Watch PoliticsNation

TV-G
2011
11 Seasons
3.2 (266)

PoliticsNation is a political talk show hosted by prominent civil rights activist and Baptist minister Al Sharpton. The show aired on MSNBC from 2011 to 2015 and tackled various national and international political issues affecting the United States. The show was formatted as a panel discussion, with Sharpton hosting a group of guests comprising of political analysts, civil rights activists, representatives from the community and political figures. The guests would discuss topical issues of the day, with a particular focus on civil rights and social justice. Sharpton would give his views on the topics and invite guests to weigh in with their opinions.

The show created a platform for overlooked and underrepresented voices in politics to be heard. Sharpton brought to the forefront issues affecting minorities, and also shone a spotlight on issues that the mainstream media had ignored. He provided his guests with an opportunity to share their experiences, perspectives and ideas with the viewers.

PoliticsNation covered a range of topics such as voter suppression, education, immigration, criminal justice, and foreign policy. Sharpton and his guests explored these topics from different angles and presented viewers with insightful and thought-provoking discussions. The array of guests ensured that the show gave a platform to diverse perspectives and opinions.

The show was also known for its direct approach to news coverage. The panelists were not merely commentators, but also activist journalists who weren

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Seasons

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54. July 12, 2026

July 12, 2026

Summary is not available.

53. July 11, 2026

July 11, 2026

Summary is not available.

52. July 5, 2026

July 5, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, Rev. Al Sharpton talks about the aftermath of America 250 celebrations in D.C. and the political impact of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on transgender rights and birthright citizenship.

51. July 4, 2026

July 4, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, Rev. Al Sharpton reflects on the meaning of Independence Day including both America's achievements and its unfinished work. The discussion highlights the lasting impacts of slavery, segregation and racial disparities on our political moment. This episode emphasizes America's ideals of liberty and democracy while taking an honest examination of the country's history to confront challenges that exist today.

50. June 28, 2026

June 28, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, Rev. Al Sharpton opens with a look at a turbulent week ahead in American politics and on the world stage. He examines escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran as the fragile ceasefire comes under renewed pressure, while highlighting a series of high-stakes developments in Washington. Sharpton discusses pending Supreme Court decisions, including a closely watched case on birthright citizenship, the delay of a bipartisan housing bill amid a broader political standoff, and the controversy surrounding President Trump's push for the SAVE America Act. He also reflects on the early challenges facing the America 250 celebrations, arguing that the nation's anniversary should inspire a renewed commitment to equality, democracy, and the ideals at the heart of the country's founding.

49. June 27, 2026

June 27, 2026

Tonight, on Politics Nation with Rev. Al Sharpton, Iran and the United States have both initiated retaliatory strikes after an Iranian drone attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz potentially complicating on-going peace negotiations. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has handed President Trump another win on the immigration front by granting the federal government permission to end Temporary Protected Status for 350,000 Haitian immigrants and 6,000 Syrian immigrants. And in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani's chosen democratic candidates won big during primary week. Rev. Al welcomes one of them, Darializa Avila Chevalier joins the show to discuss her win over the incumbent and what the sweep means for the democratic party moving forward.

48. June 21, 2026

June 21, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton opens with growing uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran relations as diplomatic talks continue in Switzerland. With Vice President J.D. Vance leading high-stakes negotiations aimed at ending months of conflict and addressing tensions involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran's nuclear program, questions remain about whether meaningful progress can be achieved. Sharpton examines the confusion surrounding the status of the Strait of Hormuz, the challenges facing both sides as a critical deadline approaches, and the broader geopolitical stakes for the region. He also discusses the role of President Trump in shaping the conflict and the international debate over whether his administration can successfully navigate a path toward peace. The episode explores the diplomatic, military, and political implications of a crisis that continues to draw global attention.

47. June 20, 2026

June 20, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton begins with breaking developments in the Middle East as tensions threaten to unravel the fragile three-day-old peace agreement between the United States and Iran. With conflicting claims over the status of the Strait of Hormuz, continued regional violence, and Vice President J.D. Vance traveling to Switzerland for negotiations, Sharpton examines the growing uncertainty surrounding the conflict and its potential impact on the global economy. He also critiques President Trump's leadership during the crisis, arguing that the administration appears increasingly focused on domestic symbolism while international instability escalates. Later, Sharpton turns to former President Barack Obama's vision of leadership and unity, recapping the opening of the Obama Presidential Center during Juneteenth weekend and exploring what it represents for the nation's future. The episode highlights competing visions of America at a pivotal moment at home and abroad.

