Mark Halperin’s reported monologue reveals what political insiders in both parties say about the state of the 2026 midterm elections, asking whether Republicans have waited too long for the political environment to turn in their favor, and what it will take to change the trajectory. Then, Michael Knowles joins to give his preview of the midterms and look ahead to the next Republican presidential race, including what a Vice President J.D. Vance versus Sen. Ted Cruz showdown for the 2028 GOP nomination would look like.SelectQuote: Compare top‑rated life insurance options. Visit https://SelectQuote.com/mark to get the right coverage at the right price.Lean: Get 20% off plus free rush shipping when you go to https://TAKELEAN.com and use code NEXTUPRo Body: Visit https://ro.co/nextup to see if you qualify for FDA-approved GLP-1 treatment options and get started. #sponsoredFollow Next Up with Mark Halperin on all social platforms:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuphalperinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nextuphalperinX (Twitter): https://x.com/NextUpHalperinConnect with Mark Halperin on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markevanhalperinX (Twitter): https://x.com/markhalperinFind the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts:Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-with-mark-halperin/id1810218232Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2f0n8G4xqUo8aGxbbbtRjH%3Fsi%3D8e4ff54000cc438d