Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, and Alex Wagner talk about the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries. Who will moderate Republicans back if the race becomes a Trump vs. Cruz contest? And could Bernie Sanders upset Hillary Clinton early on?

Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, and The Gist’s Mike Pesca discuss the most recent Democratic debate, remember Lindsey Graham’s presidential run, and talk about how Ted Cruz is cozying up to Donald Trump.

Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, and Alex Wagner try to interpret Ted Cruz’ appeal to GOP primary voters in Iowa, while Donald Trump’s doctor has issued the candidate a flawless bill of health. We also express our sympathy for the Obamas, who will spend hours shaking hands with well-wishers this Christmas season. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Start building your website today at Squarespace.com. Enter offer code AMERICA at checkout to get 10%off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.

Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, Alex Wagner and The Washington Post’s David Weigel discuss Donald Trump’s xenophobia and how other GOP candidates are, or could respond. Also, they talk about how President Obama addressed terror last weekend. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Start building your website today at Squarespace.com. Enter offer code AMERICA at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.

New York magazine’s Rebecca Traister joins hosts Mark Leibovich, Annie Lowrey, and Alex Wagner to talk about GOP silence on the Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado. Also: can Trump top himself yet again? And Ted Cruz rhapsodizes about The Princess Bride. Have you heard "The Message"? An original science fiction podcast from Panoply and GE Podcast Theater. All of Season 1 is available now, so listen and find out why a 70-year-old alien recording seems to be killing people. Search for The Message on iTunes.