Impolitic with John Heilemann

Pablo Torre, an ESPN and MSNBC commentator and host of the award-winning video podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out, discusses the electric intersection of sports, culture, and politics. He dives into the controversy surrounding Wayne Gretzky's ties to Donald Trump and Pete Rose's reinstatement debates, highlighting how fame shapes narratives in sports. Pablo also shares gripping insights on the wrongful conviction case of Charles Flores, emphasizing the ethics of justice in the sports realm. The conversation weaves humor with serious themes, offering a rich tapestry of contemporary sports culture.

David Jolly, a former Florida Republican congressman now eyeing a gubernatorial run as a Democrat, shares his thoughts on the ethical dilemmas surrounding Trump’s recent trip to the Middle East, including a controversial $400 million jet from Qatar. He highlights the chaos within House Republicans regarding key legislation and reflects on his political transformation and the evolving dynamics of Florida’s Democratic landscape. Jolly dives into the implications of foreign policy influenced by corporate interests, raising critical questions about American values.

Davis Guggenheim, an Oscar and Emmy Award-winning documentarian, shares insights from his latest film, 'Deaf President Now!'. He discusses the groundbreaking 1988 protests at Gallaudet University, shedding light on the civil rights movement that many are unaware of. Guggenheim connects his past works, like 'An Inconvenient Truth' and 'Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie', emphasizing the importance of storytelling in advocating for marginalized communities. He also recounts a transformative experience with Denzel Washington that shifted his career perspective.

Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer, both staff writers at The Atlantic with extensive experience covering Donald Trump, dive into his surprising political comeback. They discuss Trump's quirky remarks about Canadian statehood and his unique diplomatic style. The conversation also touches on his trade dilemmas, with a critical look at his promise-versus-reality approach. Additionally, they explore his humorous commentary on Alcatraz, dissecting its cultural significance and Trump's knack for distraction in the political arena.

Anthony Scaramucci, a hedge fund manager and former White House Communications Director, dives into the chaos of the Trump administration. He critiques the sycophantic culture among cabinet members and discusses the recent personnel shake-up, including the surprising firing of Mike Waltz. Scaramucci offers insights on Trump's handling of his trade war and his discomfort with confrontation, revealing how these dynamics are affecting American politics. His unique blend of humor and political analysis keeps the conversation engaging and thought-provoking.

Ben Smith, the editor-in-chief of Semafor and a veteran journalist, discusses the rightward shift of Silicon Valley politics influenced by private group chats. He reveals how these clandestine forums emerged during Covid, led by figures like Marc Andreessen, and have shaped media narratives. Smith also shares insights on Trump’s political gravity and the evolving ambitions of Semafor, while elevating 'Margin Call' to iconic status in Wall Street cinema. It's a fascinating exploration of the intersection between tech, politics, and media dynamics.

In this discussion, political analyst Peter Hamby, a Puck partner, dives into the whirlwind of Donald Trump's first 100 days back in office. They unpack pivotal political events and the Democratic Party's evolving strategies, shedding light on the surprising and the predictable from this tumultuous period. Hamby highlights the disillusionment among young voters and the urgent need for meaningful engagement with this demographic. Additionally, the impact of Elon Musk's actions on Republican politics and grassroots movements are explored, painting a dynamic picture of the current political landscape.

John is joined by Susan Morrison, articles editor of The New Yorker, to discuss “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live,” her biography of SNL creator and producer Lorne Michaels. Morrison argues that no one has done more to shape modern America’s sense of humor than Michaels, an enigmatic Canadian about whom most Americans know nothing; and that while Michaels a figure of enduring obsession among comics, he remains a mystery to them as well. Morrison lays out the singular combination of qualities (tastemaker, talent-spotter, task-master, raconteur, adrenaline junkie) that makes Lorne Lorne—and reveals that, yes, in fact, he was the inspiration for Dr. Evil. 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

George Conway, an attorney known for his sharp legal commentary, and Stuart Stevens, a seasoned political strategist, tackle pressing political issues. They delve into the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case and the alarming trend of authoritarianism under the Trump administration. Highlighting Harvard's resistance to MAGA tactics, they argue that the judiciary's guardrails may be tested soon. Interestingly, they suggest that Trump’s economic misunderstandings could inadvertently safeguard American democracy. Their conversation blends urgency with a dash of humor, shedding light on today's political landscape.

Maya Wiley, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, dives into the troubling case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and its broader implications for democracy and civil liberties. She passionately discusses the Trump administration's disregard for the rule of law and due process, warning of the consequences of unchecked power. The conversation also addresses systemic injustices in immigration policy and the important role of grassroots activism in defending human rights and ensuring accountability in governance.