Politicon: How The Heck Are We Gonna Get Along with Clay Aiken

Politicon: How The Heck Are We Gonna Get Along with Clay Aiken

Politicon

Election 2020 is here and the countdown to our future has begun! But before we put any misplaced trust in the people trying to lead us, Politicon is recruiting our fellow Americans to see if they have what it takes! Join our moderator Clay Aiken and the live audience on set and on the web as they grill an all partisan panel of the sharpest, funniest, and most innovative minds in politics, media, and comedy to see if they’re the ones we should have running things-- and what they think about the people who are.   There will be some brilliance, som...

91: Tony Messenger

91: Tony Messenger

Clay is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and author of “Profit and Punishment” Tony Messenger to look at the ways our criminal justice system has prioritized money, punishment and power over lives during a time when we are finally reevaluating the way our country pursues justice.  How does the system impact the poor?  Is it something that we should all be concerned about?  And what can we do to fight inequity and restore a belief in true fairness and common sense? Get more from Tony

Dec 3, 2021 • 1:16:33

90: Meghan McCain

90: Meghan McCain

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Clay is joined by his good friend and frequent political sparring partner Meghan McCain for a deep conversation about the factors dividing the country.  They discuss the importance of speaking your mind and staying true to your values, avoiding the extremes of both parties, and talking to the other side and making sure they have a seat at the table.  Would that be enough to reunite us as a country once again? Get more from Meghan McCain Twitter | Instag

Nov 26, 2021 • 1:01:20

89: Phil Klay

89: Phil Klay

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Nov 12, 2021 • 1:01:23

88: Professor Noah Feldman

88: Professor Noah Feldman

Clay is joined by author of “The Broken Constitution”, Harvard Law Professor Noah Feldman, for a discussion about the legacy of President Lincoln and the salience of race in contemporary debates about schooling and CRT.  Did his leadership represent an overcoming of the original sin of slavery during the Revolutionary era, or are we doomed to politicians leveraging our differences for gain until the nation and our constitution are pushed to the brink once again?     Get more from Professor Noa

Nov 6, 2021 • 1:02:44

87: David Byler

87: David Byler

With the Virginia Governor’s race decided next Tuesday, Clay is joined by WaPo’s data expert David Byler for a deep dive into the mechanics of the race, what is driving the electorate, and how it relates to national politics.  Does either candidate have a lock on things?  What messaging are they using in pursuit of victory?  And looking at the election, have we become a country of ideological down ballot voters or do local issues and personal politics still win the day? Get more from David Byl

Oct 29, 2021 • 58:02

86: Judge Ladoris Cordell

86: Judge Ladoris Cordell

Clay is joined by author of the book “Her Honor”, Judge LaDorris Cordell for an insider's look at the state of our country’s legal system, the hurdles it places in the way of so many of us, and the reforms it needs to truly serve the nation as a whole.  How can we stop the politicization and special interest influence of the judiciary so judges can remain impartial?  And what other reforms and activism are needed to restore a sense of justice to our laws?     Get more from Judge Cordell Twi

Oct 22, 2021 • 53:31

85: Patriot Party Of Arizona

85: Patriot Party Of Arizona

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Oct 15, 2021 • 51:04

84: Professor Michael Sandel

84: Professor Michael Sandel

Clay is joined by Harvard philosopher, Professor Michael Sandel, for an in depth discussion about the forces in our country that create its winners and its losers, and how that  tyranny of meritocracy divides us.  Have modern democracies fallen prey to credentialism and a financial system that enriches individuals instead of the common good?  And can we fix our discourse and create systems of inclusion to make us all feel like valued stakeholders in our society? Get more from Michael Sandel

Oct 9, 2021 • 1:01:18

83: Katharine Hayhoe

83: Katharine Hayhoe

Clay is joined by atmospheric scientist and author of "Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World", Katharine Hayhoe, for a intensive look at the climate risk facing the planet and the difficulty scientists, policy makers, and even our fellow citizens face in building coalitions for effective action.  What does it take to change minds?  And will we be able to build bi-partisan majorities to do enough in time? Get more from Katharine Hayhoe Website |Twitter |

Oct 2, 2021 • 50:45

82: Billy Prempeh

82: Billy Prempeh

Clay is joined by the Congressional challenger in NJ-9, Republican Billy Prempeh for a wide ranging discussion about what it takes to win a House seat, the challenges candidates face running in a district historically controlled by the opposing party, and how to appeal to disenchanted independents.  What policies will it take to win over those skeptical of both parties?  And does Billy have the solutions that will bring voters from both sides together to support him? Get more from Billy Prempe

Sep 24, 2021 • 1:20:04

81: Joshua Prager

81: Joshua Prager

Clay welcomes author and journalist Joshua Prager to look at the impact of Roe vs. Wade and the woman who drove the case, Norma McCorvey (aka Jane Roe).  They discuss how her life and the Supreme Court decision still affect the people involved and our country to this day.  What led her to go all the way to the highest court in the land and then identify with the other side?  And how can we reconcile the toughest challenges of human life with our laws? Get more from Joshua Prager Website |Auth

Sep 18, 2021 • 54:33

80: Steven Olikara

80: Steven Olikara

Clay welcomes founder of the Millennial Action Project and 2022 Wisconsin Senate candidate Steven Olikara for a discussion about the process of running for national office and how he would tackle the critical issues facing his state and our country.  With a focus on bi-partisanship and solutions that move us towards a better country for all, is it still possible to break through the media gauntlet with a positive message?  Steven is betting that he can. Get more from Steven Olikara Campaign W

