"They're Going To Have a Lot of Pain": Trump Warns Iran To Sign Deal They're Negotiating-- Or Else

Summary

THE MORNING MEETING – EPISODE SUMMARY Episode: "They're Going To Have a Lot of Pain": Trump Warns Iran To Sign Deal They're Negotiating-- Or Else
Date: May 8, 2026
Host: Mark Halperin (2WAY), with co-hosts Larry O’Connor and Kevin

Overview

This episode of "The Morning Meeting" centered on the latest developments in U.S. foreign and domestic policy, with particular focus on the ongoing Iran nuclear negotiations and U.S. political reactions. The panel dissected President Trump's negotiating stance towards Iran, discussed geopolitical implications, previewed the upcoming China summit, analyzed shifts in U.S.-China relations, and explored domestic political dynamics from 2028 presidential chatter to California’s gubernatorial race. The conversation was marked by skepticism, humor, and lively debate, providing listeners with a high-level executive “newsroom” briefing on the upcoming news cycle.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Iran Deal: Trump's Warning and Political Calculus

• State of Negotiations: President Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran regarding ongoing nuclear deal negotiations, warning of "a lot of pain" if a deal is not signed soon.
• Presidential Pressure: Despite optimistic public remarks, the hosts are skeptical about any imminent Iranian acceptance, with doubts about Iran's motivation to sign.
  • Kevin (08:20): “Do either of you think there’s any reason to think there’d be an Iranian acceptance of a deal? I just don’t see it.”
  • Larry (08:53): “My gut tells me that there would be a rejuvenated military strike before a negotiated peace deal.”
• Media & Political Pressure:
  • Right-wing commentators (Erick Erickson, Mark Thiessen) want a harder line against Iran.
  • Congressional Republicans making moves on war powers, but panelists believe the pressure on Trump is more for domestic optics than genuine constraint.
  • Larry (06:36): “I don’t think that’s real pressure on the president... it’s to ease things back home.”
• Iran’s Internal Dynamics:
  • Discussion of regime durability, economic pressure, and Iran's history of public crackdowns.
  • Kevin (11:26): “They don’t have to deal with public opinion...they’ve stepped up public executions.”
  • Polymarket odds on a “permanent peace deal” by June 30th are viewed skeptically.

2. China Summit Preview & U.S.-China Relations

• Agenda: Expectations for the summit include AI, agriculture, Taiwan, human rights, and a potential trade deal.
• Panel’s Take: General skepticism that any “deal” will have substantive effects for American workers.
  • Mark (19:59): “The President certainly has the upper hand and I wish more reporting would suggest that.”
  • Larry (21:44): “American people are starting to recognize that getting cheap stuff from China has a very, very bad price to it.”
• Leverage Debate:
  • Debate over whether the U.S. really has leverage over China; Mark is doubtful, Kevin somewhat more optimistic.
  • Larry (24:50): “If we pull our manufacturing from that country...they need us way more than we need them.”
  • Mark (25:01): “No, we don’t. I wish we did, but we don’t.”

3. AI Regulation and the White House

• Policy Jockeying: White House and Congress both grappling with future AI oversight; comparisons to FDA drug approval raised concern in tech and industry circles.
  • Kevin (27:21): “What you’re hopefully going to see is Congress stepping up its engagement here…can’t just be an administration running point on this.”
  • Larry (28:45): “My instinct is always gonna be concerned about too much regulation...But the focus is on how best to balance protection and industry growth.”

4. Domestic Politics

• 2028 GOP Presidential Chatter:
  • “MarcoMentum” is strong; Rubio reportedly the GOP donor favorite, with VP Vance seen as the outsider.
  • Mark (34:00): “I think they all want Rubio...if there were a secret ballot, he’d get 85%.”
  • Larry (35:19): “To be seen as the anti-establishment guy in a Republican primary in the era of Trump is not a negative for [Vance].”
• California Governor’s Race:
  • Discussion of Xavier Becerra as a Democratic frontrunner, despite skepticism from former Biden administration officials.
  • Panel sees savvy messaging from Steyer and Mahan potentially reshaping the race.

5. Senate Profile: John Fetterman’s Center-Right Moves

• Fetterman’s Washington Post op-ed:
  • Emphasized “common sense” issues: border security, supporting Israel, avoiding government shutdowns.
  • Larry (42:00): “I think that’s incredibly damaging to the Democrat brand...people see those [positions] and suddenly think you must be a Republican.”
• Impact: Fetterman’s posture considered more valuable as a Democrat breaking ranks, not a party-switcher.

6. Other News & Notable Segments

• UFO Disclosure: UFO files released today; light banter about public obsession.
• Barack Obama as an Actor: Lighthearted comparison of post-presidential entertainment moments (44:25).
• Panel "Winners and Losers" of the Week:
  • Winner: James Blair (Trump political strategist), Chedrick Green (Michigan), Walter Urban (USC baseball).
  • Loser: Hakeem Jeffries (House Dem leader), Katie Porter (CA politics), mainstream media bias on redistricting coverage.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Iran:

  • Mark (08:22): “What possible argument is there for a peace deal, that the Iranians are going to make a deal? I don’t see it.”
  • Larry (12:24): “He called it a mini war… But he always buttons that up with a suggestion there is a red line… if they damage an American vessel, then I think all hell will break loose on Iran.”

• On China:

  • Kevin (19:59): “The President and America… The Chinese have demographic, currency and youth unemployment problems. It’s a House of Cards.”
  • Mark (24:19): “The Chinese are like the Iranians. They tell the truth at the same cadence.”

• On Fetterman:

  • Larry (42:00): “I don’t need a Republican who’s going to be right on those issues, but then vote against me on all the other things. He’s more valuable to me as a Democrat that votes that way.”

• On Senate GOP 2028:

  • Mark (34:00): “I think Rubio would get 85% [of donor/insider support]…they all want Rubio.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iran Deal & President’s Strategy: 04:33 – 14:36
• Panel on "Permanent Peace Deal" Odds: 13:18 – 14:36
• China Summit Expectations & U.S.-China Power Balance: 17:43 – 25:28
• AI Regulation & White House/Congress Dynamics: 25:31 – 29:46
• MarcoMentum & 2028 GOP Chatter: 30:52 – 35:35
• CA Governor’s Race: 37:04 – 38:58
• John Fetterman’s Op-ed & Dem Party Identity: 40:11 – 43:29
• Obama as Actor Segment: 43:37 – 46:52
• Winners & Losers of the Week: 46:52 – 51:03
• Call-in: Brazilian Politics & U.S. Engagement in Latin America: 52:08 – 56:44
• Community Q&A + Closing: 56:44 – end

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Tone & Style

The tone is brisk, insider-y, sometimes irreverent, frequently skeptical—typical of experienced news executives dissecting the political cycle. Banter and wit are common, with a balance of analysis and entertainment.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode provided a succinct, behind-the-scenes look at Washington’s current power plays, with deep dives into the Iran nuclear standoff, the looming China summit, and 2028 presidential jockeying. If you want to understand why the U.S.-Iran standoff may drag on, how the Trump team views its leverage on China, why Fetterman’s “centrist” moves matter, or how donor buzz is shaping the next Republican primary, this episode delivers both the strategic context and the inside baseball.

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“You’ll know when they violate the ceasefire. There is a red line that the President has… All hell will break loose on Iran.”
– Larry, [12:24]

“They need us way more than we need them. We can get stuff from lots of different countries, and we got to start manufacturing here.”
– Larry, [21:44]

“My gut tells me there’d be a rejuvenated military strike before a negotiated peace deal.”
– Larry, [08:53]

“If there was a secret ballot for 2028 right now, Rubio would get 85%.”
– Mark, [34:00]

---

End of Summary

Transcript

[Mark]

Comcast is delivering extraordinary experiences in live sports through the incredible broadcast and storytelling from NBC, innovative and personalized viewing features on Xfinity and Peacock, and the country's most reliable WI Fi. Viewers can enjoy every game changing play faster and more seamlessly than ever. All in a network built to deliver unforgettable moments as close to live as possible. The ultimate experience for the American sports fan. Learn [e-mail] sports.

[Larry]

One.

[Mark]

Larry Louder. Kevin. Quieter. Mark, mute. All the audio problems fixed just in the nick of time for the program to begin. Although my. Freezing. Freezing.

[Kevin]

You're freezing a little bit.

[Larry]

You're a little jerky if I'm.

[Kevin]

Yeah, we'll do it live. We'll do it live.

[Mark]

I don't know. I don't know why I'm jerking anyway. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome in. Thank you for being here. This is the morning meeting, Friday, May 8, 9:00am Eastern Time. Thank you. The jobs numbers are out and they're buoyant. The president's going to make some remarks later today and we have it all covered for you here. Kevin. Larry Good morning, gentlemen.

[Larry]

Hi, how are you?

[Kevin]

Good morning.

[Mark]

How's. How's the end of your first week as a co host of the program? How would you summarize how it's gone? Hectic.

[Kevin]

Life changing.

[Mark]

Life changing.

[Larry]

Life changing.

