Podcast Summary: The Morning Meeting

Episode: This Week's Winners and Losers; New Allegations Against Democrat Wes Moore of Lying To Get a Big Job
Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Mark Halperin
Guests: Larry O’Connor, Kevin Walling

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of The Morning Meeting revolves around political winners and losers of the week, shifting party fortunes, new White House strategies, major legislative battles, and a significant story: the Washington Free Beacon’s allegations against Maryland Governor Wes Moore regarding résumé exaggeration. The conversation offers a deep dive into presidential approval ratings, Democratic and Republican party mechanics, legislative prospects, marijuana rescheduling, Venezuela sanctions, the Russia-Ukraine war, and analysis on the Democratic 2028 bench.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Political Standing of President Trump & Recent Polls

• Poll Shifts: Recently released AP polling and pervasive Republican worry about flagging numbers for Trump. Mark Halperin notes “dismal numbers” and lots of behind-the-scenes angst among Republican insiders. (07:39)
• Comparative Popularity: Despite negative coverage, Trump’s approval is higher than Obama, Bush, and Biden at the same point in office.

  "Trump 43, almost 44% approval. Biden 42, Bush 41, Obama 41, which makes Trump the most popular president of the 21st century at this point of his presidency." – Mark Halpern (11:22)

• Republican Strategy: Larry O’Connor cautions about issue-based polling numbers, especially the economy, and stresses improvement on “quality of life issues” in urban centers as another necessary focus for Republicans. (12:42)

  “His right now he's not pulling well on specific issues, most importantly the economy. And that's a problem for him and they got to address it.” – Larry O’Connor (12:33)

2. Democratic Party Momentum and Mechanics

• State Victories: Democrats have flipped 25 state legislative seats in 2025; Republicans have flipped zero (13:48). Kevin Walling credits “candidate recruitment” and early investment in grassroots field operations.

  “Candidate recruitment is important. I think the margin would have been even closer in that Tennessee special… I think engaging in field work… the earliest point we've seen actual investments in field personnel on the ground.” – Kevin Walling (13:48, 15:28)

• Tech & Turnout: DNC is “hiring organizers now for the midterms,” showing earlier-than-usual investments, and using entities like Swing Left for grassroots mobilization.
• RNC Operations: Larry O’Connor concedes RNC underperformed in Virginia but acknowledges strong data operations, while noting the cyclical and pendulum nature of midterm swings against the president’s party. (16:00)

3. Internal Strife & Legislative Deadlock in Congress

• Speaker Tensions & Marjorie Taylor Greene: Republicans face a “devil of a choice” on healthcare and ACA subsidies; Speaker Johnson’s grip threatened by both right-wing rebellion (including Marjorie Taylor Greene), and moderate-defector worries. (19:31)
• Healthcare Battle: Consensus in both chambers on ACA subsidies, but fragmented by numerous “mini-gangs” unable to unite on a plan, deemed “ridiculous” by Halperin for lack of tactical cohesion. (45:12)
• Shutdown Looms: January 30th is the next potential government shutdown date. Johnson’s role as Speaker remains shaky but both guests predict he’ll survive through the election (22:26).

4. Marijuana Reclassification: Politics & Policy

• White House Moves: Biden expected to initiate reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to II, per Washington Post reporting. The move is historically at odds with Biden’s anti-drug image.
• Political Motivation: Potentially a play to energize youth turnout, though Kevin Walling believes “the country’s kind of moved on from this issue” and it may not be a major midterms factor. (24:26)
• Divergent Views: Larry O’Connor admits to being “wrong” about legalization, now viewing it as “a disaster,” citing repercussions in urban America. (24:46)

  "I think this is a failed experiment… it really has been a major problem… I thought it was a good idea when it was proposed, but it's, I think it's become a disaster." – Larry O'Connor (24:46)

• Public Opinion: Despite increased publication of health risks, broad support for legalization remains steady.

5. Venezuela, Russia, Ukraine Updates

• Venezuela: Ongoing sanctions against Maduro; disagreement about his regime’s imminent downfall. Larry predicts his ouster soon, Kevin thinks Russian support will prolong his tenure (26:26).
• Russia-Ukraine War:
  • Putin’s rare public appearance (with tech problems, much to the panel’s amusement, 27:59).
  • Zelensky’s frontline visit highlighted as narrative war, emphasizing the importance of battlefield results in supporting diplomatic negotiations (29:14).
  • Ukraine holding steady, oil exports from Russia fall to a post-invasion low, possibly increasing pressure on Putin. Both guests speculate that “territorial concessions” might be floated for peace. (30:03)

6. The Democratic 2028 Bench & New Allegations Against Wes Moore

• Halperin’s Top 8 List: Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Andy Beshear, Wes Moore, J.B. Pritzker, AOC.
  • Walling would move Beshear and Moore higher, Harris lower; O’Connor would also demote Harris, elevate AOC, and notes Buttigieg’s moment may have passed. (32:46–37:29)
  • Debate over inclusion of non-politician Mark Cuban as a dark horse. (35:31)
• Wes Moore Allegations:
  • Washington Free Beacon’s exposé claims Moore exaggerated his résumé to secure a pivotal White House Fellowship.
  • Panel agrees it’s a legitimate story of character and political importance.