Sep 10, 2021 • 57:01

79: Joshua Spivak

79: Joshua Spivak

Clay welcomes author of “Recall Elections: From Alexander Hamilton to Gavin Newsom” and founder of the Recall Elections Blog, Joshua Spivak, for a deep dive into the recall election process and find out how things are playing out in California.  Will Gavin Newsom triumph over the recall vote and over his challengers?  Or will Larry Elder or another one of the dozens of challengers be the one to unseat him?  And perhaps most importantly, does the process improve our democracy or just divide us fu

Sep 3, 2021 • 48:11

78: Dr. Lina Abirafeh

78: Dr. Lina Abirafeh

Clay welcomes the Executive Director of the Arab Institute for Women at the Lebanese American University, human rights activist Dr. Lina AbiRafeh for a discussion about the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and what it means for women.  Did they make gains while we were there?  Was there more, and is there more we can do to help strengthen their rights in the region?  And what will life be like for them under the Taliban now that we’ve left? Get more from Dr. Lina AbiRafeh Twitter | Arab

Aug 27, 2021 • 37:20

77: Afghanistan with Professor Jen Murtazashvili

77: Afghanistan with Professor Jen Murtazashvili

Clay welcomes  Director of the Center for Governance and Markets at the University of Pittsburgh, Professor Jen Murtazashvili for an in depth look at the history of Afghanistan and why Western culture has had so much difficulty relating to its people.  Did we do enough while we were there and did we leave the right way?  And is the transition of power from the U.S. backed government the first step towards enduring calm in the region or is it the beginning of a renewed era of chaos and strife?

Aug 20, 2021 • 56:27

76: Mary Trump

76: Mary Trump

Clay welcomes  Dr. Mary Trump, niece of the former President, to look at the trauma our nation still has to reckon with from its history-- starting with the pandemic, a contested election and race relations-- and that’s only from the last few years.  What were the forces and personality traits that drove Donald Trump to the White House?  And why was his presidency so effective at bringing out our divisions?  Now that they’re out in the open-- how do we move on? Get more from Mary Trump Twitte

Aug 13, 2021 • 1:08:12

75: Prof. Elwood Watson

75: Prof. Elwood Watson

Clay is joined by Professor of History, African American Studies, and Gender Studies at East Tennessee State University, Elwood Watson, for a look at the divisions that have engulfed our country over recent years.  Why does it seem like recent gains have been reversed?  And what can we do to reignite our passion for civil rights and continue building on the generational gains our country has enjoyed on issues of diversity, inclusion, and giving people a voice?  Get more from Professor Elwood Wa

Aug 6, 2021 • 56:57

74: Victor Shi

74: Victor Shi

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Jul 30, 2021 • 1:02:33

73: Message from Clay

73: Message from Clay

Message from Clay

Jul 23, 2021 • 2:49

72: Audrey Cavenecia

72: Audrey Cavenecia

Clay speaks with Audrey Cavenecia, the business maven, storyteller, and co-host of the podcast Amplify voices with NFL Coach Pete Carroll to look at the ways we can unite as a country in 2021 and beyond.  After breaking down why things have gotten so divisive, Audrey and Clay explore how we can create the future we all deserve.  Are we able to put people above politics and work through our differences?  And more importantly, can we align our politics with a philosophy of love and mutual respect

Jul 16, 2021 • 54:54

71: Charles Moran, Log Cabin Republicans

71: Charles Moran, Log Cabin Republicans

Clay sits down with Charles Moran, board member of the Log Cabin Republicans to discuss the state of pride and politics in 2021.  Are the positive changes we’ve seen recently here to stay-- or are they confined to one month a year?  And with Republicans now favoring Gay Marriage by a majority and President Trump making significant headway in transforming the LGBT outreach of the Republican Party--, is the focus on equality and inclusiveness the key to getting along?   Get more from Charles Moran

Jul 9, 2021 • 1:19:18

70: Dave Spencer

70: Dave Spencer

Clay sits down with Rockefeller heir, philanthropist, and podcast host of Practically Political, Dave Spencer,  to look at the role that civic minded Republicans could play in rebranding the GOP after President Trump.  Does the secret to regaining political power during the Biden Administration mean tacking to the left on social issues while re-establishing the party’s conservative economic credentials?  Are there any standard bearers who could take the party in that direction?  Or does Presiden

Jul 2, 2021 • 48:25

69: Judd Dunning

69: Judd Dunning

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Jun 25, 2021 • 1:27:30

68: Jacqueline Novogratz

68: Jacqueline Novogratz

Jacqueline Novogratz

Jun 18, 2021 • 55:13

67: Irshad Manji

67: Irshad Manji

...

