Podcast Summary: “Rubio’s Political Resurrection, the Next Blue Wave & Jessica Reed Kraus Spills Some Political Tea”

Podcast: Next Up with Mark Halperin
Host: Mark Halperin (MK Media)
Date: January 6, 2026
Guests: Kristen Davison (Republican strategist), Kevin Walling (Democratic strategist), Jessica Reed Kraus (Writer/Creator, House Inhabit)

1. Episode Overview

This episode kicks off 2026 with a deep dive into U.S. foreign policy—particularly the rise of Marco Rubio as both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor—and the Trump administration’s approach in Venezuela. It then pivots to a robust discussion on the political dynamics heading into the midterms, policy uncertainties, and the evolving roles of money, technology, and AI in campaigns. The latter part features a wide-ranging, personality-filled conversation with journalist and creator Jessica Reed Kraus about storytelling, trials to watch, DC weddings, and her unique approach to coverage and community-building.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

A. Rubio’s Remarkable Political Resurrection and Venezuela Policy

• Rubio’s Transformation: The episode’s monologue centers on Marco Rubio’s journey from Trump adversary in 2016 (“Little Marco” taunts, [08:14]) to the administration’s dominant foreign policy figure, now uniquely holding both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor roles.
  • “He goes from the very harsh relationship with Trump, mocking in both directions… to now being really the top foreign policy figure in this administration.” — Mark Halperin [06:36]
• Strategic Relationships: Rubio rebuilt his stature by forging ties with Ivanka Trump, J.D. Vance, Susie Wiles, and Stephen Miller—enabling his resurgence and trust with Trump.
• Personal Stake in Venezuela: Rubio’s Cuban-American heritage and deep knowledge of Latin America make the Venezuela crisis “personal for him.”
  • “This is the moment that his whole life… has been [preparing for]… Cuban-American identity has really shaped his instincts about authoritarian governments in Latin America.” — Mark Halperin [14:06]
• Rubio’s Use of “Leverage”: Both Rubio and Trump see foreign policy in terms of leverage, deploying power for risk-managed, outcome-driven results, especially visible in the Venezuelan strategy ([18:58]).
  • [Quote Compilation:] “We have leverage. This leverage we are using and we intend to use… A tremendous amount of leverage… The United States will retain multiple levers of leverage, so that leverage remains.” — Marco Rubio [18:58]

B. Venezuela: Boot on the Ground or Bluster?

• Muted Response to U.S. Actions: Davison notes how, compared to previous decades, the public and political world seem surprisingly calm about the U.S. forcibly removing another country’s leader.
  • “25 years ago, we were in a totally different world… There would be protests in front of the White House… It has, I mean… some of it is a little bit of the holiday fog.” — Kristen Davison [29:17]
• Military Involvement? Davison doubts the administration can avoid some form of American “boots on the ground,” while Walling sees Trump’s words as likely bluster, preferring intimidation and private contractors over actual U.S. troops ([33:59], [34:04]).
• Democratic Messaging Challenge: Walling acknowledges Democrats are boxed in, needing to avoid appearing “pro–drug dealer” while maintaining legitimate policy critiques ([35:50]).

C. Midterm and 2026 Political Outlook

• Emerging Battlegrounds & Issues:
  • Retirements in Congress expected to reshape the landscape.
  • Health care has returned as a top-tier issue, potentially dictating government shutdown dynamics and campaign themes ([38:11]).
  • Watch for new surprise states emerging as central battlegrounds (e.g., Maine, Arizona, New Hampshire) ([38:11]).
• Control & Demographics: Walling spotlights shrinking GOP House majority, ongoing redistricting, and the continued importance of Latino voters ([40:00]).
• Rising Democratic Stars: Newsom remains a top figure, but Davison suggests Graham Platner from Maine as an out-of-the-box pick ([41:46], [42:07]).
• Shifting Republican Power: The party establishment persists in its tension with outside super PACs, big donors (like Elon Musk), and the legacy of Turning Point USA post–Charlie Kirk ([44:32]).

D. The Growing Role of AI in Politics

• AI as Issue and Tool: Both parties face internal divides regarding AI. Republicans, under Trump and the influence of figures like David Sacks, are “risk-taking” and pro-AI as both an issue and campaign tool; Democrats are more cautious but are integrating AI in field operations ([47:27]–[48:21]).
  • “Republicans take more chances now… AI is going to reign… Trump has really freed our party to go and take chances like that.” — Kristen Davison [48:26]
  • “Democrats can effectively message that this is… a hostile takeover… But I think Republicans are being more risk-taking as Kristen said…” — Mark Halperin [49:40]
• AI Money: Halperin notes billionaire AI backers will likely tilt funding heavily toward Republicans this cycle ([49:40]).

