On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Bethany Mandel break down the political stories dominating the week.

First, they dive into Marco Rubio’s standout White House briefing room performance, why his media savvy is fueling fresh 2028 speculation, and how his growing influence inside the Trump orbit could shape the future of the GOP.

Then, they head to California, where the governor’s race is turning into a political disaster for Democrats. From Katie Porter’s controversial debate moments to the rise of Republican contenders like Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, the political landscape in the Golden State may be shifting fast.

Plus, Mary Katharine and Bethany unpack the alarming spike in anti-Semitic incidents in New York City, the failures of progressive leadership to address rising hate crimes, and what it signals for America’s political and cultural future.

From 2028 Republican tea leaves to California’s political cracks and the growing anti-Semitism crisis, this episode covers the stories shaping the national conversation.