Jun 11, 2021 • 1:09:52

66: JD Durkin

66: JD Durkin

Clay is joined by the host of Cheddar’s new primetime show, “None of the Above”, J.D. Durkin, for a deep dive into how the media can appeal to younger audiences and still give us the information we need to know.  Is a new paradigm enough to get those who feel left out of the process to engage?  And can the media speak to all of us while still delivering the facts with the professionalism the country has come to expect from them?   Get more from J.D. Durkin Twitter | Website | None of the Above

Jun 4, 2021 • 42:10

65: Scottie Nell Hughes

65: Scottie Nell Hughes

Clay is joined by conservative and RT host Scottie Nell Hughes to look at what’s been happening in our country since the 2020 election and if Trump or Biden was fully up to the task of handling the Covid crisis.  Were both parties incapable of living up to the challenge?  An atmosphere of fear, alienation, and hopelessness seem to have taken over the country no matter which party you support (or which party wing).  So how do we break out of our malaise and focus on what matters?  Maybe all it ta

May 29, 2021 • 1:02:58

64: Dr. Rashad Richey

64: Dr. Rashad Richey

Clay welcomes the host of The Young Turks newest show Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey, Dr. Richey,  to find out if we can count on our politics to give us the change our country desperately needs.  Fresh off debates with the other side, Dr. Richey shares his take on whether our politicians are up to the challenge of the moment.  Do we need more ideological purity or less?  And can we count on those who lead the country to steer the benefits of government action to those who need it most?  Pe

May 21, 2021 • 56:12

63: Patriotic Millionaires- Morris Pearl & Erica Payne

63: Patriotic Millionaires- Morris Pearl & Erica Payne

Clay is joined by Patriotic Millionaires and authors of “Tax the Rich”, Morris Pearl and Erica Payne to discuss whether the wealthy are paying their fair share in 2021.  Is our convoluted and unbalanced tax structure driving inequality and undermining the fabric of the country?  Or are politicians to blame as much as our corporations?  If they are, is there a way to build equity for the disadvantaged and still keep the rich on board with the plan?   Get more from Morris: Twitter |Patriotic Mill

May 14, 2021 • 52:50

62: Jill Wine-Banks

62: Jill Wine-Banks

Clay sits down with legal mastermind, adventurer, and cultural icon Jill Wine-Banks to discuss the parallels between Trump and Nixon, and whether the rule of law is being upheld in our country.  Are we seeing improvement under the Biden administration or is it just a dose of partisanship from the other side?  Both of them are cautiously optimistic, but as Clay finds out in the conversation, there are a lot of steps for us to take legally, politically, and socially if we are going to create the c

May 7, 2021 • 1:08:11

61: Alex Gibney

61: Alex Gibney

Clay sits down with Academy Award winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, the mastermind behind HBO’s upcoming Crime of the Century, a two part special taking on the opioid epidemic and the forces behind it, along with many other movies.  Does the profit motive drive people and corporations to slowly deceive themselves about what they are truly doing?  Is Congress on our side, or on that of those who would profit off our human needs?  And is the race to the top what’s pushing aside our humanity and abili

Apr 30, 2021 • 58:50

60: Jonathan Allen

60: Jonathan Allen

In an emotional week for the nation, Clay welcomes journalist, author and political maven Jonathan Allen to discuss the political forces that brought us to our current moment and where they might take us.  With justice done after the Chauvin trial, and President Biden’s approval rating sitting near 60%, there are some reasons to hope that we might be getting closer to getting along than we’ve been in years.  But are the trends we’re seeing the result of luck, or is a new majority coalescing arou

Apr 23, 2021 • 1:01:57

59: Seal Team Two Commander Mike Hayes

59: Seal Team Two Commander Mike Hayes

Clay welcomes business maven, author, and former Seal Team 2 Commander Mike Hayes to find out what our leadership needs to face the challenges of the 21st century.  Do our politicians have what it takes?  And more importantly, do we?  With optimism, focus, and the belief that we all have a contribution to make, we can unite around a bright future if we work for it.  But can we put aside our differences, embrace an ethic of service,  and step up to lead our families, friends, and neighbors to our

Apr 16, 2021 • 1:01:25

58: Richard Lui

58: Richard Lui

Clay is joined by journalist, businessman, and author Richard Lui to discuss the state of the nation in 2021 and how we can begin to come together as one people.  Is apolitical selfishness or making the effort to reach out and sit down to talk with those who disagree with us the answer?  It’s a difficult question, but with small steps, intention and good will, we might be able to take the advice of Richard and find the way forward for us, our communities, and our country-- no matter which side o

Apr 9, 2021 • 1:09:00

57:  April Ryan

57: April Ryan

Clay welcomes White House Correspondent under 5 administrations April Ryan to hear what she’s learned pushing our leaders to answer tough questions, and how things have changed under President Biden.  Will he be able to help bridge the urban/rural divide, get infrastructure done, and unite us as a country?  April lets us know she thinks there's a decent chance-- if we can get everyone to understand the issues that are truly at stake.  Can we? Guest: April Ryan White House Correspondent April R

Apr 2, 2021 • 1:06:00

56: Jonathan Cohn

56: Jonathan Cohn

While we wait for vaccines to stem the tide of the Covid onslaught, Clay brings on author and health care expert Jonathan Cohn to take a look at the state of healthcare in our country.  Why aren’t all of us covered in the pandemic era? And isn’t there an incentive for business to turn over employee coverage to the government?  The devil is in the details, but many recent plans have the potential to take us past the goal line of universal coverage-- something that could have saved thousands of li

Mar 26, 2021 • 1:12:49

55: Professor Nancy Bristow

55: Professor Nancy Bristow

With a year passed since HTH last met in the studio, Clay welcomes University of Puget Sound History Department Chair Nancy Bristow, author of American Pandemic, to look at how the COVID  era compares to the country during the influenza of 1918.  You’d be surprised by how many similarities there are, but there are still a lot of important lessons we can learn to help us reach a new and better normal when things fully open.  Their lives went on eventually-- can we hope for another roaring 20s?

