Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt

Politicon

Master 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. read less
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Episodes

255: As Goes The Election, So Goes The World with Jim Steinberg
5d ago
255: As Goes The Election, So Goes The World with Jim Steinberg
On the eve of the presidential debate, Al and special guest host Jill Wine-Banks discuss the upcoming contest, the impact of Dobbs on the election, and whether Biden will recapture a diverse voter coalition.  Then, Al is joined by former US Deputy SOS Jim Steinberg to cover recent developments in the Gaza and Ukraine wars, explain the turmoil in Israeli politics, call out the growing danger of terrorism, and explore how to have more effective US-Sino relations.  In their analysis, they look ahead to how the outcome of our presidential election will affect each of these diplomatic theaters, underscoring how vital a Biden win is for the entire world. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you’re from! From The Show: Class With Carville: Debate Advice Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From Jill Wine-Banks: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Author of The Watergate Girl: My Fight For Truth & Justice Against A Criminal President | #SistersInLaw Podcast Get More From Jim Steinberg: Johns Hopkins | Albright Stonebridge Group | Author Please Support Our Sponsors: Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets, plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to TryMiracle.com/warroom
252: How To Win An Information War with Peter Pomerantsev
06-06-2024
252: How To Win An Information War with Peter Pomerantsev
James and Al defend Dr. Fauci and analyze Biden’s improving electoral prospects after the Trump trial verdict and the recent primaries before welcoming propaganda expert Peter Pomerantsev.  They discuss how the successful British information campaign against the Nazis broadcast from an in-group and absurdist perspective to undermine the party’s leadership and create a safe space for dissenters to criticize the regime.  Then they look at how similar techniques could be used to undermine Putin and explore how a campaign based on personal stories could boost support for Ukraine and help win elections. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: Get More From Peter Pomerantsev: Twitter | John Hopkins’ Agora Institute | Author of “How To Win An Information War” & Other Books Please Support Our Sponsors: 3 Day Blinds: For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/warroom Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets, plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to TryMiracle.com/warroom ExpressVPN: Control your data, defend your privacy, and protect yourself online with 3 free months on a VPN plan when you go to expressvpn.com/warroom
251: Oxbridge Sentences with Ed Luce
30-05-2024
251: Oxbridge Sentences with Ed Luce
James and Al preview Trump’s imminent Manhattan verdict, call for the SCOTUS to be on the ballot, demand a higher minimum wage, and welcome the Financial Times’ Ed Luce.  They discuss Labor’s prospects in the upcoming British elections, how the conservatives have decimated the country, the rising radicalism of the Right, Europe’s leadership post-Brexit, and the budding alliance between MAGA and the Tories.  They also game out Putin’s next moves, how to counter China, nuclear proliferation in Asia, and the growing costs of the climate crisis using India as a case study. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: Get More From Ed Luce: Financial Times | Twitter | Author of “The Retreat of Western Liberalism & Many Other Books Please Support Our Sponsors: Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets, plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to TryMiracle.com/warroom Washington Post: Get the best journalism in the business when you go to washingtonpost.com/warroom to subscribe for just 50 cents per week during your first year. Ladder: Go to ladderlife.com/warroom today to see if you’re instantly approved for term coverage life insurance.
