Impolitic with John Heilemann

Anthony Scaramucci, a hedge fund manager and former White House Communications Director, dives into the chaos of the Trump administration. He critiques the sycophantic culture among cabinet members and discusses the recent personnel shake-up, including the surprising firing of Mike Waltz. Scaramucci offers insights on Trump's handling of his trade war and his discomfort with confrontation, revealing how these dynamics are affecting American politics. His unique blend of humor and political analysis keeps the conversation engaging and thought-provoking.

Ben Smith, the editor-in-chief of Semafor and a veteran journalist, discusses the rightward shift of Silicon Valley politics influenced by private group chats. He reveals how these clandestine forums emerged during Covid, led by figures like Marc Andreessen, and have shaped media narratives. Smith also shares insights on Trump’s political gravity and the evolving ambitions of Semafor, while elevating 'Margin Call' to iconic status in Wall Street cinema. It's a fascinating exploration of the intersection between tech, politics, and media dynamics.

In this discussion, political analyst Peter Hamby, a Puck partner, dives into the whirlwind of Donald Trump's first 100 days back in office. They unpack pivotal political events and the Democratic Party's evolving strategies, shedding light on the surprising and the predictable from this tumultuous period. Hamby highlights the disillusionment among young voters and the urgent need for meaningful engagement with this demographic. Additionally, the impact of Elon Musk's actions on Republican politics and grassroots movements are explored, painting a dynamic picture of the current political landscape.

John is joined by Susan Morrison, articles editor of The New Yorker, to discuss “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live,” her biography of SNL creator and producer Lorne Michaels. Morrison argues that no one has done more to shape modern America’s sense of humor than Michaels, an enigmatic Canadian about whom most Americans know nothing; and that while Michaels a figure of enduring obsession among comics, he remains a mystery to them as well. Morrison lays out the singular combination of qualities (tastemaker, talent-spotter, task-master, raconteur, adrenaline junkie) that makes Lorne Lorne—and reveals that, yes, in fact, he was the inspiration for Dr. Evil. 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

Explore personal finances through candid conversations as individuals share their financial journeys. Discover the emotional weight of student loan debt and how it shapes dreams of homeownership and family. Dive into the intricacies of monthly budgeting with humor and relatable anecdotes. Unpack the myths surrounding higher education and financial success, while addressing the societal pressures that complicate personal finances. Ultimately, gain insight into the emotional toll of financial responsibility and the reflections that come with tracking spending.

George Conway, an attorney known for his sharp legal commentary, and Stuart Stevens, a seasoned political strategist, tackle pressing political issues. They delve into the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case and the alarming trend of authoritarianism under the Trump administration. Highlighting Harvard's resistance to MAGA tactics, they argue that the judiciary's guardrails may be tested soon. Interestingly, they suggest that Trump’s economic misunderstandings could inadvertently safeguard American democracy. Their conversation blends urgency with a dash of humor, shedding light on today's political landscape.

Maya Wiley, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, dives into the troubling case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and its broader implications for democracy and civil liberties. She passionately discusses the Trump administration's disregard for the rule of law and due process, warning of the consequences of unchecked power. The conversation also addresses systemic injustices in immigration policy and the important role of grassroots activism in defending human rights and ensuring accountability in governance.

Steve Rattner, Chairman and CEO of Willett Advisors LLC and economic analyst for Morning Joe, shares insights on the chaotic effects of Trump’s tariffs on global markets. He critiques the flawed logic behind the protectionist agenda and its damage to U.S. reputations internationally. Rattner also discusses the unpredictability of the U.S.-China trade war, highlighting severe fiscal irresponsibility in ongoing budget discussions and warns that America's debt may finally catch up with it.

Chris Krebs, former director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, joins the discussion to unpack the alarming rollback of national cyberdefenses under Trump 2.0. He highlights the escalating threats from Chinese and Russian hackers targeting U.S. infrastructure and elections. Krebs shares the chilling repercussions of recent budget cuts to CISA and the need for smarter cybersecurity regulations. He stresses the critical importance of a robust bipartisan approach to ensure election security in light of growing cyber threats.

Marc Elias, a prominent Democratic election law specialist and founder of the Elias Law Group, joins to tackle Trump's unconventional war on the judiciary. He argues that the executive order on election integrity ironically threatens democracy instead. Elias also reveals the pressures prestigious law firms face in the current climate, and why he remains unbowed despite being targeted by Trump as a 'thug.' Furthermore, he delves into the potential risks of a looming constitutional crisis and the urgent need for legal advocates in today’s political turmoil.