Mar 19, 2021 • 50:20

54: Heather McGhee

54: Heather McGhee

2021 has ushered in a new era in politics, but has it done the same for our race relations?  Effective solutions have been hard to come by, even when our country is more desperate for them than ever.  So Clay speaks with Board Chair of Color of Change, Heather McGhee about her book, “The Sum of Us” to find out if her plans will give us the benefits of a solidarity dividend from being united as one people.  If done right-- it could be how we finally get along! Guest: Heather McGhee Heather d

Mar 11, 2021 • 1:09:06

53: Adam Jentleson

53: Adam Jentleson

With the Senate held by only a razor thin margin and important legislation being debated, Clay brings on Senator Harry Reid’s former deputy Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson to find out what we can expect from them.  Is the institution irreparable broken?  The people seem to think so, but is the filibuster to blame?  Or are their other solutions that can get us back to compromise, action and good governance? Guest: Adam Jentleson Adam Jentleson is the Executive Director of Battle Born Collective

Mar 5, 2021 • 1:11:39

52: Rep. David Price

52: Rep. David Price

Clay has run for congress in North Carolina and almost unseated the Republican incumbent-- and he remains engaged in the state’s politics to this day.  So for this special 52nd episode, Clay marks 1 year of podcasting by welcoming his hometown representative, Congressman  David Price to discuss the future of bi-partisanship, the Democratic majority, what it takes to get and stay elected, and how to best represent your constituents. Guest: Rep. David Price Representative David Price represents

Feb 24, 2021 • 1:05:24

51: Rep. David Jolly

51: Rep. David Jolly

Clay welcomes former Rep. David Jolly of Florida to discuss the unraveling of our political culture, the changes our Congress needs and whether The SAM Party can move us forward.  Has the need for cold hard cash irreparably corrupted the two dominant parties in our country?  Can centrism be the solution, or must we first make the changes that take power away from those that divide us? Guest: Rep. David Jolly Former Congressman David Jolly served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2014 –

Feb 19, 2021 • 1:08:30

50: The Circus - Mark McKinnon & Alex Wagner

50: The Circus - Mark McKinnon & Alex Wagner

Clay welcomes Alex Wagner and Mark McKinnon of Showtime’s The Circus to get the inside scoop on the current state of the two parties.  In the quest to get along, talking to anyone and speaking with the people who make a difference are key to understanding what’s next for us-- and Alex and Mark share the many insights they’ve gained from dedicating their careers to understanding the electorate.  After impeachment, will the Republican party coalesce around a less controversial leader?  Can Joe Bid

Feb 12, 2021 • 57:26

49: #SistersInLaw Kimberly Atkins

49: #SistersInLaw Kimberly Atkins

Despite the inauguration of President Biden, the legacy of the Trump administration and the bitter feelings about the election still hang in the air-- especially after the events of January 6th-- and it’s anybody’s guess about how we can move the country forward. With that in mind,  Clay is joined by legal expert and member of Politicon’s #SistersInLaw podcast, Kimberly Atkins, to discuss the latest developments in the impeachment trial, the possible censure of Rep. Marjorie Greene, and whether

Feb 5, 2021 • 57:49

48: Dr. Jonathan Metzl

48: Dr. Jonathan Metzl

With California opening up but almost nothing feeling like it’s back to normal, Clay has on Dr. Jonathan Metzl of Vanderbilt University on the podcast to examine what ails our country.  And from race relations, to our isolation, the pandemic, and the tendency of voters to cut off our noses to spite our face, there is a lot that ails us.  But in spite of the many ills we face, they both find hope in the possibility of our politics to stop otherizing and return to coalition building and charm offe

Jan 29, 2021 • 1:01:55

47: Inauguration Week w/ Joe Lockhart

47: Inauguration Week w/ Joe Lockhart

With Joe Biden newly inaugurated, Clay has on Bill Clinton’s White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart to discuss the promises and perils of our new president and if a new administration is what it takes for us to get along again.  Does President Biden have a good chance of getting us out of the mess we started with in 2021?  Or are the parties going to split apart, with a whole new political landscape nearly upon us?  No matter which way things go, at the moment we can appreciate that (for the m

Jan 21, 2021 • 46:29

46: Sally Kohn

46: Sally Kohn

In the days after the Capitol raid (or protests depending on who you ask) Clay welcomes Sally Kohn to the podcast to see if the arc of progress is still bending towards justice, or if some drastic change is needed.  With the Biden Administration kicking off next week, there might just be that chance, but in the meantime they try and break down the factors that got our country to this point, what we need next, and how we can live, let go, and maybe not hate each other. Guest: Sally Kohn is one

Jan 15, 2021 • 1:02:50

45: Malcolm Nance

45: Malcolm Nance

In the aftermath of protests that saw the Capitol building overrun with almost the entire government inside, Clay is joined by US Intellligence expert and anti-terrorism mastermind Malcolm Nance to discuss how it got to this point, and what our government should be doing as we approach the transition of power.  Will the halls of government be secured?  Or will a combination of ineptness and ill will continue to leave us at risk of terror or worse?  And with democracy in retreat across the globe,

Jan 8, 2021 • 1:05:56

44: A Year Of Trying To Get Along

44: A Year Of Trying To Get Along

In this end of the year special, Clay shares what it’s been like becoming a podcaster after a successful music career and a not so successful run for Congress.  Then he shares with us some of his favorite segments from the conversations he’s had trying to Find Out How The Heck We’re Gonna Get Along! in 2020, and plays us some of the more fiery and passionate moments we heard on the show.  Will 2021 be a better year for the country and the time we finally learn how to get along?  We hope so, but

Jan 1, 2021 • 52:32

43: Lauren Chen

43: Lauren Chen

Clay is joined by Lauren Chen of BlazeTV to discuss the latest in the wars over tech censorship and free speech.  How should media organizations and big tech companies cover allegations or evidence of election fraud?  Is there a gatekeeper for the gatekeepers, or do we have to rely on questionable Section 230 protections?  No matter where you fall on the specifics, speech is part of the answer to how we get along.  Can Clay and Lauren bring the country together in time for 2021? Guest: Lauren

Dec 23, 2020 • 1:04:52

42: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

42: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Clay is joined by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson to discuss the revolutionary character of 2020 and what it means for our politics, our race relations and how we're all going to get along.  The verdict is that we have a lot of work to do, but between the First Step Act, the Black Lives Matter protests, and the new allies that they both brought to the cause,  there are powerful reasons for hope on both sides of the aisle.  Can we stay focused on the big picture? Or will the momentum of the past beckon us

Dec 17, 2020 • 1:16:03

41: Bill Kristol

41: Bill Kristol

Clay Aiken is joined by Bill Kristol of The Bulwark, Defending Democracy Together, constitutionalgovt.org, and Conversations with Bill Kristol, to take on the aftermath of the Trump administration and examine how our country can come together after the elections.  How do we restore the imperatives of our constitutional government?  Is Biden the vehicle that will allow us all to come together?  And does the future of our country lie with MAGA or on turning over a new page? Guest: Bill Kristol h

Dec 9, 2020 • 56:33

40:  Al Hunt

40: Al Hunt

Clay is joined by Albert Hunt, veteran journalist of Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and currently, co-host of Politicon’s Politics War Room with James Carville.  After taking a look at the current prospects for each party in the Georgia Senate races, they examine how the country has changed and the best way for a Biden administration to bring our country back together.   Al thinks that with what he sees as the competent and middle of the road picks for his cabinet so far, Joe Biden might be

Dec 3, 2020 • 59:56

39: Ask Clay Anything

39: Ask Clay Anything

In this special holiday episode, Clay Aiken answers a round up of some of the best questions sent in for him since the launch of the podcast.  Hear his thoughts on the election, the guests so far, his run for Congress, what it takes to live in the public eye, and his hopes and expectations for the country.  There’s no holding back! Host: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Follow Clay Aiken further on:

Nov 25, 2020 • 1:03:14

38: John Iadarola

38: John Iadarola

Clay Aiken is joined by one of HTH’s first guests, John Iadarola of The Young Turks and The Damage Report, to take a look at where the country’s gone since the early episodes and what to look for going into 2021.  Is Biden the great progressive hope now that it looks like Trump is headed out of office, or will the left be let down again?  More important, after a divisive election, how do we bring the opposing poles of our politics closer together? Guest: John Iadarola is the host of The Da

Nov 20, 2020 • 1:04:21

37: Anna Paulina Luna

37: Anna Paulina Luna

Clay is joined by Anna Paulina Luna to talk about the experience of running for Congress, what to expect from her and the Republican Party, the state of the election results and whether 2021 will be the year when we finally start to get along.  But first we’ll have to collectively decide on a winner.  Can we? Host: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Guest: Anna Paulina Luna ran for election to the U.S.

Nov 11, 2020 • 1:06:24

36:  Bob Shrum

36: Bob Shrum

With Joe Biden only 6 electoral votes away from the presidency as of taping, Clay is joined by Democratic master strategist Bob Shrum to breakdown what happened on November 3rd, why things are going the way they are, what to expect from a Biden Presidency should he be elected, expectations of a Trump run in 2024, and keen insights into how the heck we’re going to get along after the election.  Don’t miss this 2020 election special!  Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a

Nov 6, 2020 • 57:14

35: Clare Malone From FiveThirtyEight

35: Clare Malone From FiveThirtyEight

Clay is Joined by Clare Malone of FiveThirtyEight to go over the polling with only one week left in the race. Millions of ballots have already been cast and Biden appears to be ahead, but are the polls really any more accurate than they were in 2016? It already looks like an election season unlike any other! Listen and find out what to expect on November 3rd... Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014.

Oct 28, 2020 • 1:03:35

34: Swing States: Kate Kenski & Chris Cooper

34: Swing States: Kate Kenski & Chris Cooper

Clay is joined by Kate Kenski and Chris Cooper, experts on electoral politics in swing states Arizona and North Carolina, to discuss the state of the races, the changing political dynamics over the last few cycles, and what we can expect on election day. It might surprise you! Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Chris Cooper is Madison Distinguished Professor and Department Head in Th

Oct 21, 2020 • 1:03:31

33: Jessica Taylor From The Cook Report On The Senate Races

33: Jessica Taylor From The Cook Report On The Senate Races

Clay is joined by Jessica Taylor, the Cook Report’s expert on Senate and Governor’s races to take a deep dive into 2020’s toss-ups, the methodology behind their calls, and how things look in the battleground states. Key takeaway: it doesn’t look good for Lindsay Graham...but when the news cycle moves this fast, anything can happen! Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Jessica Taylor is

