2020 Politics War Room

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 questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Paul Begala: Twitter | University of Virginia Center For Politics | CNN | Author

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 questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Professor John Guttag: MIT | Author Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Zbiotics: Get back into action with Zbiotics with 15% off your first order of the perfect solution to a night out when you go to zbiotics.com/pwr and use code: PWR Henson Shaving: Go to https://hensonshaving.com and enter: WARROOM at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.) ExpressVPN: Control your information. defend your rights and protect yourself at expressvpn.com/warroom and get 3 months free on your VPN plan.

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.  Then, James and Al do a deep dive into how Republicans are screwing the voters in a brand new segment! 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Ed Luce: Financial Times | Twitter | Author of “The Retreat of Western Liberalism & Many Other Books Please Support This Week's Sponsor: Lomi: Turn your food waste into dirt with the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/warroom

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 with a healthy dose of sports. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Aitan Goelman: Twitter | Zuckerman Spaeder Law | LinkedIn | CFTC Luke Russert: Twitter | Instagram | Website | Harper Horizon | Author of “Look For Me There” Please Support This Week's Sponsor: Hold On Bags: Shop plant based bags and replace single use plastics all over your home by visiting holdonbags.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to save 20% off your order.

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 parties.   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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Governor Josh Shapiro: PA.gov | Twitter | Website | FaceBook 

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 questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Sarah Ellison: WaPo | Twitter | Author Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Henson Shaving: Go to https://hensonshaving.com and enter: WARROOM at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.) Zbiotics: Get back into action with Zbiotics with 15% off your first order of the perfect solution to a night out when you go to zbiotics.com/pwr and use code: PWR

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 in the past. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Shane Harris: WaPo | Website | Twitter | Chatter Podcast | Author Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Express VPN:   Protect your cybersecurity with an extra three months free on a one-year package when sign up for Express VPN at expressvpn.com/warroom Magic Spoon: Get $5 off your custom bundle of delicious Magic Spoon cereal when you go to magicspoon.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM

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. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Thomas Edsall: Twitter | NYT | Columbia University | Author Michael Fanone: Bio | Author Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Lomi:   Turn your food waste into dirt with the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/WARROOM Hold On Bags: Shop plant based bags and replace single use plastics all over your home by visiting holdonbags.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to save 20% off your order.

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 failure to produce a budget? 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 where you're from! Please Support This Week's Sponsor: Reel Paper: Get 30% off your first order and free shipping of environmentally friendly paper products when you sign up for a subscription at reelpaper.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM

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 James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Rep. Dan Goldman: Twitter | Campaign Site | Act Blue John Feinstein: Twitter | WaPo | Author of “Raise A Fist, Take A Knee” & More 

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 questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Ben Wikler: Twitter | Wisconsin Democratic Party | Website | Wisconsin Donations | MoveOn Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Hold On Bags: Shop plant based bags and replace single use plastics all over your home by visiting holdonbags.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to save 20% off your order. Henson Shaving: Go to https://hensonshaving.com and enter: WARROOM at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)

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 at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Frank Wisner Middle East Institute | American Iranian Council Rep. Barney Frank Twitter | House.gov | Website Please Support This Week's Sponsor: Lomi: Turn your food waste into dirt with the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/WARROOM

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 disasters in Middle America. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Jim Gerstein  GBAO Strategies  Jeff Davis Twitter | Eno Transportation Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Hold On Bags: Shop plant based bags and replace single use plastics all over your home by visiting holdonbags.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to save 20% off your order. Sleep Me: Head over to sleep.me/warroom to learn more about comfortable and cooling sleep systems and save 25% off the purchase of any new Dock Pro, Ooler, or Cube order. Reel Paper: Get 30% off your first order and free shipping of environmentally friendly paper products when you sign up for a subscription at reelpaper.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM

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 questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Governor Wes Moore Twitter | Official Twitter |  Website | Facebook | Instagram Please Support This Week's Sponsor: Sleep Me: Head over to sleep.me/warroom to learn more about comfortable and cooling sleep systems and save 25% off the purchase of any new Dock Pro, Ooler, or Cube order.

