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
Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Joyce Vance: Eric Adams & The Quid Pro Quo That Dare Not Speak Its Name
Joyce Vance, former U.S. Attorney and esteemed law professor, joins to discuss the controversial dismissal of corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. She elucidates the alarming fallout, including resignations within the SDNY and a collective outcry from over 900 former federal prosecutors. The conversation digs into the ethical dilemmas facing the Justice Department, the implications of political influence on law enforcement, and the urgent need for civic engagement to uphold democracy in these turbulent times.
Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 4min
Preet Bharara: Canaries, Coal Mines & Batshit Crazies
In this enlightening discussion, Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and noted legal analyst, delves into the current legal battles surrounding Donald Trump's executive actions. He highlights the unprecedented challenges these actions pose to the legal system and warns against viewing judicial rulings as a coup. Bharara advocates for calmness among Trump’s critics, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and accountability in a polarized political climate. His insights shed light on the critical intersection of politics, law, and democracy.
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 12min
Robert Draper: Travels with Charlie
Robert Draper, a New York Times Magazine writer and best-selling author, joins the discussion to dissect Charlie Kirk's rise as a powerful figure in the MAGA movement. He details Kirk's strategic donor engagement and savvy use of social media like TikTok. Draper also shares insights on the first weeks of Trump 2.0 and ponders whether calling out figures like Elon Musk can help Democrats find their voice in today’s political landscape. The conversation blends humor with sharp political analysis, revealing the complexities of modern conservatism.
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 29min
Adrian Wojnarowski: Luka's Lebron Love, Boosting the Bonnies, & Life Beyond Woj Bombs
Adrian Wojnarowski, former ESPN basketball reporter and current general manager of St. Bonaventure University’s basketball team, shares insights on his career shift and the evolving landscape of college sports. He discusses the implications of NCAA compensation changes and reflects on the controversial trade of Luka Doncic. Woj also candidly recounts a memorable email exchange with Senator Josh Hawley, and his thoughts on the decreasing relevance of the NBA All-Star weekend, blending humor and introspection on his journey in sports.
8 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 14min
Laurence Tribe: God Save This Dishonorable Court
Laurence Tribe, a renowned constitutional scholar and Harvard professor, dives into the threats posed by Donald Trump and Elon Musk to the legal landscape and democracy. He argues we are witnessing an inside coup and emphasizes the courts as vital safeguards against these assaults. Tribe reflects on the Supreme Court’s changing legitimacy and its crucial role amid political chaos. He also discusses how recent events challenge both constitutional integrity and political accountability, leaving audiences with a mix of concern and cautious optimism about the future of democracy.
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
Ezra Klein: Don’t Call It A Coup — Yet
Ezra Klein, a prominent New York Times columnist and insightful podcaster, dives into the political chaos of Trump's administration. He highlights how Trump's executive actions reflect political weakness rather than strength, framing a complex view of power struggles in today’s landscape. Klein also compares the influence of Elon Musk to Trump and questions the Democratic Party's strategies under Chuck Schumer’s leadership. The discussion paints a picture of contemporary governance challenges and the risks posed by autocratic shifts in power.
Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 17min
Jonathan V. Last: Bullet Train to the Dark Place
Jonathan V. Last, Editor at The Bulwark, dives deep into the current political landscape, asserting we're already facing a constitutional crisis under Trump 2.0. He critiques the administration's strategies to undermine the legislative branch and questions if it will heed judicial rulings. Last argues Democrats should conserve their political efforts instead of mitigating Trump's policy excesses. The conversation also tackles the media's failure, particularly The New York Times, in addressing urgent democratic issues while reflecting on political extremism and public perception.
7 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 56min
Brian Schatz: Signal v. Noise in Trump 2.0
Brian Schatz, the senior U.S. senator from Hawaii, is known for his candid political insights. He tackles Trump's tactics, criticizing the politicization of recent tragedies and cautioning Democrats against getting sidetracked. Schatz discusses the ramifications of potential appointments like RFK Jr. to HHS and the challenges of vaccine skepticism on public health. He also shares fascinating tidbits about attending the same high school as Barack Obama and emphasizes the necessity for genuine leadership during crises in today's tumultuous political landscape.
9 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 14min
Jennifer Palmieri: Deja Vu All Over Again
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.
30 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 12min
Beschloss & Meacham: We Don't Have the Words for What We're Seeing
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.
