Next Up with Mark Halperin: Raids, Riots & Roadblocks: California in Turmoil, Democrats Sidetracked on 2028 Plans

Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction to Episode Themes

In this episode of Next Up with Mark Halperin, host Mark Halperin delves deep into the escalating turmoil in California surrounding immigration policies, the pervasive influence of "Trump Derangement Syndrome," and the Democratic Party's strategic distractions as they prepare for the 2028 presidential election. Joined by political analysts Batya Ungar-Sargon and Dan Turnthein, Halperin unpacks the complexities facing American politics today.

California's Immigration Turmoil and Trump Derangement Syndrome

Mark Halperin kicks off the discussion by addressing the current chaos in California, attributing it to the fervent implementation of former President Donald Trump's immigration policies. He highlights the unpredictable nature of the situation, emphasizing that while Trump's mandate to deport illegal immigrants is foreseeable, the resulting upheaval was not entirely anticipated.

Mark Halperin [05:30]: "This is a textbook case of Trump Derangement Syndrome."

Halperin introduces the concept of "Trump Derangement Syndrome," describing it as a significant psychological phenomenon affecting millions of Americans. He asserts that the intense reaction to Trump's immigration stance is both predictable and yet has led to unforeseen consequences in California and across the nation.

Media Coverage and Democratic Responses

A critical examination of media narratives follows, where Halperin argues that mainstream media and Democratic leaders are misrepresenting the situation by blaming Trump for societal unrest, rather than acknowledging the breakdown in law enforcement's ability to manage protests and riots. He posits that the media's focus on demonizing Trump inadvertently assists his political agenda.

Mark Halperin [12:45]: "What you have now is a bunch of people in the media focused on everything possible, but the core fact, law enforcement is trying to do what the president campaigned on and they are being physically threatened."

Halperin presents news reports to illustrate his point, showcasing how media coverage often shifts blame onto federal authorities and Trump, rather than highlighting the aggressive actions of protestors against law enforcement.

Historical Context: Ron Brown and the DNC's Past Strategy

Drawing parallels to the past, Halperin reminisces about Ron Brown, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair in the early 1990s, who strategically built a robust national party apparatus. This historical reference serves to underscore the current deficiencies within the Democratic Party's infrastructure.

Mark Halperin [34:14]: "He [Ron Brown] is a political stud. He might have won without the help from the DNC."

Halperin contrasts Brown's effective leadership and strategic planning with today's Democratic leadership, highlighting the lack of a unified and technologically adept operation necessary to compete against the GOP’s advanced political machinery.

Current State of the Democratic Party and Challenges for 2028

Halperin shifts focus to the present-day Democratic Party, expressing concerns about its preparedness for the 2028 elections. He criticizes party leadership, particularly DNC Chair Ken Martin, for failing to build the necessary infrastructure and being mired in internal controversies.

Mark Halperin [48:51]: "The Democratic Party right now talked about this before. They don't have a great leader. It's not Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries."

He emphasizes that while Republicans, led by figures like J.D. Vance, continue to strengthen their technological and organizational advantages, Democrats remain fragmented and under-resourced, jeopardizing their future electoral prospects.

Conversations with Batya Ungar-Sargon and Dan Turnthein

Democratic Position on Deportation

In a segment featuring Batya Ungar-Sargon and Dan Turnthein, the trio delves into the Democratic Party's current stance on illegal immigration. Turnthein critiques the party's hesitancy and lack of a clear policy, suggesting that fear of alienating the base prevents effective action.

Dan Turnthein [48:06]: "They don't want to answer it. They don't have one right now."

Ungar-Sargon questions the shift in Democratic attitudes towards immigration, noting the party's recent reluctance to adopt tougher stances despite evidence suggesting it could reclaim working-class support.

Batya Ungar-Sargon [50:14]: "How did the activist class and the donor class become so much more popular in just 10 years?"