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 Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Marcy Wheeler Twitter | Website | The Intercept | The Marshall Project Professor Morgan Cloud Emory University School of Law | SSRN Articles  Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Hold On Bags: Shop plant based bags and replace single use plastics all over your home by visiting holdonbags.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to save 20% off your order. Magic Spoon: Get $5 off your next delicious custom bundle of Magic Spoon cereal when you go to magicspoon.com/warroom and use promo code: WARROOM Henson Shaving: Go to hensonshaving.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase.  (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)

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 questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Rep. Colin Allred Twitter | House.gov | Website | Facebook Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Rhone Apparel: Upgrade your closet with Rhone's high quality clothing and use promo code: WARROOM to save 20% at rhone.com/warroom  Lomi: Turn your food waste into dirt with the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/WARROOM

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. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Greg Cosell: Twitter | NFL Films | The Install Podcast Brandon Presley Twitter | Website | MS Public Services Commission | Instagram Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Reel Paper: Save 30% on your subscription order of sustainable home paper products when you go to reelpaper.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM HoldOn Bags: Save 20% off your order of plant based bags to replace single use plastics all over your home when you go to holdonbags.com and use promo code: WARROOM

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 to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: David Harris: Twitter | University of Pittsburgh Law | Criminal Justice Podcast | Author  Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Upside: Download upside.com's free app to start getting major cash back on your purchases, plus get an extra 25 cents a gallon on your first tank of gas when you use promo code: WARROOM Henson Shaving: Go to hensonshaving.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase.  (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)

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 potential threats from China. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Admiral James Stavridis: Twitter | Website | Carlyle Group | Author of “To Risk It All” & Other Books Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Hold On Bags: Shop plant based bags and replace single use plastics all over your home by visiting holdonbags.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to save 20% off your order.

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 at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Andrew Weissmann: Twitter | NYU Law | Just Security |  Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation | Author Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Lomi: Turn your food waste into dirt with the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/WARROOM

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 questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Professor Julian Zelizer: Twitter | Princeton | Author of “Myth America” & Many Other Books Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Rhone Apparel: Upgrade your closet with Rhone's high quality clothing and use promo code: WARROOM to save 20% at rhone.com/warroom  Hold On Bags: Shop plant based bags and replace single use plastics all over your home by visiting holdonbags.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to save 20% off your order.

In the midst of the Republican's farcical battle to elect the next Speaker of the House, James and Al are joined by NYT's Washington expert Carl Hulse for deeper insight into the proceedings.  They discuss Rep. McCarthy's prospects, the effect of the proposed motion to vacate, and what the disarray means for critical legislation and the future of the next congress– with a little bit of football thrown in.  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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Carl Hulse: Twitter | NYT | Author of “Confirmation Bias” Please Support This Week's Sponsor: Reel Paper: Get 30% off your first order and free shipping of environmentally friendly paper products when you sign up for a subscription at reelpaper.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM

With 2023 almost here, James and Al ring in the new year with friends George Stevens, Jill Abramson, Fred Wertheimer, and Jane Mayer.  Together, they discuss the current state of the media and entertainment, before forecasting the political future of the speakership, the presidency, dark money, and the Ukraine-Russia war– with a solid takedown of lying George Santos.   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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: George Stevens: Oscars.org | IMDB | website Jane Mayer: Twitter | The New Yorker | Author of “Dark Money” & Other Books Jill Abramson: Twitter | NYT | Harvard | Author   Fred Wertheimer: Twitter | Just Security | Wertheimer Lipton | Democracy 21 Please Support This Week's Sponsor: Blinkist: For a 7 day free trial and 25% off a premium membership– plus Blinkist Connect which gives you two premium memberships for the price of one– go to blinkist.com/warroom

