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 politics plays out on the ground, building legislative coalitions, and keeping the country going in the face of extreme partisanship.

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!

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Get More From OMB Director Shalanda Young:
Twitter | WhiteHouse.gov | Council On Foundations

Director Shalanda Young Bio:
She made history when she was confirmed with a bipartisan vote in the United States Senate, becoming the first Black woman to lead the agency. As Director, she has secured historic levels of funding for key national priorities—from vital assistance to Ukraine, to disaster relief for communities impacted by natural disasters, to critical investments in child care, education, public health, and climate. She was a top negotiator in the spring of 2023 averting a catastrophic debt default.

A native of Southern Louisiana, Young moved to D.C. nearly two decades ago to serve as a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Institute of Health. She then spent 14 years on Capitol Hill, where she ultimately served as Staff Director for the House Appropriations Committee. She holds a Master’s Degree from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Loyola University New Orleans. She lives with her family – including her young daughter, Charlie – in Washington, DC.

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