Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt

James and Al welcome journalist Ron Brownstein to discuss the accusations against Graham Platner and the future of Susan Collins’ Senate seat in Maine, Democrats' changing relationship with Israel, the rise of populism on the Left, and the challenges they face in the general election.  Then, they are joined by US Navy veteran and congressional candidate for NJ-7, Rebecca Bennett, to dive into her...

As America turns 250, James and Al discuss the rise of the DSA and its popularity among younger voters, rising antisemitism, how the recent SCOTUS decisions will impact the country, and the effects of polarization on our future.  Then, they welcome historian Joseph Ellis to look back at the nation’s inception, the courage of the Founding Fathers, the long process of forging a more perfect union, a...

250 Year Competition: Vote for which of Trump’s insiders you think the Founding Fathers would send back to England https://forms.gle/XFwsfqkec7UEsKxbA James and Al discuss the DSA's wins in New York’s primaries, the growing schism in the Democratic Party, the need to unite to win in the general, and the prevailing political narratives heading into the midterms, as well as the leaks weakening the T...

250 Year Competition: Vote for which of Trump’s insiders you think the Founding Fathers would send back to England https://forms.gle/XFwsfqkec7UEsKxbA James and Al review the political landscape, the changes in the electorate, and the candidates after getting a lay of the land during the primary season.  Then, they welcome the NYT’s David Sanger to discuss the end of the Iran war and its consequen...

250 Year Competition: Vote for which of Trump’s insiders you think the Founding Fathers would send back to England CLICK HERE TO VOTE James and Al analyze Tuesday’s primaries, focusing on the enduring support for Graham Platner in Maine and the surprisingly weak showing for perennial incumbent Lindsey Graham in South Carolina. Then, they welcome Judge Luttig to give his verdict on Trump in a discu...

250 Year Competition Vote for which of Trump’s insiders you think the Founding Fathers would send back to England CLICK HERE TO VOTE James and Al review the performance of Democrats in Tuesday’s elections, examining what it can tell us about the midterms, the quality of the candidates, and the importance of keeping voters engaged to drive turnout.  Then, they welcome the Council on Foreign Relatio...

James and Al report on the Texas primary results and the opportunity to take advantage of a Blue shift following the controversial win of Ken Paxton, pressure Democrats to avoid the strategic mistakes of 2024, and game out how to win in other Red states in the wake of the gerrymandering war.  Then they welcome Columbia, Tennessee’s Mayor, Chaz Molder, to discuss his congressional campaign against...

James and Al report on this week’s elections, breaking down Trump’s continued dominance in the Republican party, Democrats' ability to win over party switchers, and an energized Black electorate.  Then, they call out the miscalculations Trump made in the Iran war and expose the effect of media ownership on the political landscape before welcoming government accountability advocate Fred Wertheimer....

Remembering 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.

James and Al game out the gerrymandering war, call out the SCOTUS for its voting rights decision, declare inflation’s return as an election issue, and lament Trump’s imprint on the Republican party, with a look at how it all will affect the midterm elections.  Then, they are joined by The New Yorker’s Evan Osnos in Beijing to discuss the Trump-Xi meeting, Taiwan, China’s ongoing rise, its relation...

James and Al give an update on the Democratic prospects for the midterms, the waning influence of Donald Trump amid Republican remorse, the Iran war, and the Supreme Court’s attack on voting rights. Then, they welcome retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant and Drill Instructor, AZ-06 congressional candidate, JoAnna Mendoza, to discuss life in the Marines and her experience growing up in poverty, the afford...

James and Al sound off on voting rights and review recent polling before welcoming Ed Luce of the Financial Times.  They discuss the future of Ukraine and the status of the war, the changing political landscape in the UK, and the growing US platform of King Charles and the Pope.  Then, they are joined by pollster Jim Gerstein to review current voter priorities, changing attitudes towards Israel an...

James and Al discuss the redrawing of Congressional districts in Virginia in the wider context of the gerrymandering battle being waged for the House and share lesser-known issues plaguing our democracy.  Then they are joined by Ohio’s gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial candidates, Amy Acton and David Pepper, and they dive into healthcare, corruption, and the need for political change.  Th...

