The Daily Punch How James Blair sees the shutdown
Oct 24, 2025
The ongoing government shutdown hits Day 23, with no end in sight. James Blair dives into his expansive role in the White House and discusses Trump's engagement with pharmaceutical negotiations. The podcast also tackles the pressure on Congress regarding federal pay and the bipartisan push to address the needs of unpaid workers. Additionally, Lindsey Graham's proposal for a 'Russia week' is examined, shedding light on the challenges Republicans face in aligning their Russia policies with the president's fluctuating stance.
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White House Pushes Back On Simple ACA Extension
- James Blair resists a simple GOP truce to extend Obamacare tax credits and frames the dispute as politically and substantively different.
- Jake Sherman doubts Republicans can successfully overhaul health care and calls such efforts politically risky.
White House Negotiating Directly With Pharma
- Blair said the White House is negotiating deals directly with pharmaceutical companies and hinted more deals are coming.
- Sherman found this notable and questioned why specifics weren't shared given public company rules.
Blair Is The Political Touchpoint For Trump
- Blair oversees political operations and influences Trump endorsements and spending decisions in Senate and House races.
- He told Sherman Trump is already spending money around the country, which surprised the hosts.