Oct 14, 2020 • 1:08:24

32: Tomi Lahren And Joe Biden’s Purse

32: Tomi Lahren And Joe Biden’s Purse

Clay is joined by Fox Nation’s Tomi Lahren for a vigorous conversation about the continuation of lockdowns, the state of our cities, the threat of voter fraud, and what purse best suits Joe Biden. You might be surprised where they both agree! Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Tomi Lahren is FoxNews contributor and host on the digital streaming platform FoxNation. She is also the aut

Oct 7, 2020 • 1:09:13

31: Michael Steele: 'Trump skewers himself'

31: Michael Steele: 'Trump skewers himself'

Clay is joined by former RNC Chairman Michael Steele to analyze the first Presidential Debate and discuss whether or not the candidates lived up to the expectations of their supporters. Michael rules it a win for Biden, believing that many lost faith in the President last night. Is he right? Or did Biden’s message get lost in the noise? Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Michael Stee

Oct 1, 2020 • 1:11:10

30: Brian Stelter: Hoax

30: Brian Stelter: Hoax

Clay is joined by CNN’s Brian Stelter to discuss the state of journalism in 2020 and whether there’s still hope for objectivity. Is there anything to stop the networks from abandoning facts for clicks? Or are we doomed to follow the algorithms to conflict and chaos? Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Brian Stelter is the chief media correspondent for CNN Worldwide and anchor of Relia

Sep 24, 2020 • 1:08:43

29: The Circus: John Heilemann & Jennifer Palmieri

29: The Circus: John Heilemann & Jennifer Palmieri

Clay is joined by John Heilemann and Jennifer Palmieri, where they examine the Presidential race, take a deep dive into the state of the Biden campaign, and look ahead to how our politics look in 2024. Will we make it that far?  Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: John Heilemann is a host, creator, and executive producer of Showtime’s The Circus. He is a co-founder of Recount Media an

Sep 17, 2020 • 1:10:39

28: Carter Page: Abuse And Power

28: Carter Page: Abuse And Power

Clay is joined by Carter Page to discuss the radical politicalization of international relations, the influence of Russia on our politics and our national psyche, and if we’ll be able to resolve our differences before it’s too late! Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Carter Page, Ph.D., is a former foreign-policy adviser to Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential election campaign,

Sep 10, 2020 • 1:04:57

27: What the Heck Is QAnon With Brandy Zadrozny and Oliver Darcy

27: What the Heck Is QAnon With Brandy Zadrozny and Oliver Darcy

Clay is joined by NBC News’ Brandy Zadrozny and CNN’s Oliver Darcy to discuss the proliferation of QAnon theories on the major social media platforms, and to ask what happens as these ideas go from the depths of the internet to driving our politics on the streets and in the halls of government... Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Brandy Zadrozny is an award-winning investigative and

Sep 3, 2020 • 1:15:16

26: Paul Begala: “You’re Fired! The Perfect Guide To Beating Donald Trump”

26: Paul Begala: “You’re Fired! The Perfect Guide To Beating Donald Trump”

Clay is joined by Democratic strategist and counselor to President Bill Clinton, Paul Begala, to discuss the Republican Convention, the unrest on our streets, and the policies that he thinks will unite the country around a Biden ticket. If the country follows his advice and Biden follows his plans, will we be telling Trump, “You’re Fired” in November? Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Paneli

Aug 27, 2020 • 1:07:07

25: Hogan Gidley

25: Hogan Gidley

Clay is joined by White House Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley to discuss the state of the nation going into the national conventions, what it’s like to speak for the President, and how we can unite after November. Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Hogan Gidley was recently named National Press Secretary for the Trump Campaign, having formerly served in the White House as Deputy

Aug 19, 2020 • 59:14

24: Nish Kumar, Hello America!

24: Nish Kumar, Hello America!

Clay is joined by British comedian Nish Kumar to give us the full story behind Brexit, breakdown the differences between President Trump and Boris Johnson, and find out just how crazy they think we really are after witnessing our 2020! Maybe it turns out the secret to truly getting along is to be separated by the Atlantic.... Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Nish Kumar is a criti

Aug 13, 2020 • 1:08:05

23: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

23: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Description: Clay is joined by Biden surrogate and Houston Representative Sheila Jackson Lee to fill us in on the state of the campaign, how we can expect Joe to govern, and to give us the case for handing the White House to Democrats in 2021. Are they ready to lead us or should we be hoping for four more years? Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is

Aug 6, 2020 • 1:13:09

22: “Russia, Russia, Russia”: Anne Applebaum And David Corn Discuss Russian Interference In This Year’s Election.

22: “Russia, Russia, Russia”: Anne Applebaum And David Corn Discuss Russian Interference In This Year’s Election.

Clay is joined by Anne Applebaum and David Corn for a deep dive into the ambitions and intrigue of the world’s authoritarians as they position themselves to take advantage of our weaknesses. Are we doing enough to stand up for our values? And if Putin is determined to interfere in 2020, can we stop him?  Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: David Corn is the D.C. bureau chief of Mot

Jul 30, 2020 • 1:10:08

21: David Frum - “Trump Is The Biggest Dick EVER”

21: David Frum - “Trump Is The Biggest Dick EVER”

Clay is joined by David Frum for a surprising amount of agreement on the Federal government’s performance during the pandemic, the commutation of Roger Stone, and the role of click bait and cancel culture in 2020. Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: David Frum served as chairman of the board of trustees of Policy Exchange, speechwriter and special assistant to President George W. B

Jul 23, 2020 • 1:16:12

20: What The Fuck Is Going On?! Sally Kohn, Tara Setmayer,  Emily Jashinsky On Cancel Culture, The Commutation of Roger Stone, and The Federal Government’s Performance

20: What The Fuck Is Going On?! Sally Kohn, Tara Setmayer, Emily Jashinsky On Cancel Culture, The Commutation of Roger Stone, and The Federal Government’s Performance

Clay is joined by Sally Kohn, Tara Setmayer, and Emily Jashinsky for a surprising amount of agreement on the Federal government’s performance during the pandemic, the commutation of Roger Stone, and the role of click bait and cancel culture in 2020. Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Sally Kohn is a comedian, a TED curator (her three hit TED Talks have been viewed more than 6 mill

Jul 16, 2020 • 1:21:36

19: Rev William Barber - A Conversation About The State Of The Nation, The Nature Of Our Divisions, The Rise Of A Growing Moral Majority, And How We Can Rise Back Up As One Nation.

