Impolitic with John Heilemann

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.