Impolitic with John Heilemann

James Talarico, a Democratic Texas state representative, former sixth-grade teacher, and pastor, dives into the fiery political landscape of Texas. He highlights a controversial redistricting map favoring Republicans, his role in a bold walkout to oppose it, and its ripple effect prompting other states to respond. Talarico also shares insights from his memorable appearance on Joe Rogan's show and advocates for a more aggressive Democratic strategy. He emphasizes the moral imperative to 'flip tables' to protect democracy from rising extremism.

Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia and senior fellow at Stanford, shares his insights on the recent whirlwind of diplomatic events relating to Ukraine. He examines the stark contrast between Trump's opulent meeting with Putin and Zelensky's important visit to the White House with European leaders. McFaul emphasizes the unchanged war aims of Putin and the dire situation Zelensky faces if negotiations fail. He also discusses the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, the credibility of ceasefire talks, and the enduring geopolitical dynamics at play.

Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of Pod Save America and former top advisor to President Obama, shares insights into the upcoming political landscape as key figures vie for the Democratic Party's future. He dives into Gavin Newsom’s bold redistricting strategy and J.B. Pritzker’s challenge to connect with voters as a billionaire. The conversation also highlights the rising stars in politics like Zohran Mamdani and James Talarico, while tackling the urgent question of how Democrats can effectively combat Trump's resurgence.

Christine Brennan, a renowned USA Today sports columnist and commentator, dives into Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise in women's basketball. She discusses the WNBA's missed opportunities in capitalizing on her popularity and the racial tensions stirred by her prominent role in a predominantly Black league. Clarke’s impact extends beyond the court, reflecting broader cultural shifts and revealing the ongoing struggles for gender equality in sports. Brennan urges the league to embrace this new era and support female athletes like Clark in navigating their complex journeys.

Democratic congressman Robert Garcia, a former mayor of Long Beach, dives into the urgent need for his party to abandon "respectability politics" against Trump's looming influence. He highlights the Texas redistricting fight as pivotal to securing elections and laments the rise of authoritarianism. The conversation also probes the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal, emphasizing accountability and transparency. Plus, Garcia shares his admiration for Superman, reflecting on the character's significance for LGBTQ+ representation and critiquing portrayals in Hollywood.

John welcomes Atlantic staff writer Anne Applebaum back to the show to discuss her new cover story in The Atlantic on the devastating civil war in Sudan. Applebaum—whose 2004 tome “Gulag: A History” won the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction and whose most recent book, “Autocracy, Inc.” comes out in paperback this month—explains how anarchy, greed, and nihilism have replaced the liberal world order in Sudan; the role that Donald Trump and Elon Musk played in the country’s downward spiral; and why the same forces are coming for the countries of the rich world next. She also lays out the evidence that Trump is bent on turning the U.S. into a bigger, badder, more authoritarian version of Viktor Orban’s Hungary. 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

Adam Pritzker and Daniel Squadron, co-founders of the States Project and the States Forum, aim to revitalize the Democratic Party through state-level engagement. They discuss their strategy of focusing on state legislatures rather than Washington, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts and local victories. The duo highlights the need for Democrats to rebrand and clarify their values, exploring how governors might lead the party into the 2028 election. They advocate for stronger communication and a hopeful narrative to reconnect with voters.

David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker and an expert on Israel, joins former British politician David Miliband, now leading the International Rescue Committee. They tackle the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, questioning Israel's military strategy and the moral implications faced by Israelis amid the conflict. Remnick discusses the prevailing national sentiment in Israel, while Miliband highlights the grave food emergency caused by a perceived starvation strategy. Together, they explore the urgent need for compassion and dialogue in this complex situation.

Bob Shrum, a legendary Democratic strategist and professor at USC, joins the discussion to explore critical political dynamics. He delves into Donald Trump’s entanglements with the Epstein scandal, presenting unique opportunities for Democratic narratives. Shrum emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with working-class voters and crafting effective messaging to revitalize the party. He also analyzes the rising political ambitions of figures like Gavin Newsom and James Talarico, highlighting the need for authenticity and faith in leadership to engage younger constituents.

Maggie Haberman, New York Times White House Correspondent and author of "Confidence Man," dives into the political fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and its lasting impact on Donald Trump's reputation. She discusses the cultural implications of Trump's connection to Epstein and recent media scrutiny. The conversation further explores political tactics to divert attention from pressing issues. Haberman also shares insights on media dynamics and the evolving landscape of political resistance, punctuated by commentary on figures like Stephen Colbert and Bruce Springsteen.