic socialists are successfully unseating establishment Democrats and why this far-left surge presents a massive national risk for the Democratic Party. With the 250th birthday of America on the horizon, Mary Katharine shares practical advice for parents on using historic sites and local landmarks to foster national pride and historical literacy in their children. Uphill Battle: Mary Katharine discusses how parents are facing a battle against excessive classroom screen time as teachers' unions are attempting to secure funding to combat a tech-overload crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a weekend of major sporting events and historic wins, Colin Reed, co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, discusses the national mood. He explains why consumer sentiment sits at historic lows despite booming stock markets, record home values, and low unemployment. Colin analyzes the rise of Democratic Socialists and the upcoming Washington, D.C. Mayoral election. Uphill Battle: With AI threatening to displace workers, Dana and Colin discuss how young people are skipping the traditional college route to find success in a rapidly changing job market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Midterm map begins to take shape, both Democrats and Republicans are strategizing how they can win over Americans in this election. Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors and Host of the 10-Minute Drill podcast Matt Whitlock describes the Democrats' current candidate-quality problem and whether progressives can survive the campaign trail. Matt also highlights California's notoriously slow ballot counting and its structural flaws. Uphill Battle: Dana and Matt discuss widespread welfare and government fraud, highlighting the recent exposure of massive schemes that waste taxpayer money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana takes a look back at an exclusive, live conversation with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Recorded last year during the launch of Dana’s bestselling book, I Wish Someone Had Told Me, this conversation follows Dana and Karoline as they swap stories about their careers, including the intense pressure of the White House briefing room. Karoline discusses managing motherhood alongside a chaotic West Wing schedule, building a thick skin against criticism, and why choosing a supportive personal life is never a career-limiting decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Choosing to be loved, choosing to make that commitment, is not a career-limiting decision." — Dana Perino FOX News Correspondent Nate Foy joins for a "rom-com-dram" conversation on Dana's new novel, Purple State. Dana and Nate dive into the wild New York City dating scene, chasing big dreams, and discussing why keeping a creative outlet alive is a total game-changer. Nate also explains the parts of Dana's book that hit closest to home and the unexpected life lessons he walked away with after turning the final page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Founder of Mehlman Consulting and author of the Age of Disruption Substack, Bruce Mehlman, examines the realistic outcomes of President Trump’s recent trip to Beijing. He explains why Taiwan remains the ultimate geopolitical chess piece and its massive value to the U.S. Bruce describes how a massive redistricting shakeup completely upended the math for the upcoming midterms. Purple State: Dana and Bruce discuss their advice for young professionals looking for jobs in the age of AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed steps in for Dana today, and is joined by Columnist at the Washington Examiner and New York Post, Salena Zito, to examine President Trump's high-stakes summit in Beijing. Later, Salena shares insights from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and discusses the political future of Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman. Purple State: Salena describes Pittsburgh's resurgence and why mid-sized cities like it are booming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With six months to go until the midterm elections, the founding partner of Cavalry and co-host of the Ruthless podcast, John Ashbrook, discusses the primary shakeups and policy pressure points defining the current political landscape. John describes how everyday costs like gas and groceries, and a dead-heat race for control of the House, are shaping the upcoming election. Purple State: Dana and John dive into the "shenanigans" and internal drama facing the Democratic party's fundraising committee, ActBlue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As President Trump faces his third assassination attempt in three years, the sustainability of American political life is being tested by a surge in domestic terrorism and inflammatory language. Former Republican strategist and host of "The Rich Zeoli Podcast," Rich Zeoli discusses the fallout from the White House Correspondents' Dinner security breach, the danger of socialist rhetoric, and why the establishment is losing control of the Democratic Party. Purple State: Dana shares a behind-the-scenes look at her new book, Purple State, and why "real men" aren't afraid to cry at a good story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices