353: The Political Landscape Ahead of the Midterms With Rep. Jason Crow

James and Al rip Trump’s State of the Union and analyze its impact and the effectiveness of the democratic response in the context of the approaching midterms.  Then, they welcome Oscar-nominated filmmaker Andrew Jarecki to explore his findings on corruption in the Alabama prison system and how to hold the government to account for its chronic mismanagement of our jails.  From there, they are joined by author Andrew Lownie to discuss Prince Andrew’s relationship with Epstein, its effect on the British Monarchy, and whether it will lead to increased transparency and reform to ensure its continued relevance going forward.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! More from James and Al:Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon.Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube.James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room SubstackGet updates and some great behind-the-scenes content from the documentary CARVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID by following James on X @jamescarville and his new TikTok @realjamescarvilleGet More From This Week’s Guests: Andrew Jarecki: IMDB | The Alabama SolutionAndrew Lownie: Twitter | Substack | Author of “Entitled: The Rise & Fall Of The House Of York” & morePlease Support Our Sponsors:Miracle Made:Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to TryMiracle.com/warroom and use the code WARROOM to claim your FREE 3-PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF.Mint Mobile:Get unlimited premium wireless for just $15 per month at mintmobile.com/warroomTrust & Will:Get 20% off when you go to trustandwill.com/WARROOMDeleteMe:Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/warroom and usepromo code WARROOM at checkout.

James and Al expose the latest developments from the Epstein Files and game out their political ramifications before welcoming Catherine Rampell, The Bulwark’s economics editor, and MS NOW Anchor, to review the state of the economy,  looking at why the effects of tariffs have been muted, financial strategies the Republicans might pursue, the danger posed by the national debt, and the perils of AI.Then SC Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews joins to plan her victory over Lindsey Graham.  They discuss her career in medicine, why she’s running, her policy positions, how to fix our healthcare system, and possible attack lines against her opponent. 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! More from James and Al:Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon.Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube.James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room SubstackGet updates and some great behind-the-scenes content from the documentary CARVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID by following James on X @jamescarville and his new TikTok @realjamescarvilleGet More From This Week’s Guests: Catherine Rampell: Twitter | The Bulwark | Substack | WebsiteDr. Annie Andrews: Twitter | Act Blue | Campaign WebsitePlease Support Our Sponsors:Superpower:Head to Superpower.com and use code WARROOM at checkout for $20 off your membership. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpodSmalls:For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/warroomGreen Chef:Get 50% off delicious, quick, and nutritious meal kits during your 1st month, then 20% off for 2 months, all with free shipping when you go to greenchef.com/50warroom and use code 50WARROOMUltra Pouches:Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code WARROOM at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad

James & Al are joined on the sofa by James Talarico as they discuss his campaign for the U.S. Senate from Texas, emphasizing the importance of grassroots support and addressing issues like healthcare and housing. He reflects on his political journey, the role of faith in his life, and the need for a Democratic Party that truly represents the people. Talarico also critiques the politicization of Christianity and advocates for a return to the core values of compassion and service.Chapters00:00 James Talarico: The Rising Star of Texas Politics00:10 Challenging the Status Quo in Texas03:30 The Role of Faith in Politics06:25 Legislative Achievements and Bipartisanship10:52 The Teachings of Jesus and Political Responsibility14:09 Looking Ahead: The Future of the Democratic Party

In this election-focused episode, James and Al welcome the President of the Brennan Center For Justice, Michael Waldman, to discuss the administration's attempts at voter suppression and its historical parallels.  They expose the myth of widespread voter fraud, explain the laws and constitutional framework that set up and protect our elections, and dissect the problems with the SAVE Act.  Then they lay out a plan to stop the steal in 2026, focusing on the media's role, voter mobilization, public awareness, and increasing civic engagement, before taking your questions.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! More from James and Al:Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon.Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube.James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room SubstackGet updates and some great behind-the-scenes content from the documentary CARVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID by following James on X @jamescarville and his new TikTok @realjamescarvilleGet More From This Week’s Guest: Michael Waldman: Twitter | Brennan Center For Justice | AuthorPlease Support Our Sponsors:Trust & Will:Get 20% off when you go to trustandwill.com/WARROOM3 Day Blinds:For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/WARROOMDeleteMe:Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/warroom and usepromo code WARROOM at checkout.Miracle Made:Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to TryMiracle.com/warroom and use the code WARROOM to claim your FREE 3-PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF.

