Podcast Summary: Next Up with Mark Halperin

Episode: Best and Worst of 2025 Media, Rise of Antisemitism, and the Issues That Will Decide 2026 Midterms
Date: December 16, 2025

Overview

Mark Halperin returns with a packed episode focused on three main themes:

1. A deep dive into the best and worst of 2025 media, reflecting on major trends, wins, failures, and scandals in journalism and content.
2. An in-depth conversation with Rabbi David Wolpe on the unsettling rise of antisemitism in the US and globally—its nature, origins, and possible responses.
3. A detailed analysis with pollster David Winston of the economic and political issues likely to define the 2026 midterms, especially the central role of economic perceptions among independent voters.

Segment 1: Year-in-Review – Best and Worst of 2025 Media

[03:26 – 35:07]

Key Discussion Points

Why Analyze the Media?

• Media’s influence on politics is profound; public trust and outrage over perceived media bias have shaped political alliances and discourse.
• “So many people support Donald Trump, support MAGA because of years, some cases, decades of outrage about the conduct of the media.” (Mark Halperin, 03:41)

Most Surprising Development:

• Liberal or “woke” influence in dominant newsrooms has diminished.
• Newsrooms like The Washington Post and The New York Times are moving incrementally toward more balanced coverage.

Biggest Story of the Year:

• The late-year battle for Warner Brothers, with implications for news, entertainment, and business dominance.

Most Promising Development:

• Bari Weiss joining CBS. Her boss, David Ellison, promotes building a newsroom “appealing to people regardless of their ideology.” (07:31)

Biggest Winner:

• YouTube: Now pivotal for all video creators, “a monster” influencing video, music, comedy, and more.

Biggest Loser:

• Legacy media brands and organizations refusing to adapt to changes in technology, distribution, and audience preferences.

Best New Business Model:

• MK Media praised as an agile, lean, quality-focused content network that disrupts expensive, legacy infrastructure.

Most Overlooked Story:

• Incremental steps by big media toward fairness, with The New York Times finally reporting on controversial topics like Biden’s immigration record and Nancy Pelosi’s stock trading stance, albeit too late.

Most Inevitable Trend:

• TikTok’s evolution into a major news source for younger audiences.

Most Dangerous Trend:

• Sophisticated AI-driven misinformation, identified as a dire threat for 2026.

Best Political Journalism:

• The Wall Street Journal is recognized for superior government/politics coverage.

Most Welcome Trend:

• Both long-form and short-form video thriving, with successful creators mastering both.

Most Misunderstood Audience:

• Families—media companies often misunderstand what parents and children really want.

Most Underrated Skill:

• Fusing AI with human creativity; “Start with humanity, turn to AI for some help. End with humanity.” (Mark Halperin, 22:44)

Most Important New Reality:

• Every business is now a content creator, regardless of industry.

Most Underreported Power Center:

• Live sports rights negotiations are now central to media company fortunes.

Most Unexpected Revival:

• Email newsletters (e.g., Substack) have become “must-read, must-forward” destinations.

Most Predictable Flameout:

• Matthew Dowd’s firing by MSNBC after controversial statements—“tempted fate by saying the things he said.” (32:21)

Biggest Scandal:

• “The continued lack of accountability on the Biden acuity story.” Media ignored obvious cognitive decline to avoid aiding Trump, and even now, “the press continues to not come clean about what actually happened.” (33:42)

Biggest Losses:

• The deaths of Charlie Kirk and journalist Jules Witcover, prominent figures representing both new and classic media paradigms.

Notable Quotes

• “There are baby steps being taken by the dominant media to not just seem less biased, but be less biased.” (Mark Halperin, 18:56)
• “The most powerful people in media are going to be people, again, who know how to combine the human spirit, the human creativity, the human mind, with the power of AI.” (Mark Halperin, 23:38)

Segment 2: The Rise of Antisemitism – Interview with Rabbi David Wolpe

[35:39 – 57:55]

Key Discussion Points

The Problem Emerges:

• Halperin acknowledges he underestimated antisemitism’s resurgence until recent research, polling, and personal encounters proved otherwise.
• “It’s not just disagreement with Benjamin Netanyahu. It’s not just disagreement about policy in Israel. There’s something deeper going on and it is extremely troubling.” (Mark Halperin, 35:50)

Nature and Uniqueness of Antisemitism:

• Wolpe: Antisemitism functions as a conspiracy theory, manifesting in both left and right ideologies and jihadi movements.
• “Hatred of Jews is almost always, or maybe always, a conspiracy theory… There’s a weird dichotomy… we are both subhuman and superhuman.” (Rabbi David Wolpe, 38:47)

Responsibility and Solutions:

• It isn’t solvable by Jews alone—“Because antisemitism is not about Jews. It's about the anti-Semite.” (Wolpe, 41:13)
• Effective response requires forging alliances: “Maybe that is one thing we have not done well enough, is to say to the world, we need your help.” (42:34)

Use of ‘Antisemite’ Label:

• Both agree: the term is overused, which dilutes its meaning and impact.
• “We are way, way too easy with that accusation, which is kind of the nuclear bomb. And you shouldn't, in part because it diminishes the real antisemitism.” (Wolpe, 45:47)

Gray Areas and Political Leaders:

• Discussion of where critique of Israel crosses into antisemitism (e.g., “from the river to the sea” chant).
• Call for stronger condemnation from mainstream political and media figures, not just passive discouragement.

