# Mark Halperin & John Heilemann: "Double Down"

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-club-with-michael-smerconish-4372437/mark-halperin-john-heilemann-double-down
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-club-with-michael-smerconish-4372437/mark-halperin-john-heilemann-double-down.md
Podcast: [Book Club with Michael Smerconish](https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-club-with-michael-smerconish-4372437)
Published: 2026-04-08T19:39:53+00:00
Episode link: https://www.siriusxm.com
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/sxm.simplecastaudio.com/e3dd7ada-28ed-4fb2-9a98-2aa2a4696c24/episodes/a60695bb-1cd4-4392-90aa-347648575326/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=e3dd7ada-28ed-4fb2-9a98-2aa2a4696c24&awEpisodeId=a60695bb-1cd4-4392-90aa-347648575326&feed=Xjj1yH0V
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/book-club-with-michael-smerconish-4372437/episodes/mark-halperin-john-heilemann-double-down
Duration seconds: 2210

## Resource

From the archives from November of 2013, we revisit two revealing conversations with John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, co-authors of "Double Down: Game Change 2012," offering a behind-the-scenes look at the 2012 presidential campaign. From Mitt Romney’s uneasy path to the nomination to Barack Obama’s debate recovery—and the unforgettable convention moments featuring Clint Eastwood and Bill Clinton—the authors unpack the strategy, personalities, and pivotal decisions that shaped the race. It’s a candid exploration of modern campaigns, media coverage, and the human drama behind the headlines - and to listen to and relive it again over a decade later is quite something! Original air dates mid-November 2013. The book was published on 5 November 2013. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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## Transcript

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