Next Up with Mark Halperin: Media Doubles Down on Double Standards, and the Russia and Ukraine Stalemate With No Path to Peace

Release Date: June 3, 2025

In this compelling episode of Next Up with Mark Halperin, host Mark Kalperin delves deep into the pervasive issue of media bias, the ongoing stalemate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the evolving geopolitical landscape involving the United States and China. Featuring insightful conversations with esteemed columnist David Ignatius of The Washington Post and Indiana Senator Jim Banks, the episode offers a comprehensive analysis of current political and media dynamics.

I. Media Bias and Double Standards

Mark Kalperin opens the discussion by addressing his frustrations with media bias, particularly the double standards applied in covering political figures from different parties.

A. Cory Booker vs. Elon Musk: A Case of Double Standards

Kalperin highlights a striking example of media bias involving identical gestures made by Democratic Senator Cory Booker and Republican entrepreneur Elon Musk. While Musk faced national backlash and accusations of Nazi sympathies for a similar gesture, Booker's identical move received little to no criticism.

Mark Kalperin [17:21]:
"Cory Booker's spokesperson can say, 'they both put their right arm kind of on their heart,' and then they raise it up in what someone could say was a Nazi salute, but in neither case was it a Nazi salute."

David Ignatius [17:28]:
“Do this, but they do.”

B. Boulder, Colorado Attack Coverage

Kalperin criticizes the media's selective reporting on a violent attack in Colorado, emphasizing the perpetrator's illegal status in the U.S. He argues that such details are often glossed over, undermining the gravity of crimes committed by undocumented individuals.

Mark Kalperin [10:58]:
"He came here illegally, and this is now another example of someone in the United States illegally who the press takes pains to ignore."

C. CBS and 60 Minutes Incidents

The episode delves into perceived media failures at CBS News, particularly regarding their handling of sensitive political interviews. Kalperin cites instances where CBS correspondents allegedly avoided addressing critical issues, leading to a loss of credibility.

Mark Kalperin [27:32]:
"They ignore the fact that it's not just the MAGA view, but any objective view that every one of those concerns was also implicated by the actions of the previous Democratic administration."

D. Media's Failure to Hold Democrats Accountable

Kalperin contends that the media often fails to apply the same level of scrutiny to Democratic figures as they do to Republicans, fostering a biased reporting environment that erodes public trust.

David Ignatius [70:32]:
“Tell them the news and tell them the truth. That’s the business model that's going to prevail.”

II. Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A Stalemate with No Clear Path to Peace

The conversation shifts to the protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Senator Jim Banks providing a nuanced perspective on the current state of affairs.

A. Current State of the War

Banks describes the war as one of "stalemate attrition," noting that despite Russia's prolonged efforts, including a significant offensive, they have yet to achieve total control over key regions like Donetsk Province.

Jim Banks [29:57]:
"It's still a stalemate. Russia will make gains this summer, but the war remains in a state of attrition."

B. Potential Russian Offensive and Ukraine's Morale

While Russia is poised for a large-scale offensive, Banks expresses concern over Ukraine's air defenses and the potential devastation of its cities. However, he also acknowledges a morale boost following recent daring Ukrainian military actions.

Senator Jim Banks [35:34]:
"Ukraine feels on the verge of being abandoned by the United States, and yet even so, it's still holding its ground."

C. The Psychological Battle and Lack of Incentive for Peace

Addressing Putin's motivations, Banks argues that the Russian president has little incentive to negotiate peace, driven by a desire for victory and the belief that Ukraine has turned against Russia's interests.

Jim Banks [32:38]:
"Putin isn't interested in peace, he's interested in victory. He remains obsessed with this idea that Ukraine has become anti-Russia."

III. European Defense Shifts in Response to Russian Aggression

Senator Banks discusses the significant changes in European defense policies, highlighting a newfound commitment to military spending and independence from U.S. support.

A. Increased Defense Spending

Europe, particularly Germany, has begun to significantly increase its defense budget, with the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merck advocating for a "5% of GDP commitment" to defense—double the previous allocation.

Jim Banks [38:14]:
"The new German chancellor, Friedrich Merck, is talking about a 5% of GDP commitment to defense spending... creating a German army that's the most powerful in Europe."

B. Role of the United Kingdom

The UK is reasserting its role within European defense, working closely with frontline states like Sweden, Finland, and Poland to counter Russian threats.

Senator Jim Banks [40:30]:
"Britain's commitment in Ukraine on the ground in terms of special forces operations has been greater than anybody else's."

C. Europe's Growing Independence

Banks emphasizes that Europe's defense initiatives are driven by genuine concerns over Russian aggression, rather than external pressures, marking a significant shift from past decades.

Senator Jim Banks [39:38]:
"They're stepping up because they're afraid of this aggressive, expansionist Russia. They're frightened of Putin."

IV. U.S. Policy under President Trump: Negotiations and Disorganization

The episode examines President Trump's efforts to negotiate peace in the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the disorganized approach and fluctuating strategies within the administration.

