Impolitic with John Heilemann

Jennifer Palmieri, a seasoned Democratic communications strategist who has worked with high-profile political figures like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, joins the discussion. They delve into the implications of Trump 2.0 and reflect on the recent Democratic loss, comparing it to 2016. Palmieri highlights notable Democratic performers for 2028 and draws intriguing parallels between AOC and MTG. They discuss the backlash against #MeToo, debunking myths about its decline, and explore how women in politics are reshaping dynamics in a post-Trump era.

Michael Beschloss and Jon Meacham, two renowned presidential historians, dive into the cultural and political chaos of the Trump era. They discuss the chilling implications of Trump’s pardons linked to the January 6 insurrection and compare it to Biden's last-minute family pardons. The duo also explores the intriguing promise of declassifying assassination files of iconic figures like JFK, revealing which documents excite their historical curiosity. Their engaging banter offers both analysis and a dose of humor amid today's political turmoil.

Joe Scarborough, co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, brings his sharp political insights to the table. He dives into the contradictions in Trump’s two inaugural speeches—one scripted and hopeful, the other filled with grievances. Scarborough discusses Trump’s struggle between seeking establishment approval and energizing his base, the lingering effects of January 6, and Biden’s pardons. He also delights listeners with commentary on 'Severance', Liverpool's Premier League hopes, and Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan.

Mike Schmidt, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The New York Times, dives deep into the machinations of Donald Trump's past and future political actions. He explores Trump's tactics to weaponize government entities against critics and scrutinizes key figures like Trump's AG nominee, Pam Bondi. Schmidt also shares insights on his upcoming Netflix series 'Zero Day,' featuring Robert De Niro, which touches on a global cyberattack. The conversation highlights the intricate connections between journalism, politics, and storytelling.

Scott Galloway, a professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and bestselling author, joins to discuss America's grim path toward oligarchy and kleptocracy. He argues that the dangers posed by Mark Zuckerberg's rollback on content moderation far exceed those of Elon Musk's changes to X. Galloway shares insights on the responsibilities of tech moguls in a society plagued by income inequality and misinformation. Plus, they musingly relate the joys of Great Dane parenthood and the genius of David Lynch, tying personal anecdotes to broader societal critiques.

Mallory McMorrow, Michigan State Senator and Majority Leader known for her viral Senate speech, discusses the evolving landscape of gender politics in the Trump era. She delves into why women are reacting differently to Trump's second term, the importance of focusing on actions rather than rhetoric, and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party. Mallory reflects on her rise to prominence and expresses her love for classic video games, while advocating for a renewed political passion to engage younger voters and drive meaningful change.

Tim Miller, an OG Never Trumper and host of The Bulwark Podcast, shares his candid thoughts on the current political climate as Trump gears up for his second term. He expresses disdain for the media's obsession with Trump’s legal woes and critiques the tech billionaire class's admiration for the former president. Miller opens up about his struggles against nihilism, finding joy in simple pleasures like crawfish boils and music festivals. He also muses on the cultural intersections of pop stars and politics, highlighting the significance of engaging younger voters.

John is joined by Jim Fallows—former Atlantic national correspondent, National Book Award winner, and author of Breaking The News on Substack—to discuss Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy. Fallows, who served as Carter’s chief White House speechwriter, discusses the qualities that made Carter an initially mesmerizing but deeply flawed and historically misunderstood figure; his long-underrated policy accomplishments; the personal attributes that made him formidable (focus, toughness), those that were his downfall (vanity, naivete), and those people saw in him that weren’t there at all (niceness). Fallows also opines on the importance of Carter’s surprising relationships with artists and outlaws such as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Hunter Thompson—arguing, in fact, that Thompson’s advocacy of Carter was what put him in the White House. 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

Jiore Craig, a next-gen Democratic digital strategist and counter-disinformation specialist, delves into the social media landscape shaping the 2024 election. He critiques the outdated digital strategies of the Harris campaign compared to Trump's adeptness in engaging voters. The rise of right-leaning podcasts, especially among young men, is discussed, along with a compelling look at the Jordan Peterson phenomenon. Craig also highlights the pervasive subtleties of misinformation and the Democratic Party's struggle to connect with key voter demographics.

Kara Swisher, a prominent tech journalist and author, dives into the chaotic landscape of tech and politics in 2025. She humorously predicts slap fights among billionaires angling for Trump’s favor. The discussion reveals Elon Musk's ambitions that extend to Martian presidency, alongside his complex relationships with tech moguls like Bezos and Zuckerberg. Swisher critiques the political maneuvers of these elites and the ephemeral nature of Silicon Valley wisdom, all while imagining a future where social media evolves with niche communities.