    “Wes Moore has a history of exaggerating his resume...and his whole thing is biography. So, you know, just watch that closely.” – Mark Halpern (39:41)

  • Criticism that major media (Morning Joe, Washington Post, NYT) ignored the story (39:13, 39:32).
  • Advice: All potential nominees should conduct “self oppo” (opposition research) long before jumping in fully.

    "They need to follow up on this story. I'm telling you. Washington Post, New York Times, WSJ. You must follow up on this story." – Mark Halpern (41:36)

  • Larry O’Connor: "I fear Wes Moore, big time. I fear Gavin Newsom...they can lie in such a genuine way and get away with it.” (42:23)

7. Winners & Losers of the Week

Winners:

• Jasmine Crockett (Texas Dem), for energizing an already contentious GOP Senate race (43:10)
• Erica Kirk (widow of slain Houston pastor), for grace and resilience (43:31)
• Ken Martin (DNC chair), now considered safe after a string of Democratic wins (43:56) Losers:
• Nancy Mace (R-SC), for repeatedly inflaming a local “airport situation” damaging her gubernatorial prospects (44:15)
• Hoosier Republicans, for squandering a chance at additional House seats (44:45)
• Congress members who failed to coordinate on ACA reform (45:12)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Polling “God the Almighty”:

  “If you did… job approval rating for God...what would… the American people… say approve…?” (22:28)

  “100%” – Larry O’Connor (23:05)
  “I’m at 97%. I don’t want to get smited walking out of my house.” – Kevin Walling (23:10)
  Comic relief—how Americans might rate even God’s job performance.

• On the Democratic Party's Direction:

  “If the Democratic Party hadn't rigged the system, Bernie would have been the nominee both years. And the party's only moved to the left since then.” – Mark Halpern (36:32) “This is why...I’d move AOC up because she is the one who represents where the real energy of the Party is right now.” – Larry O'Connor (37:05)

• Marijuana Policy:

  “Alcohol has not gotten more potent… I have a friend who… said it would blow my mind how much different [today’s] pot is.” – Larry O’Connor (53:44)
  “I also think there’s a difference between buying marijuana off the street… and from legalized dispensaries… a win-win situation if we declassify and let states decide.” – Haley, listener (57:58)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Daybook & Trends (White House, DNC): 02:54–07:39
• Presidential Approval, GOP/Democratic Party Mechanics: 07:39–19:31
• GOP Congressional Infighting & ACA Battle: 19:31–21:37
• Polling God, Political Satire: 22:26–23:44
• Marijuana Reclassification Politics & Policy: 24:11–25:48; Public Q&A: 52:08–62:39
• Venezuela, Russia/Ukraine Updates: 25:49–31:23
• 2028 Democratic Bench & Wes Moore Allegations: 31:23–42:39
• Winners and Losers of the Week: 43:08–45:12
• What to Watch This Weekend: 45:46–46:41
• Listener Q&A – Politician Disconnect, Marijuana: 48:24–62:39

Listener Q&A Highlights

• Political disconnect: Ontario listener compares Canadian and American out-of-touch politicians; Larry blames gerrymandering and non-competitive districts (48:24–52:00).
• Marijuana legalization: Des Moines listener lists health risks, but consensus is that public support remains strong due to shifting cultural attitudes and state experiences (52:08–55:48).
• Dispensary legalization & tax revenue: Haley points out regulatory and tax collection benefits of legalization (57:58–61:28).
• Use of marijuana as an electoral motivator: Kevin describes how ballot initiatives have increased turnout in battleground states (61:28).

Tone & Style

The episode’s tone is conversational, witty, and occasionally sardonic. Halperin keeps the discussion sharp, narrative-driven, and punctuated by direct, sometimes humorous exchanges between panelists. Both guests balance insightful analysis with banter, offering accessible coverage for political insiders and lay listeners alike.

Final Note

The episode concludes with reminders for listeners to join the post-show discussion and tune in to upcoming 2WAY programming, maintaining the show’s commitment to fostering an active, informed, and participatory political community.

Summary compiled for those seeking a comprehensive but accessible recap of this episode of The Morning Meeting.