119: RETRO: In memory of Harry Reid
In 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.CO...
57m Dec 29, 2021
57m
118: Holiday Spirit
In 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...
54m Dec 23, 2021
54m
117: Omicron Is Here
James 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 ...
1hr 26m Dec 16, 2021
1hr 26m
116: PHD In White-Trashology
James 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 politicswarroom@g...
1hr 12m Dec 09, 2021
1hr 12m
115: Remembering Pearl Harbor with Craig Symonds
A 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 polit...
1hr 4m Dec 02, 2021
1hr 4m
114: John Feinstein
In 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 co...
1hr 10m Nov 25, 2021
1hr 10m
113: Rep. Dan Crenshaw “Jellybeans in a turd”
James 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 A...
1hr 15m Nov 18, 2021
1hr 15m
112: Danny Meyer
James 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 politicswar...
1hr 1m Nov 11, 2021
1hr 1m
111: Senator Angus King
James 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 majo...
1hr Nov 04, 2021
1hr
110: Rep. Liz Cheney
James 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 p...
1hr 3m Oct 28, 2021
1hr 3m
109: Rt Hon. Tony Blair
James 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 yo...
1hr 5m Oct 21, 2021
1hr 5m
108: Paul Begala
James 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 politicswarroo...
1hr 1m Oct 14, 2021
1hr 1m
107: Dems working it out ?
With 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 politics...
43m Oct 07, 2021
43m
106: Barney Frank
James 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 ...
59m Sep 30, 2021
59m
105: Emily Bazelon & David Wessel
James 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...
1hr 15m Sep 23, 2021
1hr 15m
104: Prof. Joseph Ellis
James 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 Jam...
1hr 11m Sep 16, 2021
1hr 11m
103: WORTH: Ken Feinberg & Camille Biros
James 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 eve...
1hr 5m Sep 09, 2021
1hr 5m
102: Election Experts - Kristen Soltis Anderson & Amy Walter
James 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 politicswa...
1hr 20m Sep 02, 2021
1hr 20m
101: Afghanistan with Ed Luce & Vali Nasr
With 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. ...
58m Aug 26, 2021
58m
100: EPISODE 100 !!!! - Professor Craig Symonds
James and Al rip the disaster in Afghanistan, then bring on Professor Emeritus at the U.S. Naval Academy, Craig Symonds, for a lesson in the WWII Pacific Theater.
1hr 14m Aug 19, 2021
1hr 14m
99: DeSantis Is A Giant Asshole also Donald McNeil discusses COVID
Website link: https://politicon.com/podcasts/don-mcneil/
1hr 6m Aug 12, 2021
1hr 6m
98: Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré (Ret.)
James 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 politicswarroom@gma...
1hr 9m Aug 05, 2021
1hr 9m
97: Professor Randall Kennedy
James and Al are joined by Harvard Law Professor Randall Kennedy to look at the Democratic Party’s best strategies for approaching issues of race, policing and criminal justice.  Will they be able to continue inspiring the wider electorate without scaring off centrist and independent voters?  Or will 2022 be about who best calms our fears? Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroo...
1hr 20m Jul 29, 2021
1hr 20m
96: Fmr. US Deputy Treasury Secretary Roger Altman
James and Al welcome Fmr. US Deputy Treasury Secretary Roger Altman to the War Room to find out what’s next for our recovering economy and how we stack up against our global competitors.  Are we looking at high growth, high inflation, or are we living in a unique situation caused by the Pandemic?  Then, James and Al induct a historical class into the Sphincter Hall of Fame-- so keep those submi...
53m Jul 22, 2021
53m
95: Michael C Bender
James and Al bring on Wall Street Journal White House reporter and author of “Frankly We Did Win This Election”, Michael Bender for a look at how this administration compares to the last.  With President Biden receiving 80 million votes— a record— they explore what got so many people on board and what the party needs to do to keep them.  Will the Democrats be able to do it? Email your question...
1hr 8m Jul 15, 2021
1hr 8m
94: Admiral James Stavridis, Fmr Supreme Nato Commander
James and Al welcome former Supreme Nato Commander, Admiral James Stavridis for a discussion about our military readiness and how to build a secure future for the country and the world-- because by “2034” it’s going to be a whole different place.  Are we up to the challenge of recreating a peaceful and prosperous planet? Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com (mailto...
59m Jul 08, 2021
59m
93: Mayor Phillip Levine
James and Al are joined by former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine to look at the issues plaguing our infrastructure and our country.
54m Jul 01, 2021
54m
92: Penis talk, Brett Kavanagh with Jackie Calmes and Tucker Carlson with Ben Smith
James and Al welcome media mavens Ben Smith and Jackie Calmes for a look at how our country got to where we are, and what we should be doing now.
1hr 16m Jun 24, 2021
1hr 16m
91: Andy Slavitt and Bill Leonard
James and Al welcome religious historian Bill Leonard and Biden’s former Senior Advisor for COVID Response, Andy Slavitt, to take on the things ailing our politics in 2021.
1hr 23m Jun 17, 2021
1hr 23m
90: Coach Pete Carroll & Audrey Cavenecia
James and Al welcome coaching legend Pete Carroll and co-host of his Amplify Voices podcast, Audrey Cavenecia, to discuss the role of equity, inclusion and diversity in our society as we go into the next decade. And after seeing the impact of racial issues on the front lines (even if measured in yards), the time is now to look at how diverse and future focused voices can lead us to where we ne...