Media’s Role:

• Halperin criticizes media for failing to properly address radical Islam’s role in antisemitic violence.

Advice for Parents:

• Wolpe underscores the need for humanization and genuine interpersonal contact to counter prejudice:
  “To paint any group with a broad brush of evil says much more about the character of your child than it does about the character of the group… you have to teach your child to listen to the dreams of others…” (Wolpe, 55:54 and 56:54)

Notable Quotes

• “You can’t cure the hatred in someone else’s heart.” (Wolpe, 41:13)
• “When we make Jews into the responsible party for antisemitism, we’re falling into the antisemitic trap.” (Wolpe, 41:13)
• “Jews need to be a better wake up call to civilization, that this is not only about us.” (Wolpe, 44:42)
• “Every human being has said things they regret... You have to believe in the redeemability of human beings. And I do.” (Wolpe, 50:40)

Segment 3: The 2026 Midterms – Interview with Pollster David Winston

[59:58 – 88:59]

Key Discussion Points

Centrality of Independent Voters:

• “Independents decide elections. 90% of Republicans vote for Republicans, 90% of Democrats for Democrats—so it’s the independents who decide things.” (Winston, 62:31)

The Economy Trumps All:

• The top issue is economic stewardship—especially for independents.
• Under Biden, prices rose 21%, wages only 16.7%, resulting in a 5% loss in disposable income.
• Trump’s presidency so far has seen slight improvement (wages up 2.6%, prices up 2.2%), but not enough for voters to feel substantial relief.

Current GOP Challenges:

• Among independents, President’s handling of inflation gets just 23% approval, 68% disapproval.
• “If the President’s approval rating on the economy with independents is what it is now, the goal is to change it and make it better… That would be a wipeout if that’s how independents felt.” (Halperin, 66:35)

Historical Context:

• In 2018, Democrats won independents by 12 and took 235 House seats. Maintaining or increasing that margin is key.

Voter Perceptions vs. Economic Reality:

• There's a gap between positive economic data and voters’ lived experiences; voters judge based on how their situations feel in 2026, not just statistics or rhetoric.

Messaging and Discipline Needed:

• Candidates must present coherent, factual narratives about economic progress and plans—avoid hyperbole and focus on tangible results.
• “Part of the challenge here is having an effective economic narrative… and I would tell you at this point, that hasn't been there.” (Winston, 80:24)

Timing for Positive Voter Sentiment:

• Improvement in voter attitudes toward the economy could come as late as fall 2026, as long as people tangibly feel better about cost of living.

Healthcare’s Role:

• Healthcare is intertwined with cost-of-living concerns; generic promises to reduce expenses are only marginally effective unless voters see real improvement.

Media and Messaging:

• Voters, especially independents, are increasingly detached from traditional media and are “tired of hyperbole”; they want “substance” and “facts that allow people to rethink their beliefs.” (Winston, 82:23)

Notable Quotes

• “People aren’t excited, again, because… when you look among independents, [Democrats] have 68% unfavorables. So it’s not like the independents are like waiting for the Democrats to come back.” (Winston, 78:26)
• “Independents are not hearing anything that’s worth taking the time to listen to. That’s part of the challenge to both parties.” (Winston, 83:51)
• “This conversation is the only one that matters.” (Halperin, paraphrasing, 81:00)

Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• “The woke liberals in these newsrooms are not wielding the same power as before. That surprises me at how quiet they've been.” (Mark Halperin, 06:01)
• “Long form is there… but the trend that’s so exciting to me and so heartening to me is short forms doing really well too…” (18:56)
• “Hatred is almost always, or maybe always, a conspiracy theory—and Jews are both subhuman and superhuman in the way haters see them.” (Wolpe, 38:47)
• “You can hate what Israel did in Gaza. That doesn’t make you an anti-Semite… we shouldn’t call it that because, as you said, it’s unserious.” (Wolpe, 45:47)
• “Independents decide elections… it’s not just simply the job approval or the acceptance of how a President is handling an issue. It’s really where independents are.” (Winston, 62:31)
• “If the President’s approval rating on the economy with independents is what it is now… that would be a wipeout if that’s how independents felt.” (Halperin, 66:35)
• “Every time you’re looking at the coverage and it’s confusing, just rerun the episode and [Winston will] have it there.” (Halperin, 88:39)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Media Year-In-Review Monologue: [03:26 – 35:07]
• Antisemitism (Rabbi David Wolpe): [35:39 – 57:55]
• 2026 Midterms (David Winston): [59:58 – 88:59]

Final Thoughts

This episode is a dense, candid, and insightful exploration of three high-stakes areas for America in 2025–26. Halperin guides listeners through changes in media, the seriousness of antisemitic resurgence, and the core economic issues likely to define the next election cycle, all with seasoned expert voices. Both the language and tone remain conversational yet authoritative, with an emphasis on clarity, skepticism, and practical advice.

For listeners:

• If you follow politics, journalism, or cultural trends, you’ll find a detailed scoreboard for the year — plus a look ahead at what really matters for 2026.
• If you’re concerned about antisemitism, the segment with Rabbi Wolpe is nuanced and practical.
• If you want to understand how the economy will shape politics, and why independents hold all the cards, David Winston’s segment is a must-listen.