On Balance with Leland Vittert

Democrats Stand by Graham Platner, Will It Cost Them? | On Balance Full Show 6/5

38 min · 7. juni 2026
episode Democrats Stand by Graham Platner, Will It Cost Them? | On Balance Full Show 6/5 cover

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On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert discusses how Graham Platner could affect Democrats in the midterm elections. Scandal after scandal, Democrats have stood by his side. Once considered an easy win for Democrats in Maine, Sen. Susan Collins is slowly regaining ground. Platner's troubles are a major distraction with implications beyond New England. Former Trump White House official Caroline Sunshine, NewsNation contributor and "So What" Substack author Chris Cillizza and Democratic strategist Madeline Summerville discuss the political fallout. Meanwhile, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is comparing the war in Iran to Vietnam. The Vietnam War lasted 12 years. This conflict has not lasted 12 weeks. During Vietnam, an average of 12 Americans were killed each day. Iran's losses are roughly comparable in total. Retired Adm. Mike Hewitt, who worked under Panetta, assesses the comparison. Later, President Trump visited Wisconsin to improve his standing with key constituencies, including farmers and rural Americans. Those groups have been significantly affected by tariffs and the war in Iran. NewsNation's Libbey Dean joins live. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker offers his perspective. Also, California is still counting votes, and election certification is not expected for 35 days. Critics say the lengthy process raises concerns about election administration and oversight. California faces growing calls for election reform, while multiple investigations are underway. Nikki Laurenzo, Nexstar host of "Inside California Politics," examines the latest developments. Plus, the 82nd anniversary of D-Day and a remembrance of the last members of the Greatest Generation, whose ranks continue to dwindle. With fewer surviving veterans able to share firsthand accounts of D-Day, historian Douglas Brinkley reflects on their legacy. This episode was originally recorded June 5, 2026. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/ Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYpp Find us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyG How to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

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29 episodes

episode When Has This EVER Worked?!? | On Balance Full Show artwork

When Has This EVER Worked?!? | On Balance Full Show

On this episode of "On Balance": Leland Vittert is having deja vu with the war in Iran, as are many Americans. We keep hearing the deal is near done ad nauseam, while President Trump has called off strikes planned for Thursday after the exchange of missiles earlier in the week. Can the Iranians be trusted? Our White House correspondent Libbey Dean joins us from Washington. Caroline Sunshine, former Trump White House official and 2024 Trump campaign deputy communications director, and Brig. Gen. John Teichert, a one-time Air Force combat pilot and former assistant deputy undersecretary of the Air Force, assess the latest developments.Meanwhile, the midterm general elections are heating up as the primaries wrap up. Trump is referring to Nazi tattooed Democrat Graham Platner in Maine as a pig, but he still leads incumbent Susan Collins in the polls. In a surprise turn, another Democrat, James Talarico, is virtually tied with Trump-endorsed Ken Paxton in Texas. Conservative commentator Chris Salcedo reacts.Later, SpaceX’s historic IPO on Friday will likely make Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire, a number with which most people are familiar but unable to truly grasp. A gilded age is upon America, with the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Former Trump adviser Steve Cortes weighs in.Also, there are mass protests and violence happening in Belfast after a man was almost beheaded by an immigrant. Does the rise of Islam correlate to a rise in violence? Niall Stanage, White House columnist for The Hill, discusses.Plus, for the fourth week in a row, gas prices are actually down, which many may not know because it doesn't fit the narrative of Trump and his economy the media wants to portray. Scott Shellady, the host of “Cow Guy Close” on RFD-TV, breaks down the numbers.This episode originally aired June 11th, 2026#drone #iranwar #trump #airforce"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. Subscribe to his War Notes newsletter here: https://www.warnotes.com/NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

