Impolitic with John Heilemann

Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, dives into the ongoing clash between autocrats and democrats, focusing on the U.S., Russia, and China. He critiques Trump's diplomacy, revealing missed opportunities with Putin and the implications for Ukraine. McFaul discusses the importance of U.S. engagement, contrasting it with isolationism and emphasizing the internal ideological struggle within nations. Historical parallels to past crises are drawn, urging resilience for democracy amid challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and author of "Autocrats vs. Democrats," explores the chaotic nature of Trump’s foreign policy. He critiques the haphazard decision-making processes and how Trump's focus on Venezuelan oil overshadows democratic ideals. McFaul describes the risks of 'gangster diplomacy,' warns against annexing places like Greenland, and highlights potential fallout for NATO and global norms. His insights raise alarms about the dangers of fact-free rhetoric in leadership and the implications for U.S. legitimacy.

Join Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor and key figure at the Justice Department, as he reflects on the precarious state of the rule of law in light of Trump's influence. They dissect the implications of the DOJ's handling of Epstein documents and the troubling partisan dynamics affecting legal institutions. Weissmann addresses lack of accountability in high-profile cases, the risks of lawless deportations, and the surprising resilience seen in some judges. It's a candid exploration of hope amid challenges in the legal landscape.

In a riveting discussion, Ezra Klein, the influential New York Times columnist and host of the Ezra Klein Show, dives deep into the 2025 political landscape. He analyzes Trump's evolving strategies and the Democratic Party's tactical wins amidst challenges. Ezra highlights the role of attention in politics, exploring how modern candidates must earn it through risk-taking and authentic messaging. He also reflects on the impact of tariffs, the significance of dialogue about art and politics, and the potential future based on party actions.

Joining the conversation are Jon Favreau and Jon Lovett, both former Obama speechwriters and co-hosts of Pod Save America. They dive into Trump’s tumultuous second term, analyzing his early momentum and the factors behind his decline. The duo critiques the Democratic Party's messaging and discusses pivotal moments revealing Trump's character flaws. They weigh potential 2028 Republican candidates and lament the Democrats' need for a unifying vision while sharing cultural picks that got them through the year.

John welcomes celebrated photojournalist Christopher Anderson to discuss the controversy over his portraits of Donald Trump’s inner circle in Vanity Fair. Anderson explains his trepidation over taking the assignment and his approach to it once he did; why the outrage over his pictures in some quarters is a result of a growing confusion between political figures and celebrities, the proliferation of photo filters and A.I. image distortion on social media, and a lack of comprehension that photojournalism is, in fact, journalism; and why no one should be shocked that he didn’t conceal signs of Karoline Leavitt's cosmetic enhancements or shoot Stephen Miller as if he were Brad Pitt (beyond the obvious, that is). See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jordan Klepper, a comedian and correspondent for The Daily Show, joins to reflect on the lives of Rob and Michele Reiner, sharing heartfelt stories from their collaboration. He discusses his daring fieldwork, including a naked anti-ICE protest that led to pepper spray confrontations. Klepper also tackles the evolving challenges of late-night comedy amidst corporate pressures and political turbulence. His insights on finding humor in dark times and the future of comedy provide a thought-provoking take on the current landscape.

John welcomes lapsed Republican strategist and Lincoln Project cofounder Rick Wilson back to the show to discuss the mounting signs that, less than one full year into his second term in office, Donald Trump has reached his sell-by date – and the implications of Trump's political decline for the MAGA-fied Republican Party. See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Retired four-star U.S. Army General Barry McCaffrey discusses the escalating conflict between America and Venezuela. He critiques Trump’s regime change rhetoric, suggesting the real motive is seizing Venezuelan oil reserves. McCaffrey warns against potential military interventions, labeling ground wars as disastrous. He also critiques the administration's framing of drug cartels and the implications of labeling groups as terrorists, emphasizing the long-term damage to U.S. alliances and the need for a more coherent national security strategy.

Steven Lepper, a retired U.S. Air Force Major General and former Deputy Judge Advocate General, discusses the troubling legal landscape surrounding the Trump administration’s Venezuelan boat strikes. He argues these strikes lack legal justification, suggesting that they verge on murder rather than being classified as war crimes. Lepper also highlights the dangers of firing top JAGs, emphasizing how their presence is vital for lawful military operations. He calls for congressional investigations to restore legal integrity and accountability in military actions.