[Kevin]

You got to do one word like they do in those governor. The governor debates Gavin Newsom. In one word, life changing.

[Mark]

I don't know which ones you believe. I am having some computer issues. Troubling.

[Larry]

Good thing you have permanent co host to pick it up.

[Mark]

Exactly. All right, well, I'll go. And if I, if I'm gone, carry on without me. The president today at the White House. Here's the pool covering the president. Lindell TV is the secondary correspondent. Couldn't be happier about that. Ladies and gentlemen, can I tell you something? Mike Lindell's media operation.

[Larry]

The woman from Lindell TV who tracks down congressmen and gets them to, you know, confronts them. She actually does a great job. I wish I had her name, but she's tenacious.

[Kevin]

That clip with her, Nancy Pelosi and

[Larry]

kind of a looker.

[Kevin]

Who is this woman? Get out.

[Mark]

I've got a bad sense of time on some things. Is Lindell TV been around longer or less long than Air America so far.

[Larry]

Ooh, Air America. Hang it. Was able to hang on for Hang around.

[Mark]

All right. I'll be, I'll be, I'll be tracking that.

[Larry]

It was propped up.

[Kevin]

It didn't have pillow money behind it. Though that's the problem.

[Mark]

Good point. They were flying free. Larry, the radio pooler today is a urn. Tell everybody about aurn.

[Larry]

Who's that? Absolutely. Absolutely no idea.

[Kevin]

Yeah, I've never heard of aurn.

[Mark]

No idea. All right. Anyway, they're the radio pooler, all right. Nobody's heard of them. And just the news is new media. Larry, who's that?

[Larry]

Just the news. That's John Solomon's operation. Longtime DC reporter, was with the Washington Times for a long time and they.

[Mark]

All right, there you go.

[Kevin]

Yeah, just the facts, just the news.

[Mark]

Yeah. All right. I'm going to do the daybook and, and maybe I have to switch my WI fi over because this is just disjointed. Anyway, the President has a. Is at the White House today and executive time, 8am delivers Rose Garden remarks at noon. We widely expect him to focus on maybe some combination of Iran and the economy, but honestly we don't really know. But that'll be big. And that's pool coverage only. The President has a policy meeting at 5:30. Then he goes to Sterling, Virginia and participates in a closed press golf dinner. Liv, golf dinner. Isn't Liv going out of business?

[Larry]

I think it is. I believe it is.

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Mark]

I think it is.

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Mark]

So I don't know why he's spending his time having a golf dinner, but he is. And then back to the White House and then presumably spending the weekend at the White House. Kevin, you'll know this is the season over in Mar a Lago.

[Kevin]

It's wrapping up May 8th. Yeah, it's getting starting to get hot down there. Time to head to Bedminster.

[Mark]

Yeah, but as far as we know, he's staying at the White House. Don't know what the veep is doing. Marco Rubio is in Italy for another day. House and Senate remain out. The White House begins to release its UFO files today. The truth is out there. Don't know what that will show.

[Larry]

There are, by the way, the unemployment.

[Kevin]

We had two way community members wanted

[Larry]

to talk about that. All right, war.gov UFO everybody. War.gov UFO.

[Mark]

All right, Larry. What, what are, what are they. What, what are they showing so far? Larry?

[Larry]

No idea. I've been on the air all morning. I can't wait to.

[Kevin]

The truth is out there.

[Larry]

I'm, I'm, I'm not that interested but I know a lot of people are. So I wanted to deliver the information

[Mark]

question and you'll answer and I'm going to try to fix my WI fi. So. So I'm just going to ask you that we'll get to some elements and, and a word from a sponsor. But Larry, amidst everything going on with but straight, the peace talks, the China angle, the president's love tap, just sort

[Larry]

through where you think we stand on Iraq. My sense is based on the president's remarks last night that the love tap that happened yesterday and how did he describe the drones being disintegrated? Like a beautiful butterfly falling, flying into

[Kevin]

the ocean or something like flying into

[Mark]

the ground, dropping into the, dropping from the tenants.

[Larry]

I think that there is some suggestion based on some reporting that I saw that he thinks that we could be within the week close to a deal that the terms are now in Iran's hands. And they, they, they have a latest offer. Who knows what's in it. But I'm sure that he's sticking with his program that they cannot have any kind of nuclear program whatsoever in any way. Yet. I also know eric Erickson is Mr. Bombs Away right now and he wants Trump to just put the hammer down and level the country.

[Kevin]

So, you know, and not just, and not just Eric, but Mark Thiessen as well.

[Mark]

We can put those up. We put those up. I'm still trying to fix this. Hasn't fixed yet. I'm gonna have to leave. I'm gonna have to leave and come back. Kevin, tell everybody.

[Larry]

There he goes. He's done. Go ahead, Kevin. Well, there he goes from there.

[Kevin]

Well, again, I think, you know, what is it, Larry? We're going on the third or fourth day waiting for a response of that memorandum from the Iranians. I don't know necessarily where that stands. Obviously, as Mark talked about, the president is going to give an address, I think from the Rose Garden. I don't know necessarily the details of that, but you're also seeing a lot of movement on the Hill. You know, you have some endangered House Republicans, some Senate Republicans kind of moving forward on the war powers front, moving forward on the youth of use of authorization front as well. And I wonder, Larry, if you give that any.

[Larry]

I don't think that's real pressure on the president. I think that they're doing that just to ease things back at home. But of course, the war powers countdown clock has been reset here by ending Operation Epic Fury and going into sort of this new phase here. So I don't think that that's real or legitimate. And you saw that signal from the secretary of state earlier this week who said, yeah, you know, this has never actually been challenged constitutionally since signaling that if Congress does want to press this they will challenge it.

[Kevin]

Larry, what do you make of, you know, the marks and, you know, Mark Diesens and Eric Erickson's of the world kind of telegraphic. They're all in the same message. Right. And there's a few columnists on the right saying stay the course, you know, get this done. What do you make of that?

[Larry]

These are the same entities who were very interested in enticing. You remember, toward the end of the Bush presidency, there was a lot of pressure on him to engage with Iran. The last couple of years there was pressure to get, I mean this is sort of, they're being very consistent in what they want and this is something that they have liked about the President's foreign policy and national security policy the second term around. They, they embrace this and they are concerned that the President will take a negotiated deal over all out victory.

[Kevin]

It is interesting to see the dynamic of them.

[Mark]

Yeah. I'm here on a different device. Let me ask you this question. You've got the Love Tap, you've got the UAE just completely freaked out about what's happening. You've got pressure from Mark Thiessen and Erik Erickson. You've got the China summit coming and you've got the Iranians being bellicose in the rhetoric. I know we've been dealing with this question of can the Iranians possibly make a deal. That was a long running issue. We've also got the. Sorry. We've also got the Washington Post report that it'll be months before the Iranian

[Kevin]

economy is intelligence assessment. Yeah.

[Mark]

So how could it possibly be anyone's expectation beyond the President's happy talk that there could be a deal? Do either of you expect the Iranians supposed to respond yesterday? Now we're told they'll respond by the quote, unquote, the end of the week. Well, you know what today is. It's the end of the week. Do either, it's already the end of

[Kevin]

the week over there.

[Mark]

In terms of the time difference, do either of you think, besides the Pakistanis and the president happy talk, do either of you think there's any reason to think there'd be an Iranian acceptance of a deal? I just, I just, I just don't see it.

[Larry]

My, my gut tells me that there would be a rejuvenated military strike before that there would be a negotiated peace deal? I don't, I don't wish for that, but that's what my gut tells Mark.

[Kevin]

To your, your point though, the Iranians are fairly astute about Western media coverage, so you can bet they're seeing, you know, this leaked report. I don't know why that is being leaked. Right. Somebody is out there wanting to telegraph that to the powers that be. But certainly they're back in Tehran seeing the, the media coverage, seeing that. Now we're all talking about all the four screens, talking about the fact that Iran can hold out for longer.

[Mark]

Right.

[Kevin]

And where is that then, impetus to actually move on this? And again, they've had this memorandum for four days.

[Mark]

And the other thing they're seeing is although gas prices actually came down the last 24 hours for the first time, they're seeing lots of reports of Republicans, including a quote that I had the other day, saying, sorry, the war has to end now. Gas prices have to start going down substantially now. So the president's under a lot of pressure. And the Iranians, again, what did we think they were under pressure for? They needed their economy safe. The Washington Post says the US The Donald Trump's own government says the Iranians aren't under pressure there. Are they under pressure because of military strikes? No, because every time they attack, the president turns the other cheek. So, again, what possible argument is there for a peace deal, that the Iranians are going to make a deal? I don't see it.

[Larry]

We're always going to be at a disadvantage when we're going up against an authoritarian government because we have domestic political pressure, because we're three nations.

[Mark]

We're in agreement on that.

[Kevin]

They do not.

[Larry]

The pressure on them would be from, number one, the economy. And I understand this latest report, but I also hear other reports that also source the Trump administration that say that they only have a couple of weeks. And didn't we have an advisor, actually an Iranian, who said that they had potentially just 30 days until their oil industry is somewhat.

[Mark]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

Or do they have to start capping and losing out on production?

