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

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

Sex assault allegations against Graham Platner | On Balance 6/4

On this special two-hour edition of "On Balance," Leland Vittert examines the candidacy of Graham Platner. While his supporters have claimed there are “no credible allegations of sexual assault,” multiple women have come forward with troubling accusations. Despite the controversy, Democrats continue to support the Maine oyster farmer, who has also faced backlash over a reported Nazi tattoo. Mark McKinnon, creator and executive producer of Showtime’s "The Circus," weighs in. Meanwhile, questions are emerging about potential voter fraud in California. Reports suggest dozens of voters may be registered at nonexistent addresses, including porta-potties, and nearly 1 million inactive voters remain on the rolls. Former U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., responds. Later, Katie Pavlich previews her interviews with FBI Director Kash Patel and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom former President Donald Trump has nominated to permanently fill the role previously held by Pam Bondi. Also, former National Security Adviser John Bolton is expected to plead guilty to one count related to mishandling classified information stemming from material he later used in a book. Tom Dupree, a former deputy assistant attorney general under President George W. Bush, provides analysis. In addition, the trial of Karmelo Anthony is underway. Anthony faces murder charges in the stabbing death of fellow student Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet last year. Maryann Martinez, Texas bureau chief for the Daily Mail, and defense attorney Dan Cogdell discuss the case. Plus, will Todd Blanche be confirmed as attorney general? Despite expected Democratic opposition, the nomination could hinge on a small group of Republicans. A panel including Larry O’Connor, host of "The Morning Meeting;" National Review columnist Caroline Downey; and Democratic strategist Donte Mills discusses the outlook. In California, slow vote counting continues to draw criticism, with results in some races still unresolved more than a week after Election Day. Republican-turned-independent Rep. Kevin Kiley offers his perspective. Looking ahead, the controversy surrounding Graham Platner continues to grow, with allegations ranging from racism to sexual misconduct. Mike Nellis, a former senior adviser to former Vice President Kamala Harris, reacts. Separately, the nation will mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day on Saturday. The program reflects on the legacy of the World War II generation and compares it with younger generations today. Finally, in the U.K., protests have erupted following the death of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old who died after being handcuffed by police following a stabbing. A suspect has since been charged with murder. Former Trump campaign adviser Steve Cortes offers his perspective. This episode was recorded June 4, 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

How Much Influence Does Trump Still Have in the GOP? | On Balance Full Show 6/3

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert examines how the conflict involving Iran has evolved into what some analysts describe as a low-intensity conflict. Skirmishes continue, with both sides launching attacks and relatively few casualties reported. A ceasefire appears increasingly fragile as the two countries seem determined to outlast one another. NewsNation's Libby Dean, retired Rear Adm. Andy "Bucket" Loiselle and conservative commentator Liz Wheeler break it all down. Meanwhile, some Republicans argue that President Trump remains the dominant force within the Republican Party. Trump's endorsed candidates have enjoyed success in recent elections, underscoring the influence he continues to wield. Marc Short, former White House legislative affairs director during Trump's first administration and chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, weighs in. Later, Republicans saw notable success in California, as Spencer Pratt advanced to the general election for mayor of Los Angeles and Steve Hilton finished first in the gubernatorial primary. Some voters have expressed frustration with Democratic leadership and policies, including those of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Former Democratic strategist Evan Barker and NOTUS White House correspondent Jasmine Wright discuss. Also, Democratic candidates are facing scrutiny over past statements and associations. In Maine, Graham Platner has drawn attention over a Nazi tattoo. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed has faced criticism from opponents over his views on the Israel-Hamas conflict. In New Jersey, Adam Hamawy has come under scrutiny for comments regarding Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as the Blind Sheikh. Jon Levine, a reporter for The Washington Free Beacon, joins the show to analyze. Plus, protests across the U.K. are expressing outrage over the killing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak and allegations that responding police officers mishandled the incident. Critics say officers believed the alleged assailant and told Nowak he had not been stabbed. Raheem Kassam, editor of The National Pulse and former adviser to U.K. Parliament member Nigel Farage, joins the show to discuss. "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

A Republican Mayor in LA? The Shocking Race to Watch | On Balance Full Show

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert takes a look at primary elections across Iowa, New Jersey, South Dakota, Montana and New Mexico.All eyes are on California, where Spencer Pratt may have a real chance to unseat incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Across America, parties may succeed — or fail — in unlikely places. 2WAY Editor-in-Chief Mark Halperin and his co-hosts of "The Morning Meeting," Kevin Walling and Larry O'Connor, join the show.Meanwhile, former first lady Jill Biden has hit the talk show circuit to promote her new book and, according to critics, has made a series of public missteps. This comes as she attempts to address questions surrounding her claim that she believed the former president was having a stroke during his debate with Trump. Former senior adviser to Kamala Harris' campaign and author of the "Endless Urgency" Substack, Mike Nellis, weighs in.Later, who is influencing whom: Netanyahu or Trump? The ceasefire is barely holding, and both leaders are at odds over how to end the war. Trump says he is in control and that Israel will do what he wants. Marc Caputo breaks it down.Also, one of the missing scientists, Melissa Casias, has been found in New Mexico under unusual circumstances. A handgun was found near the body, phones had been reset, and her identification and purse were left behind. Former FBI Assistant Director for Criminal Investigative Division Chris Swecker takes a closer look.Plus, the whirlwind race for Los Angeles mayor. Spencer Pratt's campaign is captivating national attention. A Republican could become mayor for the first time since 2001. Nikki Laurenzo, host of Nexstar's "Inside California Politics," and Christina Pascucci, former California Senate candidate and political strategist, weigh in.This episode was originally recorded on June 2, 2026."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

Could ICE Protests Save Trump? | On Balance Full Show 6/1

On this episode of "On Balance," Leland Vittert looks at the ongoing protests at a New Jersey ICE facility. Unruly bands of protesters coming from across the country to assault law enforcement is nothing new for the Left, but it's a welcome distraction for President Trump, taking Iran, rising costs and the midterms out of the spotlight. NewsNation national correspondent Jessica Kartalija and Bill O'Reilly, anchor of "No Spin News," author of "Confronting Evil" and host of the "We'll Do It Live" podcast, report on the latest and discuss the rising tensions. Meanwhile, previewing tomorrow's upcoming California primary election. Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt’s odds continue to improve, and Democrats should be worried. Liberal leadership has failed Los Angeles, and many voters could be looking for a change. Host of “Inside California Politics” and moderator of Nexstar’s California governor debate Nikki Laurenzo and former Democratic strategist Evan Barker break down the election. Later, Graham Platner could be in trouble. Plagued by one controversy after another, it’s now been revealed the married Nazi-tattoo Democrat sent sexually explicit texts to other women. Lucky for him, his party is full of hypocrites and is sticking by him. Former Democratic advisor Dan Turrentine, host of “Batya!” on NewsNation Batya Ungar-Sargon and editor of The Midcoast Villager in Maine Alex Seitz-Wald analyze the race. Also, Batya’s new book, “The Jews and the Left,” comes out tomorrow and could not be arriving at a better time, with Democrats’ recent behavior betraying some of their most loyal voters. Nothing has been the same since Oct. 7, 2023. Ungar-Sargon joins us again. Plus, there is a curfew tonight in New Jersey, as many are wondering where all these protesters are coming from. Who is coordinating all this chaos? Politics editor for The Free Press Mene Ukueberuwa explains. "On Balance with Leland Vittert" airs weeknights at 9p/8C. #ice #spencerpratt #newjersey "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