Mark kicks off today’s episode with a reported monologue on the high art and grand drama of political survival perfected by the masters — Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. He breaks down how figures like Graham Platner continue winning endorsements and voter enthusiasm even when controversy hits, revealing the strategies that help politicians withstand scandal and come out stronger.

Then Senator Bill Hagerty joins to go inside Trump’s world and what is driving America’s global strategy right now. He explains why Japan is central to U.S. power in the Indo-Pacific, what the trilateral alliance with South Korea could mean for the future, and why the shutdown is exposing more political theater than problem-solving. Hagerty lays out the high stakes for national security and everyday Americans.

Plus, former Democratic Senate candidate Steven Olikara shares a forward-looking conversation on bridging the divide in American politics. He explains how new grassroots energy and smarter media storytelling can strengthen pluralism and encourage leaders to better represent the country’s diverse communities.

Forward Mobile: Help protect the American vaping industry before it’s too late! Visit https://vaportechnology.org

Unplugged: Switching is simple, Visit https://Unplugged.com/Mark and order your UP phone today!

Chapter: For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial 262-454-0503 or go to https://askchapter.org/mark

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.