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
4 snips
Sep 11, 2024 • 1h 19min
Slaughterhouse 45: Puck Superfriends Assess Kamala's Decimation of The Donald
Dylan Byers and Peter Hamby, both partners at Puck, dive into the electrifying debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They highlight Harris's commanding presence, contrasting it sharply with Trump's struggle to stay composed. The discussion covers key voter issues like abortion and the shifting dynamics of gender in politics. By examining media handling and the potential impact of debate performances, they paint a vivid picture of how this showdown might shape the upcoming election.
Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 19min
Jordan Klepper: Equal Oppty B.S.-Calling & The Daily Show Renaissance
Jordan Klepper, a comedian and correspondent from The Daily Show, joins for a humorous dive into political satire. They chat about Jon Stewart's return and the challenges of live coverage during conventions. Klepper shares wild anecdotes from Trump rallies and a quirky debate about Chicago's infamous Malort and deep-dish pizza. They also explore perceptions of older candidates and the nuances of political name-calling, all while accepting the absurdity of life, likening it to Kafka's ideas.
Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 18min
Dan Pfeiffer: No Sleep Till … Thanksgiving?
Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of Pod Save America and former Obama communications strategist, dives into the shifting dynamics of the presidential race. He discusses Kamala Harris's debut interview and Donald Trump's contradictory abortion stance. Pfeiffer reflects on Barack Obama's insights at the DNC and Joe Biden's historical context. He emphasizes that no lead for Harris would ease his election night anxiety, revealing the complexities of polling and voter sentiments as the election approaches.
Aug 30, 2024 • 1h 13min
Nicholas Kristof: The DNC, Darfur Revisited, & The Pig-Dog Conundrum
Nicholas Kristof, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist, dives into the intricacies of the current presidential race, analyzing Biden's candidacy and the Democratic Convention's impact. He reflects on his memoir, discussing critical global issues, including his proudest work on Darfur and international sex trafficking. A fascinating debate arises over the ethical treatment of animals, comparing our affections for pets versus farm animals, sparking questions about morality in society. Kristof emphasizes hope amid global challenges.
Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 13min
Alex Edelman: On Comedy, Politics & The Emmys at The DNC
In this lively conversation, Alex Edelman—a young genius behind a Broadway hit and Emmy-nominated HBO special—shares his heartwarming experience at the Democratic National Convention. He humorously reflects on how lobbyists bummed him out while the delegates thrilled him. Alex discusses a joke about Joe Biden that resonated with the president, his desire to help Kamala Harris, and the challenges of getting an Emmy despite his impressive accolades. He also touches on the comedy scene’s role in politics and the struggles of millennial home ownership.
Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 21min
Sweet Home Chicago Pt. 2: Kamala In Command
Join Patrick Gaspard, CEO of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, and Jonathan Martin, senior political columnist at Politico, as they dissect the dazzling moments from the Democratic National Convention. Bill Clinton and Tim Walz shine alongside Oprah Winfrey, while Kamala Harris captivates with her impactful speech. The conversation touches on the emotional weight of political nominations, the power of personal narratives, and the strategic implications for the upcoming election, all served with a side of humor and camaraderie.
Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 22min
Sweet Home Chicago Pt. 1: Obamalamentum & Biden’s Bon Voyage
James Bennet, Lexington columnist for The Economist and former editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, joins the conversation on the Democratic National Convention. They delve into Hillary Clinton's powerful speech about female representation and Joe Biden's heartfelt farewell. The electric oratory of the Obamas is examined, showcasing their narrative style versus the current Republican landscape. Bennet highlights the evolving dynamics in the Democratic Party, including support shifts and personal stories from Doug Emhoff, all while reflecting on the significance of vulnerability in political discourse.
Aug 16, 2024 • 1h 19min
Doug Sosnik: How Kamala Is Reframing the Race & Redrawing the Map
Doug Sosnik, a veteran Democratic strategist and former political director for Bill Clinton, joins the conversation. He shares how Kamala Harris is redefining her public image and framing the election as a future-focused narrative. Sosnik discusses Biden's eroding support and how the race dynamics have shifted dramatically. The challenges Trump faces against Harris, a female and minority candidate, highlight strategic campaigning in today’s political climate. With humor and insight, they explore the evolving electoral landscape as the Democratic convention approaches.
Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 11min
Ezra Klein: Trump’s Broken Brain, Pelosi’s Bluff-Calling & Harris’s Ideological Rebirth
Ezra Klein, a pioneering blogger and founder of Vox, dives into the ever-shifting dynamics of American politics. He discusses Donald Trump's erratic behavior and its implications, alongside Nancy Pelosi’s strategic political acumen. As Klein analyzes Kamala Harris's evolving identity, he reflects on how the Democratic Party responded to Biden's candidacy woes. Humorously, he also reveals he has two tattoos, intertwining his personal narrative with the pressing political themes of our time.
Aug 9, 2024 • 1h 23min
Cari Champion & Pablo Torre On The Snoop Dogg Summer Olympics
Cari Champion, a former ESPN host now at Amazon Prime Video, and Pablo Torre, a hit podcast host, dive into the cultural phenomena surrounding the Olympics. They discuss Snoop Dogg's surprising impact on the event, blending humor with insightful commentary. The duo reflects on athletes like Simone Biles and the changing dynamics of gender in sports, while also addressing the rise of women's sports. With a nod to the upcoming Paris Games, they emphasize the evolving landscape of sports media and the integration of pop culture.
