Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt

James and Al look at how President Biden will hold up going into 2024, and welcome WaPo’s David Ignatius and USICH Executive Director Jeff Olivet to examine our most pressing international and domestic issues.  David discusses the recent coup attempt in Russia, Donald’s mishandling of information, and what China might be thinking.  From there, Jeff shares the intricacies of the homelessness crisis...

James and Al shame Justice Alito and stand up for the necessary integrity of our legal system before being joined by revered journalist Ron Brownstein for a deep dive into the 2024 race.  They look at how the public sees the assumed Biden/Trump match up, what things would be like if the dynamics were changed, and the strong Democratic bench that could help heal the increasingly dangerous political...

James and Al skewer Trump for continuing to publicly convict himself of the crimes he’s accused of, and emphasize the need for civic education to protect our democracy.  They also speak with Fmr. Defense Secretary Bill Cohen for an analysis of how serious the charges facing Trump are, the implications for our alliances, and the importance of regulation to protect the lives of our people out in the...

James and Al are joined by Rep. Ro Khanna for a powerful and wide ranging conversation about the future.  They discuss what should happen to Senator Feinstein’s seat, why “it’s the economy, stupid” and how to improve messaging, and weigh President Biden’s strengths and weaknesses– concluding there are risks, but his record has made him the best choice given the current challengers. Email your ques...

James and Al take a moment to celebrate President Biden’s strong negotiation of the debt ceiling and welcome master strategist Paula Begala to talk politics, sports, faith, and the lay of the land in Texas.  Does AG Ken Paxton’s fall and Republican overextension create an opportunity for Democrats in the Senate there?  And more importantly, is Colin Allred the candidate to get it done? Email your...

James and Al take on the growing debt ceiling debacle caused by Republican intransigence, and welcome Artificial Intelligence expert John Guttag of MIT to explore the novel technologies upending our notions of work.  They cover how programs like ChatGPT will change the way companies do business, how politicians craft campaigns and messages, and what it all means for the future.  Email your questio...

James and Al attack the politicized investigation of John Durham and welcome Ed Luce for a review of the biggest developments at home and around the world.  Together, they look at the latest in Europe, China’s role in the Ukraine-Russia war and the international order, the risks facing President Biden’s re-election campaign, and how CNN has revealed Trump’s dangerous ongoing pull on the media.  Th...

James and Al tear into the eroding institution of monarchy across the pond, then welcome legal maven Aitan Goelman for a deep dive into the legal troubles facing Donald Trump, the potential for Jack Smith to hold him to account, and what comes next.  Then, they sit down with Luke Russert for a poignant conversation about finding your own way and his relationship with his dad, Tim Russert– along wi...

James and Al welcome PA Gov. Shapiro to discuss restoring bipartisan trust in elections, why to take campaigns on the road, the Republican budget mess, and the policies to focus on– from tackling crime to public-private partnerships that benefit children.  They also lay into the fall of the Supreme Court, the hope Senate candidate Colin Allred is giving to Democrats in Texas, and the state of the...

James and Al raise heck over the corruption of the Republican House, lay out the implications of Tucker Carlson’s departure, and celebrate the fall of Fox News.  Then they welcome WaPo’s Sarah Ellison to explain the media ecosystem’s tectonic changes, how coverage might change going forward, Trump’s growing challenges, and what we can expect in the aftermath of the current news cycle. Email your q...

James and Al sound off on the pathetic leadership of Rep. McCarthy, his failure to put forward a coherent budget, and the danger of the ‘No Labels’ campaign.  Then, they discuss the various lawsuits targeting FOX, before welcoming WaPo senior national security writer Shane Harris to explore the recent leaks by Jack Teixeira, how they affect our politics, and the ways leakers have affected policy i...

James and Al fire off on the extreme actions of Republican state governments in Texas and Tennessee that are actively undermining our country.  Then, they welcome revered journalist Thomas Edsall to discuss the Right’s radical rejection of centrism and former D.C. Police Officer Michael Fanone to share his experiences at The Capitol on J6 with insight into how he now feels about the MAGA movement....

