248: God & Country with Katherine Stewart

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

James and Al decry Islamophobia and welcome MN Senator Tina Smith to discuss foreign relations and the Dobbs decision’s role in our politics.  Following anti-abortion revanchism under the Comstock Act and extreme restrictions in red states, they analyze how to fight back by enacting legislation to secure women’s rights, the policies that will energize young voters, and what it will take to win state and national elections.  They also strategize about how to overcome pro-Putin Republicans in the House to get support to Ukraine, secure an Israel-Hamas cease fire, and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.  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: Senator Tina Smith: Senate.gov | Website | Twitter | MN.gov Please Support Our Sponsors: Total Gym: For an ADDITIONAL 20% off your order, head to TotalGymDirect.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 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 critique coastal elitism, explore how the Israel-Gaza war ends, and welcome Justice Breyer to discuss the role of the Supreme Court and its judges.  They compare textualism and pragmatism using Justice Scalia as a foil, weigh the factors that go into reading the Constitution, debate politics’ place on the bench, review the ethics governing the court, and look at why public approval of the judicial branch is plummeting.  In their conversation they also break down the language of the 2nd Amendment, explain how history is the ultimate arbiter of past decisions, and call on us to listen to one another to find compromise where we can. 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: Justice Stephen Breyer: SupremeCourt.gov | Oyez | Harvard | Author of “Reading The Constitution” & 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

James and Al take Rep. Jim Jordan to task for continuing to spew lies about the 2020 election and review the status of Trump’s many trials, their possible outcomes, and their effect on the race.  They also debate what NBC’s firing of Ronna McDaniel says about the state of network journalism, and weigh how RFK Jr. affects the election after his vice presidential pick.  Author and sports journalist John Feinstein joins them to discuss March Madness, the business of sports, Pete Rose’s fall from grace, all time sports greats, the best city for sports, and more.  Short note on audio quality:  Due to unforeseen technical issues we had to record this episode on Zoom without our professional microphones and audio interfaces!  Please excuse the slightly diminished audio quality.  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 John Feinstein: Twitter | WaPo | Author 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 Total Gym: For an ADDITIONAL 20% off your order, head to TotalGymDirect.com/warroom 

James and Al tear into the Orban government and analyze Trump’s influence on the Ohio Senate race before welcoming Admiral James Stavridis to discuss the global military landscape.  They explore strategies for success in the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas conflicts, game out an effective response to threats against Taiwan, and look at how war fighting will evolve in the future.  Then, they are joined by Dr. Cornelia Griggs for a reflection on the state of our healthcare system, current pandemic preparedness, and the COVID response on its 4th anniversary. 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 Admiral James Stavridis: Twitter | Website | Carlyle Group | Author of “2054” & Other Books Dr. Cornelia Griggs: Twitter | Threads | Website | MA General Hospital | Author of “The Sky Is Falling” 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. Earth Breeze: Get 40% off earth friendly laundry detergent sheets when you go to earthbreeze.com/warroom 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

James and Al destroy the RNC and Senator Katie Britt’s SOTU response, before welcoming authors of “White Rural Rage” Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman for a demographic deep dive.  They expose the disproportionate influence of rural White voters, analyze the factors driving their regional decline, and explain how Republicans have leveraged their grievances to win a larger share of their vote.  Then, they prove that rhetoric has not translated into results on issues like coal mining expansion and rural broadband access, arguing that Democrats are actually the better choice. 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! Check Out James Carville's New Videos: James Carville Explains…Donald Trump’s Potential Felony Conviction James Carville Explains…Why Trump Might Pick Kellyanne Conway As VP James Carville Asks… Does Trump Have Syphilis? James Carville Explains… Moms For Liberty #TrumpStinks James Carville Explains… Why Mike Johnson is a P.O.S. James Carville Explains… everything about Mike Johnson James Carville on the trail of Lauren Boebert Option: Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube - Playlist James Carville’s & Al Hunt’s Substack: Carville Uncensored | People & Politics  Get More From This Week’s Guests: Paul Waldman: Twitter | Substack | Boundary Issues Podcast | The American Prospect | WaPo | MSNBC | Author of “White Rural Rage” & Other Books Tom Schaller: Twitter | UMBC | Author of “White Rural Rage” 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 Naked Wines: Head to nakedwines.com/warroom and click ‘enter voucher’ in the top right when you get to the website.  Put in WARROOM for both the code and password to get 6 premium bottles of wine for just $39.99 with shipping included! 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