The Issue Is

This week, one of the most star-studded episodes in “The Issue Is” history, an episode that takes us from the streets of Brentwood to the halls of power in Washington D.C. to the deepest corners of space, the final frontier.

This week, Rep. Katie Porter joins The Issue Is to discuss her push to move to the upper Congressional chamber in 2025, in addition to her new book.

Elex Michaelson is joined on "The Issue Is" by Speaker McCarthy - the two talking at the Reagan Presidential Library shortly after the Taiwanese President’s visit. Also joining Michaelson this week is California Congressman Adam Schiff (D.).

An unprecedented week in American politics as Former President Trump was indicted by a grand jury in New York.

With 100 days now behind her, LA Mayor Karen Bass discusses her progress, and lessons learned, in the fight against homelessness, as well as against rising crime.

Elex Michaelson visits TMZ for an extensive conversation on TMZ's new 9/11 documentary, the history of TMZ, the stories behind breaking the deaths of Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant, 2024, and more. 

This week on The Issue Is we talk about the recent California storms and potential flood dangers with Karla Nemeth, then the 95th Academy Awards takes the spotlight as Variety’s Elizabeth Wagmeister and Steve Mason, host of the “Culture Pop” podcast, join us to talk all things Oscars.  

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby talks about the war in Ukraine, tensions with China, his storied career, and more.    L.A. Times writer Seema Mehta discusses the 2024 California primary polling and the battle between Governor Newsom and Governor Ron DeSantis. 

Elex Michaelson sits down with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria during USC’s Herb Klein Lecture Series in La Jolla.

California is now just over a year from the all-important 2024 primary.

This week, an exclusive conversation with George Clooney. In 2022, the Oscar-winning filmmaker helped establish the Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet School at the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center in Los Angeles. The program, a public-private partnership aims to provide a pipeline to the film industry for students from underserved communities, has been described by U.S. Education Secret...

This week on "The Issue Is," politics takes a backseat, and sports reigns supreme, as Elex Michaelson is joined in-studio by legendary broadcaster Bob Costas.

This week, Elex is joined by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Democratic activist Shane Harris and former Donald Trump advisor John McEntee.

This week, Elex spoke with Rep. Adam Schiff, who gave his first TV interview since announcing his run for Senate. Governor Gavin Newsom discusses recent mass shooting in California and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom talks youth mental heath and gun violence during a visit to Santa Monica.

 This week, Elex speaks with California Office of Emergency Services' Brian Ferguson to discuss President Biden's visit to California and the federal storm aid. Eric McDonnell, the chair of the San Francisco African American Reparations Advisory Committee stops by to discuss the debate over reparations and his committee's controversial proposal. Harmeet Dhillon discusses her run for RNC chair. ———...

This week, Elex is joined by Senator Alex Padilla to discuss California's deadly storms and the crisis at the border. Congresswoman Katie Porter discusses her run for Senate and her viral moment during the House Speaker race. Hollywood icon George Clooney discusses the Roybal Film and TV Production Magnet School and his push to give underserved kids a chance to get into the film industry. 

This week, Elex Michaelson discusses the unforgettable fight over the Speaker of the House.

As 2022 comes to an end, and Americans celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holidays with family - there was no break from political news. 

Newly-elected Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass talks about the new role, and attorney Gloria Allred debates with political commentator Larry Elder on marriage equality, abortion, reparations and more. ————— The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show. For showtimes and more information, go to TheIssueIsShow.com .

This week, Elex caught up with Long Beach-mayor-turned-Congressman-elect Robert Garcia as he settles into his new gig in Washington, D.C.

This week, Elex Michaelson is joined by Congressman-elect Kevin Kiley, Politico's Jonathan Martin and former director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office John McEntee.

The Issue Is was joined by Karen Bass as she discusses her historic win in the race for Los Angeles Mayor. She also discusses her plan to address homelessness.

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joins The Issue Is to discuss his rivalry with Sylvester Stallone, 20 years of Proposition 49 and the rise in antisemitism.

Political experts Brian Goldsmith and Lynn Vavreck joined The Issue Is to break down the midterm outcomes.

This week, we preview key California races in the upcoming midterm elections.