Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt
308 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 966 ratingsMaster political strategist James Carville and revered journalist Al Hunt convenes a war room each week to discuss the battle for the soul of the nation! Join them as they gather the sharpest minds from across the country to see who has the most compelling case for the American people on the issues that matter most.
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Episodes
206: Running Things with OMB Director Shalanda Young
July 20, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutesJames and Al take down the faltering DeSantis campaign and lay into the legal issues that will likely take down Trump and might prevent him from the nomination. They also welcome OMB Director Shalanda Young for a conversation about the politics of the South East, what it takes to rise to a position of leadership, and how government functions from the inside. Together, they discuss the way politics plays out on the ground, building legislative coalitions, and keeping the country going in th...
205: Al Gore: Climate Crisis
July 13, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourWith so many multi-faceted global issues requiring leadership, James and Al are joined by climate visionary and former Vice President Al Gore to discuss the challenges and hopes surrounding the plans to save the planet– plus their role in building a successful 21st century economy here at home. Then, they talk to Rep. Krishnamoorthi about how we should handle the escalating competition we face from China and the importance of planning ahead in a world facing resource shortages– before it’s ...
204: Chris Christie
July 06, 2023 09:00 - 2 hoursJames and Al are joined by Republican Presidential candidate Chris Christie to dive into how he plans to win the nomination, the legal issues facing Trump, and what his administration would prioritize. From there, Michael Kofman lays out the current state of the Russia-Ukraine War, and looks ahead to how it might end. During their conversation, James and Al also take the Supreme Court’s leadership to task for their politicized decisions and corruption, with an additional warning about the ...
203: RUSSIA
June 29, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al look at how President Biden will hold up going into 2024, and welcome WaPo’s David Ignatius and USICH Executive Director Jeff Olivet to examine our most pressing international and domestic issues. David discusses the recent coup attempt in Russia, Donald’s mishandling of information, and what China might be thinking. From there, Jeff shares the intricacies of the homelessness crisis, what works, and how our politicians should address the issue. Email your questions to James a...
202: #StillWinning w/ Ron Brownstein
June 22, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al shame Justice Alito and stand up for the necessary integrity of our legal system before being joined by revered journalist Ron Brownstein for a deep dive into the 2024 race. They look at how the public sees the assumed Biden/Trump match up, what things would be like if the dynamics were changed, and the strong Democratic bench that could help heal the increasingly dangerous political divide. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @po...
201: Espionage w/ Fmr SecDef Bill Cohen
June 15, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al skewer Trump for continuing to publicly convict himself of the crimes he’s accused of, and emphasize the need for civic education to protect our democracy. They also speak with Fmr. Defense Secretary Bill Cohen for an analysis of how serious the charges facing Trump are, the implications for our alliances, and the importance of regulation to protect the lives of our people out in the field. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @pol...
200: Ro Khanna
June 08, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by Rep. Ro Khanna for a powerful and wide ranging conversation about the future. They discuss what should happen to Senator Feinstein’s seat, why “it’s the economy, stupid” and how to improve messaging, and weigh President Biden’s strengths and weaknesses– concluding there are risks, but his record has made him the best choice given the current challengers. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to i...
199: The 4 F’s with Paul Begala (there’s actually 5)
June 01, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al take a moment to celebrate President Biden’s strong negotiation of the debt ceiling and welcome master strategist Paula Begala to talk politics, sports, faith, and the lay of the land in Texas. Does AG Ken Paxton’s fall and Republican overextension create an opportunity for Democrats in the Senate there? And more importantly, is Colin Allred the candidate to get it done? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure ...
198: Artificial Intelligence w/ MIT Prof. John Guttag
May 25, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al take on the growing debt ceiling debacle caused by Republican intransigence, and welcome Artificial Intelligence expert John Guttag of MIT to explore the novel technologies upending our notions of work. They cover how programs like ChatGPT will change the way companies do business, how politicians craft campaigns and messages, and what it all means for the future. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to incl...