James and Al break down the recent elections of a Democrat Supreme Court Justice in Wisconsin and for the next mayor of Chicago.  They also hold court on Donald’s arraignment and its political impact, the other charges he faces in jurisdictions across the country, and how the electorate thinks about him now.  Now that the Republicans look weak, is this the perfect time to press them on their failu...

James and Al emphasize the case for sensible gun reform and bring on Rep. Dan Goldman to break down the legal threats facing Donald, the potential for indictment, and the risk Michael Cohen poses in NYC.  Then, they welcome sports expert John Feinstein to give us the latest updates on the state of college basketball and what to expect during the finals of March Madness. Email your questions to Jam...

James and Al are joined by Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler to discuss their critical upcoming Supreme Court election that will decide the balance of power in their state’s justice system.  At stake is the right to abortion that faces draconian limitations, and voting suppression initiatives that threaten democracy and hand elections to Republicans for years to come. Email your question...

James and Al give their insights on March Madness and welcome former ambassador to Egypt Frank Wisner and storied congressional representative Barney Frank.  In their conversations they discuss the Iranian-Saudi relationship, how China plays into the modern diplomatic landscape, and examine the recent financial troubles facing banks like SVB across the nation. Email your questions to James and Al...

James and Al celebrate President Biden’s defense of Medicare before welcoming strategist Jim Gerstein and transportation expert Jeff Davis.  In their conversation, they discuss the breakdown of Israeli politics and how the rise of their Right wing mirrors Trumpism in the USA, before taking on the logistical difficulties involved in upgrading our transportation infrastructure and preventing disaste...

James and Al take on the anti-woke focus of Ron DeSantis, and dive into the recent electoral battles from Wisconsin to Chicago that are defining the next phase of our country’s future.  Then, they welcome MD Governor Wes Moore to discuss the importance of creating opportunity in tech, building up minority constituents, and enacting policy that supports the needs of workers and children. Email your...

James and Al dive into the budding 2024 race and emphasize the importance of the WI Supreme Court elections.  Then, they welcome journalist Marcy Wheeler to explain the pernicious influence of Russia on the MAGA Republicans, followed by Professor Morgan Cloud to discuss the recent grand jury developments targeting Trump’s actions in GA during the 2020 elections.   Email your questions to James and...

James and Al share their thoughts on Trump’s new nickname for DeSantis, recent natural disasters and the war in Europe.  Then, they welcome Rep. Colin Allred to share a Super Bowl retrospective and discuss the House weaponization committee, retaking Red States, and fighting for racial progress when Republicans are censoring the Black experience in the education of our children. Email your question...

James and Al review the strong SOTU speech by President Biden and take on the Timid 20 in the Republican caucus who refuse to stand up to their side’s extremists.  Then, they welcome Greg Cosell for an in-depth analysis of Super Bowl LVII and to hear his winner prediction, followed by MS gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley to discuss his upcoming race and how Democrats can retake the South. Em...

James and Al break down the ridiculous debt ceiling fight sparked by the Republicans and skewer the 2024 Republican primary field that could lead to an independent run by Trump.  Then, they’re joined by law professor and author David Harris to examine current policing policies that have led to disastrous outcomes, the role of systemic racism, and how we can reform the force. Email your questions t...

James and Al discuss the traitors in our midst like former counter intelligence official and FBI agent Charles McGonigal, and how Russia continues to upend our politics.  Then, they are joined by former NATO Supreme Commander Admiral James Stravridis to discuss the facts on the ground in Ukraine, the need for Western aid, and how things might end, before looking at how our readiness compares to po...

James and Al look at the weaknesses of the GOP caucus and the difficulty they will have in taking congressional action.  Then, they welcome legal expert Andrew Weissmann to discuss the process that goes into investigations of our politicians with a particular focus on the differences between the recent finds of classified documents at the homes of Trump and President Biden. Email your questions to...

James and Al decimate the insanity of the incoming Republican congress with a strong defense of immigration and President Biden.  Then, they welcome Princeton’s Julian Zelizer to discuss the many myths in our collective memory going from the Revolutionary War all the way to the so-called Reagan Revolution that continue to define the way we think about our country and our politics. Email your quest...