James and Al sound the alarm over Trump’s deteriorating mental state, and explain the challenges it poses for JD Vance and the effects it will have on the upcoming election.  Then, they analyze the political dynamics at play in the California gubernatorial election, and welcome Dr. Trita Parsi to examine the aftermath of the Iran war.  They discuss the reasons the Iranian regime was able to repel...

James and Al game out the implications of Trump’s foreign policy following the ceasefire with Iran, analyze the growing schism in the MAGA movement, and examine the shift toward Democrats and Independents in recent off-year elections.  Then they welcome former MT Governor Steve Bullock to discuss winning in the Mountain West, strategies for independents and Democrats in Red areas, how to connect w...

James and Al blast the state of journalism, call out Scott Jennings for his toxic coverage, and explain Trump’s recent political struggles and declining popularity, centering on the disastrous war with Iran and the complications involved in resolving it.  Then they welcome sports writer and author of ‘On Her Game’, Christine Brennan, to discuss the growing dominance of college sports, legendary co...

James and Al skewer Trump’s approach to warfare and military strategy, draw historical parallels to the current conduct of the war, and game out ways to preempt possible election interference by Trump and the SCOTUS.  Then, they welcome polling wizard G. Elliot Morris to discuss the value of data-driven journalism and polling in informing the electorate and creating winning campaigns, before looki...

James and Al welcome Council on Foreign Relations President Emeritus Richard Haass to analyze the effects of the Iran war and Trump’s wider policy decisions, looking at the roles of Russia, the GCC, and China, the challenges of negotiating with Iran, and the consequences for our alliances, the global economy, and the region.  Then, they are joined by Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti to discuss her cu...

James and Al look at the Senate run-off in Texas, the blue shift in the Hispanic vote, the effects of redistricting in California, and MAGA’s attempt at voter suppression under the SAVE Act. Then, they welcome Dr. Trita Parsi for a deep dive into U.S.-Iran relations, exploring Iran’s historical significance, how war will change the region, their ability to repel an invasion, and game out the ways...

James and Al celebrate Talarico’s win in Texas and share their excitement about the 2026 midterm elections, given the Democratic field's growing strength and Trump’s weakening support among Republicans.  Then, they welcome Senior Fellow for National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Max Boot, to discuss the war in Iran.  Together, they investigate the true reasons for the attac...

James and Al rip Trump’s State of the Union and analyze its impact and the effectiveness of the democratic response in the context of the approaching midterms.  Then, they welcome Oscar-nominated filmmaker Andrew Jarecki to explore his findings on corruption in the Alabama prison system and how to hold the government to account for its chronic mismanagement of our jails.  From there, they are join...

James and Al expose the latest developments from the Epstein Files and game out their political ramifications before welcoming Catherine Rampell, The Bulwark’s economics editor, and MS NOW Anchor, to review the state of the economy,  looking at why the effects of tariffs have been muted, financial strategies the Republicans might pursue, the danger posed by the national debt, and the perils of AI....

James & Al are joined on the sofa by James Talarico as they discuss his campaign for the U.S. Senate from Texas, emphasizing the importance of grassroots support and addressing issues like healthcare and housing. He reflects on his political journey, the role of faith in his life, and the need for a Democratic Party that truly represents the people. Talarico also critiques the politicization o...

In this election-focused episode, James and Al welcome the President of the Brennan Center For Justice, Michael Waldman, to discuss the administration's attempts at voter suppression and its historical parallels.  They expose the myth of widespread voter fraud, explain the laws and constitutional framework that set up and protect our elections, and dissect the problems with the SAVE Act.  Then the...

James Carville & Al Hunt are joined by super-lawyer Abbe Lowell, they discuss the current political climate, the differences in the Justice Department under the current administration, and the implications of prosecutorial overreach. He highlights the importance of due process, the role of subpoenas, and the unique challenges faced by lawyers today. They also delves into specific cases, such a...