Potential Democratic Candidates on Immigration

The discussion shifts to identifying Democratic candidates who might effectively address immigration challenges. Both analysts highlight Ruben Gallego and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) as potential figures who could pivot on immigration, though opinions differ on their current stances.

Batya Ungar-Sargon [53:22]: "I truly admire that the only thing Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has said in support of the riots in LA so far has been one measly retweet of a Bernie Sanders tweet from two days ago."

Strategies for the 2028 Election

Halperin and his guests explore strategic moves the Democratic Party could take to bridge the technology and voter registration gaps. They reference historical successes, such as Ron Brown's collaboration with future President Bill Clinton, as a blueprint for revitalizing the party's electoral operations.

Dan Turnthein [60:58]: "If you were advising a Democrat, I would tell them, get Steph O'Brien on the phone and do everything he tells you to do."

Ungar-Sargon emphasizes the need for leaders who understand and represent the working-class electorate, advocating for candidates like the vice president and other labor-centric figures.

Issues Beyond Immigration: Marijuana Legalization and Party Strategy

The conversation extends to other pivotal issues, such as marijuana legalization. Turnthein and Ungar-Sargon discuss the potential political ramifications if the Trump administration moves to legalize marijuana, assessing how this could alter voter dynamics, especially among younger and libertarian-leaning demographics.

Dan Turnthein [62:50]: "That would be a huge move. It would further probably make inroads with young voters."

They debate whether such policy shifts could solidify Republican gains or provide Democrats with new platforms to attract disenfranchised voters.

J.D. Vance and the Republican Advantage

The episode also scrutinizes J.D. Vance's position as a Republican frontrunner for 2028, analyzing his vulnerabilities and the Republican Party's ongoing efforts to consolidate support against Democratic challenges. Halperin stresses the importance of the Democratic Party developing robust opposition research and strategic planning to counteract the GOP's technological supremacy.

Batya Ungar-Sargon [68:22]: "J.D. Vance is a Catholic, and the only thing we've ever heard him say about his own views on abortion is that he would love to have a national abortion ban. So I don't even know that you need to go digging very far. That is a massive vulnerability."

Turnthein points out that beyond policy issues like abortion, scrutinizing Vance's financial background and associations could unveil critical weaknesses.

Dan Turnthein [69:25]: "He can traverse between the two communities of the working class and the boardroom very easily. But I think there is an opening to potentially try to paint JD Vance a little bit like Mitt Romney."

Community Engagement and Future Episodes

In the episode's conclusion, Halperin encourages listeners to engage with the Next Up community by contributing to naming the show's community. He also teases upcoming episodes, including special content for Father's Day, reinforcing the program's commitment to delivering timely and interactive political insights.

Notable Quotes

• Mark Halperin [05:30]: "This is a textbook case of Trump Derangement Syndrome."
• Mark Halperin [12:45]: "What you have now is a bunch of people in the media focused on everything possible, but the core fact, law enforcement is trying to do what the president campaigned on and they are being physically threatened."
• Dan Turnthein [48:06]: "They don't want to answer it. They don't have one right now."
• Batya Ungar-Sargon [50:14]: "How did the activist class and the donor class become so much more popular in just 10 years?"
• Dan Turnthein [60:58]: "If you were advising a Democrat, I would tell them, get Steph O'Brien on the phone and do everything he tells you to do."
• Mark Halperin [34:14]: "He [Ron Brown] is a political stud. He might have won without the help from the DNC."
• Batya Ungar-Sargon [68:22]: "That is a massive vulnerability."

Conclusion

In "Raids, Riots & Roadblocks: California in Turmoil, Democrats Sidetracked on 2028 Plans," Mark Halperin offers a compelling critique of current political dynamics, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic realignment within the Democratic Party to effectively counter Republican advancements. Through insightful discussions and expert analysis, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and potential pathways forward in American politics.

For more in-depth political analysis and timely conversations with prominent voices in politics, media, and policy, subscribe to Next Up with Mark Halperin on YouTube, podcast platforms, or follow the show on social media.