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 consequences, the seemingly endless war in Ukraine, Trump’s foreign policy, and its effects on the future of o...
Jun 18, 2026•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 375
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 discussion of his settlement with the IRS, the pushback from judges around the country, his weaponization...
Jun 11, 2026•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 374
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 Relations’ Max Boot to discuss Trump’s foreign policy, his relationship with the intelligence community, and...
Jun 04, 2026•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 373
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 ultra MAGA Andy Ogles, the corruption of his opponent, how to appeal to independents and the other si...
May 28, 2026•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 372
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. They discuss Trump’s settlement with the IRS, the ways he’s enriched himself and his supporters, the...
May 21, 2026•45 min•Ep. 371
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.
May 20, 2026•59 min•Ep. 370
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 relationship with Iran, and the AI war. Afterward, they welcome Paul and Stefanie Taylor to reflect on aging ...
May 14, 2026•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 369
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 affordability challenges spanning healthcare, energy, and the overall cost of living in her community, imm...
May 07, 2026•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 368
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 and Netanyahu, the emerging Democratic candidates, the danger of MAGA election interference, and the pos...
Apr 30, 2026•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 367
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. They also welcome Tejano star-turned-TX-15 candidate Bobby Pulido to game out how to win in Texas, bring...
Apr 23, 2026•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 366
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 the attack, the need to revisit sanctions to weaken the regime and empower civil society, what the fut...
Apr 16, 2026•55 min•Ep. 365
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 with rural voters, the importance of values that resonate with everyday people, and how to address cul...
Apr 09, 2026•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 364
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 coaches, basketball, the excitement around women’s teams driven by Caitlin Clark, the power of personal...
Apr 02, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 363
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 looking at the current numbers. While analyzing them, they explore the disappearing Trump vote, growing di...
Mar 26, 2026•51 min•Ep. 362
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 current House race, making government accountable to the people, rising energy costs, declining afforda...
Mar 19, 2026•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 361
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 the conflict might end. Then, James sits down with Stephen A. Smith to discuss how to win over young...
Mar 12, 2026•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 360
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 attack, the dangers posed by military intervention, the stability of the wider Middle East, and the effect ...
Mar 05, 2026•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 359
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 joined by author Andrew Lownie to discuss Prince Andrew’s relationship with Epstein, its effect on the Bri...
Feb 26, 2026•56 min•Ep. 358
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. Then SC Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews joins to plan her victory over Lindsey Graham. They discu...
Feb 19, 2026•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 357
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 of Christianity and advocates for a return to the core values of compassion and service. Chapters 00:...
Feb 13, 2026•16 min•Ep. 356
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 they lay out a plan to stop the steal in 2026, focusing on the media's role, voter mobilization, public a...
Feb 12, 2026•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 355
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 as that of John Bolton, to illustrate the political motivations behind certain prosecutions. The conv...
Feb 10, 2026•23 min•Ep. 354
James Carville & Al Hunt are joined by Rep. Jason Crow to discuss the upcoming November Midterm elections, emphasizing the need for House Democrats to remain vigilant and proactive in their campaigns. They highlight the importance of recruiting candidates with diverse backgrounds, particularly veterans, who can bring real-world experience to politics. The conversation also touches on the critical role of accountability and oversight in Congress, especially in light of the current political c...
Feb 10, 2026•12 min•Ep. 353
James Carville and Al hunt are joined on the sofa by Ruth Ben-Ghiat discussing the current landscape of education and authoritarianism, the characteristics of strongmen leaders, and the implications of fascism in modern politics. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the rule of law, the reactionary nature of fascism, and the global authoritarian landscape. The discussion also touches on the future of democracy, leadership, and the challenges of restoring trust and diplomacy in America. ...
Feb 06, 2026•24 min•Ep. 352
James and Al unload on the Epstein scandal and the Republican response, emphasizing accountability and the role journalism plays in upholding our democracy. Then, they are joined by Minnesota’s Attorney General, Keith Ellison, to demand the removal of ICE after the shooting of protesting citizens and multiple breaches of judicial rulings, discussing why he is leading a state investigation, his interactions with Tom Homan, and how the situation is affecting local politics. Afterwards, they welcom...
Feb 05, 2026•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 351
James & Al are joined by Mitch Landrieu and discuss the current state of American politics, emphasizing the importance of electability and the need for Democrats to reconnect with working-class voters. They explore the concept of sanctuary cities, the challenges facing law enforcement, and the impact of racism and immigration on society. Landrieu expresses optimism about local governance and the necessity of unity in politics to overcome division and foster a better future for all Americans....
Feb 04, 2026•20 min•Ep. 350
James & Al along with John Della Volpe discuss the shifting attitudes of young people towards political issues, particularly in light of recent events. They explore how younger generations perceive these issues on a personal level, the importance of listening to their voices, and the innovative use of AI in polling to gather real-time insights. The discussion highlights the need for political engagement that resonates with the personal experiences of young voters and the potential of new res...
Feb 03, 2026•16 min•Ep. 349
James & Al explore the current political landscape as it pertains to the 2026 elections, focusing on the Democratic Party's strategies, key races, and the importance of effective messaging. The discussion highlights the differences between the political environment of 2018 and the present, emphasizing the need for inspirational candidates and a more inclusive approach to voter engagement. The speakers also analyze specific races in Pennsylvania and caution against common pitfalls in Democrat...
Feb 02, 2026•12 min•Ep. 348
James and Al discuss the tragic killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and the wider battle for the soul of the city and the nation, looking at the effect of the escalating situation on the midterms, the solidarity of the administration, and the likelihood of impeachment after a predicted Democratic sweep. Then, they welcome POV International co-founder Annegrethe Rasmussen to break down the struggle for Greenland’s sovereignty, the role NATO has played in mediating the dispute, and the future of...
Jan 29, 2026•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 347
James and Al blast Trump for his increasingly crazy governance and game out the implications for the country, before taking a detour into the exciting turnaround of the championship-winning Hoosiers. Then, they welcome Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi to discuss the administration's provocative and flailing attempt to control Greenland and the situation in Venezuela after the arrest of Maduro. From there, they pivot to the chaotic operations of ICE, the dire need to reform our immigration system so that...
Jan 22, 2026•1 hr•Ep. 346