E. Jessica Reed Kraus: Stories, Trials, and Political Tea

• Covering 2026: Kraus plans to shift away from frontline politics and refocus on high-profile trials (e.g., the Alexander brothers, Rob Reiner’s son’s arraignment) and in-depth profiles of women in the administration ([54:51], [55:52]).
• Unique Approach: She thrives on “bringing her community” with her into elite settings, offering behind-the-scenes reporting with a strong visual and narrative lens.
  • “The whole idea with me getting into the White House… was taking all of these… women in with me. So I guess it feels more like a community.” — Jessica Reed Kraus [68:45]
• Ghislaine Maxwell Insights: Kraus has tracked Maxwell’s story closely, hinting at high-level deals and the likelihood of a late-term commutation by Trump ([62:21]).
  • “I’m going to risk it. I’m going to say that [Trump’s] going to commute her [sentence] on his last day.” — Jessica Reed Kraus [62:21]
• On Trump & Epstein Documents: Kraus believes Trump’s reluctance to release Epstein files is tied to loyalty politics and a desire to avoid negative media cycles ([63:33]).
• Insider Weddings & Social Coverage: She discusses plans for Don Jr. and Bettina Anderson’s upcoming likely White House wedding as well as the social phenomenon of her “Palm Beach Diaries” ([64:44], [75:28]).
• Distinct Visual Style: Mark lauds her fusion of retro and modern visuals, and Kraus underscores how her craft is about making viewers part of an exclusive but relatable behind-the-scenes experience ([70:07], [68:45]).
  • “Even if I’m writing about someone I don’t like… I will still always pick the best photos of them just because I want everything to be as pretty as possible.” – Jessica Reed Kraus [70:29]

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Rubio’s Evolution:
  “How did Rubio go from point A to point B? … It’s testament to how smart he is and what a strategic thinker he is that he didn’t just resign himself to saying, ‘Well, I’m going to be in the outs.’ He sat down, he looked at the map…” — Mark Halperin [09:41]

• Rubio on Leverage:
  “This leverage we are using, and we intend to use… We intend to use every element of leverage that we have to ensure that that changes.” — Marco Rubio [18:58]

• Davison on Boots on the Ground:
  “Most people who study what’s going on down there say you do need some sort of boots on the ground… I am not as confident as you are that there won’t be some component there… I think he wants to keep all options open.” — Kristen Davison [34:04]

• Walling on Democratic Messaging Dilemma:
  “My advice… is to say this is a good thing… but also still have legitimate concerns about where this goes… Democrats have got to couch it in a little bit of a delicate dance here…” — Kevin Walling [35:50]

• Davison on GOP & Outside Influence:
  “Kind of like a teenager and an aging dad… Both can be right and both can be wrong… The issue with these large super PACs… if you go with blunt force, with money and PACs… it is not going to be as effective.” — Kristen Davison [44:32]

• Kraus on Her Audience:
  “I put a lot of effort into making them feel a part of everything I do… that’s why the behind the scene coverage works for me…” — Jessica Reed Kraus [68:45] “I live for [making videos]… If you’re a person who cares about stories, you want to document everything in your path…” — Jessica Reed Kraus [72:16][73:23]

• Halperin on Kraus:
  “Your ability to combine retro and modern imagery is… one of the keys to your success. You have a huge appreciation for [history]… but you also are extremely modern in your sensibility.” — Mark Halperin [70:07]

4. Timestamps for Key Segments

• [06:36] — Rubio’s political journey, relationships, and current roles
• [08:14] — 2016 debate flashback: Trump and Rubio’s insults
• [14:06] — Rubio’s personal stake in Venezuela policy
• [18:58] — Rubio’s repeated use of “leverage”
• [28:38] — Davison and Walling join for bipartisan discussion
• [29:17] — Lack of public uproar over US action in Venezuela
• [34:04] — Will there be ‘boots on the ground’ in Venezuela?
• [35:50] — Democratic messaging predicament on Venezuela
• [38:11] — Anticipated political tentpoles in 2026
• [41:46], [42:07] — Democratic rising star debate
• [44:32] — GOP establishment vs. new influencers and Super PACs
• [47:27] — Who will benefit more from AI in 2026?
• [54:51], [55:52] — Jessica Reed Kraus: where her storytelling is headed
• [62:21] — Kraus predicts Maxwell commutation by Trump
• [68:45] — Kraus on her bond with her audience/community
• [70:07] — Mark on Kraus’s visual style
• [73:23] — Kraus on documenting and telling stories

5. Structure

I. Monologue/Reporting

• Rubio’s backstory
• Team Trump Venezuela strategy

II. Panel: Kristen Davison & Kevin Walling

• Analyzing muted public response to US actions
• Likelihood and risks of further intervention
• 2026 midterm politics
• Party and campaign dynamics (healthcare, AI, money)

III. Jessica Reed Kraus Conversation

• Trials and profiles to watch
• Ghislaine Maxwell and Trump-world gossip
• The art and business of digital storytelling
• D.C. wedding culture and the “Palm Beach Diaries”
• Audience engagement and visual storytelling

6. Tone and Language

The episode blends sharp political analysis with conversational, sometimes playful banter—especially in Halperin’s and Kraus’s segments. The show’s trademark is a mix of straight reporting (“I’m just describing to you what he does”) with editorial asides, self-effacing jokes, and deep-insider knowledge.

For listeners and readers: This episode is a whirlwind tour of political power, campaign mechanics, and the evolving culture of influence—from White House foreign policy to Substack storytelling and glamorous weddings. It’s as much about how stories are made as the politics behind them.