168: PA & UK with Ed Luce and Jonathan Tamari
James and Al bring on Associate Editor of the Financial Times Ed Luce to discuss the fall of Liz Truss, the high turnover of the UK’s Prime Ministers, and what to expect going forward under Rishi Sunak.  Then, they’re joined by expert on Pennsylvania politics Jonathan Tamari from the Philadelphia Inquirer to lay out the factors defining the midterm races there, weigh the candidates, and look ah...
1hr 33m Oct 27, 2022
1hr 33m
167: From Georgia to Iran with David Ignatius & Stephen Fowler
Facing a world in chaos and with early voting in Georgia surprising observers, James and Al bring on foreign policy expert David Ignatius and Georgia political specialist Stephen Fowler to break down the latest.  In their discussion, they look at the state of the midterm elections in Georgia after the debates, and explore the latest from the Ukraine War, and the growing political discontent in ...
53m Oct 20, 2022
53m
166: The Battle for Arizona with Yvonne Wignett Sanchez
Now that the midterms are only a few weeks away, James and Al summon WaPo political reporter and Arizona expert Yvonne Wignett Sanchez for a deep dive into the crucial gubernatorial and senate races there.  In their analysis, they discuss the impact of MAGA extremism and transplanted voters, the decisive importance of latinos and suburbanites, and compare the candidates while looking ahead to 2...
52m Oct 13, 2022
52m
165: Michael Kofman & Howard Wilkinson
James and Al let loose on the hypocrisy of Herschel Walker and the so-called Religious Right, and bring on veteran Ohio political analyst Howard Wilkinson to look at the Democrats’ midterm prospects there.  Then, they welcome military analyst Michael Kofman to break down the latest developments in the Ukraine War including annexation, the nuclear option, conscription, and more.  Is Russia final...
1hr 9m Oct 06, 2022
1hr 9m
164: Nevada Midterms with Jon Ralston
James and Al emphasize the importance of addressing climate change in light of the massive storms brewing on the East Coast, and give us a general overview of the state of the midterms with just over a month left.  Then, they bring on Nevada Independent CEO Jon Ralston to break down the politics of his state, and how we can expect Democrats to do there in the upcoming election. Email your ques...
1hr 3m Sep 29, 2022
1hr 3m
163: Introducing: It Was Said Season 2
It Was Said, the 2021 Webby Award winner for Best Podcast Series, returns with a new season to look back on some of the most powerful, impactful, and timeless speeches in history. Written and narrated by Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author-historian Jon Meacham, this documentary podcast series takes you through another season of ten generation-defining speeches. Meacham, along with top...
5m Sep 28, 2022
5m
162: Tar Heel Politics with Michael Bitzer
James and Al lay out how the Republican electorate is pushing the party’s candidates towards extremism and call on people of faith to stand up for immigrants and refugees.  Then, they bring on Catawba College’s Politics Chair Michael Bitzer to analyze the prospects of Democrats in North Carolina’s midterms.  Will changing demographics reverse the state’s rightward turn?  Keep a close watch on C...
1hr 2m Sep 22, 2022
1hr 2m
161: The State of Wisconsin with Ben Wikler
James and Al give an update on the politics of the Ukraine War and the ongoing fight for our rights.  Then, they bring on Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler to analyze the gubernatorial and senate races in his state, expound on the quality of the candidates, and tell us how to make an impact.  Will extremism and retrograde Republican policies deliver them big losses in this crucial mid...
54m Sep 15, 2022
54m
160: Michigan Midterms with Bill Ballenger
James and Al are joined by Bill Ballenger of the Ballenger Report for a thorough look at the midterm prospects for Democrats in the key swing state of Michigan.  Together, they analyze the impact of recent political developments from Dobbs to the Mar-a-Lago seizure on our elections, the growing fissure in the Republican Party, and the shrinking chances of a red wave. Email your questions to Ja...
