254: Debate Prep with Bob Shrum

James and Al call out the Republican congressional caucus, review the political situation in Israel, mark Juneteenth, remember Willie Mays, and welcome veteran political strategist Bob Shrum.  They discuss the format of the upcoming presidential debate, Biden’s prospects, how he should handle the age issue, Trump’s weaknesses, the importance of debate prep, the power of a well-made point, and look back on famous debate moments from Nixon v. Kennedy, to Romney v. Obama.  Will a strong performance by Joe be enough to blow the race wide open? Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you’re from! Mentioned On The Show: Class With Carville: Debate Advice Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From Bob Shrum: Twitter | USC | AAPC | Author of “No Excuses” Please Support Our Sponsors: Washington Post: Get the best journalism in the business when you go to washingtonpost.com/warroom to subscribe for just 50 cents per week during your first year.

James and Al explain the impact of Hunter Biden’s conviction, emphasize the political power of falling crime rates, and welcome Lisa Lerer, author of The Fall of Roe.  They expose the right-wing movement that gave us Dobbs, call out Supreme Court corruption, debate the role of role of Alito’s leaked decision, discuss the failures of the progressive movement, and empahsize the need for pro-Roe forces to abandon their boadrooms and make their case at the grassroots.  Then, they look at what the new reality means for women, how it affects elections, and what the future holds. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From Lisa Lerer: Twitter | NYT | Nieman Reports | Author of “The Fall of Roe” Please Support Our Sponsors: Beam: Sleep better with Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder and get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/warroom and use code: WARROOM Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets, plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to TryMiracle.com/warroom

James and Al defend Dr. Fauci and analyze Biden’s improving electoral prospects after the Trump trial verdict and the recent primaries before welcoming propaganda expert Peter Pomerantsev.  They discuss how the successful British information campaign against the Nazis broadcast from an in-group and absurdist perspective to undermine the party’s leadership and create a safe space for dissenters to criticize the regime.  Then they look at how similar techniques could be used to undermine Putin and explore how a campaign based on personal stories could boost support for Ukraine and help win elections. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: Get More From Peter Pomerantsev: Twitter | John Hopkins’ Agora Institute | Author of “How To Win An Information War” & Other Books Please Support Our Sponsors: 3 Day Blinds: For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/warroom Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets, plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to TryMiracle.com/warroom ExpressVPN: Control your data, defend your privacy, and protect yourself online with 3 free months on a VPN plan when you go to expressvpn.com/warroom

James and Al preview Trump’s imminent Manhattan verdict, call for the SCOTUS to be on the ballot, demand a higher minimum wage, and welcome the Financial Times’ Ed Luce.  They discuss Labor’s prospects in the upcoming British elections, how the conservatives have decimated the country, the rising radicalism of the Right, Europe’s leadership post-Brexit, and the budding alliance between MAGA and the Tories.  They also game out Putin’s next moves, how to counter China, nuclear proliferation in Asia, and the growing costs of the climate crisis using India as a case study. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: Get More From Ed Luce: Financial Times | Twitter | Author of “The Retreat of Western Liberalism & Many Other Books Please Support Our Sponsors: Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets, plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to TryMiracle.com/warroom Washington Post: Get the best journalism in the business when you go to washingtonpost.com/warroom to subscribe for just 50 cents per week during your first year. Ladder: Go to ladderlife.com/warroom today to see if you’re instantly approved for term coverage life insurance.

James and Al lay out the hard choices facing the Biden campaign, blast corruption on the Supreme Court, and welcome Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi to dive into geopolitics.  They start by exploring US-Sino relations, covering President Xi’s governing philosophy, the enslavement of the Uighurs, what a successful trade policy looks like, how to bolster our regional alliances, and the need to protect Taiwan.  Then, they look at the effects of Iran’s presidential succession and how to counter Russia’s total war mobilization in Ukraine before pivoting to the fentanyl crisis, the death of substance in Congress, and turning immigration into a winning issue. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you’re from! Mentioned On The Show: James’ Polling Class Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: Get More From Rep. Raja Krisnamoorthi: Twitter | House.gov | Website  Please Support Our Sponsors: Laundry Sauce: For 15% off your order, head to LaundrySauce.com/warroom and use code WARROOM Miracle Made: For 40% off high-quality self-cooling sheets, plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to TryMiracle.com/warroom

