Impolitic with John Heilemann

Peter Baker, a New York Times reporter, and Susan Glasser, a staff writer for The New Yorker, dive into the chaos of Trump's second term. They discuss the national security implications of SignalGate and the survival odds for embattled officials. The duo reflects on the alarming parallels between Trump's Washington and early Putin-era Moscow. They also analyze the GOP's shifting dynamics, highlighting the implications of political decisions and accountability amidst ongoing turmoil.

Mark Warner, a moderate Democrat and ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, joins Rick Wilson, a lapsed Republican strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project. They tackle the gripping controversy of Signalgate, a risky communication blunder involving Trump 2.0 officials sharing sensitive military details. Warner and Wilson dissect the implications for national security and the alarming recklessness displayed, showcasing a stark contrast in their political backgrounds while agreeing on the need for accountability in governance.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, Puck’s chief Washington correspondent and former reporter for major networks, dives deep into the chaos of Capitol Hill. She discusses the fallout from Chuck Schumer's controversial spending bill decision, sparking discord among Democrats. The dynamic between Bernie Sanders and AOC captures attention with its populist messaging, even as Republicans struggle with rising anti-DOGE sentiments at town halls. Caldwell reveals the GOP's reluctance to respond to Trump's impeachment calls, showcasing the current turmoil and shifting alliances in U.S. politics.

Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor and FBI general counsel, dives into Donald Trump's recent confrontations with the judiciary. He discusses a constitutional crisis sparked by Trump's comments regarding Judge James Boasberg's deportation decisions. Weissmann highlights Chief Justice John Roberts' rare public rebuke of Trump and the implications of Trump's speech at DOJ headquarters. Despite being called 'scum' by the former president, Weissmann reflects on the challenges and humor in navigating today’s politically charged legal landscape.

John is joined by acclaimed actor Liev Schreiber to discuss his humanitarian aid work in Ukraine, his friendship with Volodymyr Zelensky, and the efforts to bring an end to the war in his ancestral homeland. Schreiber explains why the apparent strategy behind Donald Trump’s efforts to forge a ceasefire and force both sides to the negotiating table strike so many Ukraine allies as baffling at best; in the Oval Office dustup between Zelensky and Trump, it was the Ukrainian president, not the American one, who was standing up for American values; the sharp turn against Zelensky by so his once-steadfast Republican supporters is so shocking and infuriating; and the claims by many on the right that Zelensky doesn’t really want the war to end are so ludicrous—and insidious. Schreiber also breaks news by revealing his plans to return to the stage this spring as part of a new theater company, Together Productions, being founded by his friend, Hugh Jackman. 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

Jake Auchincloss, a Massachusetts congressman and Marine veteran, dives deep into political chaos, discussing the upcoming government shutdown and the challenges posed by Trump’s return. He criticizes Speaker Mike Johnson's weakness towards Elon Musk and highlights the frustration among voters regarding Trump’s harsh approach to international allies. Auchincloss stresses the importance of focusing on education in political discussions rather than divisive social issues, advocating for a more grounded Democratic vision as the party navigates its future.

M. Gessen, a Moscow-born journalist and New York Times opinion columnist, dives deep into the shifting tides of U.S. policy amid the Ukraine war. They discuss Trump's curious alignment with Putin, revealing how it reshapes support for Volodymyr Zelensky and impacts Europe. Gessen also examines Putin's imperial ambitions rooted in historical accords and the urgent need for a robust European defense strategy. The conversation highlights the perilous stakes of right-wing populism and the complex dynamics of contemporary geopolitics.

John is joined by former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich to discuss Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress and his already beleaguered economic agenda. Reich argues that Trump’s speech was most striking for its lack of focus on the concerns (notably, the high cost of living) most responsible for his reelection; his administration's policies (including but not limited to stiff tariffs on foreign goods) are bound to exacerbate those concerns; the worst fears of Wall Street—that America is headed for a bout of stagflation—are likely to prove prescient; and Elon Musk’s desire to mess with Social Security is a political disaster in the making for the White House and the GOP. Reich also addresses James Carville’s advice that Democrats play dead and let Trump 2.0 self-destruct: “It’s bullshit.” 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

Marty Baron, the former executive editor of the Washington Post, shares his insights on the paper's transformation under Jeff Bezos from 2013 to 2021. He expresses his disgust over Bezos's ban on dissenting op-eds, viewing it as a capitulation to Trump that threatens journalistic integrity. Baron discusses how these choices undermine the paper's credibility and compares current media tactics to autocratic regimes, highlighting the danger posed to the free press in America. His candid reflections on press freedom and the role of powerful figures in shaping media dynamics are compelling.

Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and director at Stanford's Freeman Spogli Institute, shares his insights on Trump’s controversial stance towards Ukraine. He discusses the coercive rare earth minerals deal with Zelensky, framing it as extortion. McFaul analyzes Putin's perspective on U.S.-Russia relations and highlights Trump's admiration for the Russian leader. He warns of America’s waning role as a global leader and the European reaction to these dynamics, probing the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.