Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt

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What's Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt about?

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.

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226: Religion & Speech with...

12.07.2023

James and Al tear apart the premise and political opportunism of the renewed attempt to impeach President Biden, and welcome Professor Marci Hamilton for a wide ranging conversation about religion and speech. They break down how the lowering of the ...

Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt episodes:

12.07.2023 226: Religion & Speech with Professor Marci Hamilton James and Al tear apart the premise and political opportunism of the renewed attempt to impeach President Biden, and welcome Professor Marci Hamilton for a wide ranging conversation about religion and speech. They break down how the lowering of the ...
11.30.2023 225: Evangelicals and Extremism with Tim Alberta James and Al share how Hunter Biden has outmaneuvered the partisan investigations of his family, give an update on the Republican primary, and welcome journalist Tim Alberta to discuss the modern evangelical movement and its alliance with Trump. They investigate ...
11.23.2023 224: The Day The President Was Shot James and Al discuss the Israel-Hamas cease fire, give tribute to Rosalynn Carter, and welcome Judge John Tunheim on the anniversary of JFK’s assassination. They dive into his work reviewing the confidential documents that were released, and weigh the events ...
11.16.2023 223: Generational Victory with John Della Volpe James and Al condemn Republicans in each branch of government and welcome polling expert and author of Fight: How Gen Z Is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America, John Della Volpe. They analyze the growing cynicism of key ...
11.09.2023 222: The Return of the Religious Right with Thomas Edsall James and Al celebrate the election wins by Democrats in typically Republican strongholds, and implore the Democrats to avoid division over the war in Gaza. Then, they welcome veteran journalist Thomas Edsall to delve into the return of the religious ...
11.02.2023 221: Bibi’s Face with Indira Lakshmanan James and Al analyze the growing presidential field, and fire off on Mike Johnson and Netanyahu, before diving into foreign affairs with AP Global Enterprise Editor Indira Lakshmanan. They break down the effects of the accelerating conflict in Israel in ...
10.26.2023 220: Strategy of War with Admiral Stavridis and Ehud Barak James and Al preview Rep. Mike Johnson’s upcoming speakership and are joined by former Israeli PM Ehud Barak to lay out the military options under consideration in Gaza, the goals that the war will seek to accomplish, and how the ...
10.19.2023 219: Israeli Intrigue w/ Alon Pinkus & Congressional Chaos w/ Carl Hulse James and Al are joined by Israeli foreign policy expert Alon Pinkas to explain the latest developments in the accelerating war in Gaza, its regional effects, and the roles of President Biden and PM Netanyahu. They explore the ramifications of ...
10.12.2023 218: Israel with Jim Gerstein and Brigadier General Ty Seidule Following the tragic attack on Israel by Hamas, James and Al are joined by political strategist Jim Gerstein to break down the situation on the ground and its regional ramifications. They delve into the potential for a wider conflict, how ...
10.05.2023 217: Beating Boebert with Adam Frisch & Identity Politics with Yascha Mounk James and Al are joined by the congressional challenger to Lauren Boebert in Colorado, Adam Frish. They discuss the factors that led to her near defeat in the last election, his strategy of drawing a contrast between the chaos of ...
09.28.2023 216: The Shutdown with Rep. Brendan Boyle James and Al contrast Senator Menendez with the crimes of Trump, preview the Republican field before the debate, and welcome PA Congressman Brendan Boyle. They discuss the likelihood of a government shutdown at Republican hands, why it’s proof that MAGA ...
09.21.2023 215: 2024 Election Prospects with Elaine Kamarck & Susan Swecker James and Al welcome election expert Elaine Kamarck to discuss the primary process, the placement of South Carolina as the first in the nation, presidential succession, and the impact of No Labels. Then they talk with VA Democratic Party Chairwoman ...
09.14.2023 214: The Fight For Our Kids with Senator Chris Murphy James and Al shame Republicans for threats of government shutdown and for prioritizing spending cuts that killed the expanded Child Tax Credit and threw millions of kids into poverty. Then they welcome Senator Chris Murphy to discuss the disastrous repeal ...
09.07.2023 213: Biden’s White House with Frank Foer & The Extremist Threat with Kathleen Belew James and Al welcome journalist Frank Foer for an inside look at the Biden White House, its strengths and policy successes, how his novel transition strategy kicked off a strong first year, and the factors defining the 2024 race as ...