Yesterday38 min
episode Pay Now or Pay More Later | On Balance Full Show artwork

Pay Now or Pay More Later | On Balance Full Show

On this special two-hour edition of "On Balance," Leland Vittert looks at the breaking news in Iran and the rising inflation back at home. The heavy exchange of missiles continues after yesterday`s attack from Iran, while inflation reaches its highest point in three years, fueled by the never-ending war. Bill O'Reilly, anchor of No Spin News, author of Confronting Evil, and host of the We'll Do It Live! podcast, weighs in.Meanwhile, the Epstein files investigation continues, with Bill Gates' testimony in front of Congress today regarding his relationship with Epstein. Was his conduct criminal or just creepy? Jeffrey Epstein's former lawyer, Harvard Professor Emeritus of Law Alan Dershowitz, discusses.Later, voting irregularities in California seem to increase by the day. On top of counting votes at a glacial pace, there now appears to be evidence of ballot harvesting and paid-for votes. Laura Fink, Democratic Strategist and CEO of Rebelle Communications, and Peter Savodnik, Senior Editor of The Free Press, debate the allegations.Plus, the horrifying attempted beheading in Ireland is causing mass protests in Belfast. Violence and fires have consumed the city, targeting immigrant communities. Niall Stanage, White House columnist for our sister publication, The Hill, and Nile Gardiner, a former adviser to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, assess the unrest.Additionally, back to the war in Iran. Trump can`t afford to restart the war, but also can`t afford not to restart it. The ceasefire has drastically hurt Trump`s position, and every day he is in a weaker position. NewsNation's Libbey Dean and Robert Sherman join us live from Washington and the Middle East. Executive Director of the Urban Warfare Institute Major John Spencer and National Security Visiting Fellow at the Heritage Foundation Colonel Mike Jernigan analyze the situation. Looking ahead, to Bernie Sanders` impressive winning record this election season. From coast to coast, his socialist-endorsed candidates have succeeded, proving his ideology is still popular in America. Is this the future of the Democratic Party? Former Senior Advisor to Kamala Harris Campaign and author of "Endless Urgency" on Substack Mike Nellis reacts. On another front, Trump seems to think inflation is a joke, but many Americans continue to suffer from his failing economy. Typical summer jobs for young adults are now reserved for the wealthiest. Economist Stephen Moore, co-founder of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity and former Senior Economic Adviser to President Donald Trump, offers his perspective.Also, President Joe Biden is copying his wife, announcing he will be releasing a book himself. Both Joe and Jill seem to love the post-presidency spotlight, and it seems unlikely they will step away from it anytime soon, hoping to cash in like Kamala Harris did with her book. Mark Penn, the chief pollster for President Bill Clinton`s re-election in 1996, weighs in.Finally, the CEO of ActBlue took the Fifth countless times today during a hearing into allegations of the group channeling foreign funds to Democratic candidates. Congressman Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, responds."On Balance with Leland Vittert" airs weeknights at 9p/8C.This episode originally aired on June 10th, 2026.#iranwar #trump #newsnation #bombing"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. Subscribe to his War Notes newsletter here: https://www.warnotes.com/NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

12. juni 20261 h 21 min
episode Sorry We Have To Bomb You | On Balance Full Show artwork

Sorry We Have To Bomb You | On Balance Full Show

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert takes a look at the newest missile exchange in the Middle East, while President Trump still touts that a deal is near. Trump claims he had no choice and that this was self-defense in response to Iran shooting down a military helicopter. The U.S. will continue to get taken advantage of until the half measures stop. Libbey Dean is live from Washington. Former Senior Advisor to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Hudson Institute Nonresident Senior Fellow Mary Kissel and Brigadier General John Teichert assess the latest developments. Meanwhile, Karmelo Anthony was found guilty today of the murder of Austin Metcalf, and sentenced to 35 years, causing outrage and protests by supporters of Anthony who claim the trial was racially motivated. The trial was short and the verdict came quickly. Anthony faces up to life in prison. Kali Fontanilla, co-founder of Exodus Institute Online School and Dan Cogdell, Criminal Defense Attorney and Principal & Founder, Cogdell Law Firm react. Later, dissecting the appeal of Graham Platner. Despite having a Nazi tattoo, a history of racism, and sexual misconduct allegations, he is beloved in Maine and welcomed by the Democratic Party. The populist playbook is still effective. Editor-in-Chief of 2WAY Mark Halperin and 2WAY co-hosts of "The Morning Meeting," Larry O`Connor and Kevin Walling, break it down. Plus, Disclosure Day is coming soon to theaters, and reality could be next. Americans and lawmakers alike demand answers from the government about UFOs and what they`re hiding. Democratic Virginia Congressman and Member of the House Oversight Committee Suhas Subramanyam and Republican Georgia Congressman and Member of the House Oversight Committee Richard McCormick discuss. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" airs weeknights at 9p/8C.This episode originally aired June 9th, 2026#iranwar #bombing #war #trump"On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

