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
Aug 7, 2024 • 1h 24min
Nicolle Wallace: To the Window, To the Walz
Nicolle Wallace is a former aide to George W. Bush and John McCain, now a bestselling author and MSNBC anchor. She discusses Kamala Harris's surprising choice of Tim Walz as her running mate and the implications for the upcoming election. Nicolle shares insights on the secrets of veepstakes and reflects on the challenges of covering Joe Biden's campaign fallout. Their conversation weaves humor and personal anecdotes, highlighting the balancing act of politics and personal life while emphasizing the importance of authenticity in political narratives.
Aug 2, 2024 • 1h 10min
Michael Bennet & Errin Haines: Trump’s Losing Bet on Birtherism 2.0
Michael Bennet, Colorado’s senior U.S. Senator, and Errin Haines, an editor-at-large of The 19th, break down Donald Trump’s recent appearance at a major event in Chicago. They delve into the implications of Trump's rhetoric on race, especially regarding his treatment of the African-American community. The conversation also touches on Kamala Harris's inspiring political journey amidst the chaos and challenges of navigating identity politics. They emphasize the need for systemic change to combat economic inequality and discuss the resilience of Black women in leadership.
Aug 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
Conway & Longwell Pt. 2: Donald’s Psyche, J.D.’s Weirdness, and Kamala’s No-Huddle Veepstakes
George Conway, founder of the Anti-Psychopath PAC and ex-husband of Kellyanne, joins Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and focus group expert, to dissect the current political landscape. They discuss Kamala Harris’s rise in the Democratic race and the bizarre atmosphere surrounding Donald Trump. The conversation critically analyzes J.D. Vance's political maneuvers and the perception of swing voters. They also ponder the ideal VP pick for Harris, while humorously contemplating the allure of escaping to non-extradition countries.
Jul 31, 2024 • 1h 4min
Conway & Longwell Pt. 1: Harris Stays Hot & Trump Melts Down
George Conway, founder of the Anti-Psychopath PAC and ex-husband of Kellyanne, and Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, dive into the tumultuous currents of the presidential race. They analyze Kamala Harris's rapid rise and surprising popularity, dubbed 'Momalamania,' leaving Trump and his team fumbling. The conversation highlights the fallout from Trump’s recent controversies and the implications for his campaign strategies, while exploring potential VP picks for Harris and the deeper ramifications of voter sentiments, especially among women.
Jul 26, 2024 • 1h 24min
Maya Wiley & Tim Ryan on Kamala’s Craze & Trump’s Mania
Maya Wiley and Tim Ryan discuss Kamala Harris's rise, Trump's reaction, and Biden's leadership. They share optimism about Harris's potential against Trump. They explore the intersectionality of race and gender in politics and analyze campaign strategies. The conversation also delves into leadership qualities, the emotional aspects of campaigns, and the importance of diversity initiatives.
Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 9min
Beschloss & Costa: Biden's Fall, Kamala's Rise & A Whole New Race
Historians Michael Beschloss and Robert Costa join John to discuss Biden's exit, Kamala's rise, and the reshaped presidential race. They explore internal and external forces behind Biden's decision, the impact on Trump, and potential showdowns with Harris. The podcast delves into historical contexts, power dynamics, and potential challenges for Harris in her political strategy.
Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 46min
Meet The New Trump, Same As The Old Trump—Except On Benzos
Former Republican strategists discuss Trump's attempt to rebrand himself post failed assassination, ongoing crisis in the Democratic Party over Biden's reelection bid, and contrasting conventions. They analyze Trump's behavior, political events impact, and the mounting pressure on a political figure to withdraw from the race.
Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 12min
Tim Miller & Stuart Stevens: Trump Can’t Change & Vance Won’t Fly
Former G.O.P. operatives Tim Miller & Stuart Stevens discuss Trump's subdued entrance at the RNC, his choice of J.D. Vance as running mate, and the possibility of him becoming a unifying figure. They share divergent views on Democrats and Biden, making for a compelling political analysis.
Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 2min
James Carville’s Case For Reshuffling The Democratic Deck
James Carville, a prominent political strategist, discusses the potential for Joe Biden to drop out, the need for Democrats to present a younger candidate, and the idea of a multi-candidate bake-off. They touch on concerns about Biden's age, potential successors like Kamala Harris, and the importance of energizing young voters.
Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 8min
Labour’s Landslide, Macron’s Muddle, & Europe’s Biden Bedwetting
Jonathan Freedland, Guardian columnist, discusses Labour's U.K. landslide, Macron's election muddle, and Europe's reaction to Biden's debate. They analyze tactical voting in France, rise of right-wing parties, and Biden's impact on global affairs. Also, touch on Israel-Gaza conflict and anti-Semitism.