197: The World In Review w/ Ed Luce
May 18, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al attack the politicized investigation of John Durham and welcome Ed Luce for a review of the biggest developments at home and around the world. Together, they look at the latest in Europe, China’s role in the Ukraine-Russia war and the international order, the risks facing President Biden’s re-election campaign, and how CNN has revealed Trump’s dangerous ongoing pull on the media. Then, James and Al do a deep dive into how Republicans are screwing the voters in a brand new segm...
196: Law & Sports w/ Aitan Goelman & Luke Russert
May 11, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al tear into the eroding institution of monarchy across the pond, then welcome legal maven Aitan Goelman for a deep dive into the legal troubles facing Donald Trump, the potential for Jack Smith to hold him to account, and what comes next. Then, they sit down with Luke Russert for a poignant conversation about finding your own way and his relationship with his dad, Tim Russert– along with a healthy dose of sports. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] ...
195: Gov. Josh Shapiro
May 04, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al welcome PA Gov. Shapiro to discuss restoring bipartisan trust in elections, why to take campaigns on the road, the Republican budget mess, and the policies to focus on– from tackling crime to public-private partnerships that benefit children. They also lay into the fall of the Supreme Court, the hope Senate candidate Colin Allred is giving to Democrats in Texas, and the state of the parties. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @...
194: Tucker's gone, now what? with Sarah Ellison
April 27, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al raise heck over the corruption of the Republican House, lay out the implications of Tucker Carlson’s departure, and celebrate the fall of Fox News. Then they welcome WaPo’s Sarah Ellison to explain the media ecosystem’s tectonic changes, how coverage might change going forward, Trump’s growing challenges, and what we can expect in the aftermath of the current news cycle. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure t...
193: The Business End of a Mop
April 20, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al sound off on the pathetic leadership of Rep. McCarthy, his failure to put forward a coherent budget, and the danger of the ‘No Labels’ campaign. Then, they discuss the various lawsuits targeting FOX, before welcoming WaPo senior national security writer Shane Harris to explore the recent leaks by Jack Teixeira, how they affect our politics, and the ways leakers have affected policy in the past. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to ...
192: Political Violence w/ Thomas Edsall & Michael Fanone
April 13, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourJames and Al fire off on the extreme actions of Republican state governments in Texas and Tennessee that are actively undermining our country. Then, they welcome revered journalist Thomas Edsall to discuss the Right’s radical rejection of centrism and former D.C. Police Officer Michael Fanone to share his experiences at The Capitol on J6 with insight into how he now feels about the MAGA movement. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon....
191: Trump Arraigned
April 06, 2023 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al break down the recent elections of a Democrat Supreme Court Justice in Wisconsin and for the next mayor of Chicago. They also hold court on Donald’s arraignment and its political impact, the other charges he faces in jurisdictions across the country, and how the electorate thinks about him now. Now that the Republicans look weak, is this the perfect time to press them on their failure to produce a budget? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tw...
190: Rep. Dan Goldman & John Feinstein
March 30, 2023 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al emphasize the case for sensible gun reform and bring on Rep. Dan Goldman to break down the legal threats facing Donald, the potential for indictment, and the risk Michael Cohen poses in NYC. Then, they welcome sports expert John Feinstein to give us the latest updates on the state of college basketball and what to expect during the finals of March Madness. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your ...
189: WisDems with Ben Wikler
March 23, 2023 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler to discuss their critical upcoming Supreme Court election that will decide the balance of power in their state’s justice system. At stake is the right to abortion that faces draconian limitations, and voting suppression initiatives that threaten democracy and hand elections to Republicans for years to come. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to inclu...
188: The Two Franks
March 16, 2023 10:00 - 58 minutesJames and Al give their insights on March Madness and welcome former ambassador to Egypt Frank Wisner and storied congressional representative Barney Frank. In their conversations they discuss the Iranian-Saudi relationship, how China plays into the modern diplomatic landscape, and examine the recent financial troubles facing banks like SVB across the nation. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we l...
187: From The Middle East To Middle America
March 09, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al celebrate President Biden’s defense of Medicare before welcoming strategist Jim Gerstein and transportation expert Jeff Davis. In their conversation, they discuss the breakdown of Israeli politics and how the rise of their Right wing mirrors Trumpism in the USA, before taking on the logistical difficulties involved in upgrading our transportation infrastructure and preventing disasters in Middle America. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or twee...
