Impolitic with John Heilemann
Audacy | Puck
Join Puck’s chief political columnist, MSNBC/NBC News national affairs analyst, and best-selling author John Heilemann as he roams the corridors of power and influence in America on this twice-weekly interview show, taking you behind the scenes and beyond the headlines with the people who shape and shift our culture: icons and up-and-comers, incumbents and insurgents, moguls and machers in the overlapping worlds of politics, entertainment, tech, business, sports, media, and beyond. The conversations are rich and revealing, unrehearsed and unexpected … and reliably impolitic. A Puck-Audacy joint, new episodes drop every Wednesday and Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 18min
Charlamagne tha God: Problematic Polling, Media Malpractice, & Trump Impunity
Charlamagne tha God, renowned radio host and media mogul, dives into the dynamics of politics and media leading up to the 2024 election. He passionately discusses his support for Kamala Harris and critiques Trump's manipulation of media narratives, especially during his clash with Anderson Cooper. Charlamagne also shares his views on the younger Democratic leaders he respects and calls out the ethics of misleading political advertising. With a touch of humor, he even comments on Tucker Carlson's bizarre demon encounter, adding a unique twist to the serious discourse.
5 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 24min
Costa & JMart: Road to the White House or Highway to Hell?
Robert Costa, CBS News' chief election correspondent, and Jonathan Martin, senior political columnist at Politico, offer insider insights into the intense dynamics of the presidential race. They dissect Kamala Harris's rallying cry and its implications for her campaign, while also critiquing Joe Biden's verbal missteps and their potential fallout. The conversation touches on Trump’s confidence and evolving strategies in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, all wrapped in a blend of serious analysis and lighthearted banter.
Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 9min
The Bulwark Fab Four: Garbage Jokes, Racist Tropes, & The Garden Party From Hell
George Conway, an outspoken attorney, joins Bill Kristol, a conservative commentator, Sarah Longwell, a strategist known for her focus groups, and Tim Miller, a political strategist, to dive into the current presidential race. They examine the closing arguments from Trump and Harris, the impact of Michelle Obama’s return, and the fallout from the outrageous rhetoric at Trump’s rally. Interspersed with humor, they tackle the dynamics of undecided voters and the challenges faced by female candidates in a tumultuous political climate.
Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 15min
Jason Bateman: Why SmartLess Soared & The Trump Show Jumped the Shark
Join Jason Bateman, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor known for his roles in "Arrested Development" and "Ozark," as he discusses the phenomenal success of his podcast, SmartLess, recently valued at $100 million. Discover why high-profile Democrats are drawn to its engaging format. Bateman shares thoughts on Trump's headline-grabbing antics, asserting they've "jumped the shark." Plus, hear about the humorous journey of his hairstyle in the upcoming series "Black Rabbit" that sparked a meme frenzy. A blend of laughs and insights awaits!
Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 9min
Anne Applebaum & Timothy Snyder: Love Letters to Adolph
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer for The Atlantic, and Timothy Snyder, a Yale history professor, delve into the alarming rise of authoritarianism in America. They assert that Donald Trump's rhetoric closely mirrors that of historic dictators like Hitler and Mussolini, highlighting the normalization of extreme political views. The conversation examines the historical connections between race and authoritarianism, and poses stark warnings about future implications for democracy if Trump is reelected. Engaging and thought-provoking, their insights spark critical reflection on the current political landscape.
Oct 24, 2024 • 11min
Presenting Gone South
Dive into gripping tales of crime in the South, where an investigator's high-stakes stakeout reveals dark secrets about a meth lab. The storytelling uniquely blends perspectives from criminals and law enforcement. Discover the evolution of meth production methods and the unlikely suspect whose lavish lifestyle raises eyebrows. Each story uncovers the complex narratives surrounding criminal behavior, making for a chilling yet captivating listen.
Oct 23, 2024 • 42min
Wes Moore: Trump Is No Friend Of The Military & Harris Isn't Biden
Wes Moore, the Governor of Maryland and a 16-year U.S. Army veteran, dives into the complexities of the presidential race. He discusses the challenges Kamala Harris faces being promoted in a pivotal role and critiques her recent statements about not diverging from Biden's approach. Moore finds Trump's attitudes towards the military alarming, arguing senior military figures should openly address his fitness for office. The conversation is both insightful and urgent, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of current political leadership.
Oct 21, 2024 • 44min
David Plouffe: “I’d (Still) Rather Be Us Than Them”
David Plouffe, the mastermind behind Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns and a strategist for Kamala Harris in 2024, shares his insights on the upcoming presidential race. He believes Harris has greater appeal among undecided voters compared to Trump and critiques the reliability of public polling. Plouffe discusses early voting data that fuels his optimism and notes unusual signs of Trump’s campaign fatigue. Despite his confidence, he cautions that the results may be painfully close, urging Democrats to brace for a nail-biter.
Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 7min
Debbie Dingell: Panic In Detroit, Dancing In Lansing, Stranded In Kalamazoo
In this engaging conversation, Debbie Dingell, a prominent Michigan congresswoman known for her deep ties to the automotive industry, shares insights on the precarious political landscape in her state. She discusses Kamala Harris's struggle to connect with blue-collar voters and the need for authenticity in her messaging. They delve into how economic anxieties and the electric vehicle industry's future are shaping electoral dynamics. Dingell also reflects on the impact of misinformation and the challenge of reviving Michigan's communities in these turbulent times.
Oct 16, 2024 • 1h 16min
Peter Baker & Susan Glasser: Where’s The Outrage?
Peter Baker is the Chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, renowned for his insights into presidential politics, while Susan Glasser is a staff writer at The New Yorker, known for her sharp analyses of American political affairs. They discuss the shifting dynamics in the upcoming election, Kamala Harris’s tougher stance on Trump, and the unsettling loyalty Trump commands among Republicans. The duo reflects on the threats to democracy and the implications of Trump's rhetoric, along with the current climate of fear and uncertainty within the Democratic Party.
