Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt
298 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 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
146: Broken: Can the Senate Save Itself with Ira Shapiro
June 09, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al break down the results of this week’s primary elections and are joined by author and congressional expert Ira Shapiro. In their conversation, they discuss how Mitch McConnell has contributed to the destruction of the Senate as an institution, its value as a check on executive power, and the need to unify against obstruction and to defend our values. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city,...
146: The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America with Ira Shapiro
June 09, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al break down the results of this week’s primary elections and are joined by author and congressional expert Ira Shapiro. In their conversation, they discuss how Mitch McConnell has contributed to the destruction of the Senate as an institution, its value as a check on executive power, and the need to unify against obstruction and to defend our values. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city,...
145: To Risk It All with Admiral James Stavridis
June 02, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourFollowing the Memorial Day weekend, James and Al welcome former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral James Stravidis, to look back on some of our greatest naval heroes. Then, they discuss the ways the different branches of the armed forces are responding to modern challenges, the need for more ships, and how strategic ambiguity is being used to deter a conflict between China and Taiwan. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make...
144: It's The Economy Stupid with Roger Altman
May 26, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al go off on the growing epidemic of gun violence and the apathy of the public. Then, they welcome Fmr. US Deputy Treasury Secretary and Evercore Founder Roger Altman to understand what’s happening with the economy. In their conversation, they cover the role of the Fed, the possibility of recession, and what President Biden has done to strengthen the country’s prospects. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure t...
143: This Will Not Pass with Jonathan Martin & Alexander Burns
May 19, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al sound off on the politicians who would back Russia after their aggression. Then, they are joined by NYT political correspondents and authors of “This Will Not Pass” Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns to analyze where the parties stand going into midterms, and break down the most important results from this week’s primaries. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where yo...
141: Debugger - Defending democracy from big tech
May 13, 2022 22:00 - 6 minutesBig Tech makes big decisions over our lives: What products we see, how we feel about world events, what to censor — to some degree, even what medical decisions we make. Yet who controls Big Tech? The firms are so powerful and rich they really act as judge and jury now. Increasingly, they are accountable to no one. “Defending Democracy (and us!) from Big Tech” is a 3-episode docu-series from the Debugger Podcast exploring the depths of the problem...and the potential for solutions. Link to D...
142: Fmr. SecDef Bill Cohen
May 12, 2022 10:00 - 39 minutesJames and Al take on the Supreme Court for invalidating abortion rights, and stress the need for activist groups on the Left to get out into the field and fight for us. Then, they welcome former Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen for an update of the situation in Ukraine and the fight for democracy here at home after the events of January 6th. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where...
140: Jeff Nussbaum
May 05, 2022 10:00 - 55 minutesJames and Al fire off on the disastrous Supreme Court decision overturning Roe V. Wade, and the state of our judicial system after the leak. Then, they welcome former speech writer to Joe Biden, Al Gore, and many other leaders, Jeff Nussbaum. In their conversation they cover the history of the key moments and undelivered speeches that defined the world from Emperor Hirohito, to Eisenhower, Nixon and Hillary Clinton. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or twee...
139: Will Be Wild
April 29, 2022 22:00 - 6 minutesFrom critically acclaimed podcast studios Pineapple Street and Wondery comes a new 8-part series called Will Be Wild that shines a light on the human stories left out of the headlines. It goes deep into the lives of people who took part in that day. People who saw it coming. And people who fear that January 6th was just the beginning of something, not the end. Follow Will Be Wild wherever you get your podcasts, or you can listen early on Amazon Music or early and ad-free by subscribing to...
138: Sen. Mallory McMorrow
April 28, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al call on Democratic interest groups to kick things into high gear before the midterms and are joined by MI State Senator and viral star Mallory McMorrow. They discuss the increasing hate and personal attacks from Republicans, how to stand up for the values of the Democratic party, and the need to fight back with policy and hope when faced with culture war. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include ...
137: War & Peace w/ General John Allen
April 21, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al lay out the case for Democrats to stop their internal criticism and infighting going into the midterms. They also welcome 4-Star USMC General John Allen for an in-depth analysis of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, our readiness, and the current threats we face. How is Ukraine fairing? What are the weaknesses of Russia’s military? And how can the USA and NATO help? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure t...
136: Border Breakdown w/ Amna Nawaz
April 14, 2022 10:00 - 53 minutesJames and Al explain Trump’s weakening hold on the Republican Party and host PBS NewsHour’s Chief Correspondent Amna Nawaz for a discussion on immigration and incarceration. They look at the role of border issues in our politics, the need for increased immigration and streamlined commerce, our history of asylum, and the dangers of the nation’s growing emphasis on criminalization. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to ...
