"Trump In Exile" explores Trump's post-White House mindset

POLITICO's Meridith McGraw takes a look at Donald Trump's journey after his 2020 electoral defeat in her new book, "Trump In Exile." In it, she details how he emerged from political purgatory to the 2024 nominee, how he's looking to burnish the MAGA legacy through the likes of J.D. Vance, and why revenge has been a key tool in his arsenal. She joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5."

Finding civility in uncivil times

A new documentary examines the fraught state of public discource in America. "Undivide Us," now streaming through Maryland Public Television, features conversations with thought leaders. That includes Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain what it all means to him.

Was Walz the right choice for Dems?

Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Gov. Tim Walz are making the rounds in their first full day of campaigning, but some reports suggest Republicans are breathing a sigh of relief over her selection, with some claiming Walz is weaker than another front-runner, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. FOX 5 contributor Kevin Walling joins Jim on "The Final 5" to weigh in on the selection, and what the priorities should be for Harris with 90 days to go until Election Day.

Charlie Gasparino talks "Go Woke, Go Broke"

Fox Business senior correspondent Charles Gasparino joins Jim on "The Final 5" to discuss his new book, "Go Woke, Go Broke." In it, the veteran financial expert takes a look at how corporations like Target and Anheuser-Busch took a major hit when they co-opted left-leaning causes in recent years.

Who is Tim Walz?

The Democratic vice presidential nominee may be an unknown on the national stage, but he's a fixture in Minnesota politics. Jason DeRusha covered Walz for years, first as a news anchor, and now as the Drivetime host on WCCO Radio in Minneapolis. He joins Jim on "The Final 5" to take a look at Walz's career, his strengths, and why his handling of the George Floyd riots are already attracting criticism.

When it comes to 2024, the last month changed everything

Political commentators Naysa Woomer and Kristal Knight were last on "The Final 5" on July 9th. Since then, there was an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, his recovery and nomination of Vice Presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance, the withdrawal of President Joe Biden, and the ascent of Vice President Kamala Harris. Jim Lokay discusses what's next with Woomer and Knight.

Trump, Vance adjust to new opponent

After early criticism of the choice of GOP Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance and his comments about parenthood, the focus now turns to how the Republican ticket will frame the fight against presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. Jim discusses that, plus former President Trump's NABJ appearance, with FreePressFail.com co-founder Corinne Clark.

Harris' rally draws thousands as Trump gets set to speak to Black journalists

Vice President Kamala Harris drew a large crowd in Atlanta for her first campaign rally in Atlanta, but how will her crowds compare with former President Donald Trump's signature events? Jim discusses that and more with national trial attorney and political commentator Donte Mills on "The Final 5," plus the National Association of Black Journalists prepares to welcome Trump to their annual conference amid calls by some to boycott.

In must-win PA, could a Harris-Shapiro ticket trump Trump-Vance?

"The Final 5" host Jim Lokay spoke with NOTUS reporter Evan McMorris-Santoro about how Democrats have handled the change atop the ticket. McMorris-Santoro shared insights on how this change is being received in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania, plus how Gov. Josh Shapiro has emerged as a potential running mate.

The newest 2024 insult: "childless cat ladies"

Since Sen. J.D. Vance's comments about "childless cat ladies" gained national attention, the issue of gender in the 2024 election is taking on a new dimension. Plus, what's different with Vice President Kamala Harris atop the ballot vs. Hillary Clinton in 2016? Jim discusses with gender and politics expert Amanda Hunter from Gender on the Ballot.

DC Council weighs ceasefire resolution

A recent report from Alex Koma of the Washington City Paper details conversations within DC Council on whether to introduce a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel/Hamas War. Jim discusses that and more with Ron Halber of the Jewish Community Relations Council on "The Final 5."

The dynamics of race in new-look '24 campagin

Several Republicans, including Reps. Tim Burchett and Harriet Hageman, have drawn criticism for calling Vice President Kamala Harris a "DEI candidate" ahead of her likely coronation as Democratic nominee for the White House. Jim Lokay talks with Young Voices contributor Isaac Willhour, who contends that her nomination reflects the Democrats' focus on race politics over electoral strategy.

What issues will guide new-look 2024 race?

Now that Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to clinch the Democratic nomination, the attention turns to which issues will guide voters in November. Jim Lokay discusses what might sway undecideds with Swing Left's Yasmin Radjy and Chris Johnson, senior advisor to the National Federation of College Republicans on "The Final 5."

Reaction to Biden's withdrawal speech

For the first time since his written announcement on Sunday, President Biden addressed the nation to detail the reasoning behind his withdrawal from the 2024 race. Jim discusses that and more with the co-host of the award-winning podcast "The Daily Beans," Dr. Allison Gill, on "The Final 5."

Ipsos polling shows Harris growing support vs. Biden, but Trump holds on

For the first time since President Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, we're getting a look at the pulse of the people when it comes to a potential faceoff between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Ipsos Public Affairs President Cliff Young joins Jim on "The Final 5" to show where the VP is gaining ground, and where Trump is remaining strong.

How does Trump campaign adjust to a new opponent?

Conservative strategist Luke Ball joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to discuss the state of the 2024 race, now that Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to face off against former President Donald Trump. How will the Trump campaign adjust to a new opponent, and what issues will remain the same? Plus, Jim gets insight on whether running mates matter.

Harris weighs AZ Sen. Mark Kelly as potential VP pick

As Vice President Kamala Harris scrambles for a running mate ahead of next month's Democratic National Convention, sources say Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly has been asked to submit vetting materials for consideration for the job. New York Post reporter Cameron Arcand joins Jim on "The Final 5" from the campaign trail in Arizona with more on what's being considered the pros and cons of a Kelly pick.

How does Team Biden transition to the Harris campaign?

In 2000, Paul Glastris was tasked with writing then-President Bill Clinton's DNC speech, urging the party to unify behind Al Gore. Now, he's as editor-in-chief of Washington Monthly, he's closely watching how President Biden will handle watching his campaign apparatus change its focus to electing Vice President Kamala Harris. He's Jim Lokay's guest on "The Final 5."

Biden out, Harris in: what changes for Dems, GOP?

The landscape of the 2024 election has been disrupted with the exit of President Biden and the quick coalescence of Democrats behind Vice President Kamala Harris, but the playbook has been altered for Republicans as well. Jim Lokay talks about that and more with political strategists Michelle C. Thomas and Brittany Martinez on "The Final 5."