James Carville & Al Hunt are joined by super-lawyer Abbe Lowell, they discuss the current political climate, the differences in the Justice Department under the current administration, and the implications of prosecutorial overreach. He highlights the importance of due process, the role of subpoenas, and the unique challenges faced by lawyers today. They also delves into specific cases, such as that of John Bolton, to illustrate the political motivations behind certain prosecutions. The conversation emphasizes the need for legal representation and the historical context of prosecutorial power in the United States.Chapters00:00 False Equivalency in Political Discourse02:19 The Unprecedented Nature of the Current Justice Department05:35 Subpoenas and Due Process: A Legal Perspective08:21 Prosecutorial Overreach: Historical Context and Examples11:10 The Case of John Bolton: Political Motivations in Prosecution14:33 The Role of Lawyers in Protecting Rights21:36 The Future of Legal Advocacy and Accountability

James Carville & Al Hunt are joined by Rep. Jason Crow to discuss the upcoming November Midterm elections, emphasizing the need for House Democrats to remain vigilant and proactive in their campaigns. They highlight the importance of recruiting candidates with diverse backgrounds, particularly veterans, who can bring real-world experience to politics. The conversation also touches on the critical role of accountability and oversight in Congress, especially in light of the current political climate.Chapters00:00 The Political Landscape Ahead of November02:53 Recruiting New Candidates for Change06:00 The Role of Veterans in Politics08:54 Accountability and Oversight in Congress

James Carville and Al hunt are joined on the sofa by Ruth Ben-Ghiat discussing the current landscape of education and authoritarianism, the characteristics of strongmen leaders, and the implications of fascism in modern politics. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the rule of law, the reactionary nature of fascism, and the global authoritarian landscape. The discussion also touches on the future of democracy, leadership, and the challenges of restoring trust and diplomacy in America.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Authoritarianism and Strong Men02:54 The Nature of Strong Men and the Rule of Law05:50 Fascism and Its Characteristics09:16 The Reactionary Nature of Fascism12:07 The Global Landscape of Authoritarianism15:00 The Future of Democracy and Leadership17:55 Restoring Trust in America and Its Institutions

James and Al unload on the Epstein scandal and the Republican response, emphasizing accountability and the role journalism plays in upholding our democracy.  Then, they are joined by Minnesota’s Attorney General, Keith Ellison, to demand the removal of ICE after the shooting of protesting citizens and multiple breaches of judicial rulings, discussing why he is leading a state investigation, his interactions with Tom Homan, and how the situation is affecting local politics. Afterwards, they welcome NFL expert Greg Cosell to analyze the upcoming Super Bowl and lay out the state of the game. 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! More from James and Al:Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon.Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube.James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room SubstackGet updates and some great behind-the-scenes content from the documentary CARVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID by following James on X @jamescarville and his new TikTok @realjamescarvilleGet More From This Week’s Guests: Greg Cosell: Twitter | NFL Films | The Install Podcast | YouTube | Co-Author of “The Game That Changed The Game”Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison: Twitter | Office Of The Minnesota Attorney General | Congress.gov | WebsitePlease Support Our Sponsor:Quince:Upgrade your winter fashion and get 365-day returns and free shipping on high-quality, stylish, and affordable clothing you’ll wear for years to come when you go to quince.com/warroom.  Now available in Canada.

James & Al are joined by Mitch Landrieu and discuss the current state of American politics, emphasizing the importance of electability and the need for Democrats to reconnect with working-class voters. They explore the concept of sanctuary cities, the challenges facing law enforcement, and the impact of racism and immigration on society. Landrieu expresses optimism about local governance and the necessity of unity in politics to overcome division and foster a better future for all Americans.Chapters00:00 The Political Landscape and Electability02:55 Understanding the Working Class Voter05:42 Sanctuary Cities and Law Enforcement09:53 Racism and Immigration in America13:47 Optimism in Local Governance16:42 Divisiveness in American Politics

James & Al along with John Della Volpe discuss the shifting attitudes of young people towards political issues, particularly in light of recent events. They explore how younger generations perceive these issues on a personal level, the importance of listening to their voices, and the innovative use of AI in polling to gather real-time insights. The discussion highlights the need for political engagement that resonates with the personal experiences of young voters and the potential of new research methods to enhance understanding of public opinion.Chapters00:00 Shifting Attitudes Among Young Voters02:38 Understanding Young Independents' Perspectives06:03 Innovative Research with Crowdvox08:56 The Role of AI in Political Engagement11:48 Lessons from Political Campaigns