With Christmas just around the corner, James and Al welcome their wives Judy Woodruff and Mary Matalin to ring in the season with some holiday stories.  Then, they take on the corruption of the Republican party, contrast Trump and Nixon, and lay out the perils of dark money and why it's a winning issue.  Should the Democrats be focused on the big issues with more than 2/3rds support instead of wedge topics catering to the base? 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Mary Matalin: Website | Author   Judy Woodruff: Twitter | PBS NewsHour  Please Support This Week's Sponsors Reel Paper: For little lemur Reel Paper products and 30% off and free shipping on your first order, go to reelpaper.com/lemur and use promo code: WARROOM Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels that makes a great holiday gift, go to trymiracle.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM HoldOn Bags: Save 20% when you replace your single use plastic by visiting holdonbags.com and using the promo code: WARROOM

James and Al summon political consultant and the mastermind behind the win of Senator Warnock in Georgia, Quentin Fulks, to analyze how their campaign won its critical run-off election for majority control.  They also discuss the ways campaigns in swing states can broaden their appeal, how to bring voters with Democratic sympathies back to the polls, and what it might look like if the party adopted a 50 state strategy. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Quentin Fulks: Twitter | LinkedIn | Think Big Illinois | Warnock For Georgia Please Support This Week's Sponsors Lomi: Turn your food waste into dirt with the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/WARROOM Henson Shaving: Go to hensonshaving.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase.  (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.) Raycon: Get 15% off your Raycon order and free express shipping on orders over $85 when you go to buyraycon.com and use the promo code: HOLIDAY

James and Al are joined by UF Political Science Prof. Michael McDonald to discuss the factors that led to the re-election of Sen. Warnock in GA, the weakness of MAGA, and how minorities and turn-out play a key role in victory.  They also look at the issues that bring voters to the polls, why Democrats overperformed expectations in the midterms, and what to do to make sure it keeps happening in 2024 and beyond. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Dr. Michael McDonald: Twitter | University of Florida | Mastodon | ElectProject.org Please Support This Week's Sponsors Blinkist: For a 7 day free trial and 25% off a premium membership– plus Blinkist Connect which gives you two premium memberships for the price of one– go to blinkist.com/warroom Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels that makes a great holiday gift, go to trymiracle.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM Sleep Me: Save 25% off the purchase of any new Dock Pro, Cube, or Ooler sleep system when you got to sleep.me

James and Al are joined by Arizona Congressman Ruben Gallego for a wide ranging conversation covering everything from the prospects of the newly elected House and who might lead each party, to the desires of AZ voters and how to keep the state voting Blue.  They also do a deep dive into border issues, focusing on how to support immigration and win elections with smart and nuanced policy.   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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Rep. Ruben Gallego: Twitter | House.gov | Website | Instagram | Newsletter | Facebook | Statement on Dobbs Please review our recent episode show notes for sponsor discounts and deals to support the show!

In this special episode exploring the pernicious effects of dark money on our politics, James and Al welcome Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, investigative journalist Jane Mayer, and former AZ AG Terry Goddard.  They dive into how dark money is corrupting our political parties, the Supreme Court, and our electoral systems, while naming some of the biggest offenders.  More importantly, they also share the ways we can fight back! 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: Twitter | Senate.gov | Congress.gov | YouTube | Author of “The Scheme” & Other Books Jane Mayer: Twitter | The New Yorker | Author of “Dark Money” & Other Books Former AZ AG & Phoenix Mayor Terry Goddard: Twitter | Central Arizona Project | Goddard Law PLC | Ballotpedia | StopDarkMoney.com Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Reel Paper: For little lemur Reel Paper products and 30% off and free shipping on your first order, go to reelpaper.com/lemur and use promo code: WARROOM Express VPN: Get 3 months free on an Express VPN subscription when you go to expressvpn.com/warroom Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels that makes a great holiday gift, go to trymiracle.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM

James and Al take on the greed of oil companies and the dark money fueling the Republican takeover of the judicial system before bringing on Rep. Ro Khanna to explore the role of progressives, how they play into the future of liberalism, and their place in the Democratic party.  Then, they pivot to author Tyler Bridges to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the infamous Stanford v. Cal football game. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Congressman Ro Khanna: Twitter | Website | House.gov Tyler Bridges: Twitter | Website | NOLA.com | Author of “Five Laterals & A Trombone” & Other Books Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Henson Shaving: Go to hensonshaving.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase.  (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.) Raycon: Get 20% off your Raycon order when you go to buyraycon.com and use the promo code: EARLYBF Upside: Download upside.com's free app to start getting major cash back on your purchases, plus get $5 back on your first purchase of $10 or more when you use promo code: WARROOM

With the midterm results continuing to come in with a strong showing for Democrats, James and Al bring on NYT contributor and author of ‘Weapons of Mass Delusion' Robert Draper to dive into why many expectations of a red wave got upended.  They cover the weaknesses of the Republican candidates, the electoral hazards of playing into Trumpian delusions, and if the Right has finally been taken to task by voters. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Robert Draper: Twitter | NYT | National Geographic | Author of “Weapons Of Mass Delusion” & Other Books Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Henson Shaving: Go to hensonshaving.com and enter promo code: WARROOM at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase.  (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.) Blinkist: For a 7 day free trial and 25% off a premium membership– plus Blinkist Connect which gives you two premium memberships for the price of one– go to blinkist.com/warroom Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels that makes a great holiday gift, go to trymiracle.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM

James and Al fire off on the forces in the Democratic Party driving away voters and bring on pollster Stanley Greenberg to explore the numbers behind the issues that are defining the midterms.  They examine how proposed policy and language affects the electorate with a view towards what works and what doesn't, before diving into elections in Israel and other countries around the world. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Stanley Greenberg: Twitter | Democracy Corps | Greenberg Research | Author Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Lomi: Turn your food waste into dirt with the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/WARROOM ‘Some Of My Best Friends Are' Podcast: Listen to ‘Some Of My Best Friends Are' with Harvard Professor Khalil Gibran Muhammad and journalist Ben Austen for incredible bridge building conversations wherever you get podcasts

James and Al bring on Associate Editor of the Financial Times Ed Luce to discuss the fall of Liz Truss, the high turnover of the UK's Prime Ministers, and what to expect going forward under Rishi Sunak.  Then, they're joined by expert on Pennsylvania politics Jonathan Tamari from the Philadelphia Inquirer to lay out the factors defining the midterm races there, weigh the candidates, and look ahead to what to expect on November 8th. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's GuestS: Ed Luce: Financial Times | Twitter | Author of “The Retreat of Western Liberalism & Many Other Books Jonathan Tamari: Twitter | The Philadelphia Inquirer Please Support This Week's Sponsors: The Economist's Checks & Balance: Subscribe to The Economist's Checks & Balance podcast on Acast or wherever you prefer to listen.  You can also find it at economist.com Reel Paper: Go to reelpaper.com/warroom to get 30% off and free shipping on your first order when you sign up for a subscription using the promo code: WARROOM The Jordan Harbinger Show: Go to jordanharbinger.com or wherever you prefer to get your podcasts and start listening

Facing a world in chaos and with early voting in Georgia surprising observers, James and Al bring on foreign policy expert David Ignatius and Georgia political specialist Stephen Fowler to break down the latest.  In their discussion, they look at the state of the midterm elections in Georgia after the debates, and explore the latest from the Ukraine War, and the growing political discontent in Iran.  Do we dare hope Iran can one day become an ally? 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: David Ignatius: Twitter | WaPo | Website | Author of “The Paladin” & Many Other Books Stephen Fowler: Twitter | Georgia Public Broadcasting  Please Support This Week's Sponsors Lomi: Turn your food waste into dirt with the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/warroom Blinkist: For a 7 day free trial and 25% off a premium membership– plus Blinkist Connect which gives you two premium memberships for the price of one– go to blinkist.com/warroom Raycon: Get 15% off your Raycon order when you go to buyraycon.com and use the promo code: WARROOM15

