Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt

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 barriers between Church and State goes against the principles of the founding, and look at the consequences if the Right successfully removes them. Then, they explore where limits should lie on campus speech using the aftermath of the October 7th attacks by Hamas as a test case, and weigh whether regulation harms academic freedom. 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 everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert Get More From This Week’s Guest: Professor Marci Hamilton: Twitter | Child USA | University of Pennsylvania | Author 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 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 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

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 how the faith has been co-opted by politics and culture, driven by the apocalyptic view that envisions Democrats as waging a war on Christianity. While doing so, they cover how religion has moved away from scripture, the disintegration of church and state being encouraged by Trump, and why religion is driving away many of its adherents. 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 everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert Get More From This Week’s Guest: Tim Alberta: Twitter | Website | Politico | The Atlantic | Author of “American Carnage” & “The Kingdom”

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 of that day in pursuit of the truth. They cover the single bullet theory, the importance of the Zapruder film, whether the FBI and CIA can be trusted about their role, and the actions of Lee Harvery Oswald and Jack Ruby. With some materials still set to be released, did they find out what actually happened? 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 everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert Get More From This Week’s Guest: Judge John Tunheim: Federal Bar Association | USCourts.gov Please Support Our Sponsors: Henson Shaving: Go to hensonshaving.com 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.) 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 Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels with promo code WARROOM, go to trymiracle.com/warroom

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 parts of the Democratic coalition and discuss how vigorous campaigning, exciting young surrogates, and strong messaging around Biden’s accomplishments can bring them to the polls. While doing so, they highlight the critical role of Millenial and Gen Z voters while exploring their political leanings with the goal of making sure they show up big for Democrats. Will a focus on individual rights and restoring choice be the key to a winning campaign? Check James Carville's new videos: James Carville explains everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: John Della Volpe: Twitter | Harvard Institute of Politics | Website | Social Sphere | Substack | Author of “Fight” Please Support Our Sponsors: Beam: Try 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 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 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

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 right exemplified by the speakership of Mike Johnson, how Republicans have forsaken their moderate pro-business roots for votes from non-college educated voters, and the failure of the media to differentiate the two parties with their coverage when the Right has revealed its true colors. With that in mind, they lay out what it will take to hold the Democrats together, expand their voting block, and continue to 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Thomas Edsall: Twitter | NYT | Columbia University | Author Please Support Our Sponsors: Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels with promo code WARROOM, go to trymiracle.com/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 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

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 the Middle East, how long the conflict will last, and the changing tide of global opinion. They also lay out how the war impacts our domestic polling, the leverage President Biden and Tony Blinken have over its future, and how splitting our priorities has impacted Ukraine’s fight against Putin. 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Indira Lakshmanan: Twitter | AP | Pulitzer Center | Bloomberg

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 intervention might end. Then, they speak with Admiral James Stavridis to discuss the practicalities of a ground invasion and the effect of Iran backed Hezbollah becoming involved. They also delve into the status of forces that we are bringing to support Israel in the region, the state of our military readiness, and the pragmatism behind our actions there and in Ukraine. 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! Get More From This Week’s Guests: Admiral James Stavridis: Twitter | Website | Carlyle Group | Author of “To Risk It All” & Other Books Ehud Barak: Twitter | FaceBook | Jewish Virtual Library | BGR Group Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels with promo code WARROOM, go to trymiracle.com/warroom Beam: Try 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

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 the hospital explosion, the threat of Iran and Hezbollah, how the USA is viewed in the region, and if the Israeli government has the confidence of its people. Then, they speak with NYT’s chief Washington correspondent Carl Hulse to discuss the implications of Jim Jordan’s lack of qualifications to become the Speaker and his failure to attain the position despite the novel pressure being applied by conservative media. Will Steve Scalise be the next one to try for the position? And what are the downstream effects going into the 2024 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Alon Pinkas: Twitter | Haaretz Carl Hulse: Twitter | NYT | Author of “Confirmation Bias” Please Support This Week’s Sponsor: 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

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 Seidule to examine the tactics used and the harm to our military readiness caused by Republicans. Between their war on the diversity of our troops and Senator Tuberville’s blockade of military promotions, are we ready for the next crisis? 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! Get More From This Week’s Guests: Jim Gerstein GBAO Strategies Brigadier General Ty Seidule (Ret.): Twitter | West Point | Website | Hamilton College | New America | Author of “Robert E. Lee & Me” Please Support This Week’s 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 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 Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels with promo code WARROOM, go to trymiracle.com/warroom

