334: Art Heists & Drug Wars with Max Boot and Yves Istel

James and Al break down the imminent elections in NJ, VA, the state Supreme Courts, and on Prop 50 in CA, with a deep dive into the effects of gerrymandering and what it means for the parties.  Then, they welcome economics wizard Yves Instel to discuss the theft from the Louvre, hear the story of his flight from Paris to the USA during WW2, and reflect on art and culture.  They are also joined by WaPo’s Max Boot to understand the Trump administration’s warmongering with Venezuela, the evolution of the drug war, whether Maduro is genuinely a threat to our country, and conservatism’s evolution. 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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Get More From This Week’s Guests:  Max Boot: Twitter | Threads | Website | WaPo | CFR | Author  Yves Istel: French American Foundation | European Institute

James and Al hype Trump’s falling approval ratings, explain why even die-hard Republicans are starting to abandon him, and call out MAGA’s war on higher education, before giving us some good news about why there might be reasons for hope and change.  Then, they welcome architectural expert Paul Goldberger to discuss Trump’s war on our nation’s heritage as represented by our historical structures, and lay out why these buildings are so crucial to our sense of self and trust in our institutions.  They also dive into why our public buildings represent our democracy, and why their preservation is so important to our ideals and future.. 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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Get More From This Week’s Guest:  Paul Goldberger: Twitter | Website | Parsons School of Design | New Yorker | Author Please Support Our Sponsors: Quince: Upgrade your fall 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 Green Chef: Get 50% off your 1st month, then 20% off for 2 months with free shipping when you use code 50WARROOM at greenchef.com/50warroom

James and Al celebrate the hostage return, call on the Democratic leadership to stand up and take the reins, and expose the savagery of the upcoming class of Young Republicans.  Then, they welcome the New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein and political seer Larry Sabato to discuss the candidates and forces at play in the gubernatorial races in NJ and VA.  They explore how Spanberger and Sherrill are balancing national and state issues, how hard they are standing up to Trump, and share their predictions on the outcomes.  Additionally, they share what areas to watch, warn of the influence of gerrymandering, and explain how the states have changed in recent years.  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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Get More From This Week’s Guest:  Larry Sabato: Twitter | Sabato’s Crystal Ball | Center For Politics | UVa | Author David Wildstein: Twitter | New Jersey Globe | The Inside Edge | FaceBook | YouTube Please Support Our Sponsor: ZBiotics: Get back into action after a night out with 15% off your first order of ZBiotics when you go to zbiotics.com/warroom and use code: WARROOM

James and Al sound off on the presence of ICE and other federal agents on our streets, call out the DOJ’s failure to uphold the law, and explain the dangers that come with the usurpation of democracy, from civil unrest to lost faith in elections.  Then, they welcome Rep. Brendan Boyle of PA to discuss the NJ Governor’s race, lay out the perils of the government shutdown and what it means for people around the country, and investigate how our healthcare under the ACA is being put at risk.  They also try to lighten the mood in tough times by discussing Al’s native Philadelphia sports when many of the teams are doing well and in the news. 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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Get More From This Week’s Guest:  Rep. Brendan Boyle: Twitter | House.gov | Website | FaceBook | Instagram Please Support Our Sponsors: Smalls: For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/WARROOM.  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. Naked Wines: To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/WARROOM and use code WARROOM for both the code AND PASSWORD.

James and Al welcome former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta to discuss the budget crisis, Hegseth’s approach to Pentagon leadership, the outrageous attacks on our generals, and the shaky status of the rule of law in the Trump era.  Then, they cover the races in NJ, VA, and NYC, looking at the strategies that can deliver victory, why Mamdani could be an inspiring and uniting figure if he wins, and the CA ballot initiatives that could help the Democrats gain control of Congress.  They also give their take on the government shutdown and what comes next for the country.  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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Get More From This Week’s Guest:  Former Secretary of Defense & Director of the CIA Leon Panetta: Defense.gov | CSIS | Panetta Institute for Public Policy | SFSU ICCE Please Support Our Sponsor: Quince: Upgrade your fall 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

Politics War Room addresses 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, how Democrats can speak to them, the issues that they care about, and most importantly, how to win.  Then, Professor Benjamin Hett of Hunter College at CUNY puts the risk of fascism into historical context by breaking down the conditions, politics, and propaganda that enabled Hitler to rise to power and plunge the world into chaos.. 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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Get More From This Week’s Guests:  Professor Benjamin Hett: Hunter College - CUNY | Website & Books Former Louisiana Lt. Gov Mitch Landrieu: Twitter | Unum Fund | American Bridge Please Support Our Sponsor: 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 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, respecting our rights, and making our cities safer.  In their conversation they weigh the challenges of local policing, federal enforcement, and community initiatives and violence prevention programs.  Further, they explore the problems driving crime and lay out the policies that have proven success and can quickly make a real impact on those in danger. 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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Get More From This Week’s Guests:  David M. Kennedy: Twitter | John Jay College of Criminal Justice | NNSC | Rockefeller Institute of Government David Harris: Twitter | University of Pittsburgh Law | Criminal Justice Podcast | Author  Please Support Our Sponsor: Quince: 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

James and Al dissect the potential of a government shutdown, weigh its political effects on our economy and politics, and call out the partisanship of the SCOTUS in the wake of Trump’s multiple appointees.  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.  They also explore possible solutions to the decline of manufacturing, emphasize the importance of job training, and look at the role that a new government led by the Democratic Party could pursue to restore hope and jobs while strengthening our international relationships. This episode was recorded before the events at Utah Valley University. 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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Get More From This Week’s Guest:  David J. Lynch: Twitter | WaPo | National Press Foundation | Author  Please Support Our Sponsors: Naked Wines: To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to nakedwines.com/warroom and use code WARROOM for both the code and password.  Zbiotics: Get back into action after a night out with 15% off your first order of Zbiotics when you go to zbiotics.com/pwr and use code: PWR

James and Al lay out the state of the country as we get further away from the 2024 election, weigh the impact of the potential government shutdown, and investigate the implications of the ongoing Epstein scandal.  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 under Trump.  They also discuss how Democrats can move beyond the hot topics on social media to win voters by focusing on the issues that impact voters in their everyday lives. 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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Check Out Kimberly Atkins Stohr’s New Politicon Podcast: Justice By Design Get More From This Week’s Guest:  Ron Brownstein: Twitter | The Atlantic | National Journal | Author of “Rock Me On The Water” Please Support Our Sponsors: Green Chef: Get 50% off your 1st month, then 20% off for 2 months with free shipping when you use code 50WARROOM at greenchef.com/50warroom 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 dissect the lawlessness of the Trump administration and welcome former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.  They discuss the role that government plays in law enforcement, explain the differences between Republicans and Democrats, lay out where he disagrees, and explain his approach to politics and governance.  Then, they are joined by IA gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand to explain the exciting surge in how Democrats are polling, how he plans on revitalizing the party’s appeal in the mid-west, and the importance of responsiveness and transparency in politics. 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 Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial  More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get 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 @realjamescarville Check Out Andrew Zucker’s New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Check Out Kimberly Atkins Stohr’s New Politicon Podcast: Justice By Design Get More From This Week’s Guests:  Rahm Emanuel: Twitter | FaceBook | BlueSky | Mayor Rahm Archive Rob Sand: Twitter | Campaign Website | Auditor.Iowa.gov | FaceBook