State of Play with Peter Alexander

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Based in Washington, D.C., ‘State of Play’ will provide viewers with authoritative and original reporting, thoughtful conversations, and in-depth analysis of the biggest political and national stories shaping the day. Built around Peter Alexander’s trusted reporting, deep experience covering Washington, and unmatched relationships across government and beyond, the program aims to help audiences better understand not only what is happening, but why it matters.

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Episodes

  1. 22h ago

    Iran sanctions and a private meeting

    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 elections approach. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) weighs in on that meeting and the U.S.-Canada trade war. Plus, the Pentagon fired three journalists from a military news outlet over allegations of “insubordination.” One of those journalists joins Peter to discuss her experience. Thousands of people in Indiana have now gone two weeks without power after a storm hit the region.  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.

  2. 3d ago

    National Security and Trump’s vanity projects

    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 Peter to talk about his own Senate race and the war with Iran. Plus, President Trump continues his bid to leave his mark on D.C. with his latest vanity projects, even as affordability concerns persist. Democrats have a new found hope after reports show the Senate races in Texas and Iowa as toss ups. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) discusses that and more on the 2026 midterms with Peter. ICE is back in the headlines as a Virginia man says he suffered a brain injury after an encounter with agents. 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 collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 4d ago

    North Korean missiles and U.S. crosses $40T debt

    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 good graces. The journalist who gave Cohen Trump’s number joins Peter on the show today. Plus: the U.S. surpasses $40 trillion dollars of debt. Jared Bernstein, former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, discusses what this means for future generations.  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.

  4. 5d ago

    Primary fallout & Julia Curlee

    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 into her firing within the Trump administration. Also, a rough night on the debate stage for Senator Darline Graham raises questions about her political future.  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.

  5. 6d ago

    Primary day + Trump allies & adversaries

    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, the legal battle between Disney-ABC and the Trump administration's FCC enters a critical new phase. 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.

  6. Aug 17

    Trump foreign policy & Primary preview

    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 enters Tuesday's Florida primary with a key endorsement from the President while facing political headwinds in the form of weakening poll numbers on affordability for his party. Also, a former Justice Department pardon attorney discusses the impact within the agency of Attorney General Todd Blanche's refusal to pledge that the DOJ will act independently of the White House.  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.

  7. Aug 14

    The Mangione case and a look into the Blanche era of the DOJ

    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 Committee put AG Todd Blanche on notice this morning over DOJ payouts for Trump allies. Senator Adam Schiff weighs in on DOJ oversight in the new Todd Blanche era and Trump’s slush fund. 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 collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Aug 13

    Inside the Briefing Room, conditions aboard USS Lincoln, and Trump’s Truth Social

    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 his own experience aboard military ships. Also, President Donald Trump is being sued for his new subscription service charging $100,000 for early access to his Truth Social posts. The plaintiffs in the suit call the President’s plan “blatantly corrupt” and “unconstitutional.” Peter also speaks with Kieran Ramsey, whose organization helped with the release of former American Marine Robert Gilman, who was held by Russia for more than four years. 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.

  9. Aug 12

    Primary Takeaways & Trump’s Plane Controversy

    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 catering truck. Plus, more primary takeaways: Peter is joined by South Carolina’s Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrew, who is set to face-off against the winner of the Republican runoff to fill the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s seat. Also, D.C.’s top prosecutor, Jeanine Pirro, is convening a special grand jury according to The Washington Post. The reporter with that exclusive reporting helps us break it all down, and what it could mean for President Trump's biggest targets. 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.

  10. Aug 11

    Air Force One, the DOJ’s New Memo and the Primary Races to Watch

    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 Blanche’s first day as Attorney General. Plus, voters hit the polls today as primaries are happening across six states. Former Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party Ben Wikler and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison join to talk about the races in their states. Peter breaks down the newest executive order issued by President Trump to reshape childhood vaccine schedules. 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 collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  11. Aug 10

    Todd Blanche’s DOJ, the Iran latest, and a look-ahead to Wisconsin primary day

    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 Axios, the president said quote "we are low-keying it" with Iran, while talking up economic pressure. Former White House National Security Communications Advisor and MS NOW National Security Analyst retired Rear Admiral John Kirby, and Jamil Jaffer, former House Intelligence Committee, Senior Counsel and Executive Director of the National Security Institute, weigh in. New York Times White House Correspondent and co-author of "Regime Change" Maggie Haberman discusses the latest updates coming out of the Trump administration, including Will Scharf being named the new White House Counsel, President Trump's relationship with the GOP, and the latest on the $400m White House ballroom project. Tomorrow is another primary day. In Wisconsin, gubernatorial hopeful, Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, is the front runner in the primary there... up against three establishment Democrats who are mounting an all-out effort to stop her in the final hours. While in South Carolina - ten Republicans are competing in the special primary to replace late senator Lindsey Graham. The primary elections in Michigan and Wisconsin are highlighting the divisions within the Democratic party ahead of November's midterms. Michigan's Democratic Attorney General, Dana Nessel, shares what she'd like to hear from Abdul El-Sayed after his victory in the Democratic Senate primary and explain why she won't be attending the party's nominating convention out of fear for her safety. 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.

  12. Aug 3

    Introducing State of Play with Peter Alexander

    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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About

Based in Washington, D.C., ‘State of Play’ will provide viewers with authoritative and original reporting, thoughtful conversations, and in-depth analysis of the biggest political and national stories shaping the day. Built around Peter Alexander’s trusted reporting, deep experience covering Washington, and unmatched relationships across government and beyond, the program aims to help audiences better understand not only what is happening, but why it matters.

Information

  • Channel
    MS NOW
  • Creator
    PETER ALEXANDER, MS NOW
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MS NOW
  • Show Website
    State of Play with Peter Alexander
  • Provider
    Versant Media, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

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