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 pluralism to identity politics and ideological policing. Together, they explain how despite their good intentions, proponents are bringing about new forms of discrimination and undermining trust in our institutions. 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! Get More From This Week’s Guests: Adam Frisch: Twitter | Campaign Website | Website | FaceBook Yascha Mounk: Twitter | John Hopkins | The Atlantic | Persuasion Community | Website | Author of “The Identity Trap” & Other Books | The Good Fight Podcast | CFR | CCNY Please Support Our Recent Sponsors In Past Episode Show Notes: Past Episodes & Show Notes

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 pay, and raising the risk of recession, is this an opportunity to flip the congressional seats that elected Republicans but were won by Biden in the general? 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Rep. Brendan Boyle: Twitter | House.gov | Website | FaceBook | Instagram Please Support This Week’s Sponsors: Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels with promo code WARROOM, go to trymiracle.com/warroom Beam: Try 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

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 an important bellwether. James and Al also advise the press on how they should handle Trump, lambast Congressional Republicans, and analyze the likely government shutdown. 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Elaine Kamarck: Twitter | Brookings Institute | FixGov Blog | Author of “Primary Politics” & Other Books Susan Swecker: Twitter | Democratic Party of Virginia | The Majority Project | @VaDemocrats Please Support This Week’s Sponsors: Henson Shaving: Go to https://hensonshaving.com and enter code WARROOM 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.) Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels with promo code WARROOM, go to trymiracle.com/warroom Magic Spoon: Get $5 off your custom bundle of delicious Magic Spoon cereal when you go to magicspoon.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM

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 youth to take further action. They also look at the electoral prospects in 2024 and ways to expand the democratic coalition to create big wins. Is a focus on conversion over purity the answer? 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Senator Chris Murphy: Twitter | Website | Senate.gov Please Support This Week’s 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 ExpressVPN: Control your data, defend your privacy, and protect yourself at expressvpn.com/warroom with a VPN plan.

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, their obsession with controlling white women, and Trump’s role in fomenting energy around the great replacement theory while merging extremists and the Republican party. 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! Get More From This Week’s Guests: Frank Foer: Twitter | The Atlantic | NewAmerica.org | Author of “The Last Politician” & Many Other Books Kathleen Belew: Twitter | Website | Northwestern University | Author of “Bring The War Home” Please Support This Week’s 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

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’t surpass us, and explain why one of our biggest upcoming challenges will be spending the massive funds allocated to our country from the infrastructure bill and other initiatives. 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Roger Altman: Evercore | The Hamilton Project

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 Donald, and why Tucker is growing irrelevant in the face of Murdoch’s media machine. Then, they explore why Trump’s popularity holds with the people who feel forgotten and left behind. Will they ever see sense and abandon their candidate? 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Sarah Ellison: WaPo | Twitter | Author Please Support This Week’s Sponsors: EveryPlate: Get delicious high quality meal kits delivered to you with EveryPlate for just $1.49 per meal by going to everyplate.com/podcast and using promo code: 49WARROOM

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 early days of the abolition movement in the United States. They also share their benchmark odds for important political happenings– do they have them right? Political Odds Making From James & Al Trump Winning The Nomination- 2:1 Over/Under On How Many Indicted In Fulton County Go To Trial- Under 13 Which Trump Case Goes First- Mar-A-Lago Trump Not Having A Bombshell Press Conference- 2:1 Trump Schedules His Arraignment During Republican Milwaukee Debate- 1:1 (and if he does 4:1 CNN has a split screen to cover it) Most Likely Nominee If It’s Not Trump- J.D. Vance 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! Get More From This Week’s Guests: Professor Morgan Cloud: Emory University School of Law | SSRN Articles Professor Sean Wilentz Twitter | Princeton History Department | Author of “No Property In Man” & Many Other Books Please Support This Week’s Sponsors: Lomi: Turn your food waste into dirt with the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/warroom ExpressVPN: Control your data, defend your privacy, and protect yourself at expressvpn.com/warroom and get 3 months free on your VPN plan.

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 weigh the threats to bring back the use of nuclear weapons by Russia and look at what those involved during 1945 would think of the world’s continued reluctance to use them again. 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Get More From Evan Thomas: Twitter | Website | Author of “The Road to Surrender” & Many Other Books

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 middle out growth, or infrastructure projects that create jobs and strengthen social support systems, they make it clear voters don’t want to get trickled down on! 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Get More From Professor Laura Tyson: Twitter | UC Berkeley | Econtwitter.net | Project Syndicate | Obamawhitehouse.archives.gov

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 them and the GOTV effort can continue to grow the expanding majority that began with Bill Clinton. Will it be enough to solidify its lasting leadership after President Biden’s policy successes? 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! Get More From This Week’s Guest: Get More From Simon Rosenberg: Twitter | New Democrat Network Bio | Substack