08.31.2023 212: The State of The Economy with Roger Altman James and Al lament the Trumpist takeover of the House Oversight Committee and the expiry of childcare support, and talk with financial maven Roger Altman. They look at the improving strength of the economy, and weigh the options of Jay ...
08.24.2023 211: The Media with Sarah Ellison James and Al give their take on the Republican field going into their first debate and preview the current legal outlook of Trump and his co-conspirators on the heels of Rudy’s prison booking. They also break down why the national ...
08.17.2023 210: Trump’s Indictment & American History James and Al are joined by Professor Morgan Cloud to explain the difference between the federal and Georgia state RICO statutes, why Trump was indicted there, and if it will split the Republican party. Then, they sit down with Professor ...
08.10.2023 209: Dropping A Bombs & F Bombs James and Al celebrate the collapse of the DeSantis campaign and the recent show of strength by Democrats in midwestern Republican strongholds post Dobbs. Then, they’re joined by historian and author Evan Thomas to discuss the surrender of Japan during ...
08.03.2023 208: It's The Economy, Stupid w/ Professor Laura Tyson James and Al emphasize how winning the upcoming elections is dependent on us all getting politically active and are joined by economics expert Professor Laura Tyson. Together, they give us the case for Bidenomics, explain the similarities and differences to ...
07.27.2023 207: Building A Democratic Majority with Simon Rosenberg James and Al explore the growing constitutional crisis in Israel, Team Trump’s legal troubles, and welcome master Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg to discuss growing the party’s share of the 2024 vote. They focus on the power of the Dobbs decision ...
07.20.2023 206: Running Things with OMB Director Shalanda Young James 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 ...
07.13.2023 205: Al Gore: Climate Crisis With 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 ...
07.06.2023 204: Chris Christie James 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 ...
06.29.2023 203: RUSSIA James 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 ...
06.22.2023 202: #StillWinning w/ Ron Brownstein James 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 ...
06.15.2023 201: Espionage w/ Fmr SecDef Bill Cohen James 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 ...
06.08.2023 200: Ro Khanna James 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 ...
06.01.2023 199: The 4 F’s with Paul Begala (there’s actually 5) James 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 ...
05.25.2023 198: Artificial Intelligence w/ MIT Prof. John Guttag James 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 ...
05.18.2023 197: The World In Review w/ Ed Luce James 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 ...
05.11.2023 196: Law & Sports w/ Aitan Goelman & Luke Russert James 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, ...
05.04.2023 195: Gov. Josh Shapiro James 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. ...
04.27.2023 194: Tucker's gone, now what? with Sarah Ellison James 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, ...
04.20.2023 193: The Business End of a Mop James 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 ...
04.13.2023 192: Political Violence w/ Thomas Edsall & Michael Fanone James 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 ...
04.06.2023 191: Trump Arraigned James 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 ...
03.30.2023 190: Rep. Dan Goldman & John Feinstein James 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 ...
03.23.2023 189: WisDems with Ben Wikler James 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 ...
03.16.2023 188: The Two Franks James 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 ...
03.09.2023 187: From The Middle East To Middle America James 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 ...
03.02.2023 186: Gov. Wes Moore James 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 ...
02.23.2023 185: Trump’s Malfeasance with Marcy Wheeler & Morgan Cloud James 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 ...
02.16.2023 184: Rep. Colin Allred James 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 ...
02.09.2023 183: The Big Battles with Greg Cosell & Brandon Presley James 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 ...
02.02.2023 182: Policing with David Harris James 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 ...
01.26.2023 181: Admiral James Stavridis James 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 ...
01.19.2023 180: A Tale Of Two Documents with Andrew Weissmann James 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 ...
01.12.2023 179: Coming Challenges with Professor Julian Zelizer James 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 ...
01.05.2023 178: Speaker Madness with Carl Hulse In 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 ...
12.29.2022 177: Ringing In The New Year With 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 ...

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