186: Gov. Wes Moore
March 02, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al take on the anti-woke focus of Ron DeSantis, and dive into the recent electoral battles from Wisconsin to Chicago that are defining the next phase of our country’s future. Then, they welcome MD Governor Wes Moore to discuss the importance of creating opportunity in tech, building up minority constituents, and enacting policy that supports the needs of workers and children. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure...
185: Trump’s Malfeasance with Marcy Wheeler & Morgan Cloud
February 23, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al dive into the budding 2024 race and emphasize the importance of the WI Supreme Court elections. Then, they welcome journalist Marcy Wheeler to explain the pernicious influence of Russia on the MAGA Republicans, followed by Professor Morgan Cloud to discuss the recent grand jury developments targeting Trump’s actions in GA during the 2020 elections. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, ...
184: Rep. Colin Allred
February 16, 2023 11:00 - 59 minutesJames and Al share their thoughts on Trump’s new nickname for DeSantis, recent natural disasters and the war in Europe. Then, they welcome Rep. Colin Allred to share a Super Bowl retrospective and discuss the House weaponization committee, retaking Red States, and fighting for racial progress when Republicans are censoring the Black experience in the education of our children. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to inclu...
183: The Big Battles with Greg Cosell & Brandon Presley
February 09, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al review the strong SOTU speech by President Biden and take on the Timid 20 in the Republican caucus who refuse to stand up to their side’s extremists. Then, they welcome Greg Cosell for an in-depth analysis of Super Bowl LVII and to hear his winner prediction, followed by MS gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley to discuss his upcoming race and how Democrats can retake the South. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. M...
182: Policing with David Harris
February 02, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al break down the ridiculous debt ceiling fight sparked by the Republicans and skewer the 2024 Republican primary field that could lead to an independent run by Trump. Then, they’re joined by law professor and author David Harris to examine current policing policies that have led to disastrous outcomes, the role of systemic racism, and how we can reform the force. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include ...
181: Admiral James Stavridis
January 26, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al discuss the traitors in our midst like former counter intelligence official and FBI agent Charles McGonigal, and how Russia continues to upend our politics. Then, they are joined by former NATO Supreme Commander Admiral James Stravridis to discuss the facts on the ground in Ukraine, the need for Western aid, and how things might end, before looking at how our readiness compares to potential threats from China. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] o...
180: A Tale Of Two Documents with Andrew Weissmann
January 19, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al look at the weaknesses of the GOP caucus and the difficulty they will have in taking congressional action. Then, they welcome legal expert Andrew Weissmann to discuss the process that goes into investigations of our politicians with a particular focus on the differences between the recent finds of classified documents at the homes of Trump and President Biden. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include y...
179: Coming Challenges with Professor Julian Zelizer
January 12, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutesJames and Al decimate the insanity of the incoming Republican congress with a strong defense of immigration and President Biden. Then, they welcome Princeton’s Julian Zelizer to discuss the many myths in our collective memory going from the Revolutionary War all the way to the so-called Reagan Revolution that continue to define the way we think about our country and our politics. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to in...
178: Speaker Madness with Carl Hulse
January 05, 2023 11:00 - 51 minutesIn the midst of the Republican’s farcical battle to elect the next Speaker of the House, James and Al are joined by NYT’s Washington expert Carl Hulse for deeper insight into the proceedings. They discuss Rep. McCarthy’s prospects, the effect of the proposed motion to vacate, and what the disarray means for critical legislation and the future of the next congress– with a little bit of football thrown in. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @p...
177: Ringing In The New Year
December 29, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourWith 2023 almost here, James and Al ring in the new year with friends George Stevens, Jill Abramson, Fred Wertheimer, and Jane Mayer. Together, they discuss the current state of the media and entertainment, before forecasting the political future of the speakership, the presidency, dark money, and the Ukraine-Russia war– with a solid takedown of lying George Santos. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your c...
