Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt

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 even p...

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 politicswarroo...

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. Ema...

In the wake of the chaos in Afghanistan, James and Al take on the leaders who contributed to the disaster that our country and the Middle East are facing.  Then they bring on Professor Emeritus at the U.S. Naval Academy, Craig Symonds, for a lesson in the WWII Pacific Theater, and a look back at when the United States was still able to win its wars. Email your questions to James and Al at politics...

In their 100th episode, James and Al bring on veteran of the New York Times, Donald McNeil, for a look at what’s next for us during the pandemic now that the Delta variant is raging in hot spots fueled by the unvaccinated.  With other variants on the horizon, what will it take to convince the hold outs and get the country back on the track to health? Email your questions to James and Al at politic...

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@gmail.c...

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 politicswarroom@gm...

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 submissi...

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 questions to...

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 or tweet th...

James and Al welcome former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine for a discussion about our failing infrastructure, what our politicians need to do, and how Democrats can win over a Florida that seems less Purple and more Red by the year.  More importantly, does the modern party have what it takes to reclaim the state from Governor DeSantis? Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail...

James and Al are joined by Ben Smith of the NYT and LA Times editor Jackie Calmes for a deep dive into the transformation of the media and the Republican party during the last election and over the last year.  What changed?  From our reporting to our governance, how do we restore trust in our institutions and get our country back on track? EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO JAMES AND AL AT POLITICSWARROOM@GM...

James and Al welcome religious historian Bill Leonard and Biden’s former Senior Advisor for COVID Response, Andy Slavitt , to look at the mythologies holding the USA back-- from the supposed glory of the Old South, to anti-social and harmful views about the pandemic and the ongoing efforts to end it.  Should we be optimistic?  And what will it take to convince the more recalcitrant among us to emb...

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 need...

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 they h...

With UFOs being reported and recorded across the country, James and Al welcome Fmr. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to get his take on the possible threat and why there’s been no disclosure.  But UFOs aren’t the only thing facing us, so they find out from Senator Reid how we can get our Congress working for us again, and what he’d say to the people running things now!  And of course-- more Hall...

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 HEAR W...

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 OR T...

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 reform...

As the Biden Administration continues to build support and consolidate its hold on the ship of state, James and Al are joined by John Maynard Keynes expert and author Zach Carter to give us perspective on Biden’s economic vision.  Then, Evan Osnos of The New Yorker comes on to analyze what we’re seeing from China.  But the episode wouldn’t be complete without James following up on his Vox intervie...

With troops due to come out of Afghanistan, James and Al welcome veteran and author Phil Klay and pollster Jim Gerstein to discuss the state of world affairs and when we should be going to war.  How are things looking in the Middle East 20 years on?  Are we leaving too soon, or is it time to focus our attention here at home where we have enough problems?  EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO JAMES AND AL AT PO...

James and Al bring on the creators of HBO’s Our Towns -- Deb Fallows , James Fallows , Jeanne Jordan and Steven Ascher to discuss their journey to towns across our nation during the pandemic era.  In the process, they saw that the causes of our division pale in comparison to the bonds we build when we live, work, and dream together.  Now, if only DC would get on message... EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO...

Al and James argue against the voter law in Georgia and don’t pull any punches about the allegations facing Matt Gaetz.  They also discuss the role Joe Manchin has to play in the Senate, and whether the Democrats can do anything with their majorities.  Come for the unparalleled political insight, and stay for James’ tuna fish sandwich recipe! EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO JAMES AND AL AT  POLITICSWARROO...

James and Al try to figure out what the heck is wrong with the Republican party, from G. Gordon Liddy on to Rep. Matt Gaetz.  What gives?  If their party doesn’t get its act together soon, they could easily slip into irrelevance-- and that’s in spite of the best efforts of the Democrats! EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO JAMES AND AL   POLITICSWARROOM@GMAIL.COM OR TWEET THEM TO @POLITICON .   MAKE SURE TO I...

James and Al get fired up for some March Madness with John Feinstein -- taking a look at what’s best for the sport and the NCAA.  Better check your brackets!  Then, Ron Brownstein of the Atlantic comes on to discuss the shift from class to culture based partisanship and the way the forces unleashed in 1974 Los Angeles continue to define our future. Please excuse the echo with our final guest  John...