19: Rev William Barber - A Conversation About The State Of The Nation, The Nature Of Our Divisions, The Rise Of A Growing Moral Majority, And How We Can Rise Back Up As One Nation.

Clay is joined by Reverend William Barber for an intimate and illuminating non-partisan conversation about the state of the nation, the nature of our divisions, the rise of a growing moral majority, and how we can rise back up as one nation. Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelist: Reverend William Barber is the President & Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach (Twitter &  Fac

Jul 9, 2020 • 1:17:01

18: From Russia With Trump - Voting Rights, The Corruption Of Our Two Party System, And Rejecting Social Media Politics.

18: From Russia With Trump - Voting Rights, The Corruption Of Our Two Party System, And Rejecting Social Media Politics.

Clay is joined by Aida Rodriguez, John Orloff, and Sonnie Johnson to discuss the role of the United States in the world after the latest Russian bounty revelations, the corruption of our two party system, and if we can come together by rejecting social media politics. You’d be surprised how much they agree…  Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Aida Rodriguez is a comedian and actress

Jul 2, 2020 • 1:06:45

17: Five Dollar Words

17: Five Dollar Words

Ben Domench, Elie Mystal, and Henry Olsen discuss Trump’s re-election chances, whether our national monuments should stay or go, and if Bill Barr’s justice department might better be spelled “Just Us”?  Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Henry Olsen is Senior Fellow for DC’s Ethics & Public Policy Center, author of The Working Class Republican, and a columnist for The Washington P

Jun 25, 2020 • 1:15:53

16: "Nothing"

16: "Nothing"

Clay is joined by Wayne Dupree and Joy Villa for an in-depth look at the problems facing minorities in our nation, and why they both think that President Trump might be their best bet-- if he can keep living up to his potential.   Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Wayne Dupree is host of the award-winning Wayne Dupree Podcast and a USAF Desert Storm/Shield Veteran. See more at wayn

Jun 18, 2020 • 1:10:33

15: F(ix) the Police

15: F(ix) the Police

Clay is joined by Tim Black & John Fugelsang for a deep dive into the state of race in this country and how they see us moving forward as members of the left. Stay tuned, next week we’ll find out if the right agrees... Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Tim Black is the host of Tim Black TV, America’s most watched black independent media on the left, keeping you up-to-date on po

Jun 11, 2020 • 1:04:34

14: Minnesota Goddamn

14: Minnesota Goddamn

Michael Steele, Touré, Amy Holmes, and Shermichael Singleton discuss the terrible divisions facing our country and how we can move forward. Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Michael Steele is the former RNC Chairman, former Lt. Governor of Maryland, political analyst for MSNBC, and the host of The Michael Steele Podcast.  Toure’ hosts The Toure’ Show and the Democracy-ish Podcast w

Jun 4, 2020 • 1:22:58

13: Twitter

13: Twitter

Cenk Uygur, Bill Burton, Joe Walsh, and Joel Pollak lament the social media culture and race relations, before quickly going to war over President Trump’s fitness for office and whether Biden is better or worse! Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Cenk Uygur is the host of The Young Turks TYT Bill Burton is a former Special Advisor to President Obama Joe Walsh is a former Congressman

May 28, 2020 • 1:12:15

12: Shut the Fuck Up

12: Shut the Fuck Up

Anthony Atamanuik, Joy Villa, Carrie Sheffield and Stephanie Miller weigh Biden’s veepstakes, trade fire over the proper hydroxychloroquine dose, and whether or not President Trump has been up to the Covid-19 challenge.   Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Anthony Atamanuik is a comedian and actor who plays Donald Trump on The President Show, appears on What We Do In The Shadows, an

May 21, 2020 • 1:08:18

11: Don’t mention the deep state, I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.

11: Don’t mention the deep state, I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.

Harmeet Dhillon, Malcolm Nance, Richard Painter, and Barbara McQuade weigh recent supreme court decisions, debate the legal merits of dropping Michael Flynn’s case, and bring the heat over the existence of a deep state. Watch out! Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Harmeet Dhillon is a nationally recognized lawyer, the founder of The Center for American Liberty, and National Co-Chai

May 14, 2020 • 1:09:48

10: Turtle on a Fence Post

10: Turtle on a Fence Post

Phil Rosenthal, Robert Davi, Brooke Thomas, and Mike Murphy tackle the reopening of America, Trump’s empathy, Biden’s possible VP pick, and viral videos. Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Phil Rosenthal is the Emmy award-winning creator of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' and host of food & travel show “Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix. Robert Davi is an actor, entertainer, and singer (