55m Sep 08, 2022
55m
159: A history lesson with Stephen Kotkin
James and Al are joined by foreign affairs and Russian expert Stephen Kotkin for a deep dive into the history of the Soviet Union, how Putin is running the country in its aftermath, and the current state of the war in Ukraine.  What role do the United States and the European powers have in repulsing their aggression?  Will Ukraine hold firm?  And how does the conflict impact the world? Email y...
54m Sep 01, 2022
54m
158: Richard Ben Veniste & Mark Leibovich
James and Al are joined by Watergate Special Prosecutor Richard Ben Veniste to break down the differences between Trump and Nixon, and look at the role of the DOJ now that it’s faced with Trump’s crimes.  Then, they welcome premiere journalist Mark Leibovich to discuss the state of the country, Trump’s impact on the nation, and why journalists need to stand up for their political beliefs. Emai...
1hr 30m Aug 25, 2022
1hr 30m
157: Sean Wilentz
James and Al reflect on the recent primary elections, the raid on Mar-a-Lago, and the Democrats’ growing odds in the midterms.  Then, they bring on Princeton professor and author Sean Wilentz to dive into the potential of populism and an embrace of FDR’s and Bill Clinton’s legacies to revitalize the party.  Will that be the key to defeating the growing radicalism of MAGA Republicans? Email you...
51m Aug 18, 2022
51m
156: Will Bunch: After The Ivory Tower Falls
James and Al lay out the current state of the midterm elections and the implications of the raid on Mar-a-Lago.  Then, they are joined by author and Philadelphia Inquirer national columnist Will Bunch for a conversation about the disaster Republican moves to privatize and commoditize higher education have posed for young people around the country. Email your questions to James and Al at politi...
1hr 1m Aug 11, 2022
1hr 1m
155: David Maraniss: Path Lit By Lightning
James and Al celebrate Celtics star Bill Russell, then bring on accomplished author and WaPo associate editor David Maraniss to discuss the life and legend of Jim Thorpe.  In their conversation they look at the struggles he faced throughout his life, the restoration of his status as an Olympic champion, and the many challenges Native Americans have suffered in our history. Email your questions...
58m Aug 04, 2022
58m
154: Rico with Law Prof. Morgan Cloud
James and Al highlight the need for Democrats to maintain solidarity in the primaries to protect democracy and the importance of the Dobbs referendum coming up in Kansas. Then, they’re joined by Emory Law School Professor Morgan Cloud for an in depth discussion of RICO laws and how federal statutes differ from those in Georgia.  Will GA be more successful in prosecuting Trump’s actions after t...
59m Jul 28, 2022
59m
153: Lis Smith: Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story
James and Al are joined by Pete Buttigieg’s Senior Communications Advisor Lis Smith for a conversation about her career journey as a political veteran, how to succeed on the campaign trail, and what to look for when you pick a candidate.  They also take on the issues defining the midterms, what democratic messaging needs, and the importance of making the elections about the candidates instead o...
1hr Jul 21, 2022
1hr
152: Foreign Affairs with Ed Luce & Michael Abramowitz
James and Al are joined by Financial Times U.S. National Editor Ed Luce and Freedom House President Michael Abramowitz for a look at the recent upheavals in foreign affairs.  In their conversations, they cover the resignation of Boris Johnson and its impact on Britain, the latest developments in our relationship with Saudi Arabia, and what it all means for the United States, Ukraine, and Europe...
1hr 2m Jul 14, 2022
1hr 2m
151: Revisionist History: The Triplicate Program and Opioid Epidemic
We’re sharing a bonus episode from our friends at Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast about things misunderstood and overlooked. This season, Malcolm’s obsessed with experiments – natural experiments, scientific experiments, thought experiments. In this preview, we learn about Paul Madden, who ran the California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement in the 1930s. He enacted an expensive, ...
14m Jul 10, 2022
14m
150: Tim Miller: Why We Did It
James and Al are joined by Bulwark writer, author, and anti-Trump conservative Tim Miller to delve into the departure of the Republican party from the Reagan/Bush legacy in an appeal to the grievances of its base.  They also look at the fire of political passion, the addiction of the campaign trail, and how it can drive people to go along to get along.  When your candidate goes off course, what...