135: Just Smell It & Go On w/ David Pepper
April 07, 2022 10:00 - 56 minutesJames and Al are joined by author and former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper for a deep dive into the bellwether politics of his state, the hypocrisy of Republicans, and the need to meet their attacks head on. They also discuss the importance of winning local elections, mobilizing small donors, and reminding voters of President Biden’s many accomplishments going into the midterms. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. ...
134: From Against the Rules with Michael Lewis: Six Levels Down
April 05, 2022 10:00 - 10 minutesWe’re sharing a special preview of the new season of Against the Rules from Pushkin Industries. On Against the Rules, bestselling author Michael Lewis takes a searing look at what’s happened to fairness in American life. In the preview you’re about to hear, Michael speaks with Todd Park, entrepreneur and former chief technology officer of the United States. Todd talks about the idea that, in any big company, the person who actually knows what you need to know to solve a problem is buried dee...
133: Dr Fiona Hill on Russia & Jon Macks on The Oscars
March 31, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al sit down with former U.S. National Security Council official and expert in Russian and European affairs Fiona Hill to discuss why Putin invaded, what he expected in the aftermath, and what happens next. Then, they welcome political consultant turned Academy Awards and comedy writer Jon Macks to analyze the events of the 2022 Oscars. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear ...
132: Just back from Ukraine with Nick Schifrin
March 24, 2022 10:00 - 56 minutesJames and Al are joined by PBS NewsHour’s foreign affairs and defense correspondent Nick Schifirin to lay out Russia’s goals for its war in Ukraine. They also break down the balance of power between the two militaries, and highlight Zelensky’s appeals to the world compared to Putin’s authoritarian politics of control. Is there a risk of unconventional weapons being used as the conflict continues? And what does the off ramp look like? Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroo...
131: Is Russia a real country with Peter Pomeranzev
March 17, 2022 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al welcome John Hopkins’ Agora Institute Senior Fellow Peter Pomerantsev to examine Putin’s plans in Ukraine and the role of propaganda in the conflict. They discuss what the West needs to do now, Russian public opinion, how to win the information war, and what it will take for democracies to triumph over authoritarian regimes while staying true to their innate strengths. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure t...
130: Ron Brownstein
March 10, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al look at the latest developments in Ukraine, and host Senior Editor of The Atlantic Ron Brownstein. They take on the increasing regressivism of the Republican party, the role of race in contemporary politics, the state of the Supreme Court, threats to democracy at home and around the world, and where the Democrats should go from here. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear...
129: 180º Addict
March 03, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al break down this week’s elections and review the State of the Union. Then, they are joined by Ed Luce of the Financial Times to delve into President Biden’s handling of the Ukraine crisis, the role Putin has played in strengthening NATO and bringing Europe closer together, and possible off ramps to the conflict. Could mediation by China be the answer? And will sanctions and a successfully waged information war be the key to maintaining an independent Ukraine? Email your quest...
128: Ukraine with Anne Applebaum
February 24, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al highlight the importance of unity in the Democratic party going into midterms and welcome Pulitzer prize winning historian and journalist Anne Applebaum. They examine the nature of Putin’s plans, the possibility of war and what it means for the current world order, and the value of defending an independent Ukraine facing imminent invasion. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love t...
127: Senator Bill Bradley
February 17, 2022 11:00 - 52 minutesJames and Al emphasize the likelihood that Trump will face legal action, and are joined by former NBA player and Senator from New Jersey Bill Bradley to look at the changes in US-Russian relations going back to the fall of the Soviet Union up through the crisis in Ukraine. Then, they discuss his sports experience and analyze the state of the Olympics. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love t...
126: Super Bowl Special
February 10, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourIn this special Super Bowl episode, James and Al are joined by Tulane Law’s Gabe Feldman and Greg Cosell of NFL Films to break down the upcoming game, and give us the state of the sport– from college to the pros. They also hold the Supreme Court to account for undermining our voting rights, as well as those who still haven’t gotten vaccinated. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear wh...
125: SCOTUS With Walter Dellinger
February 03, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al tackle the latest COVID news and are joined by former Solicitor General and Duke Law School Dean Walter Dellinger to explore the state of the current SCOTUS, the effects of Justice Breyer’s retirement and legacy, and the advantages of diverse appointees. Then, with the Super Bowl coming up, they talk some football. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from!...
124: Ukraine with David Sanger
January 27, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by NYT’s White House and National Security Correspondent David Sanger to break down the danger that Russia’s Putin poses to Ukraine and other former Soviet states in Europe. Is there a danger of open cyber war or is this a chance to walk things back with a new missile deal? And if things go hot, will we be able to protect our NATO allies? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city...
123: Sherrilyn Ifill & Michael Waldman
January 20, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by legal legends Sherrilyn Ifill, President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and President of the Brennan Center for Justice Michael Waldman for a discussion about the ongoing fight to strengthen our voting rights. Together, they take on an adversarial SCOTUS and hostile gerrymandering, and emphasize the need for activism, protest, and voting your values on races up and down the ballot. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them ...