[Mark]

Who are you going to believe, the Iranians or the United States? The United States says they don't.

[Larry]

Well, the United States hasn't said that publicly. That's been a source within the Trump administration that said it on background to or anonymously to the New York Times. Frankly, I don't necessarily immediately believe that. That said, that's one of the pressure, the other pressure on the Iranians is the Iranian people rising up and starting to take their country back. That's the way to move this along quicker, certainly. Otherwise, you're right. They can sort of play out the clock, one thinks one would suspect. But I also don't think the president is bowing to political concerns right now.

[Kevin]

But Larry, to your point, and you make some excellent points about the fact that they don't. They don't have to deal with public opinion. Certainly there are reports that they've stepped up their public executions in light of all this, too, of folks that had been protesting, including women in the streets. So they're emboldened, seemingly in Tehran with all this. The President has asked them to stop these public executions. They've continued and ramped up, you know, discouraging folks to take to the streets. To your point, Larry, that we saw back in December where the President said help is on the way, you could

[Larry]

call them emboldened when a regime starts murdering their own citizens for protesting.

[Kevin]

They've been doing that for 48 years, Larry. You know, that's the problem with this regime.

[Larry]

I will, I will also say this. It does. I understand. The President says, oh, it was just a flesh wound. Right? Or they just. It was this guy. How did he put it?

[Kevin]

They, a. What was it? Not a light,

[Larry]

a skirmish. Skirmish is the other word.

[Mark]

He called it a mini war.

[Larry]

But Mark, he always buttons that up with. With a suggestion that there is a red line. He says, listen, if, if they. You'll know when they violate the ceasefire, in my mind, you'll know there is a red line that the President has. He's not going to publicly state it, which is wise, I think, for a leader, and I have no doubt that my hunch is that means either an American life, God forbid, or a damage to an American vessel. If they're able to do that, then I think that all hell will break loose on Iran.

[Mark]

All right, a couple more things on Iran, then we're going to move on. As always, if you want to be in the conversation.

[Kevin]

Mark, welcome back to the conversation.

[Mark]

Thank you.

[Kevin]

You're looking great.

[Mark]

I appreciate it.

[Kevin]

You're sounding great.

[Mark]

You know. You know, it's the curse of Steve Jobs. Once my computer just freezes up, like a lot of computers do, and usually doesn't happen during the show. So. No, no, no.

[Larry]

Like a lot of apples do. But you might want to look at getting a computer where. Yeah, it's called a PC, Windows based, really strong stuff.

[Kevin]

Send me, send me, says the green message guy.

[Mark]

Yeah, yeah, send me, send me, send me. I'll send you a prescription for your viruses, Larry, on Iran. A couple things more. First of all, there's. There's some shooting from Hezbollah into Israel in the north, just FYI, and obviously that's all. All related here. And then a couple poly markets want to show you 111, please. From our partners at Polymarket is prospects of the US are on permanent peace deal by June 30th. So that's in May. June. That's in a little bit more than a month. May, permanent peace deal. 54% chance. Gentlemen, I'd like a piece of that. I don't think there'll be a permanent peace deal by June 30th because my definition of permanent may be different. Like for instance, I call you guys permanent co hosts of the show. That means forever. Kevin thought thoughts on 54% chance.

[Kevin]

The three amigos to the end. No, I think this is. Everyone should buy, buy, buy. I mean I just, I think that's way off.

[Mark]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

And how high it is.

[Mark]

Yeah.

[Larry]

The devil's in that permanent word.

[Mark]

I. Whatever.

[Larry]

We still, we have more people I talk to suggest that there's going to be some level of long term Navy and Marine Corps presence over there. No matter what comes out of the negotiation table, as long as our military has to be there to oversee it. I don't consider it permanent peace deal.

[Mark]

Yeah. As long as the President's talking happy talk about a deal. As long as there's the notion that there might be a deal because Iranians haven't killed it. I expect a huge day and the jobs numbers, we all expect a huge day on Wall Street. Here's the other polymarket question. Will the regime fall by the end of this year? At 112. Where the regime falls by the end of this year? 16% chance. That to me seems low because I still believe in the beating hearts of freedom or the hearts, the freedom beating within the hearts of the Iranian people that they can still rise up this year. 16% chance. What do you guys think of that one?

[Kevin]

They are so entrenched. Yeah, I want to.

[Larry]

My heart is in that as well. But when you bet, you're not supposed to bet with your heart. So how much money do you put on what you believe in there with a beating heart rate?

[Mark]

I bent the rent money but I own my home so it's really not much.

[Larry]

It's fair.

[Mark]

Yeah. All right, quick word from a Cozy Earth and then we're going to move on to some other topics. Again, if you're here in the platform, want to be in on the conversation, raise your hand. 20 off everything on the site. Some of you have bought products from Cozy Earth because we've recommended them here and some of you haven't. Let me speak to the group that has it. Knuckleheads buy some stuff. Cozy Earth products are outstanding. Whether you buy the jogger set to wear a casual and comfortable and nicely tapered finish, or the clogs or the bedding, it's all available to you at 20% off. Use the promo code cozyearth or sorry the promo code [e-mail] for 20% off everything on the site. It's an opportunity for you to try something that many members of the community love love love. It's not just the puppies who love the bubble cuddle blanket, but the humans as well. Bubble Cuddle pillow also outstanding. And of course the bedding products. 100% night sleep trial plus 10 year warranty tells you everything you need to know about the quality of the product. 10 year warranty. Go right now to cozyearth.com use the promo code morning for 20% off cozyearth.com let them know you heard about it right here this spring. Give yourself comfort that actually stays with you all day.

[Matt Ebert]

I started with one shop. No college degree, no big investors. It was just a willingness to work. Over time that one shop turned into a multi billion dollar business called Crash Champions. All the lessons I learned along the way came from the grind. And that's what my show Pod Crash is all about. We have real conversations with people who've built things the hard way. We talk to founders, athletes and blue collar leaders who kept going when things got tough. You'll hear stories of grit, leadership and growth. Plus real world lessons you can take back to your team and your life tomorrow.

[Larry]

When you get momentum, you step on the gas.

[Mark]

That's how you get separation from everybody else.

[Kevin]

I was at Harvard Law School.

[Mark]

I was blah blah blah.

[Larry]

I looked up, let me tell you something.

[Mark]

There's kids in my neighborhood putting in Sheetrock that are smarter than you. AI is going to disrupt a lot of stuff.

[Kevin]

It is never going to disrupt physical

[Mark]

blue collar trade skill. And the guy just looked at me and he said it's bloody impossible. So I asked him this question.

[Matt Ebert]

I said it's impossible unless that's Pod Crash with me. Matt ebert. Watch on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mark]

All right, again, if you want to talk about Iran, please raise your hand. And my spidey sense says we may hear from the President during this hour. And on that topic, the China summit's coming up. The curtain raisers have started. Obviously some are speculating that there won't be a deal on Iran before the China summit and that it will be announced around that. I'm not sure exactly what that is based on. I'm not sure. I don't think that's true anymore, although I once did. They're going to talk AI at the summit. They're going to talk ag. They'll certainly talk Taiwan. They'll talk about human rights the way it gets talked about. Larry, what are your expectations for the Chinese?

[Kevin]

Wait, Mark, do you actually think they talk Taiwan? I don't think they necessarily. I don't think they know they'll talk

[Mark]

Taiwan the way they talk human rights. They'll both bring it. They'll bring it. The Chinese will bring it up so they can.

[Kevin]

It's one China. Yeah, that we have one China.

[Mark]

But I'm not, I'm not, I'm not predicting progress on Taiwan human rights. I'm just saying it'll come up. Larry, what are your expectations? Hopes, dreams, deliverable expectations for the summit?

[Larry]

I'm still hoping for, again, not a permanent deal, but I still think there may be something with regard to Iran before that summit begins. We've got reports that China is engaging one on one with Iran.

[Kevin]

We can because of the pressure from Beijing. You think that's correct?

[Mark]

That's correct. Okay. Yeah, it could happen. I agree with you. But leaving aside the Iran, Iran issue, what else do you expect to come out of the summit?

[Larry]

I think that there's going to be a surprising all encompassing trade deal that is hinted at, if not finalized, that's going to alleviate tariffs and potentially continue manufacturing in China, but opening up the doors for a lot more American exports into China.

[Mark]

Kevin, who goes into this?

[Kevin]

I want those rose colored glasses, Larry. Goodness.

[Mark]

Exactly. Exactly. Kevin, there's a story in the New York Times that's typically anti America. I just don't understand what's going on at the New York Times. I don't understand why they're so anti America.

[Larry]

Is this a new development, Mark?

[Mark]

No, it's not.

