State of Play with Peter Alexander

Kimberly Guilfoyle & Katie Zacharia Oct 13, 2026 00:45:10 October 13, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander and his panel use their depth of experience in White House briefings to review the first public appearance by new Press Secretary Katie Zacharia and her breaking news that Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle had been asked to resign. Plus, President Trump tries to bail out struggling Republican senators as his hand-picked candidate in Texas faces more scr

Feds Search Rep. Omar's Home & Democrats' Push to Midterms Oct 12, 2026 00:40:59 October 12, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: President Trump's DOJ sent federal agents to raid the Washington, DC home of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) early this morning. MS NOW reporters bring us the latest developments from outside Omar's home. Plus, President Trump is escalating his attacks on the free press by having the Justice Department investigate major TV networks over their decision to briefly suspend pre

Final March to Midterms Oct 9, 2026 00:46:57 October 9, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander takes a look at critical debates last night in key battleground states — Maine, Michigan, and Georgia. Plus, MS NOW reporter, Marc Santia, brings us live updates from the scene of the latest shooting by ICE agents. The top Oversight Democrat, Rep. Robert Garcia, joins Peter to unpack the Trump administration's new push to oust Lisa Cook from the Fede

$100,000 Amex bill and USS Lincoln returns Oct 8, 2026 00:40:44 Oct. 8, 2026: With just 26 days until the midterms, President Trump visits Texas for the fourth time. Co-host of MS NOW's The Weeknight Symone Sanders Townsend and former Chief of Staff to VP Mike Pence join to discuss the upcoming races. Plus, Peter sits down with the Trump donor accusing Kimberly Guilfoyle of seeking $100,000 and offering access to top administration officials in return. And The

Senator Thom Tillis & Dan Osborn Oct 7, 2026 00:40:12 October 7, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander asks Senator Thom Tillis about the "big surprises" President Trump is promising in the weeks leading up to the midterm election. Plus, Dan Osborn lays out his potential path to victory as an Independent candidate running an ascending campaign in deep-red Nebraska. Also, Stephanie Ruhle tackles the big political stories less than a month from the midt

Trump’s ‘Take out’ U.S. Cities Comments Oct 6, 2026 00:40:49 Oct. 6, 2026: Peter Alexander discusses the President’s comments during a Nebraska campaign event last night, which have sparked outrage among lawmakers. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass weighs-in, along with a panel of political experts. Former Special Assistant to President Obama, Norm Eisen, joins Peter Alexander to talk about President Trump’s reversal, saying he will stop using taxpayer money for

Trump’s Red-State Tour and a Terror Plot Oct 5, 2026 00:40:11 Oct. 5, 2026: President Trump returns to his red-state tour today, campaigning in Nebraska with just one month to go until the midterms. Former Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich and MS NOW political analyst Alex Wagner join Peter to discuss the midterms and the president’s latest campaign push. Plus, the U.S. military pulls its B-1 bombers from a U.K. base following an alleged threat. Former CI

FBI’s “Patel Report” & Cornell Update Oct 2, 2026 00:41:16 Oct. 2, 2026: Peter Alexander discusses MS NOW’s exclusively obtained “Patel Report” – an internal memo from the FBI to probe past investigations. MS NOW co-host of "The Weeknight" Michael Steele joins Peter to discuss the President’s latest approval rating just ahead of midterms. Plus, New York Attorney General Letitia James is now leading the investigation into disturbing sexual assault allegati

Battleground Texas & Trump oversight Oct 1, 2026 00:41:03 October 1, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander previews a critical campaign trip for President Trump in Texas where his hand-picked candidate Ken Paxton has been unable to separate from Democrat James Talarico in the polls. Plus, Congressman James Walkinshaw highlights Democrats' concerns with the president's actions and priorities as fellow members of the Oversight Committee make a plan of actio

Sen. Amy Klobuchar & Cornell investigation Sep 30, 2026 00:41:17 September 30, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander sits down with Senator Amy Klobuchar to talk through the moment at Tuesday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that put her colleague Senator Eric Schmitt on defense. Plus, District Attorney  Matthew Van Houten delivers the latest details on the renewed investigation into a 2024 rape allegation on the Cornell University campus. Also, New Yor

Senate hearing with former Special Counsel Jack Smith Sep 29, 2026 00:44:47 Sept. 29, 2026: Peter Alexander and the panel react as former Special Counsel Jack Smith faces questioning from the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning.For more, follow us on Instagram @stateofplaymsnow. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our c

