Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt

Frank Wisner, a former U.S. Ambassador and expert in diplomacy, joins the discussion to tackle pressing foreign policy issues. He sheds light on the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the strategic needs of Europe. Wisner also delves into the challenges posed by Iran's leadership shifts and analyzes the vital role of U.S.-India relations in countering China. With insights from historical contexts, he underscores the importance of strategic alliances in navigating today's geopolitical landscape.

Michael Tomasky, a prominent journalist and editor of The New Republic, dives into the profound impact of right-wing media dominance on public discourse. He highlights the alarming spread of misinformation and its prioritization over factual reporting. The discussion touches on the need to create new media outlets in the heartland to engage diverse audiences and counter conservative narratives. Tomasky also examines the potential dangers of identity politics and the responsibilities of different groups within the current political landscape, showcasing the urgent need for journalistic integrity.

The team analyzes the Democrats' disappointing election performance and Biden's reluctance to step down gracefully. They unpack the declining support from key demographics and raise alarms about threats to abortion rights. Plans for a midterm convention to unify the party and strategize for the future are discussed. Moreover, they explore media challenges and the overwhelming influence of Trump on politics. Crucial insights into polling discrepancies and the critical need for effective voter communication are also highlighted.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, a renowned historian and biographer of U.S. presidents, joins James and Al for a dynamic discussion just before a pivotal election. They explore the significance of polling data and the qualities of effective leadership, drawing parallels to figures like Lincoln and Roosevelt. Goodwin emphasizes the importance of character and voting rights, urging young people to engage politically. The conversation also touches on the evolution of the Republican Party, the impact of Trump's rhetoric, and the vital role of women in shaping the forthcoming election.

Jim Gerstein, a seasoned pollster at GBAO Strategies, and Dr. Whit Ayres, a Republican pollster known for his insightful election analysis, join the discussion. They dive deep into the polling dynamics leading up to the election, revealing what undecided voters are really thinking. Key issues like abortion rights and ticket splitting emerge as crucial factors in this polarized landscape. They also evaluate Colin Allred’s chances against Ted Cruz in Texas, shedding light on voting trends and the impact of campaign strategies.

Michael Tackett, Deputy Bureau Chief of the Associated Press and author of 'The Price of Power,' and Melissa Burke, Washington Bureau Chief of the Detroit News, join to discuss key political dynamics. Tackett delves into Mitch McConnell's rise and the evolving Republican Party, while Burke focuses on Michigan's competitive election landscape. They emphasize the significance of the Arab-American and student votes in shaping these outcomes. The conversation reveals the intricacies of voter mobilization and the parties' strategies to engage diverse communities.

Dr. Michael Bitzer, a political expert from Catawba College, discusses the impact of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina's elections, emphasizing voter turnout strategies amidst adversity. Meanwhile, Max Boot, a historian and columnist, critiques how Republicans have strayed from Reaganism to embrace extremism under Trump, who poses a serious threat to democratic principles. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of recognizing and addressing these alarming shifts in American politics.

Jon Ralston, Editor and CEO of The Nevada Independent, dives deep into Nevada's political scene. He discusses the pivotal influence of the Hispanic vote and its gender dynamics. Ralston highlights the role of the Culinary Union in shaping election outcomes and the implications of immigration issues. He evaluates the tax-free tip proposal and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the Democratic ground game, alongside the lasting impact of Harry Reid’s political legacy. Tune in for a rich exploration of the state's electoral landscape!

Politics War Room ON TOUR  - live show in Boston on 11/2 at politicon.com/tour  Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al react to the VP debate, call on Kamala’s campaign to go on the offensive, and welcome Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler. They strategize about how to win his state, defend the Blue Wall of northern battleground states, and expose the disastrous impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs on workers and inflation.  Then, they’re joined by tennis legend Martina Navratilova to discuss her activism on behalf of women in sports, the desire to win, her experience defecting to the US from the Soviet Bloc, and the European perspective on the Ukraine War. 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 tickets for the Politics War Room live shows in Boston on 11/2 at politicon.com/tour  Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial CARVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID, comes out 10/5 @ 7 PM EST on CNN. Get updates and some great behind-the-scenes content.  Follow James on Twitter @jamescarville and his new TikTok @realjamescarville James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guests:  Ben Wikler: Twitter | Wisconsin Democratic Party | Website | Wisconsin Donations | MoveOn Martina Navratilova: Twitter | Website | International Tennis Hall of Fame | TopCourt.com Please Support Our Sponsors: Glean: Find answers, generate content, and automate work by connecting and understanding all your company data on Glean’s Work A.I. platform when you go to glean.com/politics 3 Day Blinds: For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/warroom Beam: Sleep better with Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder and get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/warroom and use code: WARROOM

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a rising star in American politics, joins seasoned political columnist Dana Milbank to dive into the critical role Pennsylvania will play in the 2024 elections. They explore strategic messaging and the importance of grassroots campaigns. Milbank sheds light on the chaos within Republican leadership and the absurdities present in today's politics. The discussion touches on the impact of demographic shifts and the challenges of misinformation, highlighting the need for responsible journalism in a polarized era.