176: Mary & Judy
December 22, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourWith Christmas just around the corner, James and Al welcome their wives Judy Woodruff and Mary Matalin to ring in the season with some holiday stories. Then, they take on the corruption of the Republican party, contrast Trump and Nixon, and lay out the perils of dark money and why it’s a winning issue. Should the Democrats be focused on the big issues with more than 2/3rds support instead of wedge topics catering to the base? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected]...
175: Butt Plugs & Dildos
December 15, 2022 11:00 - 59 minutesJames and Al summon political consultant and the mastermind behind the win of Senator Warnock in Georgia, Quentin Fulks, to analyze how their campaign won its critical run-off election for majority control. They also discuss the ways campaigns in swing states can broaden their appeal, how to bring voters with Democratic sympathies back to the polls, and what it might look like if the party adopted a 50 state strategy. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or twe...
174: After Georgia with Michael McDonald
December 08, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by UF Political Science Prof. Michael McDonald to discuss the factors that led to the re-election of Sen. Warnock in GA, the weakness of MAGA, and how minorities and turn-out play a key role in victory. They also look at the issues that bring voters to the polls, why Democrats overperformed expectations in the midterms, and what to do to make sure it keeps happening in 2024 and beyond. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them t...
173: Glob of Protoplasm
December 01, 2022 11:00 - 56 minutesJames and Al are joined by Arizona Congressman Ruben Gallego for a wide ranging conversation covering everything from the prospects of the newly elected House and who might lead each party, to the desires of AZ voters and how to keep the state voting Blue. They also do a deep dive into border issues, focusing on how to support immigration and win elections with smart and nuanced policy. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make s...
172: Dark Money
November 24, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutesIn this special episode exploring the pernicious effects of dark money on our politics, James and Al welcome Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, investigative journalist Jane Mayer, and former AZ AG Terry Goddard. They dive into how dark money is corrupting our political parties, the Supreme Court, and our electoral systems, while naming some of the biggest offenders. More importantly, they also share the ways we can fight back! Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or...
171: Ro Khanna & Tyler Bridges
November 17, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al take on the greed of oil companies and the dark money fueling the Republican takeover of the judicial system before bringing on Rep. Ro Khanna to explore the role of progressives, how they play into the future of liberalism, and their place in the Democratic party. Then, they pivot to author Tyler Bridges to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the infamous Stanford v. Cal football game. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon...
170: Election Aftermath with Robert Draper
November 10, 2022 11:00 - 57 minutesWith the midterm results continuing to come in with a strong showing for Democrats, James and Al bring on NYT contributor and author of ‘Weapons of Mass Delusion’ Robert Draper to dive into why many expectations of a red wave got upended. They cover the weaknesses of the Republican candidates, the electoral hazards of playing into Trumpian delusions, and if the Right has finally been taken to task by voters. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to...
169: Midterms By The Numbers with Stanley Greenberg
November 03, 2022 10:00 - 57 minutesJames and Al fire off on the forces in the Democratic Party driving away voters and bring on pollster Stanley Greenberg to explore the numbers behind the issues that are defining the midterms. They examine how proposed policy and language affects the electorate with a view towards what works and what doesn’t, before diving into elections in Israel and other countries around the world. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure ...
168: PA & UK with Ed Luce and Jonathan Tamari
October 27, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al bring on Associate Editor of the Financial Times Ed Luce to discuss the fall of Liz Truss, the high turnover of the UK’s Prime Ministers, and what to expect going forward under Rishi Sunak. Then, they’re joined by expert on Pennsylvania politics Jonathan Tamari from the Philadelphia Inquirer to lay out the factors defining the midterm races there, weigh the candidates, and look ahead to what to expect on November 8th. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gma...
167: From Georgia to Iran with David Ignatius & Stephen Fowler
October 20, 2022 10:00 - 53 minutesFacing a world in chaos and with early voting in Georgia surprising observers, James and Al bring on foreign policy expert David Ignatius and Georgia political specialist Stephen Fowler to break down the latest. In their discussion, they look at the state of the midterm elections in Georgia after the debates, and explore the latest from the Ukraine War, and the growing political discontent in Iran. Do we dare hope Iran can one day become an ally? Email your questions to James and Al at po...
