Politics War Room with James Carville and Al Hunt
Master political strategist James Carville and revered journalist Al Hunt convene a war room each week to discuss the battle for the soul of the nation. Join them as they gather the sharpest minds from across the country to see who has the most compelling case for the American people on the issues that matter most.
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Latest
Episodes
Trump & Hegseth Blew It with Leon Panetta
October 2, 2025 · 1:18:07
James and Al welcome former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta to discuss the budget crisis, Hegseth’s approach to Pentagon leadership, and the shaky status of the rule of law. Then, they cover the races in NJ, VA, and NYC, looking at the strategies that can deliver victory.
Fascism Vs. Democracy with Mitch Landrieu & Professor Benjamin Hett
September 25, 2025 · 52:52
James and Al address the dire crisis of political and social violence by sounding the alarm over the dangers our country faces. Former LA Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu begins by exploring the challenges facing the average American, followed by Prof. Benjamin Hett, who puts the risk of fascism into historical context.
Crime & Punishment with David Kennedy & David Harris
September 18, 2025 · 1:18:51
James and Al call out the growing divisiveness of our politics and stand up for the 1st Amendment, before diving into the government funding battle. Then, they welcome criminal justice experts David Kennedy and David Harris to discuss cutting crime and making our cities safer.
The World’s Worst Bet with David J. Lynch
September 11, 2025 · 1:29:10
James and Al dissect the potential of a government shutdown, weigh its political effects, and call out the partisanship of the SCOTUS. Then, they welcome WaPo’s David Lynch to break down the pernicious effects of globalization, why it was a good idea, and why it is currently failing our people.
The Ides of September with Ron Brownstein
September 4, 2025 ·
James and Al lay out the state of the country as we get further away from the 2024 election. Then, they welcome esteemed journalist Ron Brownstein to game out how the Democrats can revitalize the party, explain the need for centrism, and how to stop the progress of authoritarianism.
Hoist The Jolly Roger with Rahm Emanuel & Rob Sand
August 28, 2025 · 1:26:53
James and Al dissect the Trump’s lawlessness and welcome former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. They discuss the role that government plays in law enforcement and push back against MAGA. Then, IA gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand to lay out what it takes to win going forward.
Defeating Putin & Winning At Home
August 21, 2025 · 1:24:32
James and Al sound the alarm over the damage MAGA is causing to the economy and working class. Then, they welcome the NYT’s David Sanger to discuss the rapidly shifting situation in Ukraine and IA Rep. Josh Turek to discuss the issues and tactics that can win in his state and beyond.
War & Crime with Craig Symonds
August 14, 2025 · 1:27:11
James and Al castigate Trump for his attempt to militarize the Capitol, and call out his false claims about crime. Then, they welcome military historian Craig Symonds to celebrate V-J Day, debate the merits of using the atomic bomb, and call out the danger Trump poses to military education.
Trump’s Plunging Polls with Professor Alexander Theodoridis
August 7, 2025 · 1:19:01
James and Al explain the redistricting battle and what it means for upcoming elections before welcoming UMass Amherst Professor Alexander Theodoridis. They discuss the reasons behind Trump’s plunging approval ratings, looking at immigration, gender, and building a future-focused strategy.
The Epstein Conspiracy with Judd Legum
July 31, 2025 ·
James and Al emphasize the need to wield the terrible effects of Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ against Republicans going forward. Then, they welcome thought-leader Judd Legum to look at the continuing appeal of MAGA, Trump’s connection to Epstein, his grifts, and if he’ll be held to account.