Impolitic with John Heilemann

Griffin Dunne, an accomplished actor, director, and author of 'The Friday Afternoon Club,' shares intimate stories about his literary family. He reflects on the tragic loss of his sister Dominique, whose life was cut short by violence, and discusses his father's role in chronicling celebrity true-crime. Dunne also celebrates his own acting highs, from 'After Hours' to a memorable cameo in 'Succession.' The conversation delves into personal loss, media's impact on justice, and the enduring legacy of his aunt, the iconic Joan Didion.

David Remnick, the Pulitzer Prize-winning editor of The New Yorker, joins the conversation to reflect on a turbulent political climate. He shares alarming insights on Trump's potential second term and its implications for identity politics. Remnick discusses the ongoing crisis in Israel and the Middle East, expressing little hope for resolution. The upcoming Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet evokes his dread, revealing mixed feelings about the intersection of art and culture amidst societal chaos.

Julian Castro, the former mayor of San Antonio and presidential candidate, teams up with Paola Ramos, an award-winning journalist and author, to dissect Donald Trump's surprising gains among Latino voters. They explore how issues beyond economics, like culture and immigration, have influenced this shift. The duo argues that the Democratic Party must wake up to the reality of changing Latino political dynamics and engage more effectively. Their insights highlight the complexities of identity and the need for authentic connection within the community.

Tom Nichols, a professor emeritus of national security at the U.S. Naval War College and a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's foreign policy nominations. He highlights the dangerous choice of Pete Hegseth for the Defense Department. The conversation explores global hotspots like Ukraine and the Middle East, questioning how adversaries like Putin and Xi might respond to a potential Trump return. Nichols underscores the critical importance of qualified leadership amidst rising geopolitical tensions and the stakes for U.S. national security.

John is joined by America’s best-known presidential historians, Michael Beschloss and Jon Meacham, to discuss the first two weeks of the transition to Donald Trump’s second term. Beschloss and Meacham assess the most head-spinning of Trump’s initial appointments and their prospects for confirmation; why the sense of shock these picks have elicited, even among Republicans, is ludicrous on its face; the role of Steve Bannon as the intellectual architect of Trump’s radical governing agenda and its central goal of what Bannon calls the “deconstruction of the administrative state;” and why it’s safe to assume that what we’re seeing now is what the next four years will look like. 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

Seth Moulton, a Congressman from Massachusetts, and Ritchie Torres, representing the Bronx, discuss the Democratic Party's electoral struggles and lessons for the future. They agree that the party needs to prioritize listening over preaching, and move away from pandering to the left, particularly on cultural issues. Both emphasize the importance of pragmatic policies to reconnect with working-class voters, especially in communities of color, where Trump has gained unexpected support. Their insights highlight a much-needed shift towards accountability and open dialogue within the party.

In this engaging discussion, Claire McCaskill, a former Democratic U.S. senator from Missouri, shares her insights on Donald Trump's latest cabinet picks, calling them a 'mixed bag.' She dives into the challenges of mass deportation and the friction brewing between Trump and Elon Musk. McCaskill also analyzes the post-election turmoil within the Democratic Party, including debates over accountability and coalition-building. With her extensive political background, she offers a seasoned perspective on navigating these turbulent times.

Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian and literary executor for Hunter S. Thompson, dives into the intriguing dynamics of the 2024 election. He critiques the impact of Kamala Harris's defeat on Biden’s legacy, emphasizing both her caution and Trump's boldness. Brinkley warns of the political implications surrounding Steve Bannon's aggressive rhetoric and how Trump's legal troubles could paradoxically bolster his campaign. The conversation highlights the stark realities of American politics in an era of division and uncertainty.

Dylan Byers and Peter Hamby, both sharp political journalists at Puck, delve into the seismic impact of Donald Trump’s reelection campaign. They dissect the unexpected coalition behind Trump's success and question why the Democrats failed, especially in light of Vice President Kamala Harris's performance. With humor and insight, they explore the voter disconnect, the evolving media landscape, and the urgent need for the Democratic Party to adapt. Their lively discussion also touches on the motivating forces of anger and fear in voter behavior.

Nicolle Wallace, an MSNBC host and close friend of John Heilemann, dives into the emotional landscape of Election Day. She discusses Kamala Harris's shift towards themes of unity and joy, contrasting with Donald Trump's erratic campaign style. The conversation includes insights on a surprising Iowa poll showing Harris leading—a seismic shift in the political narrative. Together, they question what a potential Trump reelection would signify for America, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the evolving political climate.