[Larry]

But I mean, it depends on who's

[Mark]

in the Oval Office, I guess. It basically says the Chinese have every advantage going into the summit, that the Chinese come in mocking the United States for showing weakness in Iran. And, and the President's gonna, you know, have no fortune in his fortune cookie. Just a horrible trip. Kevin, who do you think goes in here? If either side with the upper hand,

[Kevin]

The President and America. Again, what's not reported or underreported in a lot of those pieces is the huge demographic issue, the huge currency issue. The Chinese have propped up all of these economic sectors with huge subsidies, which is why they're seeing that success. The currency manipulation. It's a House of Cards. And again, the demographic issue, if you take the population in China over 60 and moved it to a different country, it would be the fourth largest country in the world. Okay. We think we have issues with baby boomers and the demographics here and Social Security and all that. They have a massive problem. Not only that, but also huge youth unemployment too, something like 20%. So again, they're able to do a lot of the maneuvering because they control the economy to a much larger degree. The government does the CCP than we do. But the President certainly has the upper hand and I wish more reporting would suggest that.

[Larry]

I know it doesn't do Kevin any favors when I say that I agree with him, but he's right. And there's one other element of this, and that is American manufacturing has already begun the process of manual. I know it's just a token, but they're manufacturing here at home. And the American people are starting to recognize that getting cheap stuff from China has a very, very bad price to it, just in terms of international dependency on a country that uses what's tantamount in many cases to slave labor. Morally and ethically, it's wrong. But it also keeps us from being free and independent when we need to be free and independent of a country that doesn't have our best interests. They need us way more than we need them. We can get cheap stuff, at least cheaper stuff from lots of different foreign countries and we got to start manufacturing here at home. I think the President has gone on a two year plus effort to deliver that message and I think a lot of Americans agree with it.

[Kevin]

And listen, you know, Joe Biden kept a lot of those tariffs in place from the first Trump round Sharon ran against.

[Mark]

Yes. Yeah. A couple things. First, Marco Rubio, who's meeting, just met with the Italian prime minister, said in Rome just moments ago that they expect to hear back from the Iranians today on the present league on the table memorandum of understanding. So we'll wait to see what the Iranians say again. I've said for a couple days, let's see if the Iranians acknowledge that they're going to limit their nuclear program. Kevin. To test your cultural literacy, which never fails to astound me. What's the name of Billy Crystal's character? And When Harry Met Sally.

[Kevin]

Oh, I'll have what he's having.

[Mark]

Well, well, that's the line. That's all right. You know, somebody will put it in the chat. I don't know either. I know, but Harry, what?

[Kevin]

It had to be you. The Harry Connick version from that movie was our wedding. Our first dance song.

[Mark]

That's important. That's important, Larry.

[Kevin]

Dungeons and Drag. Dungeons and Dragons.

[Mark]

Larry, Larry, Larry, F. FYI, wedding dance. First wedding dance songs. Supposed to be corny. That's the whole thing.

[Larry]

If you marry an incredible woman like I did, who doesn't like dancing as much as I don't like dancing. You don't have a first dance.

[Mark]

Yes, Larry. When Harry Met Sally. I'll have what you're having. Your bullishness on the US China relationship is inspirational and deluded. I say with respect.

[Larry]

You said that to me with respect. A lot of my predictions.

[Mark]

Yeah, well, it's not a prediction, it's a characterization. Are you really that bullish on we're

[Kevin]

going to have a deal

[Mark]

and on manufacturing in the United States?

[Larry]

I think there's going. I didn't say it was going to be finalized, but I think that they're going to leave Beijing with an understanding and a blueprint going forward.

[Mark]

Oh, I agree with that. But it will. It will not help in a single American worker. It will not send a single American kid to college. It will not build a single house in the United States. It will not feed a hungry child.

[Larry]

You think the President is going to walk away with a deal like that after all?

[Mark]

Yeah, I did.

[Kevin]

I think. I think he'll be lucky to get something on the AD front and something on the. On the AI front, and. And we'll declare victory.

[Mark]

And the pr. Exactly. That's what I think. And the President might come out and say, larry, I was kidding about diluted, by the way. The President might come out and say, harry Burna, Harry Burns. What did you say? Does it matter? Is that what you said?

[Larry]

I said it doesn't matter if you were kidding or not.

[Mark]

That's fine.

[Larry]

This is.

[Mark]

Anyway. Anyway. I'll just say the. The President will say something about the bushels of soybeans that are going to be sold, and it won't happen. The Chinese are like the Iranians. They tell the truth at the same cadence as the Iranians do.

[Larry]

So you agree that we could come away with a deal, but you just don't think China will be up to it?

[Mark]

Don't be correct. I mean, I'm sure. I'm virtually certain, regardless of what happens on Iran, the summit will end with the President saying, chairman Xi and I, you know, we're great friends and we deal great for good for both countries. And I protected the American workers and our farmers are going to be happy and we're going to build iPhones in Manhattan. No.

[Kevin]

And we have a deal on AI. Yeah.

[Mark]

Yeah. There's no, there's no, there's no leverage. All right, yeah, we have leverage if

[Larry]

we pull our manufacturing from that country. That country is a basket case. They need. We're not.

[Mark]

We're not. We're not pulling our manufacturing.

[Larry]

Okay, but that doesn't mean we don't have leverage. We have the threat to be able to do that.

[Mark]

No, we don't. I'm sorry. I wish we did. I wish we did, but we don't.

[Kevin]

I think, you know, and, and Howard Lutnick has said this, the Secretary of Commerce. We can do things that annoy the hell out of each other. And we do have. I disagree, Mark. We do have leverage over the Chinese and the ccp. They have leverage over us in terms of manufacturing critical minerals and stuff like that. But we can. We can annoy that. That's how we describe it. We can annoy the hell out of each other on the margins.

[Mark]

We can.

[Kevin]

That we've been doing.

[Mark]

Harry Burns. It's Harry Burns and Harry.

[Kevin]

Harry Burns.

[Mark]

Yeah. All right. AI. After it was reported that the freaked out administration officials were going to ask the AI companies to let them look at their models before they released them, Kevin Hassett went on TV and said, it's kind of like with the FDA approving drugs. Well, that caused quite a reaction both from pro free market people within the administration and from the AI industry itself, which said, no, no, no, no, no. This is supposed to be the free market administration when it comes to AI. We're studying the. Possibly an executive order to give a clear roadmap to everybody about how this is going to go and how future AI. Anyway, that's what Hassen said and White House officials said to Politico. It's taken a kind of context a little bit. The White House is looking for partnership. The administration concerns about mixed signals prompted a rare tweet from Susie Wiles on Wednesday saying basically everybody's going to win here. This is easy. We will only regulate as much as we need to. In effect. I was struck when I was there over around the White House Correspondents Dinner, association dinner, that people in the administration really are concerned about this. Like they see the threat of hacking into banks, you know, just, just a lot of doomsday.

[Kevin]

All the local utilities.

[Mark]

Yeah. So Wall Street Journal also has a good story with a lot of reporting in it. Three great bylines about how it's this, it's mythos from Anthropic that is thrown all this into chaos because. Because people are so concerned about it. A lot of. A lot of academics are concerned about it. And it says in the story that the vice President weighed in and said, we got to think about how these rollouts are going to work. In any event, it's unclear where things stand now. But, Kevin, where, where should, where should this go? In other words, should the White House back down or double down? Like, what. What should they be doing in response to these pushbacks that are clearly coming from both industry and some in the administration?

[Kevin]

Well, it's an interesting question. I saw this morning, I get a bunch of press releases from leadership in Congress, and Chuck Schumer is already on this as well in terms of Congress's role about this. He was hot on AI a few years ago, convened that summit. But clearly there's an interest from a congressional standpoint, too, not just an executive admin standpoint. And we've talked about, too, all this. I think they signed a deal now with meta for 500 million or something like that just yesterday. So stuff is moving quickly. There's, you know, now reporting about a biology element of AI somehow imputing DNA and things like that. So I think what you're hopefully going to see is Congress stepping up its engagement here, and it can't just be an administration running point on this. And you also saw the fears of this administration, the federal, you know, the Trump administration, with states moving forward with different AI policies and kind of batting that down, especially red states moving forward on some things where they actually listen to the administration. So there's got to be a comprehensive policy here, and hopefully we'll see that.

[Larry]

Yeah.

[Mark]

Larry, are you. Are you more. Are you more concerned. I'm sorry, are you more concerned about too much or too little at this point in terms of a federal regulatory role on these models that people perceive as dangerous.

[Larry]

You're asking me or Kevin, you.

[Kevin]

You.

[Larry]

I'm always, my instinct is always gonna be concerned about too much regulation. But my understanding that from what I've heard, and I think that everything that Suzy Wells put out there and some of the other, like, response you heard from the White House is right, consistent with what you hear from most people that work at the White House, which is just enough regulation to protect industries and protect the American people, but then let the industry flourish. And the one thing everyone's on the same page of, they liken this to the space race of the late 50s and the 60s. Somebody's going to win this thing, and it's got to be us in terms of our international adversaries and really sort of moving forward with the standard and moving forward, moving the technology forward to advance our civilization instead of harm our civilization. America's got to be in the forefront of that. And that's what the focus is, how best to do that and how much regulation is in place to be to protect from, from all the bad stuff that can happen and let the industry flourish. And that's not an easy thing to figure out. And hopefully this is bipartisan. I hope everybody's on the same page with that.