12. juni 202639 min
episode California's counting crisis is a preview of what's coming in November | On Balance artwork

California's counting crisis is a preview of what's coming in November | On Balance

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert looks at the counting crisis in California, which will comparatively look small when November’s midterm elections come around. Distant third-place candidate Nithya Raman makes an almost unbelievable comeback to surpass former reality TV star Spencer Pratt in the Los Angeles Mayoral race, raising red flags for many. What kind of state allows elections to be conducted like this? A liberal one. Bill O'Reilly, anchor of "No Spin News," author of "Confronting Evil," and host of the "We'll Do It Live!" podcast, weighs in.This episode originally aired on June 8, 2026. Meanwhile, Graham Platner’s fate will be decided tomorrow as Maine voters have to ask themselves if character matters. Platner is a disastrous candidate, with Nazi tattoos, a history of racism, and new allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women. Yet Democrats couldn’t be happier to stand by his side as long as it means getting rid of Susan Collins. Portland Press Herald reporter Rachel Ohm and NewsNation Contributor & author of “So What” on Substack Chris Cillizza discuss what it means for Democrats. Later, Iran is trying to stop the realignment that President Trump brought to fruition in the Middle East, and they’re worried about it. The President continues to say a deal is imminent, declaring there will be total victory. Reality may disagree. NewsNation’s Libbey Dean joins live. Ambassador Nathan Sales and Brigadier General John Teichert assess the latest developments. Also, the turmoil at CBS News and 60 Minutes continues, as fired correspondent Scott Pelley lashes out at editor-in-chief Bari Weiss while failing to see why change was needed at the network. Plus, while President Trump is excited about his birthday UFC plans on the White House South Lawn, Americans are struggling to survive. Affordability and the economy are major issues for most of the country, but Trump keeps focusing on the wrong things. Florida Republican Congressman Byron Donalds gives his perspective. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalanceNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

10. juni 202635 min
episode Democrats Stand by Graham Platner, Will It Cost Them? | On Balance Full Show 6/5 artwork

Democrats Stand by Graham Platner, Will It Cost Them? | On Balance Full Show 6/5

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert discusses how Graham Platner could affect Democrats in the midterm elections. Scandal after scandal, Democrats have stood by his side. Once considered an easy win for Democrats in Maine, Sen. Susan Collins is slowly regaining ground. Platner's troubles are a major distraction with implications beyond New England. Former Trump White House official Caroline Sunshine, NewsNation contributor and "So What" Substack author Chris Cillizza and Democratic strategist Madeline Summerville discuss the political fallout. Meanwhile, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is comparing the war in Iran to Vietnam. The Vietnam War lasted 12 years. This conflict has not lasted 12 weeks. During Vietnam, an average of 12 Americans were killed each day. Iran's losses are roughly comparable in total. Retired Adm. Mike Hewitt, who worked under Panetta, assesses the comparison. Later, President Trump visited Wisconsin to improve his standing with key constituencies, including farmers and rural Americans. Those groups have been significantly affected by tariffs and the war in Iran. NewsNation's Libbey Dean joins live. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker offers his perspective. Also, California is still counting votes, and election certification is not expected for 35 days. Critics say the lengthy process raises concerns about election administration and oversight. California faces growing calls for election reform, while multiple investigations are underway. Nikki Laurenzo, Nexstar host of "Inside California Politics," examines the latest developments. Plus, the 82nd anniversary of D-Day and a remembrance of the last members of the Greatest Generation, whose ranks continue to dwindle. With fewer surviving veterans able to share firsthand accounts of D-Day, historian Douglas Brinkley reflects on their legacy. This episode was originally recorded June 5, 2026. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" takes a critical look at some of the day's hottest subjects. Weekdays at 9p/8C. #OnBalance NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/ Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYpp Find us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyG How to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

7. juni 202638 min