Midterm Messaging & China Sep 28, 2026 00:39:56 Sept. 28, 2026: Ali Vitali fills in for Peter Alexander on this edition of State of Play. First, a panel of campaign strategists discuss the Republican Party’s complicated messaging after the Trump administration used taxpayer dollars to fund a six-figure campaign ad. The top Democrat on the Armed Services committee, Rep. Adam Smith, weighs-in on the President’s alleged offer to sell weapons to Ch

BREAKING NEWS: Trump’s voter verification system restored Sep 25, 2026 00:50:07 Sept. 25, 2026: President Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for a multi-day summit. Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu of California reacts to Trump rolling out the red carpet for the Chinese leader. MS NOW reporters share an inside look at trying to regain access to the White House and former White House Deputy Press Secretary in President Trump's first term, Sarah Matth

Press ban and Trump-Xi summit Sep 24, 2026 01:09:30 Sept. 24, 2026: President Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for his first visit to Washington in more than a decade. Former CIA Director John Brennan and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul join Peter to discuss the summit and the state of U.S.-China relations. Plus, reporters from MS NOW, CNN and Politico were turned away from the White House this morning

Court arguments and China’s presidential arrival Sep 23, 2026 00:40:52 Sept. 23, 2026: ‘State of Play’ takes a deep dive into the government’s arguments in the case over the ban on the free press. MS NOW legal analyst Andrew Weissmann joins Peter Alexander to discuss today's court hearing. Meanwhile, the White House is planning a lavish summit to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper reacts. And with just 41 days until Election Day

Trump UNGA address & Don Jr. inquiry Sep 22, 2026 00:41:29 September 22, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander gets fresh reaction to President Trump's speech before the United Nations General Assembly from Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton. Plus, a Republican senator wants to know how deep Donald Trump Jr's ties are to the Russian oligarch who bankrolled his wedding weekend. Also, the free press fight sparked by the

Free press debate & Arch defense Sep 21, 2026 00:41:01 September 21, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Luke Russert speaks with MS Now Senior Washington reporter and former White House Correspondents Association President Eugene Daniels about President Trump's latest clash with news organizations. Plus, Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) weighs in on the President's defense of his proposed arch that will have a major impact on the surrounding area. Also, Editor at

Freedom of the Press Sep 19, 2026 00:41:36 Sept. 19, 2026: The White House denied entry to reporters from MS NOW, CNN and Politico on Saturday, stripping their press credentials amid President Trump’s media ban. Peter Alexander is joined by Rachel Maddow for a special edition of State of Play examining the First Amendment implications and what this unprecedented moment means for the press and the public’s access to information.For more, fo

President Trump's plans & Midterm moves Sep 18, 2026 00:41:04 Sept. 18, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert Kennedy, about the President's push to rename the Kennedy Center and her brother's impact on America's health. Plus, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) discusses early voting in his state and what's at stake for the country at the ballot box. Also, Elise Jordan shares what she learned from Maine

House GOP priorities & House Democrats' plans Sep 17, 2026 00:40:04 September 17, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander tackles the latest drama for House Republicans and the Pentagon with MS Now's Ali Vitali and Mark Hertling. Plus, California Congressman Jared Huffman reacts to more confusion and concerns surrounding the Kennedy Center. Also, Professor Justin Wolfers breaks down the cash crunch families are facing due to persistent inflation and an ongoing w

White House concerns & Ashley Judd on AI Sep 16, 2026 00:41:19 September 16, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander speaks with acclaimed actress and activist Ashley Judd on the backlash over the surge in Artificial Intelligence and how a unique bipartisan coalition is forming to spark change. Plus, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal discusses growing bipartisan pessimism over the Iran war in Congress as the price tag reaches $38B. Also, former Congressman Cedr

AI Anxiety & Don Jr. controversy Sep 14, 2026 00:40:40 September 14, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews author Stephen Witt and Senator Angela Alsobrooks on growing national concerns over AI's accelerating growth. Plus, a new report links Donald Trump Junior and a Russian oligarch through a lavish wedding. Also, a racist social media post sparks fiery reaction among Texas lawmakers. For more, follow us on Instagram @stateofplaymsnow

Remembering 9/11 25 Years Later Sep 11, 2026 00:41:50 September 11th, 2026 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander looks back on September 11th 2001 and the impact it had on the nation after 25 years with former CIA Director John Brennan, "The Briefing" host Jen Psaki, presidential historian Julian Zelizer and Jude Coke, a video producer with stunning footage from the Pentagon after the attacks.  Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to liste