166: The Battle for Arizona with Yvonne Wignett Sanchez
October 13, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutesNow that the midterms are only a few weeks away, James and Al summon WaPo political reporter and Arizona expert Yvonne Wignett Sanchez for a deep dive into the crucial gubernatorial and senate races there. In their analysis, they discuss the impact of MAGA extremism and transplanted voters, the decisive importance of latinos and suburbanites, and compare the candidates while looking ahead to 2024. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon...
165: Michael Kofman & Howard Wilkinson
October 06, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al let loose on the hypocrisy of Herschel Walker and the so-called Religious Right, and bring on veteran Ohio political analyst Howard Wilkinson to look at the Democrats’ midterm prospects there. Then, they welcome military analyst Michael Kofman to break down the latest developments in the Ukraine War including annexation, the nuclear option, conscription, and more. Is Russia finally on the ropes? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them...
164: Nevada Midterms with Jon Ralston
September 29, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al emphasize the importance of addressing climate change in light of the massive storms brewing on the East Coast, and give us a general overview of the state of the midterms with just over a month left. Then, they bring on Nevada Independent CEO Jon Ralston to break down the politics of his state, and how we can expect Democrats to do there in the upcoming election. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to inclu...
163: Introducing: It Was Said Season 2
September 28, 2022 10:00 - 5 minutesIt Was Said, the 2021 Webby Award winner for Best Podcast Series, returns with a new season to look back on some of the most powerful, impactful, and timeless speeches in history. Written and narrated by Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author-historian Jon Meacham, this documentary podcast series takes you through another season of ten generation-defining speeches. Meacham, along with top historians, authors and journalists, offers expert insight and analysis into the origins, the orat...
162: Tar Heel Politics with Michael Bitzer
September 22, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al lay out how the Republican electorate is pushing the party’s candidates towards extremism and call on people of faith to stand up for immigrants and refugees. Then, they bring on Catawba College’s Politics Chair Michael Bitzer to analyze the prospects of Democrats in North Carolina’s midterms. Will changing demographics reverse the state’s rightward turn? Keep a close watch on Cabarrus County! Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to...
161: The State of Wisconsin with Ben Wikler
September 15, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutesJames and Al give an update on the politics of the Ukraine War and the ongoing fight for our rights. Then, they bring on Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler to analyze the gubernatorial and senate races in his state, expound on the quality of the candidates, and tell us how to make an impact. Will extremism and retrograde Republican policies deliver them big losses in this crucial midterm election? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to ...
160: Michigan Midterms with Bill Ballenger
September 08, 2022 10:00 - 55 minutesJames and Al are joined by Bill Ballenger of the Ballenger Report for a thorough look at the midterm prospects for Democrats in the key swing state of Michigan. Together, they analyze the impact of recent political developments from Dobbs to the Mar-a-Lago seizure on our elections, the growing fissure in the Republican Party, and the shrinking chances of a red wave. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your cit...
159: A history lesson with Stephen Kotkin
September 01, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutesJames and Al are joined by foreign affairs and Russian expert Stephen Kotkin for a deep dive into the history of the Soviet Union, how Putin is running the country in its aftermath, and the current state of the war in Ukraine. What role do the United States and the European powers have in repulsing their aggression? Will Ukraine hold firm? And how does the conflict impact the world? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure ...
158: Richard Ben Veniste & Mark Leibovich
August 25, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by Watergate Special Prosecutor Richard Ben Veniste to break down the differences between Trump and Nixon, and look at the role of the DOJ now that it’s faced with Trump’s crimes. Then, they welcome premiere journalist Mark Leibovich to discuss the state of the country, Trump’s impact on the nation, and why journalists need to stand up for their political beliefs. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make s...
157: Sean Wilentz
August 18, 2022 10:00 - 50 minutesJames and Al reflect on the recent primary elections, the raid on Mar-a-Lago, and the Democrats’ growing odds in the midterms. Then, they bring on Princeton professor and author Sean Wilentz to dive into the potential of populism and an embrace of FDR’s and Bill Clinton’s legacies to revitalize the party. Will that be the key to defeating the growing radicalism of MAGA Republicans? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure ...