Impolitic with John Heilemann

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.