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
345: Trump Flips The Bird With Franklin Foer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:38
James and Al sound the alarm over Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, explore the repercussions of his war on the Federal Reserve and the DOJ, and break down the political dynamics in the Senate and at the state level whil…
344: Storm At The Capitol With Mary Clare Jalonick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:48
Following the kidnapping of Maduro by our military, James and Al examine the role that oil and the court-ordered release of the Epstein Files played in Trump’s decision to intervene in Venezuela, how it will affect our p…
343: Happy New Year 2026 From The Gang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:32
James and Al kick off the year by welcoming entertainment maven George Stevens Jr., financial wizard Roger Altman, and esteemed journalist Jill Abramson to reflect on the 1st year of Trump’s 2nd term and game out the yea…
342: Happy Holidays with Judy Woodruff & Mary Matalin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:12
James and Al hype the growing exodus from Trump, tear into the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files, and lament the decline of journalism as represented by Bari Weiss at CBS. Then, they welcome their wives, PBS superstar…
341: Trump Derangement Syndrome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:43
James and Al discuss Susie Wiles’ exposé of Trump’s administration in Vanity Fair, share their takes on her description of the people in it, MAGA’s growing schism, Rob Reiner’s legacy, and Trump’s reaction to his murder.…
340: Winning Back The Youth Vote with John Della Volpe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:34
James and Al celebrate the generational win in the Miami mayoral race, explain Trump’s rapid decline in popularity, and sound the alarm over corporate and foreign influence in entertainment and the broader economy. Then…
339: Blood In The Water With Rep. Jason Crow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:46
James Carville & Al Hunt Are joined this week by Congressman Jason Crow and discuss military leadership of Pete Hegseth, accountability, and the current state of morale within the armed forces. He emphasizes the importan…
337: The History Of The Epstein Files With Sidney Blumenthal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:21
James and Al welcome Clinton consigliere Sidney Blumenthal to discuss the Epstein file release, what we might find, and how it will influence the future of our politics and upcoming elections. They also look at the curre…
336: Duty, Honor, Country with Brigadier General Ty Seidule (Ret.) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:05
James and Al celebrate the reopening of the government and applaud those willing to cross the line, while still criticizing the administration's failure to achieve a better outcome for the American people. Then, Politics…