Impolitic with John Heilemann

Join legendary campaign guru James Carville, director Matt Tyrnauer, and Republican strategist Mary Matalin as they dissect the new documentary about Carville's life. They delve into the evolution of political campaigning, how personal stories influence engagement, and the dynamic between Harris and Trump as the election nears. Carville shares insights on his controversial push for Biden's replacement and the unique tensions of a marriage shaped by political rivalry. Tune in for a captivating mix of politics, documentary storytelling, and marital dynamics.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Susanne Craig joins to unravel the truth behind Donald Trump's financial façade. With nine years of digging into Trump's fortunes, she reveals the staggering $1 billion in losses reported to the IRS and challenges the self-made millionaire myth stemming from substantial inherited wealth. Craig also reflects on the media's pivotal role in crafting Trump's reality-TV persona and discusses how his approach to business mirrored his political strategies, where style often eclipsed substance.

Mark Cuban, billionaire entrepreneur and ex-owner of the Dallas Mavericks, shares his insights on support for Kamala Harris, likening her to a start-up CEO in 'founder mode.' He critiques Trump's economic policies as 'gibberish' and labels his tariff strategy as 'lunacy.' Cuban distinguishes between two versions of Elon Musk: the brilliant entrepreneur and the controversial troll. He emphasizes the importance of voter engagement and the need for equitable taxation to bolster small businesses, making a case for more ethical political and business practices.

Lawrence O’Donnell, host of MSNBC’s The Last Word, joins to dissect shocking new evidence showcasing Donald Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection. He underscores the political ramifications of this evidence and how it relates to Mike Pence’s actions. O'Donnell also paints a promising picture for Kamala Harris's future while casting doubt on the U.S. Senate post-McConnell. The conversation delves into electoral stakes, shifting Republican dynamics, and the growing scrutiny of presidential accountability, providing a comprehensive view of today’s political climate.

Delve into a lively analysis of the recent VP debate, where commentators dissect candidates' performance, tactics, and audience reactions. Explore the strategic dynamics between Vance and Walz, highlighting key moments that could shape future elections. The discussion reveals how vice presidential debates influence voter behavior, reflecting on memorable past moments and the waning excitement of live audiences. With humor and critical insights, the conversation captures the political tensions leading up to the elections.

Nate Silver, the world’s most celebrated data nerd and polling expert, dives into the razor-thin margins of the 2024 election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. He discusses the evolving polling landscape and challenges faced by Harris, especially in key swing states like Pennsylvania. Silver shares insights from his bestselling book, touches on the parallels between poker strategies and election forecasting, and emphasizes the importance of public engagement in democracy amidst rising political tensions.

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a prominent journalist from CNBC and The New York Times, dives into the current state of the American economy. He discusses Jerome Powell's surprising success in interest rate management and the contrasting tax strategies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Sorkin notes the irony of business leaders backing Trump despite concerns over democracy. He also speculates on Jamie Dimon's potential role as treasury secretary under Harris. Their conversation highlights the complexities of economic policy as Election Day approaches.

John is joined by former South Bend, Indiana, mayor and once and future presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg to discuss the state of the presidential race with 45 days to go before November 5: why Kamala Harris is playing a stronger homestretch hand than Donald Trump; what Trump and J.D. Vance’s incendiary lies about the Haitian immigrants of Springfield, Ohio, have in common with Joseph McCarthy’s Red Scare; and how Harris-Walz can seal the deal in the Blue Wall states of PA, MI, and WI. Mayor Pete also explains why he’s a Slow Horses junkie, his husband Chasten is merely Slow Horses curious, and whether the chronic flatulence of Gary Oldman’s character Jackson Lamb is a feature or a bug.  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

John is joined by Doug Emhoff for a wide-ranging discussion of his role as Second Gentleman of the United States and Mr. Kamala Harris. The two Gen Xers talk through Emhoff’s shot-out-of-a-cannon introduction to the American electorate; his current role on the hustings stumping for his wife’s presidential campaign and his prospective one as the nation’s first-ever First Gent; his otherworldly capacity to maintain composure when Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and the likes of Laura Loomer cough up Kamala-directed calumnies; how the feminism of Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder shaped his attitudes towards women; and whether Tim Walz is really the superannuated indie rock boy that he’s cracked up to be. 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

Dan Harris, a former ABC News anchor turned meditation guru, shares his journey from broadcast journalist to mental health advocate. He discusses the anxiety stemming from the 2024 election and offers mindfulness techniques to stay grounded. Harris emphasizes the value of failure as a catalyst for growth and reveals the need for community support during stressful times. He reflects on his personal transformation following a panic attack and introduces exciting updates to his meditation platform, aiming to foster connection and support among practitioners.