May 7, 2020 • 1:14:18

9: Picking a Talking Point Off The Floor

9: Picking a Talking Point Off The Floor

Christopher Hahn, Kaya Jones, Guy Benson, and Noel Casler dissect Trump’s CoronaVirus press briefings, the federal versus state-by-state strategy supplying COVID19 tests, and how the heck Trump could be reelected.  Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Christopher Hahn is a nationally syndicated radio host and the host of the Aggressive Progressive podcast Kaya Jones is a Grammy-winnin

Apr 30, 2020 • 1:11:36

8: A Number of Political Operatives

8: A Number of Political Operatives

Michael Steele, Amy Holmes, Emma Vigeland, and Dr. Jason Johnson dive in to debate jobs versus lives, whether the stimulus can save us from disaster, and if Joe Biden needs to step up... or even do anything at all? Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Michael Steele is the former RNC Chairman, former Lt. Governor of Maryland, political analyst for MSNBC, and the host of The Michael Steele

Apr 23, 2020 • 1:01:28

7: Karaoke is Dead

7: Karaoke is Dead

Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Elisha Krauss, Elie Mystal, and Sam Seder long for our disappearing civil liberties, a healthy economic outlook, and confidence in Joe Biden. Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Glenn Jacobs is the mayor of Knox County, Tennessee and also known as WWE wrestler 'Kane' Elisha Krauss is co-host of The Lady Brains Podcast as well as on air host and contributor to The

Apr 16, 2020 • 1:16:47

6: Cash Me Outside

6: Cash Me Outside

Shermichael Singleton, Antonia Okafor, Tim Black, and Kurt Bardella discuss the real impact of COVID-19 and how the administration is dealing with it, the surge in firearm sales, the titanic strain on our healthcare system, and Bernie dropping out of the race. Moderator: Clay Aiken has sold 6 million albums, sold out 11 national stadium tours, authored a New York Times bestseller, and ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014. Panelists: Shermichael Singleton is a political consultant who h

Apr 9, 2020 • 1:14:28

5: Who's the Weirdo?

5: Who's the Weirdo?

Aida Rodriguez, Anna Paulina, Antonia Okafor, and Sally Kohn debate Trump's management of COVID19, is now a good time for universal healthcare, and how is Joe Biden doing during this tough time for the country. Panelists: Aida Rodriguez is an actor, writer, activist, and comedian featured on Tiffany Haddish's 'They Ready' on Netflix. Anna Paulina is a US Air Force veteran and Congressional candidate in Florida's 13th District. Antonia Okafor is the founder and president of EMPOWERED and direct

Apr 2, 2020 • 1:13:07

4: Push Old People Into a Pit

4: Push Old People Into a Pit

Cenk Uyger, Jim Norton, Scottie Nell Hughes, and Touré enter a battle royale over the CoronaVirus response, the economy, what's wrong with the media, and where the heck is Joe Biden. Panelists: Cenk Uyger is the host of The Young Turks Jim Norton is a stand-up comic on The Degenerates 2 on Netflix and host of Jim Norton & Sam Roberts Scottie Nell Hughes is the host of News Views Hughes on RT Touré is the host of The Touré Show, and is producing a documentary on Prince Email your question

Mar 26, 2020 • 1:12:28

3: This is Actually a Wolf

3: This is Actually a Wolf

Adam Carolla, Rep. Ted Lieu, Nayyera Haq and Joel Pollak form this week’s panel to answer your questions, discuss the Covid-19 pandemic and comment on Joe Biden’s assent to the Dem Nominations.  The panel also come up with some interesting ideas on how to get through the next few weeks of home quarantine... Panelists: Adam Carolla is a podcaster, writer, and documentary filmmaker Congressman Ted Lieu represents the 33rd district of California. Nayyera Haq is a former Senior Director in the Whi

Mar 19, 2020 • 1:04:05

2: Now Wash Your Hands

2: Now Wash Your Hands

Rick Wilson, Jena Friedman, Joel Stein and Wayne Dupree come to grips with life as we know it while both Biden and the CoronaVirus surge ahead potentially taking control over our nation. Panelists: Rick Wilson is the author of Running Against The Devil Jena Friedman is the comedian, writer and filmmaker behind Soft Focus on Adult Swim Joel Stein is the author of In Defense of Eliticism Wayne Dupree is the host of The Wayne Dupree Show Follow @politicon and go to Politicon.com for information

Mar 12, 2020 • 50:15

1: Who Doesn't Like The Invisible Man

1: Who Doesn't Like The Invisible Man

On the debut episode of Politicon's 'How The Heck Are We Gonna Get Along?', moderator Clay Aiken and panelists Lauren Chen, John Iadarola and Matthew Sheffield recap Super Tuesday, dissect the mainstream media and the CoronaVirus before taking questions from the audience. Panelists: Lauren Chen is the host of Pseudo-Intellectual on Blaze TV John Iadarola is the host of The Damage Report on TYT Matthew Sheffield is the host of The Theory of Change Follow @politicon and go to Politicon.com for

Mar 5, 2020 • 1:20:14

Introducing: How The Heck Are We Gonna Get Along

Introducing: How The Heck Are We Gonna Get Along

Election 2020 is here and the countdown to our future has begun! But before we put any misplaced trust in the people trying to lead us, Politicon is recruiting our fellow Americans to see if they have what it takes! Join our moderator Clay Aiken and the live audience on set and on the web as they grill an all partisan panel of the sharpest, funniest, and most innovative minds in politics, media, and comedy to see if they’re the ones we should have running things-- and what they think about the

Feb 27, 2020 • 1:28

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