249: The Lost Cause with Heather Cox Richardson
16-05-2024
249: The Lost Cause with Heather Cox Richardson
James and Al tear into Trump for seeking bribes from Big Oil, blast the MSM for failing to cover what matters, share their take on the recent polls and primaries, and welcome historian Heather Cox Richardson.  They draw parallels between contemporary politics and the Civil War era, exploring MAGA’s regressive roots, our democracy’s war with demagoguery, the electorate’s disillusionment, and why J6 represents a new “Lost Cause”.  They also cover the corruption of the judicial system and the modern Republican party, calling for a revival of populism to revitalize our system and put in guardrails to protect it. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: Heather Cox Richardson: Twitter | Boston College | Substack | Facebook | Author of “Democracy Awakening” & Many Other Books Please Support Our Sponsors: ExpressVPN: Control your data, defend your privacy, and protect yourself online with 3 free months on a VPN plan when you go to expressvpn.com/warroom 3 Day Blinds: For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/warroom Beam: Sleep better with Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder and get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/warroom and use code: WARROOM
247: Campus Chaos with Professor Emeritus Mark Yudof
02-05-2024
247: Campus Chaos with Professor Emeritus Mark Yudof
Guest host Paul Begala joins Al to analyze the factors driving the ‘24 election and the dangers of another Trump term before speaking with UC President Emeritus Mark Yudof.  They discuss where the pro-Palestine protests fit in the history of campus movements, how an oppressor/oppressed schema contributes to anti-Israel and anti-Semetic sentiment, why support for Israel is a liberal position, and where the line is between constitutionally protected speech and threatening action.  With no end to the chaos on campuses in sight, they consider the best way to restore order and turn recent events into a teachable moment.    Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guests: Paul Begala: Twitter | University of Virginia Center For Politics | CNN | Author Mark Yudof: Twitter | Berkeley Law | UT System | Academic Engagement Network | Facebook Please Support Our Sponsors: Ladder: Go to ladderlife.com/warroom today to see if you’re instantly approved for term coverage life insurance Kalshi: Make predictions and trade on current events you care about with a $20 bonus on a $50+ deposit when you sign up using the link: kalshi.com/politicswarroom Total Gym: For an ADDITIONAL 20% off your order, head to TotalGymDirect.com/warroom
246: War & Peace with General John Allen
25-04-2024
246: War & Peace with General John Allen
James and Al game out Trump’s prosecution, reluctantly give credit to Speaker Johnson, and castigate the SCOTUS, before welcoming retired General John Allen to discuss our place in world affairs.  They look at the effects of the foreign aid package, how to continue to support our allies, and the next phase of the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.  Their analysis also dives into the evolving duties of the Marine Corps, how warfare is waged on the information battlefield, the challenges that define our relationship with China, and the role of risk and vulnerability in successful diplomacy.   Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: General John Allen: Defense.gov | Brookings Institution | DHS.gov | AF.mil | Author of “Turning Point” | Author of “Future War” Please Support Our Sponsors: Lomi: Turn your food waste into plant-food at the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/warroom Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/warroom 3 Day Blinds: For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/warroom
245: Convicting Trump & Finding The Center with Fred Wertheimer & Billy Ray
18-04-2024
245: Convicting Trump & Finding The Center with Fred Wertheimer & Billy Ray
James and Al dive into Congress’ handling of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and analyze the politically transformative effects of Dobbs on the Republican party.  Then they welcome legal expert Fred Wertheimer to discuss the progression of Trump’s first criminal trial, how the charges can be proven, and developments in the other legal challenges confronting him.  They also are joined by political strategist Billy Ray to explore how identity politics have moved Democrats away from effective messaging, the changes the party needs to make, and why appealing to the center will lead to generational wins. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guests: Fred Wertheimer: Twitter | Just Security | Wertheimer Lipton | Democracy 21 Billy Ray: Twitter | Common Defense | IMDB  Please Support Our Sponsors: Reel Paper: Get 30% off a subscription and free shipping on sustainable paper products for your home when you go to reelpaper.com/warroom and use promo code: WARROOM ExpressVPN: Control your data, defend your privacy, and protect yourself online with 3 free months on a VPN plan when you go to expressvpn.com/warroom
244: Supreme Allied Commander for The War On Women - Senator Tina Smith
11-04-2024
244: Supreme Allied Commander for The War On Women - Senator Tina Smith