1hr 15m Jul 07, 2022
1hr 15m
149: The State of the Supreme Court with Linda Greenhouse
The State of the Supreme Court with Linda Greenhouse
58m Jun 30, 2022
58m
148: Ryan Grim from The Intercept
James and Al review the latest 1/6 hearing and upcoming Supreme Court rulings, then welcome D.C. Bureau Chief of The Intercept Ryan Grim to analyze the increasing ineffectiveness of progressive organizations and the perils of woke culture.  In their conversation, they break down the fragmentation of the Left, and emphasize the need to build coalitions to achieve goals and win elections– even if...
1hr 7m Jun 23, 2022
1hr 7m
147: Rep. Ro Khanna
James and Al fire off on the ineffectiveness of liberal organizations and what they need to do to help win elections.  They then welcome Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna to lay out his view of progressive capitalism and the need to bring our industries back home, highlighting the importance of common sense and why we shouldn’t give up on the promise of the USA.  Email your questions to Jam...
1hr 4m Jun 16, 2022
1hr 4m
146: The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America with Ira Shapiro
James 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 ...
1hr Jun 09, 2022
1hr
145: To Risk It All with Admiral James Stavridis
Following 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. Ema...
1hr 4m Jun 02, 2022
1hr 4m
144: It's The Economy Stupid with Roger Altman
James 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...
1hr 8m May 26, 2022
1hr 8m
143: This Will Not Pass with Jonathan Martin & Alexander Burns
James 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 politicswarroom...
1hr 3m May 19, 2022
1hr 3m
141: Debugger - Defending democracy from big tech
Big 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...
7m May 13, 2022
7m
142: Fmr. SecDef Bill Cohen
James 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 politicswarr...
40m May 12, 2022
40m
140: Jeff Nussbaum
James 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, Ni...
55m May 05, 2022
55m
139: Will Be Wild
From 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 yo...
6m Apr 29, 2022
6m
138: Sen. Mallory McMorrow
James 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 t...
1hr 2m Apr 28, 2022
1hr 2m
137: War & Peace w/ General John Allen
James 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...
1hr 13m Apr 21, 2022
1hr 13m
136: Border Breakdown w/ Amna Nawaz
James 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 q...
54m Apr 14, 2022
54m
135: Just Smell It & Go On w/ David Pepper
James 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. ...
57m Apr 07, 2022
57m
134: From Against the Rules with Michael Lewis: Six Levels Down
We’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 an...
10m Apr 05, 2022
10m
133: Dr Fiona Hill on Russia & Jon Macks on The Oscars
James 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 politic...
1hr 16m Mar 31, 2022
1hr 16m
132: Just back from Ukraine with Nick Schifrin
James 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 contin...
57m Mar 24, 2022
57m
131: Is Russia a real country with Peter Pomeranzev
James 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...
1hr 1m Mar 17, 2022
1hr 1m
130: Ron Brownstein
James 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 politi...
1hr 12m Mar 10, 2022
1hr 12m
129: 180º Addict
James 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 suc...
1hr Mar 03, 2022
1hr
128: Ukraine with Anne Applebaum
James 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 ...
1hr 17m Feb 24, 2022
1hr 17m
127: Senator Bill Bradley
James 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 ...
53m Feb 17, 2022
53m
126: Super Bowl Special
In 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 politicsw...
1hr 30m Feb 10, 2022
1hr 30m
125: SCOTUS With Walter Dellinger
James 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 politicswarroom@gmail.com...
1hr 7m Feb 03, 2022
1hr 7m
124: Ukraine with David Sanger
James 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...
1hr 12m Jan 27, 2022
1hr 12m
123: Sherrilyn Ifill & Michael Waldman
James 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...
1hr 41m Jan 20, 2022
1hr 41m
122: Molly Jong-Fast
James 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 Republ...
1hr 14m Jan 13, 2022
1hr 14m
121: 1/6 with Rep. Jamie Raskin
James 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? Ema...
1hr 3m Jan 06, 2022
1hr 3m
120: Happy New Year With Friends
Al 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 you...
47m Dec 30, 2021
47m
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