[Mark]

All right, it's just a quick UFO sidebar and then we go back to our topics. Jennifer Jacobs of CBS News says this on Twitter. Photos from the initial UFO disclosure show strangely shaped objects captured on film during the Apollo 12 and Apollo 17 space missions. One photo taken from the surface of the moon appears to show a cluster of three tiny dots in the sky. Probably three Martians. All right, we'll keep tracking that full coverage. By the way, on Two Way Tonight. I'm obsessed with UFOs. I'm really not a kid and careless, but I'd like to I feed the beast. So if you care about you, there's

[Kevin]

a lot of interest from the two way. Come on.

[Mark]

Oh, I know. Come on. Come tonight I'll have on a bunch of crazy truth is out there and maybe a Martian. All right. By my monologue on next up, that dropped yesterday was intended to tamp down Marcomania, not to distinguish it entirely, but to try to get you, the American people to understand that people are making a lot of assumptions here about Secretary Rubio. Well, I failed, at least according to the Washington Post, which dropped this giant bomb of Marcomania.

[Kevin]

Marco Mentum, too.

[Mark]

Marco Mentum. Yeah, marcasms. It's all there, guys. What's the number for that? I got such a long list I can't find. Here it is. As Marco Mentum sweeps the Internet, Rubio White has swear off 2028 talk. People close to Rubio and the White House said the secretary is not angling for an edge and has no campaign in waiting. He's just being himself and doing his job at the same time. Some people close to Trump acknowledge privately to the Washington Post an organic groundswell of support can turn into a political force. And at the moment, that force could be starting to point in Rubio's direction. I will tell you that people who wish to tamp this down are dreaming because Marco Rubio right now can do no wrong in the eyes of the press corps. Someone I Talked to Jaime Moore yesterday on Next up about what the DNC wanted to slow him down, which they'd be smart to do because I go back to Bush in 98, 99, where the Republicans, no, Democrats, slowed him down. He rolled right into the White House. It's hard to slow him down because if you called a reporter right now, like if you called those Washington Post reporters, Larry, and said, hey, maybe including your story that Marco Rubio had these suspicious financial dealings when he taught, did a at a university. He taught at some university. They paid him a bunch of money. I forget the details, but the point is there's an oppo file on Marco Rubio. How bad, What a horrible candidate he was in 2016, for instance. They reporters wouldn't care. Marco, Marco. Momentum is too strong. So, Larry, yes, I know you love them both, so let's not even mention the name of the vice president. If you were Marco Rubio now, would you find this humorous? A distraction. Great. How would you view it if you were Marco Rubio?

[Larry]

This Marco Mentum, the Freudian ego and id. Right. The Hanna Barbera cartoons used to have the little angel and the little devil. And the little angel is, listen, if they're talking about me and they're saying nice things about me, I'm the secretary of State. I serve the president. I serve American interests abroad. So that's a good thing.

[Mark]

Thing.

[Larry]

Little devil says, oh, you got to go for it. You're in line. You can't let this opportunity go by. You got to run for president. And I'm sure that that ego in it is sort of bouncing back and forth. He's obviously is a politician. He's run for president before. It's there. I disagree that the media is in love with him right now. Mark. You are, I think, give them more deference than they deserve. I think they know exactly the oppo research that you're talking about. But why use it now, Use it when you can really hurt him. And they will. They had Apple research on Mitt Romney and John McCain, but they were nice to them until they became nominees, and then it came down like a ton of bricks on them.

[Kevin]

Get that dog off the roof, Larry. Get that dog off the roof, Kevin.

[Mark]

Kevin, right now. And, and get the car off the roof and into the, into the car, into the elevator. Yeah. Kevin, if you, if there was a. I said this to someone yesterday, told me I was wrong, but I'll see what you say. If there were a secret ballot of the top 50 donors in the Republican Party and every Republican governor and member of Congress of. Who do you want our nominee to be in 2028? You have to pick right now, Rubio or Vance. What percentage of those secret ballots amongst that electorate would Rubio get?

[Kevin]

85%.

[Mark]

Little low. Little low.

[Kevin]

Think it's higher. 90.

[Mark]

I think, I think, I think they all want Rubio. Now, I know the vice president, the vice president may not want to hear that.

[Kevin]

And again, you know, and part of this story, too, is the president's role in all this. And he's been encouraging this. He loves this.

[Mark]

Correct.

[Kevin]

You know, this is the Apprentice.

[Mark]

His constant chatter about it and gossiping about it gives license to the press to write it about it. So when people in the administration complain, oh, why is everybody talking about this? Because you know who's talking about it? Your boss.

[Kevin]

And again, that article says he has his heir apparent.

[Mark]

No, not your boss. Their boss.

[Larry]

If I could disagree that the vice president hates to hear this, who are those people that greater than 85% would

[Mark]

secret ballot amongst the top 50 Republican donors, all elected governors, all Republican members of Congress, Kevin. And I think Rubio would get 85%.

[Larry]

I assure you that J.D. vance doesn't hear that and think that that's a problem because those are all the same people who are all in for Jeb Bush back at this time in 2015 or 20, 2014.

[Mark]

Well, not all of them.

[Larry]

If J.D. vance is. No, you're right. Some of them are also for. Chris.

[Mark]

No, but, but, but not just the donors, Larry. Members of Congress.

[Kevin]

That includes MAGA, MAGA, DEEP MAGA, members of Congress that are in their 30s

[Larry]

to be seen as the anti establishment guy in a Republican primary in the era of Trump is not a negative for him. I think it's fine. I think it's.

[Mark]

So, Larry, are you, Larry, are you saying Marco Rubio's establishment.

[Larry]

I'm saying, you know, you were saying that he is the favorite of the establishment. That's.

[Mark]

But again, Larry, Republican House members are not the establishment. They're maga.

[Larry]

Some of them are. Some of them are establishments. Some of them are establishment who are very happy to be supportive of maga, but maybe not MAGA in their hearts. I don't know. I'm just saying. All right, it's not a bad thing for J.D. vance to be seen as anti establishment and which, by the way, as a vice president is a pretty cool jiu jitsu to do.

[Mark]

I agree. All right, we got to get the community. So let's speed through these topics. Politico has a story about the Front runner to be the next governor of California. For some reason I can't find stories on my list today. Put that one up. You know what story I mean? Anyway, Saviour Becerra, I and others, and I think you guys have said he's maybe not Larry because Larry still thinks Republicans gonna win. I'm hoping is, is gonna be, is the front runner. And, and, and, and, and in the back of my mind I, I thought about this and I probably should have done this story myself. Politico went and talked to a bunch of Biden administration officials who served with Secretary Becerra when he was the head of hhs. And with the exception of Ron Klain, his friend who comes to his defense, the story is filled with blind quotes from people saying, you know, they're all laughing about this, that this guy was not a strong cabinet member and that they can't imagine him being governor of California. The headline from Politico, Becerra's rise baffles his Former Biden colleagues Again. Ron Klain goes on the record and says, oh no, Secretary Becerra was so valuable. Ron is, Ron's a good friend. I'll say that to his friends.

[Kevin]

Kevin Near Tandon too, you know, was very positive about him.

[Mark]

Yeah, yeah, but, but, but, but, but, but. And I think there's one person in the story on the record who was negative. There is. It was like a Pentagon spokesperson in or Justice Department spokesperson from the administration, but everybody else on background. Kevin. Well, either this story or this or this theme that Becerra really is not a strong, would not be a strong governor. Is, is that, is that something that will hurt him or this is all just inside chatter.

[Kevin]

I mean, it's all inside chatter, I think and you saw some attacks on this in those two back to back debates, but this is more kind of a parlor game element unless I think in terms of what voters are going to do. And people, people have their balance right now in California. So we'll see if this has really any effect. But I doubt the average Democrat or the average Democratic primary voters reading political stories about this.

[Mark]

Right. Larry, can, can the, can people like Steyer or man, can they use this idea to hurt him or. I mean, they sort of tried the debate.

[Larry]

Yeah, yeah.

[Mark]

You think this, this, this could derail him.

[Larry]

Steyer seems to be flailing right now and not taking advantage of the, yeah,

[Kevin]

the, the advance terrible debate performances too terrible.

[Larry]

And I think that if Steve Hilton would say out loud which Democrats he would prefer to run against, Steyer would be the Last one he wants to run against. So that's actually operating in his favor.

[Mark]

Because of the money.

[Larry]

Because of the money. And because Steyer can come in and say, listen, I haven't been part of the problem. This state has problems and I'm here to fix those problems. That should be the winning message in California. Becerra can't do that. Katie Porter can't do that.

[Kevin]

But Matt Mahan can and he's doing it.

[Larry]

I mean, fine, you tell the Democrat voters that they should vote for him. The fact is, I think that Becerra and Katie Porter are target rich candidates for Steve Hilton. I think he's more than happy to see Becerra emerge.

[Kevin]

Yeah, yeah, they're all target rich. That's why they're all in the 10.

[Larry]

You know, I'm still holding up for Swalwell.

[Mark]

Yesterday the President said he. Yesterday the president said he might endorse.

