Impolitic with John Heilemann

John is joined by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss this year’s election, next year’s Congress, and the agita about his party’s future. Jeffries argues that although the Democratic performance on November 5 was undeniably “disappointing,” it was hardly catastrophic; that of all of Donald Trump’s disconcerting appointments, RFK, Jr. as secretary of Health and Human Services may be the most dangerous; and that while he disagrees with Mike Johnson about much, he sees the speaker as a “good man” whom he can do business with (neither of which he could say so readily about Kevin McCarthy). Jeffries also describes how his new children’s book, The ABCs of Democracy, was influenced by Schoolhouse Rock, and offers his (solid) list of the all-time top five rap MCs and (unassailable) opinion that The Wire is the greatest TV show ever made. 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

Pete Wehner, a senior fellow at the Trinity Forum and former advisor in three Republican administrations, digs into the complexities of Donald Trump’s influence on the GOP. He critiques Trump's appeal to evangelical voters and why many overlook his moral failings. They discuss the hollow redemption narratives like that of Pete Hegseth. The conversation takes a hopeful turn as Wehner reflects on the emotional impact of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' duet at the Grammys, suggesting music can bridge divides in these polarized times.

Tina Brown, a legendary magazine editor known for her impactful work at Tatler, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker, joins to dissect the tumultuous state of American politics. She critiques Trump’s reality show-style governance and Biden's family-driven legacy, including the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden. The conversation touches on the decline of traditional media and her shift to Substack, as well as the emotional undertones of a new Martha Stewart documentary. It's a vibrant discussion that merges politics with media evolution and personal narrative.

Frank Figliuzzi, former FBI assistant director for counterintelligence, and Andrew Weissmann, ex-FBI general counsel under Mueller, dive into the implications of Kash Patel's potential appointment as FBI director. They dissect Patel’s controversial background and ideas to reshape the Bureau, raising alarms about politicization. The duo also critiques Pam Bondi as Trump’s AG pick, Biden's stance on Hunter’s legal issues, and the dangers of violent political rhetoric impacting justice. Their insights paint a vivid picture of a fraught political landscape.

Griffin Dunne, an accomplished actor, director, and author of 'The Friday Afternoon Club,' shares intimate stories about his literary family. He reflects on the tragic loss of his sister Dominique, whose life was cut short by violence, and discusses his father's role in chronicling celebrity true-crime. Dunne also celebrates his own acting highs, from 'After Hours' to a memorable cameo in 'Succession.' The conversation delves into personal loss, media's impact on justice, and the enduring legacy of his aunt, the iconic Joan Didion.

David Remnick, the Pulitzer Prize-winning editor of The New Yorker, joins the conversation to reflect on a turbulent political climate. He shares alarming insights on Trump's potential second term and its implications for identity politics. Remnick discusses the ongoing crisis in Israel and the Middle East, expressing little hope for resolution. The upcoming Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet evokes his dread, revealing mixed feelings about the intersection of art and culture amidst societal chaos.

Julian Castro, the former mayor of San Antonio and presidential candidate, teams up with Paola Ramos, an award-winning journalist and author, to dissect Donald Trump's surprising gains among Latino voters. They explore how issues beyond economics, like culture and immigration, have influenced this shift. The duo argues that the Democratic Party must wake up to the reality of changing Latino political dynamics and engage more effectively. Their insights highlight the complexities of identity and the need for authentic connection within the community.

Tom Nichols, a professor emeritus of national security at the U.S. Naval War College and a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's foreign policy nominations. He highlights the dangerous choice of Pete Hegseth for the Defense Department. The conversation explores global hotspots like Ukraine and the Middle East, questioning how adversaries like Putin and Xi might respond to a potential Trump return. Nichols underscores the critical importance of qualified leadership amidst rising geopolitical tensions and the stakes for U.S. national security.

John is joined by America’s best-known presidential historians, Michael Beschloss and Jon Meacham, to discuss the first two weeks of the transition to Donald Trump’s second term. Beschloss and Meacham assess the most head-spinning of Trump’s initial appointments and their prospects for confirmation; why the sense of shock these picks have elicited, even among Republicans, is ludicrous on its face; the role of Steve Bannon as the intellectual architect of Trump’s radical governing agenda and its central goal of what Bannon calls the “deconstruction of the administrative state;” and why it’s safe to assume that what we’re seeing now is what the next four years will look like. 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

Seth Moulton, a Congressman from Massachusetts, and Ritchie Torres, representing the Bronx, discuss the Democratic Party's electoral struggles and lessons for the future. They agree that the party needs to prioritize listening over preaching, and move away from pandering to the left, particularly on cultural issues. Both emphasize the importance of pragmatic policies to reconnect with working-class voters, especially in communities of color, where Trump has gained unexpected support. Their insights highlight a much-needed shift towards accountability and open dialogue within the party.