352: Trump Is Sabotaging America with Ruth Ben-Ghiat

352: Trump Is Sabotaging America with Ruth Ben-Ghiat

Author: Politicon February 6, 2026 Duration: 23:48

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.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Authoritarianism and Strong Men
02:54 The Nature of Strong Men and the Rule of Law
05:50 Fascism and Its Characteristics
09:16 The Reactionary Nature of Fascism
12:07 The Global Landscape of Authoritarianism
15:00 The Future of Democracy and Leadership
17:55 Restoring Trust in America and Its Institutions


Tune in for the kind of unfiltered, insider political conversation that usually happens behind closed doors. Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt brings together two legendary figures from opposite sides of the aisle for a weekly dissection of the American political landscape. James Carville, the fiery Democratic strategist, and Al Hunt, the respected veteran journalist and former Republican, don’t just rehash the headlines. They break down the strategy, the blunders, and the human drama driving the news with a depth of experience few can match. Each episode feels like you’re eavesdropping on a candid, often humorous, and always insightful debate between friends who have seen it all. This podcast, produced by Politicon, cuts through the noise of cable news punditry, offering analysis rooted in decades of firsthand knowledge of campaigns, government, and media. You’ll hear them predict consequences, call out hypocrisy, and unpack the real stakes of policy and elections. It’s a masterclass in political thinking, delivered with sharp wit and genuine camaraderie. For anyone trying to understand not just what’s happening, but why it matters and what might happen next, this is an essential listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Politics War Room with James Carville & Al Hunt
Podcast Episodes
365: Mad Men with Dr. Trita Parsi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:54
James and Al sound the alarm over Trump’s deteriorating mental state, and explain the challenges it poses for JD Vance and the effects it will have on the upcoming election. Then, they analyze the political dynamics at p…
364: Winning Is Everything, Stupid With Gov. Steve Bullock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:36
James and Al game out the implications of Trump’s foreign policy following the ceasefire with Iran, analyze the growing schism in the MAGA movement, and examine the shift toward Democrats and Independents in recent off-y…
363: It’s A Points Game With Christine Brennan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:03
James and Al blast the state of journalism, call out Scott Jennings for his toxic coverage, and explain Trump’s recent political struggles and declining popularity, centering on the disastrous war with Iran and the compl…
362: Teleport Us To The Waffle House With G. Elliot Morris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:36
James and Al skewer Trump’s approach to warfare and military strategy, draw historical parallels to the current conduct of the war, and game out ways to preempt possible election interference by Trump and the SCOTUS. The…
361: Home & Away with Richard Haass & Mayor Paige Cognetti [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:10
James and Al welcome Council on Foreign Relations President Emeritus Richard Haass to analyze the effects of the Iran war and Trump’s wider policy decisions, looking at the roles of Russia, the GCC, and China, the challe…
360: Winning Hearts & Minds with Stephen A. Smith & Dr. Trita Parsi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:40
James and Al look at the Senate run-off in Texas, the blue shift in the Hispanic vote, the effects of redistricting in California, and MAGA’s attempt at voter suppression under the SAVE Act. Then, they welcome Dr. Trita…
359: WAR, What Is It Good For? with Max Boot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:07
James and Al celebrate Talarico’s win in Texas and share their excitement about the 2026 midterm elections, given the Democratic field's growing strength and Trump’s weakening support among Republicans. Then, they welcom…
358: A Tale Of Three Andrews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:17
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…
357: Pound The Table With Catherine Rampell & Dr. Annie Andrews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:55
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…