[Kevin]

If Mike Pence has the courage, he

[Mark]

might endorse in the Texas Senate primary still, which would surprise me at this point. But one word answer. Of the three, Talarico, Cornyn and Paxton, who's the most likely when to one to be elected in November? Just one name. Larry Paxton. Steve. Steve. Kevin Valrico Paxton. No one said the incumbent. John Fetterman has an op ed in the Washington Post today and it's getting a lot of attention because he says he's not going to become a Republican. He said that before. I don't really know why people are making paying attention. The part people should be paying attention to is his laundry list of issues on which he says his party is out of step with the country. Headline over his op ed John Fetterman. I haven't changed. Here's what has. He ticks off a list of issues. He says, first of all, basically, Trump Derangement syndrome is such that if the President came out for ice cream and lazy Sundays, the party would suddenly hate those things. Such pointless pylons and attacks are unproductive. The American people want us to work together. So here are some of the issues.

[Kevin]

It could be a winning midterm message for the Republicans that don't have one right now.

[Mark]

Yeah, there you go. Lazy Sundays. Secure, secure border. Legislation to stop the flow of fentanyl. The Lake and Riley act to make it that if you commit, if you come here illegally and commit a violent crime, you get deported. Next. Democrats shouldn't shut down the government and Homeland Security. Next.

[Larry]

Yeah.

[Mark]

And support Israel against. Israel against, against threats, Terrorists.

[Larry]

Yeah.

[Mark]

You know, identify Iran as a significant global threat. Kevin, I think you, you agree with John Fetterman and all those issues. Here's my question. Fetterman is, I wouldn't say the least likely person to be the lone Democrat on most of these things, but, but there's certainly a lot of other Democrats. Gene Shane, I could, I could name a bunch. Why is Fetterman alone on saying this publicly amongst his colleagues in the Senate? I just can't figure that out.

[Kevin]

Yeah, I, I don't know. And again, I like Thurman a great deal. I like his wife a great deal, Giselle. And he, I think, has been a voice of reason, especially on the, the Ron stuff. He was an Incredible voice After October 7th.

[Mark]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

And a necessary voice. So I don't know why he's out on this island. Maybe he will hopefully give cover to other Democrats like me to speak out on these issues. And again, I think it's a winning message in a bellwether state like Pennsylvania. And if Democrats want to be competitive in a lot of these elections come November, I think there's a lot to be said in terms of those messages.

[Larry]

Yeah.

[Mark]

Larry, why don't other Democrats in the Senate at least find Fetterman's posture not just as a matter of substance, but politics attractive?

[Larry]

I think maybe because Fetterman is in a purple state that's gone red two out of the last three presidential elections, and most of the Democrats are in states that are pretty locked in on the Democrat base. I think the bigger story here is If Fetterman votes 92% with this party, those items that you just listed there in that article. Watch Post article. Think about it. People see those issues, those fundamental used to be transcendent of political party issues like securing our border, standing by Israel, opposing government shutdowns that affect tsa. You see, the Fetterman is on this side of those issues and suddenly you think, oh, then you must be a Republican. I think that's incredibly damaging to the Democrat brand. But personally, as a Republican, I don't want him to be a Republican. I don't need a Republican who's gonna be right on those issues, but then vote against me on all the other things. I think as a Republican, he's more valuable to me as a Democrat that votes that way.

[Mark]

Yeah, totally agree with everything you just said. And, and again.

[Kevin]

And there's a case, there's a case I won't make it. But there's a case also for Susan Collins staying in there where you have kind of center folks that can be a voice of reason unshackled by, you know, constraints within their own. Their own parties.

[Mark]

Remember what Ronald Reagan said. Somebody who disagrees with me, I forget what he said. 10% of the time is not my 10% enemy. They're my 90% friend. These Democrats who vilified Fetterman for supporting things that are popular, not just in his state, but in the country when he largely votes for Democrats, it's just. It's just so destructive.

[Kevin]

And if he runs again, and we've talked about this, his problem will be the primary, not the general election. He'll win that general election easily.

[Mark]

All right, Ronald Reagan was a professional actor. Donald Trump has been in many movies. He's in one of the Home Alone movies.

[Kevin]

Did he win some Emmys? Did he win Emmys for the Apprentice? Is he an Emmy award winner?

[Larry]

Yeah, he won it as a producer. So.

[Mark]

So there's there. But. But he's in the. Is he in the original Home Alone or one of the sequels?

[Kevin]

The original Larry says, oh, no, New York.

[Mark]

All right, so my point is, here are two professional actors who've been president. But I will stipulate, ladies and gentlemen, I will stipulate that if you take all the presidents since Reagan, neither of the two professional actors is as good as. As the finest thespian ever to serve in the modern White House as commander in chief. Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you pure epic talent.

[Kevin]

Lucky number 44. Oh, we gotta hear him.

[Mark]

Gotta have the audio, guys. Take it back with the audio.

[Larry]

Actually, this is my favorite kind of Obama.

[Mark]

Oh, guys. Oh, my goodness. Take it back with the audio. Take it to the top. Here we go.

[Kevin]

Oh, no.

[Mark]

Oh, my goodness. Do we not have it?

[Kevin]

We'll edit in post. We'll edit and post.

[Mark]

Yeah. Do we not have it? Tell me now. Don't keep playing it with no audio. We either have it with the audio or take it then for working with Larry David.

[Larry]

I'm just a producer on this show,

[Mark]

so I don't have to deal with them day to day. But still, it's a lot. Hey, 44.

[Larry]

Yeah?

[Mark]

Can I put you down as my emergency contact?

[Larry]

Why would you do that?

[Mark]

Well, because if they see your name, they'll be more inclined to help. But that means they're bothering me. Yeah, but you know, it's an emergency. Larry, I've seen you call 911 when you had something in your eye. Yeah, I had it for an hour. It was driving me crazy. What was I supposed to do?

[Larry]

Don't you know other people who like you?

[Mark]

No, the answer is no, Larry. Oh, that's Michelle. Good luck with that. You see what I'm dealing with here? Impossible. I know you guys. I know you guys might think I'm kidding. I know you might think I'm kidding.

[Kevin]

Was that at the new library? Was that.

[Mark]

I think I look like it with

[Kevin]

Washington in the background.

[Mark]

I will say I have seen a lot of Reagan movies. I've watched the Apprentice. I really do think Barack Obama is a better actor than the two of them. Resolve. Barack Obama's the finest actor since. Since, you know, that video he did that.

[Kevin]

The video he did for Correspondence center with John Boehner.

[Mark]

All right, so you both agree with me, he's a better actor?

[Larry]

I agree with you only because, I mean, think about it. There's another euphemism for a professional actor, and that is a. A professional liar.

[Mark]

I knew you were gonna go. I knew. Larry.

[Kevin]

Larry, says the guy who picked Ronald Reagan yesterday.

[Larry]

Doctor, you can keep your doctor. That was amazing.

[Mark]

Larry. Larry, snap. Snap out of the Limbaugh.

[Kevin]

It's bedtime for Bonzo and Mario.

[Mark]

I want a serious answer. Do you guys agree with me he's a better actor than those two guys?

[Priscilla]

Not.

[Mark]

I'm serious.

[Larry]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Mark]

Okay, Larry. Larry. I mean, go watch a Reagan movie. Reagan.

[Larry]

Reagan was great as the Gipper.

[Mark]

He was horrible.

[Larry]

If you like college football, that doesn't bring a tear to your eye.

[Mark]

Obama is such a good actor. He's comic there. His comic timing is exceptional. Larry. Winner of the week.

[Larry]

Winner of the week. Why is this man smiling? In fact, who is this man? A lot of people don't know him. He's not a household name. But President Trump's political guru, Jason Blair had a very.

[Kevin]

James Blair.

[Larry]

James Blair.

[Mark]

Excuse me, Jason Blair. Jason Blair is never the winner.

[Kevin]

Jason Bourne and James Blair.

[Larry]

James Blair had a very, very good week. And he had a demonstration of what he can do when targeting narrow district races like in Indiana, employing just enough money and just enough messaging and just enough ground game to get the job done. Done. Add to that the redistricting mania going on in this country right now, and that man is going to pull off a miracle for his party this November.

[Mark]

Kevin.

[Kevin]

Well, I was going to say Larry o' Connor is my winner of the week for being named a permanent co host of this great show, but my actual winner of the week is Michigan state senator elect Chedrick Green. Marine veteran, retired fire captain Kamala Harris won that district by a percentage point. He won it by 19 points. Keeping it safely. Keeping the upper chamber safely. In Democratic control in a must win state like Michigan. So go Senator Green.

[Mark]

All right. My winner of the week is also not well known yet, but he will be soon. Ladies and gentlemen, USC baseball freshman Urban. Walter Urban with the dinger. Watch this. Boom.

[Kevin]

Look at that. Takes off like a rocket. Two run home run for the center

[Mark]

fielder, number 16, Walter Urban. Walter Urban. First of all, first of all, that the USC social media team, very well produced, correctly pointed out in the chat, which I glance at occasionally. Sports is barred from winners and losers and what to look for. However, Walter is Lori's godson, so we had to include that.

[Larry]

Congratulations.

[Mark]

Nice hit, Walter.