1hr 9m Jun 10, 2021
1hr 9m
89: Alex Gibney: Crime Of The Century
James and Al welcome Director Alex Gibney of HBO’s Crime of the Century to the Politics War Room to take on the threats to the American people posed by lobbyists, Big Pharma, and corporations who would put profits above people. Why does it seem like the damage they do to our country is usually buried under other ledes and pushed to the bottom of the page? They intend to find out-- even if the...
59m Jun 03, 2021
59m
88: Fmr. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
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.
57m May 27, 2021
57m
87: Sphincter Hall of Fame
Al and James are joined by Princeton historian Julian Zelizer to look at the evolution of the Republican Party from a party of issues to a party of disinformation and division. Then Al and James announce the first inductees for a very special honor... 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 HE...
1hr 5m May 20, 2021
1hr 5m
86: David Leonhardt
David Leonhardt of the New York Times sits down with James and Al to discuss how we can start moving our country forward after the Covid Pandemic and Trump era. Is it time to start lifting the lockdown orders and focusing on the working people who keep the country running? Or will Democrats keep the House competitive in 2022? EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO JAMES AND AL AT POLITICSWARROOM@GMAIL.COM...
1hr 2m May 13, 2021
1hr 2m
85: Michael Waldman
With Trump back in the news and Derek Chauvin recently convicted, James and Al bring on the President of NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice Michael Waldman for his take. Can we expect Trump to finally land in legal trouble, and what’s the best way for the Democrats to remove the many obstacles he placed in the way of our democracy? Will they also be able to make progress on criminal justice ref...
1hr 4m May 06, 2021
1hr 4m
84: Zach Carter and Evan Osnos
James and Al welcome Evan Osnos from The New Yorker, and Keynes expert and author Zach Carter to look at the major forces affecting our country and our markets.
1hr 20m Apr 29, 2021
1hr 20m
83: Jim Gerstein & Phil Klay
James and Al are joined by veteran and award winning author Phil Klay and Jim Gerstein to discuss the state of the world.
1hr 33m Apr 22, 2021
1hr 33m
82: Our Towns, w/ Deb & James Fallows, Jeanne Jordan & Steven Ascher
James and Al welcome the minds behind HBO’s Our Towns to investigate how things are going on the ground around our country.
1hr 7m Apr 15, 2021
1hr 7m
81: Manchin, Gaetz and James's famous tuna sandwich recipe
James and Al share their outrage at Matt Gaetz and break down the role Manchin needs to play for the Democrats in the Senate.
1hr 2m Apr 08, 2021
1hr 2m
80: From G. Gordon Liddy to Matt Gaetz
James and Al take on Matt Gaetz and then take your questions--with a send off for G. Gordon Liddy.
38m Apr 01, 2021
38m
79: Ron Brownstein & John Feinstein
James and Al bring on John Feinstein for some March Madness! How are your brackets? Then, Ron Brownstein joins to help explain the cultural forces buffeting our country.
1hr 21m Mar 25, 2021
1hr 21m
78: Dr Sean Carroll
Al and James welcome theoretical physicist and host of the Mindscape Podcast, Sean Carroll to discuss the mysteries of the universe-- from Schrödinger to the prospects for Villanova.
1hr 1m Mar 17, 2021
1hr 1m
77: Ret. Brigadier General Ty Seidule & Former NOLA Mayor Mitch Landrieu
The Politics War Room brings in Ret. Brigadier General Ty Seidule for insight into the myths holding back the South, with a call in from surprise guest, former NOLA Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
1hr 35m Mar 10, 2021
1hr 35m
76: Amanda Carpenter
James and Al look at recent moves by the Democrats and bring on Bulwark contributor Amanda Carpenter to dissect the ongoing role of Trump in the Republican Party.
1hr 14m Mar 03, 2021
1hr 14m
75: Rep. Colin Allred
James and Al are joined by Congressman Colin Allred from Texas to discuss the recent climate disaster there and what’s next for the state.
1hr 14m Feb 25, 2021
1hr 14m
74: Jane Fonda
James and Al welcome legendary actress and activist Jane Fonda to the podcast.
1hr 5m Feb 18, 2021
1hr 5m
73: Senator Doug Jones
James and Al welcome Senator Doug Jones of Alabama to the Politicon Politics War Room!
1hr 9m Feb 10, 2021
1hr 9m
72: Laurie Garrett & Greg Cosell
Now a full year into the pandemic, James and Al have on prize winning science journalist Laurie Garrett on to discuss how the situation is looking on the ground, with Greg Cosell joining to talk shop before the Super Bowl this weekend
1hr 41m Feb 04, 2021
1hr 41m
71: Michael McFaul & David Folkenflik
James and Al have on former Ambassador Michael McFaul to fill us in on the latest developments in Russia, with NPR’s David Folkenflik on the shake up on Fox and the other big networks now that Biden is in charge.
1hr 29m Jan 28, 2021
1hr 29m
70: Inauguration Day w/ Leon Panetta & Walter Dellinger
Al and James celebrate the inauguration of President Joe Biden, bringing on Leon Panetta to discuss expectations for the new administration, and Walter Dellinger to examine how the Trump Administration might be judged for the last four years.
1hr 38m Jan 21, 2021
1hr 38m