James and Al decry Islamophobia and welcome MN Senator Tina Smith to discuss foreign relations and the Dobbs decision’s role in our politics.  Following anti-abortion revanchism under the Comstock Act and extreme restrictions in red states, they analyze how to fight back by enacting legislation to secure women’s rights, the policies that will energize young voters, and what it will take to win state and national elections.  They also strategize about how to overcome pro-Putin Republicans in the House to get support to Ukraine, secure an Israel-Hamas cease fire, and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.  Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: Senator Tina Smith: Senate.gov | Website | Twitter | MN.gov Please Support Our Sponsors: Total Gym: For an ADDITIONAL 20% off your order, head to TotalGymDirect.com/warroom  Beam: Sleep better with Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder and get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/warroom and use code: WARROOM Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/warroom
241: Pestilence and War with Admiral James Stavridis and Dr. Cornelia Griggs
21-03-2024
241: Pestilence and War with Admiral James Stavridis and Dr. Cornelia Griggs
James and Al tear into the Orban government and analyze Trump’s influence on the Ohio Senate race before welcoming Admiral James Stavridis to discuss the global military landscape.  They explore strategies for success in the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas conflicts, game out an effective response to threats against Taiwan, and look at how war fighting will evolve in the future.  Then, they are joined by Dr. Cornelia Griggs for a reflection on the state of our healthcare system, current pandemic preparedness, and the COVID response on its 4th anniversary. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guests Admiral James Stavridis: Twitter | Website | Carlyle Group | Author of “2054” & Other Books Dr. Cornelia Griggs: Twitter | Threads | Website | MA General Hospital | Author of “The Sky Is Falling” Please Support Our Sponsors: Washington Post: Get the best journalism in the business when you go to washingtonpost.com/warroom to subscribe for just 50 cents per week during your first year. Earth Breeze: Get 40% off earth friendly laundry detergent sheets when you go to earthbreeze.com/warroom Lomi: Turn your food waste into plant-food at the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/warroom
240: Rural Rage with Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman
14-03-2024
240: Rural Rage with Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman
James and Al destroy the RNC and Senator Katie Britt’s SOTU response, before welcoming authors of “White Rural Rage” Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman for a demographic deep dive.  They expose the disproportionate influence of rural White voters, analyze the factors driving their regional decline, and explain how Republicans have leveraged their grievances to win a larger share of their vote.  Then, they prove that rhetoric has not translated into results on issues like coal mining expansion and rural broadband access, arguing that Democrats are actually the better choice. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Check Out James Carville's New Videos: James Carville Explains…Donald Trump’s Potential Felony Conviction James Carville Explains…Why Trump Might Pick Kellyanne Conway As VP James Carville Asks… Does Trump Have Syphilis? James Carville Explains… Moms For Liberty #TrumpStinks James Carville Explains… Why Mike Johnson is a P.O.S. James Carville Explains… everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert Option: Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube - Playlist James Carville’s & Al Hunt’s Substack: Carville Uncensored | People & Politics  Get More From This Week’s Guests: Paul Waldman: Twitter | Substack | Boundary Issues Podcast | The American Prospect | WaPo | MSNBC | Author of “White Rural Rage” & Other Books Tom Schaller: Twitter | UMBC | Author of “White Rural Rage” Please Support Our Sponsors: Beam: Sleep better with Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder and get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/warroom and use code: WARROOM Naked Wines: Head to nakedwines.com/warroom and click ‘enter voucher’ in the top right when you get to the website.  Put in WARROOM for both the code and password to get 6 premium bottles of wine for just $39.99 with shipping included! Reel Paper: Get 30% off a subscription and free shipping on sustainable paper products for your home when you go to reelpaper.com/warroom and use promo code: WARROOM
239: Biden’s Last Campaign with Evan Osnos
07-03-2024
239: Biden’s Last Campaign with Evan Osnos
James and Al give their take on Super Tuesday and the impact of a Trump conviction, before welcoming journalist Evan Osnos.  They analyze Biden’s electoral prospects and the validity of the polls, looking at how his personality has changed, whether he is fit to serve, and how to win over the doubters.  Then, they preview the potential and peril of the upcoming SOTU and evaluate the arguments driving his campaign strategy, including how to speak effectively about the increase in the cost of living, his policy successes, and the threat Trump poses to democracy.    Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Check James Carville's new videos: James Carville Explains…Why Trump Might Pick Kellyanne Conway As VP James Carville Asks… Does Trump Have Syphilis? James Carville Explains… Moms For Liberty #TrumpStinks James Carville Explains… Why Mike Johnson is a P.O.S. James Carville Explains… everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert Option: Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube - Playlist Get More From This Week’s Guest: Evan Osnos: Twitter | The New Yorker | Brookings Institution | Website | Author Please Support Our Sponsors: Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/warroom Zbiotics: Get back into action with Zbiotics with 15% off your first order of the perfect solution to a night out when you go to zbiotics.com/pwr and use code: PWR Henson Shaving: Go to hensonshaving.com/pwr and enter PWR at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)