46. June 14, 2026

June 14, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, Rev. Al Sharpton discusses the intersection of sports and politics as President Trump prepares to host a UFC-style event on the White House South Lawn for Flag Day and his birthday. Sharpton also highlights New York City's excitement following the New York Knicks' NBA Finals victory, a championship that has united the city after decades without a title, while the FIFA World Cup brings fans from around the globe to the U.S. At the same time, the episode examines rising tensions overseas as the administration signals a possible breakthrough in negotiations related to the war with Iran. From championship celebrations to global conflict, Sharpton explores how sports, politics, and world events are all colliding in today's headlines.

45. June 13, 2026

June 13, 2026

On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton examines President Trump's latest display of political spectacle as events tied to Flag Day and the president's birthday unfold across Washington, D.C. From a UFC-style showdown planned for the White House South Lawn to public demonstrations near the Kennedy Center, Sharpton explores how Trump's focus on image, dominance, and media attention continues to shape the national conversation. The episode also turns to the deeper issues overshadowing the weekend's theatrics, including growing political division across the country and the ongoing conflict Trump claims he is close to ending. Sharpton contrasts the administration's high-profile public events with the mounting concerns facing Americans at home and abroad.

44. June 7, 2026

June 7, 2026

Summary is not available.

43. June 6, 2026

June 6, 2026

Summary is not available.

42. May 31, 2026

May 31, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton covers breaking news from Newark, New Jersey, where tensions appear to be easing outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility after days of protests and clashes between demonstrators and police. Authorities announced that limited family visitations have resumed, with full visitation hours expected to return tomorrow as officials and activists work to calm unrest across Newark and surrounding communities. Meanwhile, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is calling for the facility's closure following an oversight visit with New Jersey House Democrats. Reverend Al examines every angle of the developing story with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Reverend Steffie Bartley of the National Action Network, who joins live from the ground in Newark.

41. May 30, 2026

May 30, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton is joined by Democratic kingmaker Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, who was celebrated at his 34th Annual World Famous Fish Fry after surviving a GOP gerrymandering effort that threatened to weaken his district and diminish his political influence in a move critics say was designed to benefit President Trump. The victory against Trump-backed redistricting efforts gave Democrats a boost heading into the weekend, while Clyburn's South Carolina gathering also offered an early glimpse at several high-profile Democrats who could be eyeing a 2028 presidential run.

40. May 24, 2026

May 24, 2026

Summary is not available.

39. May 23, 2026

May 23, 2026

On Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton covers President Trump's push for a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to reward political allies, including January 6th participants—a plan so extreme some Republicans refused to support it. Sharpton contrasts this swift action with decades of stalled reparations efforts for African Americans, arguing that Republican resistance to Trump's power comes too late and predicting increased demands for justice if Democrats return to power.

38. May 17, 2026

May 17, 2026

On today's episode of PoliticsNation, Rev. Al Sharpton examines how this week's primary elections could become a major test of voter frustration following the Supreme Court's recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais. The ruling effectively gutted the Voting Rights Act. As voters across several states head to the polls, the episode explores how Americans are evaluating both President Trump's leadership and the Democratic opposition ahead of the 2026 midterms. Sharpton also highlights growing concerns among Black voters in Southern states where voting rights advocates warn of increasing threats to political representation and ballot access. Following a weekend of voting rights rallies, the program focuses on the stakes of the upcoming elections and the broader fight over democracy, representation, and Black political power in America.

37. May 16, 2026

May 16, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Rev. Al Sharpton opened with a live report from Selma, Alabama — one of the most historic centers of the Civil Rights Movement — where demonstrators gathered to protest Republican-led gerrymandering efforts unfolding across the South. Faith leaders, activists, and political organizers assembled in Selma, Montgomery, and other cities nationwide, warning against what they describe as attempts to roll back decades of Black political progress in order to preserve Republican control of Congress and support President Donald Trump's political agenda.

36. May 10, 2026

May 10, 2026

Rev. Al Sharpton highlights important political stories and issues that require a national platform.

35. May 9, 2026

May 9, 2026

Rev. Al Sharpton highlights important political stories and issues that require a national platform.

34. May 3, 2026

May 3, 2026

Summary is not available.

33. May 2, 2026

May 2, 2026

Summary is not available.

32. April 26, 2026

April 26, 2026

Summary is not available.

31. April 25, 2026

April 25, 2026

Summary is not available.

30. Apr 19, 2026

April 19, 2026

Summary is not available.

29. Apr 18, 2026

April 18, 2026

Summary is not available.

28. Apr 12, 2026

April 12, 2026

Summary is not available.

27. Apr 11, 2026

April 11, 2026

Summary is not available.

26. Apr 5, 2026

April 5, 2026

Summary is not available.

25. Apr 4, 2026

April 4, 2026

Summary is not available.

24. Mar 29, 2026

March 29, 2026

Summary is not available.

23. Mar 28, 2026

March 28, 2026

Rev. Al Sharpton highlights important political stories and issues that require a national platform.

