In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin speaks with former Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford about political independence, election reform and the growing influence of the two major parties.

Rutherford reflects on his unexpected entry into electoral politics as Larry Hogan’s running mate and their underdog victory in the 2014 governor’s race. He and Zirkin discuss the importance of campaigning beyond party lines, listening to voters with different political views and governing through compromise.

Much of the conversation focuses on Rutherford’s lawsuit challenging Maryland’s closed-primary system, which prevents nearly one-quarter of the state’s registered voters from participating because they are unaffiliated with a political party. Rutherford argues that taxpayers should not finance elections that exclude eligible voters, particularly in districts where the primary effectively determines the winner.

In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin speaks with Anne Arundel County Executive and Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steuart Pittman about his unconventional path from community organizer and horse trainer to elected office and party leadership.

Pittman explains what he believes the Democratic Party should represent, including justice, the rule of law, affordable health care, education and housing, government efficiency, fiscal discipline and rebuilding the middle class.

Zirkin and Pittman also debate open primaries, ranked-choice voting, partisan redistricting, campaign financing and the influence of wealthy donors. The conversation turns to political extremism and antisemitism as Zirkin questions whether the Democratic Party has done enough to reject candidates whose views conflict with its stated values.

In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin speaks with U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski Jr. about bipartisanship, election reform, political extremism and the rising cost of living.

Olszewski discusses the challenges of working in a deeply divided Congress and his efforts to build relationships between Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

In the debut of “The Riff,” a new solo edition of “Across the Aisle,” former Maryland state Sen. Bobby Zirkin reflects on earlier guests and offers his views on the growing political divide. Zirkin advocates for open primaries and ranked-choice voting, arguing that independent and unaffiliated voters should have a greater voice in elections. He also criticizes mid-decade redistricting as a partisan “race to the bottom” and calls for stronger safeguards against political gerrymandering. Turning to national politics, Zirkin condemns extremism within both parties, questions the candidates being elevated by partisan primaries and criticizes a Senate hearing involving Dr. Anthony Fauci as political theater.

Throughout the episode, Zirkin calls for practical, bipartisan leadership and urges voters to reject the divisive politics dominating Washington and state capitals.

In this episode of Across the Aisle, Bobby Zirkin speaks with Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, about public policy, antisemitism, Israel and the importance of civil discourse.

They discuss how the Jewish community reaches consensus on issues including security funding for religious institutions, juvenile justice and physician-assisted suicide. Much of the conversation focuses on Iran, the war in Gaza, threats facing Israel and growing disagreements over American political rhetoric surrounding the conflict. Libit rejects accusations that Israel is committing genocide while acknowledging the tragic loss of Palestinian civilians and concerns about some Israeli military decisions.

Zirkin presses Libit on whether political leaders should be challenged more forcefully when their statements contribute to misinformation or antisemitism.

Former Maryland state Sen. Bobby Zirkin sits down with veteran political strategist Len Foxwell for a wide-ranging conversation about extremism, antisemitism and the growing distrust of American political institutions. Foxwell discusses his work with state Del. Adrian Boafo and the campaign to succeed retiring Congressman Steny Hoyer in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District. Zirkin and Foxwell examine how closed primaries, low voter turnout and social media amplify political fringes while pushing moderate voters away from both major parties. They also discuss ranked-choice voting, the need for political courage and the importance of seeking news that challenges personal beliefs.

In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin speaks with former colleague Senator Michael Hough about public service, bipartisanship, criminal justice reform, immigration, elections, and the future of politics.

Zirkin and Hough reflect on their years in the Maryland General Assembly and the value of relationships that cross party lines. A major focus of the conversation is criminal justice reform, including the bipartisan Justice Reinvestment Act. They discuss efforts to reduce unnecessary incarceration, expand treatment and rehabilitation, improve supervision, and maintain accountability for violent offenders. They emphasize the importance of practical solutions over partisan politics.

Immigration is another key topic. Hough discusses his work with NumbersUSA and his views on balancing border enforcement with legal immigration pathways. He and Zirkin debate sanctuary policies, federal-local cooperation, and the need for comprehensive reform.

The episode also covers Maryland politics, including Governor Wes Moore’s administration, state spending, public safety, and juvenile justice. Zirkin and Hough highlight evidence-based approaches centered on early intervention, education, mentorship, and rehabilitation.

In this episode of Across the Aisle, former Maryland State Senator Bobby Zirkin sits down with Montgomery County State Senator Benjamin F. Kramer for a candid conversation about the Democratic Party, U.S. policy toward Israel, and the political debate unfolding on Capitol Hill. Drawing on their years of public service, Zirkin and Kramer discuss why they believe some Democratic leaders—including U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen—have taken positions they view as increasingly critical of Israel.

They examine the broader implications for Maryland politics, Jewish voters, and the future of U.S.-Israel relations, while sharing their concerns about the direction of the national conversation.