Sen. Fetterman and the RNC midterm convention Sep 10, 2026 00:40:18 September 10th, 2026 11 a.m. ET: The RNC midterm convention in Dallas made headlines as President Trump reveals his latest promise: $5000 checks for every American adult if Republicans win the midterms. But the President wasn’t the only one making waves at the convention. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appeared in a prerecorded video in which he promised to work with President Trump. Rep. Brendan

Previewing Tonight’s Trumpapalooza Sep 9, 2026 00:40:26 9/09 11 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander previews the GOP’s midterm convention in Texas this week. An event that’s supposed to rally support for the base has many Republicans privately wishing it wasn’t happening at all. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-PA) talks about her plans to protest the Trump event. Also, Democratic Congressional candidate Stefany Shaheen joins Peter fresh off her primary win in New

Midterms and the Pentagon’s secret purge Sep 8, 2026 00:26:53 9/08 11 a.m. ET: President Trump speaks this morning during a 9/11 event honoring first responders. As gas prices climb and the president’s approval ratings hit a historic low, Republican candidates face a difficult choice this November. Do they lean into Trump’s messaging or keep their distance? MS NOW cohost of “The Weeknight” Michael Steele joins Peter to discuss Trump’s social media frenzies a

Midterm voting & Pentagon perspectives Sep 4, 2026 00:41:48 Peter Alexander interviews state Attorneys General from Colorado and Minnesota during their fight to preserve voting-by-mail for their constituents. Plus, John Bolton discusses the drama at the Defense Department and what comes next for the President. Also, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver reacts to his state supreme court tossing gerrymandered Missouri election maps.   Sign up for MS NOW Pre

Kamala Harris & Nancy Pelosi remember Gloria Steinem Sep 3, 2026 00:43:44 9/03 11 a.m. ET: “State of Play” pays tribute to women’s rights pioneer Gloria Steinem following her death at age 92. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi join Peter to discuss Steinem's lasting legacy and her immeasurable impact on generations of women; With the 2026 midterm elections around the corner, a federal judge is deciding the future of Trump's restri

Escalating Strikes on Iran & USS Lincoln One Step Closer to Home Sep 2, 2026 00:41:36 9/02 11 a.m. ET: President Trump is escalating strikes on Iran, igniting a trade war with Canada, and defending data centers – all while members of his party are trying to bolster support for Republicans on the ballot. Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of New York speaks out against recent actions by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and shares his concerns for national security. Plus, the USS Linco

Pentagon discord & Massachusetts primary Sep 1, 2026 00:40:00 Peter Alexander gets analysis from a retired Army Major General and a veteran Pentagon correspondent to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation. Plus, a check on the Massachusetts primary where the debate over generational change is in focus for Democratic voters. Also, a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia reacts to Vladimir Putin's diplomats attending the G20 finance meeting despit

Iran conflict & Primary preview Aug 31, 2026 00:39:55 Peter Alexander interviews former White House National Security Communications Director John Kirby about new and concerning military escalation on both sides of the U.S.-Iran war. Plus, Massachusetts Democratic Congressional candidate Patrick Roath joins to preview his primary matchup against Congressman Stephen Lynch. Also, a deep dive into the Trump administration's new program to secure the U.S

Six Months of War With Iran Aug 28, 2026 00:39:20 8/28 11 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander unpacks six months of the war with Iran with Democratic Congressman and veteran Jason Crow and former CIA Director John Brennan. Plus, 63 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington, thousands of people took to Washington today for a rally to defend voting rights. NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clark reflects on the erosion of the progress made in the l

The USS Lincoln latest and flash floods Aug 27, 2026 00:40:36 8/25 11 a.m. ET: President Trump confronts his party and legacy as the midterms approach. He reposted a list of grievances on Truth Social as he travels to Texas to boost Ken Paxton in the race for the Texas Senate seat. New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman and Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) join Peter to discuss Trump and the upcoming midterms. Plus, the Navy sailor who jumped off the USS Lincoln

U.S. Troops’ Concerns and Remembering Dolly Parton Aug 26, 2026 00:40:56 8/26 11 a.m. ET: A growing number of U.S. service members in Iran are looking to leave the military, citing moral conflicts. MS Now’s Priya Sridhar has that reporting. Peter Alexander remembers the music legend Dolly Parton with American documentarian Ken Burns, who interviewed Dolly in his 2019 documentary “Country Music.” Plus, Senator Darline Graham won the Republican senate runoff in South Car

Mail-in voting and a trade war Aug 25, 2026 00:39:26 8/25 11 a.m. ET: The Supreme Court released a ruling saying President Trump can restrict mail-in ballots through an executive order he signed earlier this year. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold (D) joins Peter to discuss the ruling and mail-in voting in her own state. Plus, Canada announces retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. after Trump's sweeping new tariffs on Canadian goods. Former U