Now that the midterms are only a few weeks away, James and Al summon WaPo political reporter and Arizona expert Yvonne Wignett Sanchez for a deep dive into the crucial gubernatorial and senate races there.  In their analysis, they discuss the impact of MAGA extremism and transplanted voters, the decisive importance of latinos and suburbanites, and compare the candidates while looking ahead to 2024. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Yvonne Wignett Sanchez: Twitter | WaPo | The Arizona Republic Please Support This Week's Sponsors The Jordan Harbinger Show: Go to jordanharbinger.com or wherever you get your podcasts to start listening Upside: Download upside.com's free app to start getting major cash back on your purchases, plus get $5 back on your first purchase of $10 or more when you use promo code: WARROOM

James and Al let loose on the hypocrisy of Herschel Walker and the so-called Religious Right, and bring on veteran Ohio political analyst Howard Wilkinson to look at the Democrats' midterm prospects there.  Then, they welcome military analyst Michael Kofman to break down the latest developments in the Ukraine War including annexation, the nuclear option, conscription, and more.  Is Russia finally on the ropes?   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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Michael Kofman: Twitter | CNA | CNAS | War On The Rocks Howard Wilkinson: Twitter | WVXU  Please Support This Week's Sponsors Blinkist: For a 7 day free trial and 25% off a premium membership– plus Blinkist Connect which gives you two premium memberships for the price of one– go to blinkist.com/warroom Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels, go to trymiracle.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM

James and Al emphasize the importance of addressing climate change in light of the massive storms brewing on the East Coast, and give us a general overview of the state of the midterms with just over a month left.  Then, they bring on Nevada Independent CEO Jon Ralston to break down the politics of his state, and how we can expect Democrats to do there in the upcoming election. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Jon Ralston: Twitter | The Nevada Independent | Ralston Reports Please Support This Week's Sponsors HoldOn Bags: Save 20% when you replace your single use plastic by visiting holdonbags.com and using the promo code: WARROOM The Jordan Harbinger Show: Go to jordanharbinger.com or wherever you get your podcasts to start listening Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels, go to trymiracle.com/warroom and use the promo code: WARROOM

It Was Said, the 2021 Webby Award winner for Best Podcast Series, returns with a new season to look back on some of the most powerful, impactful, and timeless speeches in history. Written and narrated by Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author-historian Jon Meacham, this documentary podcast series takes you through another season of ten generation-defining speeches. Meacham, along with top historians, authors and journalists, offers expert insight and analysis into the origins, the orator, and the context of the times each speech was given, and they reflect on why it's important to never forget them.  It Was Said is a creation and production of Peabody-nominated C13Originals, in association with The HISTORY® Channel.

James and Al lay out how the Republican electorate is pushing the party's candidates towards extremism and call on people of faith to stand up for immigrants and refugees.  Then, they bring on Catawba College's Politics Chair Michael Bitzer to analyze the prospects of Democrats in North Carolina's midterms.  Will changing demographics reverse the state's rightward turn?  Keep a close watch on Cabarrus County! 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Michael Bitzer: Twitter | Catawba College | Old North State Politics | Author of “Redistricting and Gerrymandering in North Carolina” Please Support This Week's Sponsors Reel Paper: Go to reelpaper.com/warroom to get 30% off and free shipping on your first order when you sign up for a subscription using the promo code: WARROOM Blinkist: For a 7 day free trial and 25% off a premium membership– plus Blinkist Connect which gives you two premium memberships for the price of one– go to blinkist.com/warroom ExpressVPN: To get 3 free months of VPN service with a 12 month plan, go  to Expressvpn.com/warroom