A. Trump's Peace Initiatives

Banks supports Trump's prioritization of ending the war, suggesting that Trump's unique relationship with Putin could facilitate negotiations that previous administrations struggled to achieve.

Jim Banks [42:51]:
"I think the seeking peace in this conflict is a worthy goal for the United States. Trump could do what Biden couldn't."

B. Challenges in Negotiations

Despite the noble goal, Banks points out significant disorganization within the administration's negotiation teams, leading to inconsistent strategies and a lack of cohesive action.

Jim Banks [43:00]:
"They have different strategies. One week they're seeking ceasefires... and then they drop that."

C. Impact on Ukraine

Banks warns that if the U.S. steps back from its support, Russia could prolong the conflict, forcing Ukraine into a desperate position. However, he remains optimistic about Ukraine's resilience with continued European and U.S. backing.

Jim Banks [46:06]:
"Ukraine's prepared to fight on and Europe is prepared to step up enough that Ukraine will be able to keep going."

V. U.S.-China Relations: Economic Decoupling and National Security

The discussion transitions to the critical relationship between the United States and China, focusing on economic disentanglement and national security concerns.

A. Tariffs and Economic Policy

Banks commends President Trump's use of tariffs to reduce economic dependency on China, citing significant moves by American companies like Apple, Eli Lilly, and Honda to relocate production out of China.

Jim Banks [60:17]:
"President Trump's tariffs are moving iPhone production out of China to India... this is really good for America long term."

B. Criticism of American Investments in China

Highlighting bipartisan efforts, Banks emphasizes the need to prevent American companies from aiding China's technological advancements. He references a joint letter sent to Nvidia's CEO, urging the company to halt research facilities in China that could bolster China's AI capabilities.

Jim Banks [63:17]:
"We sent a joint letter to the CEO of Nvidia, calling out Nvidia for opening up a research and development facility in China to help close the AI gap."

C. Restrictions on Chinese Students

Banks supports tightening restrictions on Chinese students with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, arguing that while the U.S. welcomes foreign students, those posing national security risks should be scrutinized.

Jim Banks [65:53]:
"We should definitely crack down on [Chinese students] more... prevent those students from giving a visa to a child of a Chinese Communist Party member."

D. Potential Consequences of Losing to China

Banks warns of dire consequences if the U.S. fails to address the China threat, drawing parallels to Hong Kong's loss of autonomy and expressing fears of authoritarian control over free speech and civil liberties in the U.S.

Jim Banks [67:52]:
"This is the greatest country in the history of the world. But it will cease to be if a foreign power tells us what we can and can't say."

VI. NBA Finals and Indiana Basketball: A Cultural Phenomenon

In a lighter yet culturally significant segment, Senator Banks discusses the Indiana Pacers' remarkable performance in the NBA Finals and the burgeoning popularity of women's basketball star Caitlin Clark.

A. The Indiana Pacers' Journey

Banks celebrates the Pacers' unexpected success, likening their underdog status to Indiana's rich basketball heritage and expressing excitement for the upcoming Finals series.

Senator Jim Banks [52:14]:
"The Pacers are peaking at the right time... they're the underdogs in every series so far."

B. Caitlin Clark's Impact on Women's Basketball

Highlighting Caitlin Clark's influence, Banks remarks on her role in elevating the WNBA's popularity and inspiring a new generation of female athletes, despite recent controversies involving player rivalries.

Senator Jim Banks [53:32]:
"Caitlin Clark is the best thing that's ever happened to women's basketball and inspiring another generation of players."

C. Cultural Significance

Banks underscores how the Pacers and Clark transcend sports, becoming integral to Indiana's cultural identity and fostering a sense of community and pride among fans.

Senator Jim Banks [59:05]:
"They transcend basketball and sports. They really become cultural phenomena and not just in the state, but nationally."

VII. Media's Role and Responsibility

Wrapping up the discussions, both Kalperin and Banks emphasize the urgent need for media outlets to prioritize truth and unbiased reporting to regain public trust.

Senator Jim Banks [70:32]:
“Tell them the news and tell them the truth. That’s the business model that's going to prevail.”

Kalperin concurs, advocating for media organizations like CBS News and The New York Times to uphold professional responsibilities by providing accurate and fair coverage without ideological slants.

Conclusion

This episode of Next Up with Mark Halperin presents a thorough exploration of media biases, the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the strategic pivot in U.S.-China relations. Through insightful dialogues with David Ignatius and Senator Jim Banks, listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of the current political and media landscape, underscoring the necessity for balanced reporting and informed geopolitical strategies.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Kalperin [17:21]:
  "Cory Booker's spokesperson can say, 'they both put their right arm kind of on their heart,' and then they raise it up in what someone could say was a Nazi salute, but in neither case was it a Nazi salute."

• David Ignatius [70:32]:
  “Tell them the news and tell them the truth. That’s the business model that's going to prevail.”

• Jim Banks [29:57]:
  "It's still a stalemate. Russia will make gains this summer, but the war remains in a state of attrition."

For those seeking an in-depth analysis of contemporary political issues and media dynamics, this episode of Next Up with Mark Halperin is an invaluable resource.