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 a follow-up invasion can destroy the prospects for Middle East peace, and how the Israeli government is responding.  Then, they welcome Brigadier General Ty ...
1hr 20m Oct 12, 2023
1hr 20m
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 MAGA rule and sane governance, and the importance of fighting to win back rural areas.  Then they welcome Professor Yascha Mounk to explore the capitulation of plural...
1hr 30m Oct 05, 2023
1hr 30m
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 owns the party, and the financial dangers it poses.  From lost job creation, cuts to schools, leaving law enforcement and the military without...
50m Sep 28, 2023
50m
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 Susan Swecker to break down the upcoming elections in her state, how MAGA has supplanted traditional Republicans, and why 2023’s elections are such...
1hr 17m Sep 21, 2023
1hr 17m
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 of the assault weapons ban, celebrate Biden’s passage of a gun safety bill, and highlight the  potential for a coalition of parents and yout...
1hr 11m Sep 14, 2023
1hr 11m
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 we head into the fall.  Then, they talk with Professor Kathleen Belew to discuss the growing domestic threat of white power groups, how they operate and recruit, the...
1hr 3m Sep 07, 2023
1hr 3m
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 Powell as the risks of recession and inflation's dangers seem to be declining.  Then, they break down the effects of China’s economic malaise and why they won’...
1hr 9m Aug 31, 2023
1hr 9m
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 mood has soured despite positive economic numbers and welcome journalist Sarah Ellison to discuss the love-hate relationship between Trump and Fox, how to cover Dona...
1hr 3m Aug 24, 2023
1hr 3m
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 Sean Wilentz to discuss how the way history is being taught is changing with the growing trend towards presentism and dive into how it affects coverage of the ...
1hr 33m Aug 17, 2023
1hr 33m
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 World War II after our decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki with a focus on the key decision makers in both countries.  From there, they wei...
1hr 13m Aug 10, 2023
1hr 13m
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 what Clinton did, and why Democrats are historically far better for the economy than Republicans.  Whether it’s the focus on bottom up and...
1hr 6m Aug 03, 2023
1hr 6m
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 to split the Republican party and win over voters, the key demographics in the Democratic coalition in the 2024 elections, and how focusing on ...
1hr 12m Jul 27, 2023
1hr 12m
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 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 pol...
59m Jul 20, 2023
59m
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 a successful 21st century economy here at home.  Then, they talk to Rep. Krishnamoorthi about how we should handle the escalating competition we face...
1hr 26m Jul 13, 2023
1hr 26m
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 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 leade...
2hr 2m Jul 06, 2023
2hr 2m
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 in Russia, Donald’s mishandling of information, and what China might be thinking.  From there, Jeff shares the intricacies of the homelessness cri...
1hr 23m Jun 29, 2023
1hr 23m
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 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 politi...
1hr 23m Jun 22, 2023
1hr 23m
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 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 ...
1hr 16m Jun 15, 2023
1hr 16m
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 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 ...
1hr 8m Jun 08, 2023
1hr 8m
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 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 y...
1hr 7m Jun 01, 2023
1hr 7m
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 change the way companies do business, how politicians craft campaigns and messages, and what it all means for the future. Email your ques...
1hr 15m May 25, 2023
1hr 15m
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 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. ...
1hr 18m May 18, 2023
1hr 18m
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, 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...
1hr 25m May 11, 2023
1hr 25m
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.  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 t...
1hr 9m May 04, 2023
1hr 9m
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, how coverage might change going forward, Trump’s growing challenges, and what we can expect in the aftermath of the current news cycle. Email yo...
1hr 16m Apr 27, 2023
1hr 16m
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 national security writer Shane Harris to explore the recent leaks by Jack Teixeira, how they affect our politics, and the ways leakers have affected polic...
1hr Apr 20, 2023
1hr
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 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 moveme...
1hr 10m Apr 13, 2023
1hr 10m
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 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 fa...
1hr 4m Apr 06, 2023
1hr 4m
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 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...
1hr 13m Mar 30, 2023
1hr 13m
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 faces draconian limitations, and voting suppression initiatives that threaten democracy and hand elections to Republicans for years to come. Email your ques...
1hr 2m Mar 23, 2023
1hr 2m
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 examine the recent financial troubles facing banks like SVB across the nation. Email your questions to James and...
58m Mar 16, 2023
58m
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 the USA, before taking on the logistical difficulties involved in upgrading our transportation infrastructure and preventing disa...
1hr 16m Mar 09, 2023
1hr 16m
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 discuss the importance of creating opportunity in tech, building up minority constituents, and enacting policy that supports the needs of workers and children. Email ...
1hr 7m Mar 02, 2023
1hr 7m
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 Cloud to discuss the recent grand jury developments targeting Trump’s actions in GA during the 2020 elections. Email your questions to James a...
1hr 16m Feb 23, 2023
1hr 16m
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 States, and fighting for racial progress when Republicans are censoring the Black experience in the education of our children. Email your ques...
59m Feb 16, 2023
59m
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 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....
1hr 8m Feb 09, 2023
1hr 8m
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 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 questio...
1hr 3m Feb 02, 2023
1hr 3m
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 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...
1hr 7m Jan 26, 2023
1hr 7m
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 a particular focus on the differences between the recent finds of classified documents at the homes of Trump and President Biden. Email your question...
1hr 4m Jan 19, 2023
1hr 4m
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 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 q...
50m Jan 12, 2023
50m
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 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...
51m Jan 05, 2023
51m
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 the speakership, the presidency, dark money, and the Ukraine-Russia war– with a solid takedown of lying George Santos. Email your questions to Ja...
1hr 2m Dec 29, 2022
1hr 2m
176: Mary & Judy
With 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 ...
1hr 13m Dec 22, 2022
1hr 13m
175: Butt Plugs & Dildos
James 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 ado...
59m Dec 15, 2022
59m
174: After Georgia with Michael McDonald
James 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 ...
1hr 8m Dec 08, 2022
1hr 8m
173: Glob of Protoplasm
James 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...
56m Dec 01, 2022
56m
172: Dark Money
In 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 shar...
55m Nov 24, 2022
55m
171: Ro Khanna & Tyler Bridges
James 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 g...
1hr 20m Nov 17, 2022
1hr 20m
170: Election Aftermath with Robert Draper
With 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 ...
57m Nov 10, 2022
57m
169: Midterms By The Numbers with Stanley Greenberg
James 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 y...
57m Nov 03, 2022
57m