James and Al tear into Trump for seeking bribes from Big Oil, blast the MSM for failing to cover what matters, share their take on the recent polls and primaries, and welcome historian Heather Cox Richardson.  They draw parallels between contemporary politics and the Civil War era, exploring MAGA’s regressive roots, our democracy’s war with demagoguery, the electorate’s disillusionment, and why J6 represents a new “Lost Cause”.  They also cover the corruption of the judicial system and the modern Republican party, calling for a revival of populism to revitalize our system and put in guardrails to protect it. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: Heather Cox Richardson: Twitter | Boston College | Substack | Facebook | Author of “Democracy Awakening” & Many Other Books Please Support Our Sponsors: ExpressVPN: Control your data, defend your privacy, and protect yourself online with 3 free months on a VPN plan when you go to expressvpn.com/warroom 3 Day Blinds: For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/warroom Beam: Sleep better with Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder and get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/warroom and use code: WARROOM

James and Al reflect on Trump’s ongoing trial, the need for Biden to run a focused campaign, and the future of Gaza before welcoming author and journalist Katherine Stewart.  They discuss the rise of the Christian nationalism movement in the USA, exploring how it relates to popular Christianity, its exploitation of the culture war and other political strategies it uses, and its tendency towards hierarchy, dominionism, and authoritarianism.  They also examine its relationship to Trump and the modern Republican party, how it leverages the judicial system, and the dangers of Project 2025. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: Katherine Stewart: Twitter | Website | The New Republic | New York Times | All Articles | Author of “The Power Worshippers” & Other Books | God & Country  Please Support Our Sponsor: Washington Post: Get the best journalism in the business when you go to washingtonpost.com/warroom to subscribe for just 50 cents per week during your first year.

Guest host Paul Begala joins Al to analyze the factors driving the ‘24 election and the dangers of another Trump term before speaking with UC President Emeritus Mark Yudof.  They discuss where the pro-Palestine protests fit in the history of campus movements, how an oppressor/oppressed schema contributes to anti-Israel and anti-Semetic sentiment, why support for Israel is a liberal position, and where the line is between constitutionally protected speech and threatening action.  With no end to the chaos on campuses in sight, they consider the best way to restore order and turn recent events into a teachable moment.    Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guests: Paul Begala: Twitter | University of Virginia Center For Politics | CNN | Author Mark Yudof: Twitter | Berkeley Law | UT System | Academic Engagement Network | Facebook Please Support Our Sponsors: Ladder: Go to ladderlife.com/warroom today to see if you’re instantly approved for term coverage life insurance Kalshi: Make predictions and trade on current events you care about with a $20 bonus on a $50+ deposit when you sign up using the link: kalshi.com/politicswarroom Total Gym: For an ADDITIONAL 20% off your order, head to TotalGymDirect.com/warroom 

James and Al game out Trump’s prosecution, reluctantly give credit to Speaker Johnson, and castigate the SCOTUS, before welcoming retired General John Allen to discuss our place in world affairs.  They look at the effects of the foreign aid package, how to continue to support our allies, and the next phase of the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.  Their analysis also dives into the evolving duties of the Marine Corps, how warfare is waged on the information battlefield, the challenges that define our relationship with China, and the role of risk and vulnerability in successful diplomacy.   Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guest: General John Allen: Defense.gov | Brookings Institution | DHS.gov | AF.mil | Author of “Turning Point” | Author of “Future War” Please Support Our Sponsors: Lomi: Turn your food waste into plant-food at the press of a button with Lomi. Use the code WARROOM to save $50 at lomi.com/warroom Miracle Made: For 40% off high quality self-cooling sheets plus an extra 20% off with 3 free towels, use promo code WARROOM when you go to trymiracle.com/warroom 3 Day Blinds: For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/warroom

James and Al dive into Congress’ handling of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and analyze the politically transformative effects of Dobbs on the Republican party.  Then they welcome legal expert Fred Wertheimer to discuss the progression of Trump’s first criminal trial, how the charges can be proven, and developments in the other legal challenges confronting him.  They also are joined by political strategist Billy Ray to explore how identity politics have moved Democrats away from effective messaging, the changes the party needs to make, and why appealing to the center will lead to generational wins. Email your questions to James and Al at [email protected] or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you’re from! Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From This Week’s Guests: Fred Wertheimer: Twitter | Just Security | Wertheimer Lipton | Democracy 21 Billy Ray: Twitter | Common Defense | IMDB  Please Support Our Sponsors: Reel Paper: Get 30% off a subscription and free shipping on sustainable paper products for your home when you go to reelpaper.com/warroom and use promo code: WARROOM ExpressVPN: Control your data, defend your privacy, and protect yourself online with 3 free months on a VPN plan when you go to expressvpn.com/warroom