Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt

In this special holiday episode, James and Al take Netanyahu to task for his failures and welcome their spouses Judy Woodruff and Mary Matalin.  They explore the causes driving the partisan divisions that have come to define our politics, including the demise of local media, the salience of racism, and how we’ve come to disregard anything that comes from the other side.  Building off of their conc...

James and Al analyze the ominous poll numbers confronting President Biden, dissect the issues driving them, and try to find the way forward.  They also compare his support with Trump’s, and look ahead to the effects of the ongoing criminal cases and weigh whether the Supreme Court will throw him a lifeline.  From there, they fire off on the Ivy League in the aftermath of their public relations fia...

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.  T...

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 Chri...

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...

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 the...

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 edu...

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 po...

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...

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 peop...

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 Sei...

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...

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 pa...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 s...

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,...

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 ear...

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...

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 mi...

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 the...

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 politi...

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 fr...

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 leadersh...