Trailblaze
Join Jamal Simmons for sharp, engaging conversations about politics, policy, and America’s role in the world. With experience spanning the White House and national media, the CNN political contributor brings humor, candor, and insight to today’s most pressing issues.
Episodes
January 6, 2026 • 20 mins
Jamal Simmons and Sabrina Singh discuss significant political events, including the anniversary of January 6th, military operations, and the implications of U.S. foreign policy. They reflect on the challenges of government transparency, the perception of the U.S. military, and the internal dynamics within the Department of Defense. Sabrina shares insights from her experience in the Biden administration, emphasizing the importa...
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December 23, 2025 • 21 mins
Jamal Simmons and Amie Parnes discuss the current state of the Democratic Party following the 2024 elections, the challenges they face in formulating a cohesive message, and the implications of potential impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump. They also speculate on the 2028 presidential race, highlighting Gavin Newsom's prominent position and the challenges faced by other Democratic leaders. The discussion touches on th...
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December 9, 2025 • 21 mins
Jamal Simmons and Antoine Seawright discuss the current landscape of Democratic politics, focusing on the Texas Senate race and the qualities needed in candidates to connect with voters. They explore the dynamics of the MAGA movement, the importance of bridging divides in American politics, and the necessity of diverse voices within the Democratic Party. The discussion emphasizes the need for candidates to be relatable and to ...
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December 2, 2025 • 15 mins
Jamal and Nayyera Haq discuss the recent military actions taken by the Trump administration, particularly focusing on drone strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. They explore the ethical implications of these actions, the lack of accountability within the military chain of command, and the legal ramifications of using military force in this context. The conversation also touches on America's declining global s...
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November 19, 2025 • 24 mins
Jamal Simmons is joined by his CNN colleague SE Cupp to discuss the evolving political landscape, particularly focusing on Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent shift towards more rational rhetoric. The dialogue explores the internal conflicts within the MAGA movement, the future of conservatism in America, and the need for a coherent agenda from both the right and left to address pressing issues. Cupp emphasizes the importance of i...
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November 12, 2025 • 17 mins
Jamal is joined this week by Ashley Allison discusses her journey from working in the Obama White House to becoming a media entrepreneur with the acquisition of The Root. She shares insights on the challenges of being a CEO, the importance of independent media, and her personal mission to amplify black stories. The discussion highlights the significance of ownership in media and the role of storytelling in shaping narratives.<...
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November 5, 2025 • 21 mins
Jamal Simmons and Chuck Rocha discuss the recent election results, emphasizing the importance of celebrating victories while remaining cautious about future challenges. They explore the significance of affordability in political messaging, particularly for the Latino community, and the need for Democrats to adapt their strategies for upcoming elections. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of Democratic leader...
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October 30, 2025 • 12 mins
Jamal is joined this week by Ofirah Yheskel to discuss the critical stakes of the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey, emphasizing the importance of Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikey Sherrill. They highlight the significance of women in leadership roles, particularly those with national security backgrounds, and the vital role governors play in addressing local issues amidst federal dys...
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September 16, 2025 • 19 mins
Nayyera & Jamal explore the current political landscape, focusing on the Trump administration's impact on foreign policy, economic policies, and the erosion of trust in American institutions. It highlights the tensions in Europe, particularly with Russia, and discusses the implications of corporate transparency and environmental regulations. The discussion also touches on the future of the U.S. dollar and the potential shi...
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August 26, 2025 • 19 mins
Nayyera Haq & Jamal Simmons delve into the political landscape surrounding the Federal Reserve, the implications of government control over economic policies, and the militarization of D.C. It highlights the racial dynamics at play and the potential consequences for democracy and elections in America.
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Add your other favorite Politicon podcast h...
Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe on Spotify
Add your other favorite Politicon podcast h...
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August 21, 2025 • 16 mins
Nayyera and Jamal discuss Gavin Newsom's evolving political strategy, the generational differences in political engagement, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the trends in voter registration among young people. They explore how Newsom's approach resonates with younger voters and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in maintaining relevance. The dialogue emphasizes the need for substance in political dis...
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August 12, 2025 • 35 mins
Nayyera and Jamal discuss various pressing issues facing Washington D.C., including the recent drop in crime rates, the role of the National Guard, economic concerns such as inflation, and the complexities of D.C.'s governance under home rule. They also explore the implications of federal oversight on local governance and the impact of militarization on communities. The conversation features insights from Courtney Snowden, a f...
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August 5, 2025 • 38 mins
Jamal Simmons and Karen Finney, former communications director for the Democratic National Committee, discuss the evolution of politics over the decades. They discuss challenges, changes in political dynamics, coalition building, and their personal journeys into public service. Finney shares her experiences in the Clinton administration and the complexities of American society and the diverse interpretations of the American dr...
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August 1, 2025 • 29 mins
Nayyera Haq and Jamal Simmons discuss the political landscape surrounding Kamala Harris's decision not to run for governor of California, the implications of fear in politics, the impact of AI on the workforce, and the potential for universal basic income in the future. They explore how political decisions are influenced by past experiences and the current economic climate, emphasizing the need for leaders to adapt to changing...
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July 22, 2025 • 21 mins
Nayyera Haq and Jamal Simmons discuss the current state of American politics, focusing on issues such as press freedom, cultural diplomacy, and the distractions created by political figures. They explore the implications of Trump's leadership style and the erosion of trust in government, while also addressing the broader societal impacts of these dynamics.
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July 16, 2025 • 41 mins
Nayyera Haq & Jamal Simmons are joined this week by their friend Anthony Coley, Attorney General Merrick Garland’s chief spokesman, to explore the media’s role in shaping narratives and public perception, focusing on the Epstein files. We’ll examine how media outlets craft stories and public affairs professionals sway opinions. We’ll also discuss the impact of media on society, the power of storytelling, and narrative con...
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July 8, 2025 • 23 mins
In MAGA world. Anger over last night’s U-turn is already starting to flow. Trump’s repeated pledges to end America’s involvement in overseas wars were a big part of his appeal to the MAGA base, and so his decision to start rearming Ukraine — even with purely defensive weapons — is not landing well. At all. You can expect MAGA anger to swell throughout the day.
Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe on S...
Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe on S...
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July 1, 2025 • 24 mins
Nayyera and Jamal discuss the implications of the recent economic bill, its impact on the working class, and the broader societal issues surrounding wealth distribution and federal programs. They explore the challenges faced by the working poor, the need for national service, and the threats to democracy and citizenship in the current political climate. The discussion emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the respo...
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June 24, 2025 • 21 mins
Nayyera & Jamal explore the intertwining of tech companies and the military-industrial complex, raising concerns about the implications of their collaboration. It discusses the role of the President and Congress in military actions, particularly in the context of Iran, and the potential consequences of such actions. The speakers emphasize the importance of accountability, transparency, and effective communication in foreig...
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June 18, 2025 • 22 mins
Nayyera Haq & Jamal Simmons discuss the potential for war in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the United States' involvement in Iran and Israel's actions. They explore the implications of American foreign policy, the perspectives of younger generations on these issues, and the reactions of global powers. The conversation highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating international relations in a rapidly ...
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