[Larry]

That was painful to see. Only because I'm a UCLA family, not USC family. And of course they have a good social media team. That's the George Lucas school of film. See, they got, they got pretty good talent there.

[Mark]

I expect. I expect Walter to continue to homer and will continue to feature Larry. Loser of the week.

[Larry]

Loser of the week. Sort of on the flip side of my winner of the week. Why is this man not so smiling? Hakeem Jeffries last week was full of boister and energy and, you know, f around and find out after they narrowly won that referendum in Virginia. Now that is in danger of being flipped over. He challenged Ron DeSantis and DeSantis delivered. With the redistricting, his hopes to have a gavel in his hand are not looking good. And I'm actually hearing that a lot of people are questioning his behavior, his antics and his ability to lead that fractured caucus of the Democrats. If he doesn't pull off a victory this November, I don't think he's going to last as the leader of the Democrats.

[Kevin]

Kevin, Nobody in his caucus is saying that it's going to be speaker elect

[Mark]

Larry's. Larry's an honorary member of the House Democratic caucus. Yeah, he's like Nancy Pelosi's ex officio. Kevin. Loser of the week.

[Kevin]

My loser of the week is Katie Porter to lackluster back to back debate performances. This ad making fun of the situation where she verbally assaulted staff. She is sinking in the polls while my guy Matt Mahan is rising. So Katie Porter is my loser of the week.

[Mark]

All right. I'm switching my loser at the week. At the last minute. I won't even tell you who I was going to choose. My loser of the week is my colleagues of the press corps who are covering the redistricting in Tennessee saying it's Jim Crow redux and it's such an outrage. Silence. When Massachusetts eliminated any possibility of Republican, Illinois, Maryland. It's just, it's just, it's so unfair. If you think redistricting for, for partisan purposes is outrageous and unconstitutional and un American, you got to cover it when the Democrats do it, too, not just when the Republicans do it. Larry, that was for you.

[Larry]

Well said.

[Mark]

That was for you. I just, I listened. I listened to CBS radio this morning and they were quoting all these Democratic legislators, like lighting themselves on fire outside the chamber and saying this is Jim Crow. No, they're just, they're just taking a seat because they can. Just like the Democrats did in Massachusetts, just like the Democrats did in Illinois.

[Larry]

And, and by the way, the black House member that is being districted out in Tennessee is white. Steve Cohen.

[Mark]

Yes. And, and I don't know if this is true, but I heard Lydia Moynihan say that the likely winner of that seat now is a black Republican woman.

[Larry]

That's right. Yeah.

[Mark]

All right, we're running out of time. Quickly, next week, this weekend, what are you looking for?

[Larry]

I am. I was going to be looking for Iran developments, but I've been saying that too much. So I'm going to be looking for the fallout from the UFO files and see what people find there. It's going to be great.

[Mark]

Kevin.

[Kevin]

I'm going to be looking at all the two way members posts celebrating their mothers for Mother's Day and hope all the moms on this very chat have a wonderful Sunday.

[Larry]

Well said.

[Mark]

Don't tell, but I'm blinking to see if the Mother's Day presents arrive on time because I'm having bad customer service. Not sure they're going to get it here. I've got a. I've got a backup. I've got a backup plan.

[Larry]

My Mother's Day gift is always a very fancy dinner.

[Mark]

Got a backup plan. Priscilla, welcome in. Thank you for being part of two way. Thank you for waiting patiently. Unmute. Tell folks who don't know where you are and what's on your mind for our permanent co host, Kevin and Larry.

[Kevin]

Hey, Priscilla, Good morning.

[Priscilla]

Good morning. Can you hear me?

[Mark]

Yes, ma'.

[Kevin]

Am.

[Larry]

Yes, loud and clear.

[Priscilla]

I'm in New York in Rye, New York.

[Mark]

Beautiful place. I like your train station.

[Priscilla]

Yeah, but I'm originally from Brazil. It is my first time dialing in in a long time.

[Mark]

Great. Great to see you. Thank you for having me.

[Priscilla]

So I wanted to bring up that Brazilian bilateral meeting that you mentioned yesterday in the daybook that occurred in the White House for your question from yesterday. The Brazilian steakhouses are called Chuxascarias.

[Mark]

Thank you for that.

[Priscilla]

And so when Mark said that there was going to be press open, I was very skeptical because the Brazilian press had not said that. And I follow Brazilian politics very closely. And then because Lula is, there's a lot of questions about his election, I'll just put it that way. And he's terrified of the press. He never talks to even center press in Brazil, only media. I was highly skeptical. Then I saw that his motorcade was running late. He arrived at the White House at 11:20. And I thought, typical, because the press was supposed to start at 11:15 and then it didn't start. They just like they made the reporters just stand there for over two hours. And it's because he's terrified of speaking to the press. And he's also reportedly terrified of having like a Zelensky moment or the president of South Africa, you know, because Lula is with Trump on everything. Every single policy has been very critical. So it's not one bit surprising that he bailed out. Reportedly, according to the Brazilian press, at the end he just said he had to go and he went to the Brazilian embassy and conducted his own press conference there alone so he could give his spin to the Brazilian media, but only left leaning media. So totally typical. And I'm just wondering, my question for you is, do you think with the US Being so busy with Iran and China, do you think they're paying attention to what's happening in Latin America? Because the last two strongholds of the left in Latin America are Colombia, which has an election this month at the end, I think it's on the 31st, and then Brazil in October. And because the Supreme Court, which is totally dominated by leftists in Brazil, banned Bolsonaro from running. It's his eldest son, the senator, that running and he's leading in the polls. He would win if the election's free. But if they do what they did in 2022, which is to ban like massive constraints on free speech and basically imprison the opposition, then Lula will get reelected again in a fake election. So I'm wondering if the White House is paying attention and anybody other than Rubio.

[Mark]

Yeah, thank you for. Thank you, thank you for that. It's a great question. And Rubio goes a long way but doesn't solve it. Kevin or Larry, who wants to start?

[Larry]

Well, I'll jump in. Rubio is definitely focusing on it. Also, Rubio has put together a team of Latin American advisers. And I know the Brazilian is on the radar, but the president himself, who considered Bolsonaro a friend and an ally. He believes that he was treated very unfairly. In fact, I believe that there are sanctions against members of that Supreme Court for the violation of basic international norms of free speech and free expression because of the social media clampdown that they had that aided in that. And there's also, I believe some of the highest tariffs that have been levied on the planet are levied against Brazil. And Lula didn't want to have anything to do with that. It makes, I think he engineered all of the issues in terms of not being able to have any sort of public scene side by side with the president. That said, the Brazilian Embassy is one of the coolest buildings in D.C. i think Kevin would have agree with me.

[Kevin]

It is right on Massachusetts Avenue. I would agree. Priscilla, thank you for the question. Thank you for being a member of this community. The reports I saw were all fairly rosy, including from Lula themselves. In terms of it was a three hour sit down. We, we broadly agreed on a bunch of these kind of things. I think there's obviously some spin coming from them on the critical minerals front too. That was a key obviously agreement in that bilateral, but not much beyond that in terms of the reporting. And it's interesting to hear the perspective from you and from the Brazilian press on that meeting.

[Mark]

Yeah. Thank you. Grateful to you. Thank you for coming back. We love having you on. Please come back again soon. Chris Holliday, welcome in. Tell folks who don't know where you are and what's on your mind for Kevin and for Larry.

[Kevin]

Good morning.

[Chris Holliday]

Congratulations, Kevin and Larry. We're glad you guys are our permanent co hosts.

[Larry]

Thank you, Chris.

[Mark]

Thank you.

[Chris Holliday]

So quickly, my question this morning is I guess it's for Larry, but I'm sure everybody can weigh in. I'm concerned about some stuff I'm seeing from the Republican Party. I'm, I'm seeing us switch up a lot of stuff that we've always stood for. Last year when they were getting ready to pass the big beautiful bill and the tax cuts, Steve Banham was saying, you know, leave the rich out. So we're engaging in class warfare. We had two prominent conservative podcast hosts yesterday do an interview together and they were saying things like the money that we spent on Iran could have been spent on Obamacare subsidies. And of course it's not the same. Subsidies is something we spend every year. A war is one time. It's spent and it's done. So are you noticing these changes? Do you think they're going to infect the administration? Is this where the party's headed.

[Mark]

Thank you, Chris. You speak for tens of millions, Larry. I do.

[Larry]

And let me just clarify because are you talking about changes that come from so called influencers or loud voices like Steve Bannon or whomever that you're just citing that could in fact like changing the commentariat's position on things like that?

[Mark]

Because I think, I think he means changes in actual policy in the administration.

[Larry]

And I haven't seen. I mean, part of the question was will the administration be changing? I'd say I don't see the fundamental changes in our policies at the administration level or even in Congress that are in some way following what these media voices are suggesting. So there may be conflict there, there may be some members of Congress who are concerned about getting on the wrong side of that because of publicity purposes. But fundamentally, I don't see policies being fundamentally changed at that level in a significant way. At least. Unless I'm missing something.

