Why Marco Rubio Is Suddenly a 2028 Frontrunner, Vance’s GOP Challenge and Iran’s Real Story

On today’s “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” Mark’s reported monologue reveals why Marco Rubio is enjoying an extraordinary golden moment in the political sun and what it means for 2028. Beyond Rubio’s love affair with the Dominant Media and the favorable comparisons to JD Vance. Mark looks at some of the Secretary of State’s past bumps in the road and lays out what his sources say are the most likely outcome of the search by President Trump and the party for a successor to the incumbent. Then, NewsNation’s Leland Vittert joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about what the media is fundamentally missing about Iran, the reshaping of the Middle East, and the broader geopolitical stakes beyond the daily headlines. Mark also tackles the backlash to his latest “8 for ’28” rankings, unpacking the criticism, the political implications, and why the loudest reactions may actually validate the conversation. Finally, Hyma Moore maps out how Democrats can slow down Marco Mania (and Rubio’s momentum) before he becomes a major 2028 threat. Acre Gold: Turn your pocket change into physical 24-karat gold and enter to win a limited-edition Hot Wheels gold bar at https://GetAcreGold.com/Mark   120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20%   Bank On Yourself: Discover the retirement plan banks Don't want you to know about—get your free report at https://BankOnYourself.com/Mark   Follow Next Up with Mark Halperin on all social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuphalperin TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nextuphalperin X (Twitter): https://x.com/NextUpHalperin     Connect with Mark Halperin on social media: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/markevanhalperin X (Twitter):  https://x.com/markhalperin   Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts:   Apple — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-with-mark-halperin/id1810218232   Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/2f0n8G4xqUo8aGxbbbtRjH%3Fsi%3D8e4ff54000cc438d Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.