James and Al give an update on the politics of the Ukraine War and the ongoing fight for our rights.  Then, they bring on Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler to analyze the gubernatorial and senate races in his state, expound on the quality of the candidates, and tell us how to make an impact.  Will extremism and retrograde Republican policies deliver them big losses in this crucial midterm election? 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests Ben Wikler: Twitter | Wisconsin Democratic Party | Website | Wisconsin Donations | MoveOn Please Support This Week's Sponsors Sleep Me: Save 25% off the purchase of any new Dock Pro, Cube, or Ooler sleep system when you got to sleep.me Magic Spoon: To get $5 of your next custom bundle of delicious Magic Spoon cereal go to magicspoon.com and use the promo code: WARROOM Raycon: Get 15% off your Raycon order when you go to buyraycon.com and use the promo code: WARROOM15

James and Al are joined by Bill Ballenger of the Ballenger Report for a thorough look at the midterm prospects for Democrats in the key swing state of Michigan.  Together, they analyze the impact of recent political developments from Dobbs to the Mar-a-Lago seizure on our elections, the growing fissure in the Republican Party, and the shrinking chances of a red wave. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests Bill Ballenger: Twitter | The Ballenger Report Please Support This Week's Sponsors Blinkist: For a 7 day free trial and 25% off a premium membership– plus Blinkist Connect which gives you two premium memberships for the price of one– go to blinkist.com The Jordan Harbinger Show Go to jordanharbinger.com or wherever you get your podcasts to start listening

James and Al are joined by foreign affairs and Russian expert Stephen Kotkin for a deep dive into the history of the Soviet Union, how Putin is running the country in its aftermath, and the current state of the war in Ukraine.  What role do the United States and the European powers have in repulsing their aggression?  Will Ukraine hold firm?  And how does the conflict impact the world? 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests Stephen Kotkin: Princeton | Hoover Institution | Author  Additional Reading On Russia Mentioned By Stephen: Carnegie Endowment In Washington Michael Kofman- CNA & Twitter Rob Lee- Foreign Policy Institute & Twitter Please Support This Week's Sponsors Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels, go to trymiracle.com and use the promo code: WARROOM

James and Al are joined by Watergate Special Prosecutor Richard Ben Veniste to break down the differences between Trump and Nixon, and look at the role of the DOJ now that it's faced with Trump's crimes.  Then, they welcome premiere journalist Mark Leibovich to discuss the state of the country, Trump's impact on the nation, and why journalists need to stand up for their political beliefs.  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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests Richard Ben Veniste: 9/11 Commission | IMDB | Author Mark Leibovich: Twitter | The Atlantic | NYT | Author of “Thank You For Your Servitude” & Other Books Please Support This Week's Sponsors Reel Paper: Get planet friendly Reel Paper with 30% off and free shipping at reelpaper.com when you use the promo code: WARROOM Chili Sleep: To save 30% off your purchase of any new Ooler or Cube Sleep System, go to chilisleep.com and use the promo code: WARROOM

James and Al reflect on the recent primary elections, the raid on Mar-a-Lago, and the Democrats' growing odds in the midterms.  Then, they bring on Princeton professor and author Sean Wilentz to dive into the potential of populism and an embrace of FDR's and Bill Clinton's legacies to revitalize the party.  Will that be the key to defeating the growing radicalism of MAGA Republicans? 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Professor Sean Wilentz: Twitter | Princeton University | Author of “No Property In Man” & Other Books Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Blinkist: For a 7 day free trial and 25% off a premium membership go to blinkist.com Feals Focus Melts: Save 50% off your first order of Feals focus melts and get free shipping by going to feals.com with promo code: WARROOM

James and Al lay out the current state of the midterm elections and the implications of the raid on Mar-a-Lago.  Then, they are joined by author and Philadelphia Inquirer national columnist Will Bunch for a conversation about the disaster Republican moves to privatize and commoditize higher education have posed for young people around the country. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Will Bunch: Twitter | The Philadelphia Inquirer | Author of “After The Ivory Tower Falls” & Other Books Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Feals Focus Melts: Save 50% off your first order of Feals focus melts and get free shipping by going to feals.com with promo code: WARROOM Raycon Get 15% off your Raycon order when you go to buyraycon.com and use the promo code: WARROOM15 Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels, go to trymiracle.com and use the promo code: WARROOM