[Mark]

Yeah, Chris, thank you. Thank you. I'm jumping over to series for the second hour and by. Yeah, it did. And a lot of hands up. You guys want to go a little overtime? Please do. But anyway, I'm rolling over. Oh, Haley's here. I'm going. Big surprise. But I'll miss it. I'll. Now I'm not going because of Haley. I'm going because I got to SiriusXM. But I'll see everybody at 5 o' clock with full coverage of what the President's gonna say. And if Marco Rubio is right, maybe we'll have the Iran reaction and a big white flag.

[Kevin]

And the UFOs.

[Mark]

And the UFOs all a big packed show. So thank you guys. I really congratulations and, and my gratitude to have you both here. Looking forward to next week. And I'll see you at 5 and turn it over to Larry, Kevin and Haley. And I'll see you at 10 o' clock on Sirius XM.

[Larry]

Happy mother.

[Kevin]

Thanks, Mark.

[Larry]

Thanks, Mark. And thanks for being so.

[Kevin]

Hope those gifts get there too. All right.

[Larry]

Did you see that? Oh, Haley's here. I'm out of here.

[Kevin]

Yeah, we've got her. What are you doing? We got our gal.

[Haley]

It's about time for us a little bit of education, fellas.

[Larry]

Oh, all right. Educate us.

[Haley]

First of all, first of all, I want to say mazel tov. Congratulations. I'm could not be happier with who was chosen. But I'm gonna educate you guys because I saw over the Monday you guys need a little educate. Fashion education. So we're gonna pull up some from The Met from the Met gala photos for you. So, Paul, if you could. Let's start with.

[Mark]

Wait, wait.

[Larry]

You're already coordinating with the production team?

[Kevin]

Yeah. How does Haley have. All right. Lord. We get named this week and now Haley's in charge.

[Larry]

That is a whole lot of Kardashian crotch.

[Kevin]

Right?

[Haley]

We are going to go.

[Kevin]

Is that who that is?

[Haley]

We're gonna go through some big names first. Then we're gonna go through my personal favorites. Then we can laugh about a few. All right, so this is Kim Kardashian. She is wearing Alan Jones. This is a custom made piece for her. She looks fantastic.

[Larry]

Does she?

[Haley]

402, please.

[Mark]

Wait, wait, wait.

[Kevin]

She looks like. She looks like she could be in that UFO report. I'm just saying she looks wearing armor.

[Larry]

I thought that was illegal in Manhattan.

[Haley]

She had that body anyway. Beyonce. Beyonce is wearing Olivier Roustein.

[Mark]

That's a skeleton.

[Haley]

She's like Jack Skelton from Completely Diamond Swarovski Crystals. She's fantastic.

[Larry]

He's got his spine. There is what I'm seeing for.

[Haley]

403, please.

[Kevin]

I love that Haley has the numbers too, for the. This is incredible.

[Larry]

He showed up in a robe. He couldn't actually, like, get out of his bathroom.

[Haley]

Custom Chanel. Larry o'. Connor. Excuse you.

[Kevin]

I would wear that in a heartbeat.

[Haley]

Is wearing Maison Margulet custom as well.

[Mark]

And that's not practical.

[Larry]

Look at the legs.

[Mark]

How does she even walk?

[Haley]

It's not practical. That's the whole shuffle.

[Kevin]

She does the Joe Biden shuffle.

[Larry]

She just can't go to a baseball game in that.

[Haley]

Listen, fellas, this is the whole point of the Met Gala. Look at the detail.

[Priscilla]

Look at the.

[Haley]

The. The designs. Everything is also inspired from art.

[Larry]

Like, go back to the Kardashian thing. I'll look at some detail on that one.

[Haley]

Still a family show at 9:00am My personal favorites. 404, please. This is Chase Infinity. She is wearing Thom Brown. It's absolutely stunning. 405, please.

[Larry]

I do like.

[Kevin]

There's a tree. Is that beaded?

[Larry]

Does that.

[Mark]

Oh, wow.

[Kevin]

Oh, my goodness.

[Larry]

So that's cool.

[Mark]

That looks like a woman.

[Haley]

I'm a Chamberlain. She's wearing Mugle. And that is definitely inspired from Van Gogh.

[Priscilla]

We could all tell.

[Larry]

That's amazing. But it's very hard to hold a cocktail with those sleeves.

[Haley]

Of course, that's not the point of this.

[Larry]

What's the point? No going to the Met. If I were. If I had to go to the Met, I'd be drunk half the time. That's the only way to get through it.

[Haley]

And smoking cigarettes in the bathroom.

[Kevin]

You would, you would love it.

[Haley]

Larry, you would go to 406, please.

[Priscilla]

Yes.

[Haley]

Gracie Abrams. This was also inspired by.

[Mark]

Oh, that.

[Larry]

That is actually amazing.

[Haley]

Klimt. That was her inspiration. It's gorgeous.

[Larry]

That's. That's very romantic. Very sexy. I like that.

[Haley]

Let's go to the 407. This is gonna make everyone laugh. That's Bad Bunny, everybody.

[Kevin]

He aged himself. I saw that. Isn't that crazy?

[Larry]

Hold on. That's like the black version of Jerry Seinfeld's pirate puffy shirt, isn't it?

[Kevin]

It is. I don't want to be a pirate.

[Haley]

I don't know what the inspiration was here, but let's just say it's pretty. Pretty good.

[Mark]

Pretty good.

[Larry]

Dude. The super bowl halftime show really does age a guy.

[Haley]

And then your guys favorite, always 408.

[Kevin]

That's what started this whole thing. What in the hell is that?

[Haley]

This one?

[Larry]

Yeah, that's Sam Harris dressed like one of the Follies girls from Stephen.

[Haley]

Sam Smith is wearing Christian Cowan. I don't know who yeah, that is. But this was one of the less. The less ones that worked, let's just say. And then we're going to end with 400, 409. Because we have to end with our fellas.

[Kevin]

Our fellas. Many are saying after. Many of are saying after this week, it's Larry and I as the fellas, not romantically involved in the cabin.

[Larry]

But in terms of I was told it was a hockey thing show and it's softcore porn. It's softcore gay porn. Is that hot?

[Kevin]

Larry asked. He knows that these are the hockey guys, to be clear. Thank you, Haley.

[Larry]

Thank you, Haley.

[Kevin]

Oh, we got you on mute again. You're the best. We love these pop culture minutes every Friday.

[Larry]

You know, what a way to wrap up the having a career in the Broadway theater. And so people always sort of look side glance at me in terms of

[Kevin]

my, you know, they wouldn't look side glance if they met Meredith, who is gorgeous.

[Larry]

Bring Meredith in now.

[Kevin]

And is in love with. In love with you. Rightly so.

[Larry]

You very much. Thank you. Not that there's anything wrong with.

[Kevin]

Not that there's anything wrong with that. Another Seinfeld. Another Seinfeld callbacks. I love it. I don't want to be a pirate.

[Larry]

Kevin, congratulations to you for being permanent. I'm so thrilled. By the way, when I was asked to do this, one of the first questions was, you know, I wanted to tread carefully And I didn't want to insult it, but I sort of said so who are you thinking of? And on the other side and I said I sure hope it's Kevin that

[Mark]

and it worked out.

[Kevin]

Right. Right back at you. Right back at you. The chemistry is infectious. Not to say and we've got a great and part of this release, a great lineup of other two Way contributors, all all friends of the show, all with great followings here. And I we see all the tweets and stuff like that, especially when other folks are guest co hosting. I always watch the show too and learn something from everyone else that was named as well. So we this is just a really exciting moment for two Way in this community going forward.

[Larry]

Yep. And I am absolutely, we're both incredibly thrilled not just to be on the platform and be a part of this morning conversation every day to talk about politics in a way that it really isn't talked about anywhere else, but also all of the other verticals and things that 2way is doing. It really is going to change media and the way information and entertainment comes to the public, which was always Andrew Breitbart's vision too. That's why I was so excited about this because I am a mentee of Mr. Breitbart to this day. We should probably plug those other projects. The two way is focused on tonight, live 5pm Two way tonight, Republican communication strategist Elizabeth Pipko. And on your side of the equation,

[Kevin]

Kevin, who's on the oh, Doug Friednatch. Yeah.

[Larry]

Doug Friednash. Yes. Former chief of staff and for Governor Hickenlooper.

[Kevin]

Yeah. Good old hit.

[Larry]

And and of course all the after shows that will happen.

[Kevin]

Of course everyone should join Mark right now on on Sirius from 10 to 11. The chat is open for Professor Kenny and friends for the after show. Friday is always a fun after show too. I joined it a few weeks ago and it was a total blast. It's a little more light and and fun. So everyone should join that at 11, of course, and then noon with Larry. Now are you back in your home studio for new studio? You're on the road yesterday.

[Larry]

We'll be live today at noon and then we'll dive into this weekend after an incredibly insanely busy week and then things. And next week I'm committed to doing one of the two Way tonight after shows. I will be doing that next week. I just haven't picked the day yet. But I'll see you then. And we'll be back next week. And happy Mother's Day, everybody.

[Kevin]

Happy Mother's day, everybody. Have a great weekend. Thanks for everything.