238: Greedflation with Senator Bob Casey
29-02-2024
238: Greedflation with Senator Bob Casey
James and Al expose the hypocrisy of Jim Jordan and Matt Schlapp and welcome PA Senator Bob Casey.  They discuss the role of President Biden in down ballot elections, what it will take to win in PA, and the issues most important to voters.  They cover how Republican obstruction is exacerbating the border crisis and undermining national security, laying out how support for Ukraine and Israel makes us safer and boosts domestic manufacturing.  They also dive into Senator Casey’s work on the fentanyl crisis and how to win on economic issues by focusing on the effect that shrinkflation and greedflation have on our cost of living. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Check James Carville's new videos: James Carville Explains…Why Trump Might Pick Kellyanne Conway As VP James Carville Asks… Does Trump Have Syphilis? James Carville Explains… Moms For Liberty #TrumpStinks James Carville Explains… Why Mike Johnson is a P.O.S. James Carville Explains… everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert Option: Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube - Playlist Get More From This Week’s Guest: Senator Casey: Twitter | Senate.gov | Congress.gov | Website | Facebook | Senate Committee On Aging Please Support Our Sponsors: Naked Wines: Head to nakedwines.com/warroom and click ‘enter voucher’ in the top right when you get to the website.  Put in WARROOM for both the code and password to get 6 bottles of wine for just $39.99 with shipping included! Washington Post: Get the best journalism in the business when you go to washingtonpost.com/warroom to subscribe for just 50 cents per week your first year. Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/warroom
237: Putin, Trump & Lincoln with Sidney Blumenthal
22-02-2024
237: Putin, Trump & Lincoln with Sidney Blumenthal
James and Al skewer the radical Republicans complicit in the events of J6 and welcome former presidential advisor and Lincoln biographer Sidney Blumenthal.  They shut down the corruption allegations targeting President Biden, discuss the capture of MAGA by Putin and propaganda, and lay out the threat Russia poses to our elections and allies.  Then, they dive into the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, examining what made him such an effective politician, key moments on his path to the presidency, and the steps he took to hold the country together while it was tearing itself apart. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Check James Carville's new videos: James Carville Explains…Why Trump Might Pick Kellyanne Conway As VP James Carville Asks… Does Trump Have Syphilis? James Carville Explains… Moms For Liberty #TrumpStinks James Carville Explains… Why Mike Johnson is a P.O.S. James Carville Explains… everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert Option: Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube - Playlist Get More From This Week’s Guest: Sidney Blumenthal: Just Security | Wilson Center | The Guardian | Author Please Support Our Sponsors: Earth Breeze: Get 40% off earth friendly laundry detergent sheets when you go to earthbreeze.com/warroom Stellar Sleep: For a 7 day free trial then JUST $99 a year, head to stellarsleep.com/warroom
236: Catching A Supreme Court Case with Professor Pam Karlan
15-02-2024
236: Catching A Supreme Court Case with Professor Pam Karlan
James and Al celebrate the Democrats win of George Santos’ seat, blast Republicans for stopping the border bill, take on Robert Hur, and welcome law professor Pam Karlan.  They discuss what will go into the SCOTUS rulings on Trump’s immunity and ballot cases and whether the justices will attempt to “split the baby”.  Then they debate Judge Cannon’s impartiality in the Mar-A-Lago documents case and explore what can be done if she gets out of line.  Critically, they lay out the timelines of Trump’s cases and what it will take for them to be resolved before voting begins. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Check James Carville's new videos: James Carville Explains…Why Trump Might Pick Kellyanne Conway As VP James Carville Asks… Does Trump Have Syphilis? James Carville Explains… Moms For Liberty #TrumpStinks James Carville Explains… Why Mike Johnson is a P.O.S. James Carville Explains… everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert Option: Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube - Playlist Get More From This Week’s Guest: Professor Pam Karlan: Stanford Law | DOJ.gov | Supreme Court Litigation Clinic Please Support Our Sponsors: Zbiotics: Get back into action with Zbiotics with 15% off your first order of the perfect solution to a night out when you go to zbiotics.com/pwr and use code: PWR Beam: Sleep better with Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder and get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/warroom and use code: WARROOM Reel Paper: Get 30% off a subscription and free shipping on sustainable paper products for your home when you go to reelpaper.com/warroom and use promo code: WARROOM