Iran sanctions and a private meeting Aug 24, 2026 00:40:38 8/24 11 a.m. ET: Iran’s currency falls to a record low after the U.S. announced its latest threat against Iran: an “economic D-Day.” Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta joins Peter to talk about the latest on the Iran war and more. The New York Times reports Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and the President’s son-in-law Jared Kushner met privately in NYC to discuss common ground as the midterm election

National Security and Trump’s vanity projects Aug 21, 2026 00:40:12 8/21 11 a.m. ET: President Trump heads to South Carolina today while Vice President Vance is in Ohio, both campaigning for the upcoming midterms. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Hegseth focuses on campaigning in Iowa as the U.S. approaches six months of war. New reports coming out of the USS Lincoln reveal just how the conditions got so bad onboard as they head home. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) joins P

North Korean missiles and U.S. crosses $40T debt Aug 20, 2026 00:40:27 8/20 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander speaks to two women veterans who have been outspoken about the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln and national security threats in their bid for congressional office. MS Now has exclusive reporting on President Trump’s closest aide, who was working from inside the Oval Office without a security clearance. Michael Cohen is trying to get back into President Trump’s

Primary fallout & Julia Curlee Aug 19, 2026 00:40:49 8/19 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews David Jolly after his primary victory to hear his plan to win the Florida statehouse after more than a decade of republican superiority. Plus, an in-depth discussion with Julia Curlee, a longtime CIA officer who transitioned during her time working the highest levels of national security for multiple administrations, on how being transgender factored

Primary day + Trump allies & adversaries Aug 18, 2026 00:40:39 8/18 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews progressive congressional candidate Elijah Manley, who makes his pitch to Florida voters and takes on an incumbent lawmaker in his state's primary. Plus, John Bolton, former White House National Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, joins as tensions spike along the Korean Peninsula and the stalemate with Iran continues. Also, th

Trump foreign policy & Primary preview Aug 17, 2026 00:40:11 8/17 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member on the Armed Services Committee, about President Trump's threat to "bomb" Oman if the nation "gets in the way" of Iran negotiations. Senator Reed also discussed the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln and the U.S. relationship with South Korea. Plus, Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds

The Mangione case and a look into the Blanche era of the DOJ Aug 14, 2026 00:41:37 8/14 11 a.m. ET Luigi Mangione pleads guilty to federal stalking charges in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. MS NOW reporter Fallon Gallagher is outside the courthouse bringing live updates. Peter is joined by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to talk about the state of the democratic party, data centers and his own potential 2028 run. Plus, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Commi

Inside the Briefing Room, conditions aboard USS Lincoln, and Trump’s Truth Social Aug 13, 2026 00:41:23 8/13 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander and MS Now host of “The Briefing” Jen Psaki talk about how communication between the President and the press has changed in Donald Trump’s second term. Plus, exclusive MS Now reporting reveals the shocking conditions aboard the USS Lincoln that are prompting sailors and their families to speak out. Retired U.S. Army Lt. General Mark Hertling weighs in, sharing h

Primary Takeaways & Trump’s Plane Controversy Aug 12, 2026 00:40:37 8/12 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander breaks down the latest results from Tuesday’s Primary races with Connecticut’s new Democratic congressional nominee. They discuss what his win means for the Democratic establishment and November’s key midterm races. And former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joins Peter to discuss the Iranian threat that led to President Trump secretly switching planes via a cateri

Air Force One, the DOJ’s New Memo and the Primary Races to Watch Aug 11, 2026 00:40:54 August 11, 2026; 11am: Shuttled off in a catering truck, President Trump secretly switched planes amid Iranian threats after the NATO summit in Turkey. Peter shares his own experience on Air Force One while Washington Post reporter John Hudson and former CIA Director John Brennan discuss the details of the swap. The DOJ releases a new memo that expands the president’s executive privilege on Todd

Todd Blanche’s DOJ, the Iran latest, and a look-ahead to Wisconsin primary day Aug 10, 2026 00:42:41 Ahead of Todd Blanche’s swearing in as Attorney General today, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales addresses concerns about how Blanche will run the Justice Department and shares what he would like to see from his leadership. Iran maintains the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the U.S. meets certain demands, as President Trump appears to be shifting his tone. In an interview with

Introducing State of Play with Peter Alexander Aug 3, 2026 00:00:30 Catch every episode of your favorite MS NOW shows as podcasts, including "State of Play with Peter Alexander," starting August 10th. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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