James and Al celebrate Celtics star Bill Russell, then bring on accomplished author and WaPo associate editor David Maraniss to discuss the life and legend of Jim Thorpe.  In their conversation they look at the struggles he faced throughout his life, the restoration of his status as an Olympic champion, and the many challenges Native Americans have suffered in our history. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: David Maraniss: Twitter | Website | WaPo | Author of “Path Lit By Lightning” & Other Books Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels, go to trymiracle.com and use the promo code: WARROOM Magic Spoon: To get $5 of your next custom bundle of delicious Magic Spoon cereal go to magicspoon.com and use the promo code: WARROOM

James and Al highlight the need for Democrats to maintain solidarity in the primaries to protect democracy and the importance of the Dobbs referendum coming up in Kansas. Then, they're joined by Emory Law School Professor Morgan Cloud for an in depth discussion of RICO laws and how federal statutes differ from those in Georgia.  Will GA be more successful in prosecuting Trump's actions after the election results came out?   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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Professor Morgan Cloud: Emory University School of Law | SSRN Articles 

James and Al are joined by Pete Buttigieg's Senior Communications Advisor Lis Smith for a conversation about her career journey as a political veteran, how to succeed on the campaign trail, and what to look for when you pick a candidate.  They also take on the issues defining the midterms, what democratic messaging needs, and the importance of making the elections about the candidates instead of a referendum. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Lis Smith: Twitter | Georgetown | Author of “Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story” Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets with 3 free towels, go to trymiracle.com and use the promo code: WARROOM Raycon Get 15% off your Raycon order when you go to buyraycon.com and use the promo code: WARROOM15 Reel Paper: Get planet friendly Reel Paper with 30% off and free shipping at reelpaper.com when you use the promo code: WARROOM

James and Al are joined by Financial Times U.S. National Editor Ed Luce and Freedom House President Michael Abramowitz for a look at the recent upheavals in foreign affairs.  In their conversations, they cover the resignation of Boris Johnson and its impact on Britain, the latest developments in our relationship with Saudi Arabia, and what it all means for the United States, Ukraine, and Europe. 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Ed Luce: Twitter | Financial Times | Author Michael Abramowitz: Twitter | Freedom House Please Support This Week's Sponsor: Chili Sleep To save 30% off your purchase of any new Ooler or Cube Sleep System, go to chilisleep.com and use the promo code: WARROOM

We're sharing a bonus episode from our friends at Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell's podcast about things misunderstood and overlooked. This season, Malcolm's obsessed with experiments – natural experiments, scientific experiments, thought experiments. In this preview, we learn about Paul Madden, who ran the California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement in the 1930s. He enacted an expensive, burdensome, annoying bit of bureaucratic anti-drug hysteria known as the “triplicate program” that made every doctor in the state miserable because it involved a lot of paperwork. But Madden insisted this kind of paperwork would save lives. Fast forward to the 90s and early 2000s, when opioids were being prescribed as painkillers at a rapid rate – and killing tens of thousands of Americans due to overdoses. The government looked to Madden's triplicate program as a way of preventing the epidemic. A handful of states started their own triplicate prescription programs, but most ignored the warning signs. The result was a devastating natural experiment. You can hear more from Revisionist History at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/rhs7?sid=warroom.

James and Al are joined by Bulwark writer, author, and anti-Trump conservative Tim Miller to delve into the departure of the Republican party from the Reagan/Bush legacy in an appeal to the grievances of its base.  They also look at the fire of political passion, the addiction of the campaign trail, and how it can drive people to go along to get along.  When your candidate goes off course, what does it take to break free? 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 where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guest: Tim Miller: Twitter | The Bulwark | SnapChat | Not My Party | Author of “Why We Did It” Please Support This Week's Sponsors: Magic Spoon: To get $5 of your next custom bundle of delicious Magic Spoon cereal go to magicspoon.com and use the promo code: WARROOM Miracle Brand: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets, go to trymiracle.com and use the promo code: WARROOM

The State of the Supreme Court with Linda Greenhouse