122: Molly Jong-Fast
January 13, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al give out some well deserved awards and are joined by author and cultural icon Molly Jong-Fast for a wide ranging conversation about her career and current events. In it, they cover how her notorious family inspired her writing, the upheaval in Britain sparked by Boris Johnson and Prince Andrew, and how Trumpites like Marjorie Taylor Greene are fueling the fever dreams of the Republican Party. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @...
121: 1/6 with Rep. Jamie Raskin
January 06, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al welcome Congressman and member of the House Select Committee investigating the events of last January 6th, Jamie Raskin, for a discussion about handling loss and what truly happened the day our democracy faced an attempted coup. Will justice be served? And what is the Congress doing to get the facts out, hold the responsible to account,, and make sure it never happens again? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make...
120: Happy New Year With Friends
December 30, 2021 11:00 - 46 minutesAl and James are joined by top experts from the fields of journalism, economics, entertainment, medicine, and law, featuring Jill Abramson, Roger Altman, George Stevens, Dr. Cornelia Griggs, and Walter Dellinger to ring in 2022 and discuss how Biden and the country are faring. Then they share their outrages of the past year and let us know what we can expect going into the next one. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure ...
119: RETRO: In memory of Harry Reid
December 29, 2021 06:34 - 57 minutesIn memory of Harry Reid, here is the episode we recorded with him earlier in May 2021 James and Al sit with Former Majority Leader Harry Reid to discuss Senate strategy and UFOs, with a few more nominations considered… Full Episode notes : https://politicon.com/podcasts/fmr-senate-major…eader-harry-reid/ BETTER HELP POLITICS WAR ROOM LISTENERS GET 10% OFF THEIR FIRST MONTH AT WWW.BETTERHELP.COM/WARROOM. With UFOs being reported and recorded across the country, James and Al welcome Fmr. Sen...
118: Holiday Spirit
December 23, 2021 11:00 - 54 minutesIn this special holiday themed episode James and Al take on Joe Manchin’s sabotage of the Build Back Better Bill, defend Joe Biden and his first year of impressive accomplishments, and point the way forward for the party. Then, they welcome their amazing wives Mary Matalin and Judy Woodruff to reflect on the season and their friendship. WE HAD SOME TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH SOME OF THE RECORDING Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. ...
117: Omicron Is Here
December 16, 2021 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by Massachusetts General Hospital critical care and pediatric surgeon, Dr. Cornelia Griggs for an examination of the current state of the pandemic, and what the newest Omicron wave means for our medical system, social lives, mental health, and the country as a whole. Then, they induct the final class of 2021 to the Hall of Sphincters. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we ...
116: PHD In White-Trashology
December 09, 2021 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by author and Atlantic columnist Barton Gellman for a hard look at the threats to our democracy posed by the events of 1/6. Is there a need for infiltration by law enforcement? Why are politicians on the Right catering to the worst elements of the base? And how do Democrats protect our system and keep winning? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’...
115: Remembering Pearl Harbor with Craig Symonds
December 02, 2021 11:00 - 1 hourA week out from the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, James and Al are joined by U.S. Naval Academy Professor and author of “World War 2 At Sea” to examine the opening phases of the Pacific War. They look at what our leaders knew at the time, how they responded to the attack, and how we bounced back to win the war. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hea...
114: John Feinstein
November 25, 2021 11:00 - 1 hourIn this Thanksgiving episode, James and Al are joined by sports journalist and author of “Raise A Fist, Take A Knee” John Feinsten to talk about the ongoing race issues in sports and how players have fought to end bias in the NFL and other leagues. Then, they discuss the need to keep shaking up the status quo so that these institutions build on past progress and live up to the legacy of our country’s greatest sports heroes. *Please note there may be a slight decrease in audio quality durin...
113: Rep. Dan Crenshaw “Jellybeans in a turd”
November 18, 2021 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas for a wide ranging talk about the philosophical differences that define the two parties and how the legacy of Trump influences Republicans in 2021. Then, they weigh the drawbacks of gerrymandering, and the challenges Congress faces trying to pass large bills like ‘Build Back Better’ and infrastructure. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we l...
112: Danny Meyer
November 11, 2021 11:00 - 1 hourJames and Al reflect on the recent elections and emphasize the need for Democrats to sell their policies in addition to governing. Then, they sit down with CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group Danny Meyer to discuss the current employment situation in our country, creating an environment that puts workers first, and fighting child poverty. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear wher...
111: Senator Angus King
November 04, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al celebrate the diversity of winners in the 11/2 election, mourn Virginia and examine where McAuliffe went wrong. Then, they are joined by Senator Angus King (I) of Maine to look at politics in his state and the reforms the Senate needs to become effective and regain the trust of the American people. Should we start by getting rid of the filibuster and giving power back to the majority party? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @po...
