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
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.
Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 14min
James Carville: Inside The War Room 2.0 & The Harris-Trump Endgame
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.
Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 8min
Susanne Craig: How Trump Became America’s Luckiest Loser
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.
Oct 9, 2024 • 1h 15min
Mark Cuban: Out Of One Shark Tank & Into Another
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.
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 16min
Lawrence O’Donnell: Trump’s Jan 6 Reckoning, Kamala’s WH Destiny, & The Senate’s Post-McConnell Future
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.
Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 10min
“Christ, Have Mercy”: Puck Superfriends Chop Up The VP Debate
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.
Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 36min
Nate Silver: Harris v. Trump Is the Closest Election I’ve Ever Seen
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.
