350: Electability in American Politics with Mitch Landrieu

James and special guest host, Chief Media Advisor to the Bush presidential campaigns, Mark McKinnon, discuss their rise to politics in the pre-Trump era, Texas politics, faith, corruption, the responsibility of Congress after the midterms, nominating a president, and the outrageous campaign tactics used by Republicans in the MAGA era. Then, master Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik joins them to look at the polls, Trump’s impact on the midterms, how voters perceive corruption, the shift in the opinions of working-class voters and independents, and the evolving identity of the Republican Party in the twilight years of Trump. 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 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 Get More From This Week’s Guests: Mark McKinnon: Twitter | Instagram | The Circus | Trumped | IMDB | Wiki Doug Sosnik: Brunswick Group | Harvard Kennedy School

James and Al call out Elon’s election spending and MAGA misinformation, rip apart the last 2 years of Republican governance, and the races to focus on at the state level, before welcoming Brennan Center for Justice President Michael Waldman. They discuss election integrity, the challenges of certifying an election, the need to prepare legally for expected post-election challenges, and driving turnout to ensure a legitimate election outcome. They also emphasize the need for ordinary citizens to stay vigilant and the critical opportunity we have to take back our democracy. 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 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 Get More From This Week’s Guest: Michael Waldman: Twitter | Brennan Center For Justice | Author

James and Al celebrate the election polls giving Dems a strong advantage going into the midterms, the effect of immigration policies on the country, and the motivations of MAGA while Trump is floundering. Then, they welcome journalist and author of “How Russia Won”, David Corn, to discuss the salience of Russia as a threat to democracy around the globe, how they interfere in our politics, Trump’s relationship with Putin, and what we must do in order to protect our system of government. 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 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 Get More From This Week’s Guest: David Corn: Twitter | Mother Jones | Website | Our Land Newsletter | Author

James and Al lay out the growing challenges facing Republicans heading into the midterms, how history will view his reign, and how to hold MAGA to account. Then, they welcome journalist and author of “Profiles In Cowardice”, Jacob Weisberg, to discuss the Trump administration’s war on our institutions, the ethical dilemmas faced by law firms under presidential pressure, and the need for the media to hold politicians to account. They also sit with congressional candidate for SC-01, Nancy Lacore, to game out her race for the seat of former Rep. Nancy Mace, looking at the need to end forever wars, increasing affordability on everything from gas to healthcare, and driving turnout among Black and young voters. 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 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 Get More From This Week’s Guests: Nancy Lacore: Twitter | Campaign Website | navy.mil | Facebook | Instagram Jacob Weisberg: Twitter | Puskin | Author Please Support Our Sponsor: Wild Grain: Get $30 off your first box and free croissants for life when you start your subscription to delicious quick-bake artisanal pastries, pasta, and bread at wildgrain.com/warroom with promo code: WARROOM

James and Al celebrate the excellent candidates running for office and their growing prospects in the midterms, shame Trump for his renewed war on the press and the 1st Amendment, and make the point that the administration is focusing on the trivial when the world is on fire. Then, they welcome union leader and smokejumper-turned-congressional candidate for MT-01, Sam Forstag, to discuss the war on rural hospitals, the dangerous influence of money in our politics, the death of accountability, and the need to focus on struggling Americans instead of endless wars. 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 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 Get More From This Week’s Guest: Sam Forstag: Twitter | Campaign Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Please Support Our Sponsors: Trust & Will: Get 20% off when you go to trustandwill.com/WARROOM Hers W.L.: Ready to reach your weight loss goals? Visit forhers.com/warroom to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.