110: Rep. Liz Cheney
October 28, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by Wyoming’s Congressional Rep. Liz Cheney to examine the events of 1/6 and how the investigation is being conducted, the need for Republicans to focus on principles over personalities, and the state of our foreign policy. Our hosts also break down the state of the VA Governor’s race and the prospects for the billionaires’ tax. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to...
109: Rt Hon. Tony Blair
October 21, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by former U.K Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss the challenges faced by democracies around the world. From terror, to the Afghan War, rising illiberalism, the changing media business model, and dealing with Brexit in the U.K and EU-- how can we get people to believe in our liberal institutions again? And the most important matter of what The Queen is like. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure...
108: Paul Begala
October 14, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by Democratic campaign mastermind Paul Begala for his take on Texas politics and how liberals can start to regain ground there going into 2022. Then, they look at ways to unite the progressive and moderate wings of the party and the critical need to defeat Trumpism. Is returning to Clinton era politics the answer? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where y...
107: Dems working it out ?
October 07, 2021 10:03 - 42 minutesWith the budget and debt ceiling votes sending the Democratic party into disarray, James and Al convene the Politics War Room to discuss the importance of mending the intraparty schism and using the levers of power for key priorities. Can Manchin and Sinema be brought on board, or will we have to hope the progressives show their pragmatic side? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear w...
106: Barney Frank
September 30, 2021 10:00 - 59 minutesJames and Al are joined by Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, congressman Barney Frank, for an in depth look at the current budget negotiations and the thinking motivating its key players. Then, they examine the power of a competent and active government to make our lives better in the fight against COVID and beyond, with an update on the 2021 baseball season. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include y...
105: Emily Bazelon & David Wessel
September 23, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by David Wessel of the Brookings Institution to break down the challenges posed to our country by the debt ceiling, a stalled budget, and the real estate crisis in China. Then, Emily Bazelon of the NYT and Slate’s Political gabfest discusses the latest fronts in the war against Roe, and signs on to James’ idea for the next Supreme Court Justice. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include you...
104: Prof. Joseph Ellis
September 16, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al are joined by American historian Joseph Ellis for a deep dive into the politics, people and passions that set off the American Revolution on both sides of the Atlantic. How deeply did the years of 1773 - 1783 shape our nation? And after watching our country lose to two insurgencies across the globe and our politics fracture, what lessons can we learn? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your ci...
103: WORTH: Ken Feinberg & Camille Biros
September 09, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al examine the legacy of September 11th by welcoming the Special Master of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, Ken Feinberg, and his law partner Camille Biros. Portrayed in the Netflix hit movie “Worth” by Amy Ryan and Michael Keaton Overcoming the daunting challenge of making sure the families received the right and just compensation. What did it take? And is something like it even possible today? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them ...
102: Election Experts - Kristen Soltis Anderson & Amy Walter
September 02, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourJames and Al bring on Echelon Insights founding partner, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and the editor of the Cook Political Report, Amy Walter, to discuss polling and how it influences strategy. Then, they break down the changes that are happening in the most important swing states and what it will take for candidates to win in them going forward. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear whe...
101: Afghanistan with Ed Luce & Vali Nasr
August 26, 2021 10:00 - 57 minutesWith the Afghanistan pull out looking more disastrous by the day, James and Al bring on John Hopkins Professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies, Vali Nasr, and US Editor of the Financial Times, Ed Luce to break things down. In a panel discussion they debate our failures in Afghanistan, if there were any successes, and what we can expect the region and its neighbors to do next. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. ...
100: EPISODE 100 !!!! - Professor Craig Symonds
August 19, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourIn the wake of the chaos in Afghanistan, James and Al take on the leaders who contributed to the disaster that our country and the Middle East are facing. Then they bring on Professor Emeritus at the U.S. Naval Academy, Craig Symonds, for a lesson in the WWII Pacific Theater, and a look back at when the United States was still able to win its wars. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to he...
99: DeSantis Is A Giant Asshole also Donald McNeil discusses COVID
August 12, 2021 10:00 - 1 hourIn their 100th episode, James and Al bring on veteran of the New York Times, Donald McNeil, for a look at what’s next for us during the pandemic now that the Delta variant is raging in hot spots fueled by the unvaccinated. With other variants on the horizon, what will it take to convince the hold outs and get the country back on the track to health? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to h...
98: Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré (Ret.)
August 05, 2021 22:39 - 1 hourJames and Al bring on Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré (Ret.) for a wide ranging conversation about how we can defend the Capitol, protect our most cherished institutions, and finally put an end to the pandemic. Is strengthening the Capitol police force and mandating vaccinations enough to stop the forces holding our country back? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re...