22. Mar 22, 2026

March 22, 2026

Summary is not available.

21. Mar 21, 2026

March 21, 2026

Summary is not available.

20. Mar 15, 2026

March 15, 2026

Summary is not available.

19. Mar 14, 2026

March 14, 2026

Summary is not available.

18. Mar 8, 2026

March 8, 2026

Summary is not available.

17. Mar 7, 2026

March 7, 2026

Summary is not available.

16. Mar 1, 2026

March 1, 2026

Summary is not available.

15. Feb 28, 2026

February 28, 2026

Summary is not available.

14. Feb 22, 2026

February 22, 2026

Summary is not available.

13. Feb 21, 2026

February 21, 2026

Summary is not available.

12. Feb 15, 2026

February 15, 2026

Today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton addresses the fact that the nation once again finds itself in the midst of a partial government shutdown—the second in just over a year since Donald Trump took office. This time, the gridlock centers on a single department, as Democrats continue to push for basic reforms to Homeland Security following public outrage over ICE's violent tactics in Minnesota and other locations. However, the president and his Republican allies in Congress have, so far, shown no interest in pressuring DHS to scale back its actions. With Congress out of Washington for the coming week as leadership negotiates a deal, thousands of federal workers under the DHS are expected to report to work without pay, once again.

11. Feb 14, 2026

February 14, 2026

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton covers the ongoing stalemate between the White House and Congressional Democrats over Homeland Security funding, which has resulted in a partial government shutdown. The impasse continues as the President and Republicans resist Democratic demands for ICE and Border Patrol reforms. Meanwhile, President Trump is also facing dissent within his own party regarding the release of the Epstein files. The latest controversy centers on a six-page Justice Department letter to congressional leaders, justifying redactions and listing every high-profile name in the files. The release is drawing criticism from Republicans who argue that too much information has been withheld and that there is no context for how the names appeared in the documents.

10. Feb 8, 2026

February 8, 2026

Tonight, on 'Politics Nation', Reverend Al Sharpton opens the show just hours before Super Bowl 60 kicks off in San Francisco. While the big game looms, President Trump's ongoing culture wars threaten to overshadow the festivities, with Bay Area officials raising concerns about potential ICE activity near the stadium. Conservatives remain fired up over the politics surrounding the halftime show and the Winter Olympics abroad, as the U.S. political climate heats up with the midterm elections now less than nine months away. New York Governor Kathy Hochul joins the program to discuss her re-election campaign, ICE enforcement in New York, and her recent announcement of a running mate, along with a major endorsement from the state's progressive mayor. Also joining are Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat. The panel will tackle Trump's racist post targeting the Obamas, the Epstein files, DHS funding, Bad Bunny, and more.

9. Feb 7, 2026

February 7, 2026

On today's episode of 'Politics Nation', host Rev. Al Sharpton delivers a forceful rebuke of a racist video shared this week by President Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. Rev. Sharpton condemns the post as vile, dehumanizing, and beneath the office of the presidency, noting that even members of Trump's own party were compelled to denounce it. The episode examines the broader implications of the incident, particularly as it occurred during the opening days of Black History Month and amid ongoing efforts by the administration to diminish the contributions of African Americans. Rev. Sharpton also raises alarms about the resurgence of racist tropes alongside rhetoric about "nationalizing" elections in cities with large Black populations, calling the moment increasingly ominous. Joining the Reverend for the discussion are Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Senator Tina Smith, and Brennan Center President Michael Waldman, who weigh in on accountability, democratic norms, and the stakes for the country moving forward — including why the ultimate response to racist conduct must come at the ballot box this November.

8. Feb 1, 2026

February 1, 2026

On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses how, on the first night of Black History Month, America faces a new challenge in protecting civil rights. Across the nation, we are seeing scenes reminiscent of the 1960s as thousands join mass demonstrations and sit-ins in response to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. In Georgia, our democracy is at risk after the FBI seized ballots and voter data from the 2020 election, raising concerns for the upcoming midterm elections. Recent special election results indicate that Trump and the Republicans may face significant backlash from voters worried about the country's direction.

7. Jan 31, 2026

January 31, 2026

On tonight's Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton and the House Democratic Leader discuss the ongoing government shutdown, tough House spending bill negotiations, frustration over heavily redacted Epstein files, and continued Minnesota protests after a judge allowed DHS operations to proceed.

6. Jan 25, 2026

January 25, 2026

On today's episode, Reverend Al Sharpton reports breaking news following a tense weekend in Minneapolis after the killing of 37-year-old VA nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents on Saturday. Administration officials continue to blame Pretti for the deadly encounter, as Minnesota lawmakers announced their next legal moves earlier today. Joining the discussion are Minnesota Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Steve Simon, the Minnesota Secretary of State.