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 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.
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.
