

The Daily Punch
Punchbowl News
Weekday mornings, The Daily Punch brings you inside Capitol Hill, the White House and Washington for an unfiltered look at the key players and stakes of all major issues of the day. Power. People. Politics. Hosted by Punchbowl News founders, journalists and best-selling authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 26, 2025 • 9min
Jeffries on FOD: Dems won't fold
Jake breaks down Hakeem Jeffries' strategies in the ongoing funding fight, emphasizing why Democrats are standing firm. He highlights Jeffries' stark views on Trump and the bizarrely strained dynamic between them. The discussion touches on potential shutdowns and the necessity for Democrats to make tough choices. Additionally, Trump’s complicated push for farm bailouts and the shifting political landscape in North Carolina are explored. It’s a whirlwind of political tension and strategic maneuvering!

Sep 25, 2025 • 37min
Hakeem Jeffries' take: Inside the funding fight
Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader and lead Democratic negotiator, shares insights on the looming government shutdown. He insists Republicans will be held accountable for it, emphasizing that they engineered the crisis. Jeffries discusses the impact of potential GOP cuts to healthcare and downplays the prospect of Republican gains in redistricting. He also teases his upcoming endorsement for Zohran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral race, explaining that timing is key amid his busy schedule.

8 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 16min
Trump goes nuclear on shutdown
Amid looming government shutdown fears, mass federal layoffs are on the table as the administration seeks to pressure Democrats. The Pentagon seems surprisingly unfazed, with military funding providing a cushion against shutdown warnings. There's a heated discussion about how congressional redistricting in Ohio could reshape political dynamics, potentially benefiting Republicans. Tensions rise as both sides weigh their options to avoid a shutdown, making the stakes higher than ever.

18 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 14min
Is the GOP losing control of the shutdown battle?
The GOP's control in the government funding fight is under scrutiny as missteps might hand leverage to Democrats. Trump's last-minute cancellation of a meeting with leaders shifted dynamics significantly. The debate rages over clean funding proposals, with Republicans and Democrats at odds over major policy riders. Vulnerable Republicans are anxious about expiring Obamacare subsidies. Meanwhile, Senator Cornyn is rallying endorsements ahead of a Texas primary against Ken Paxton, adding another layer to this politically charged atmosphere.

Sep 23, 2025 • 15min
The three funding dynamics to understand
As the government funding deadline looms, tensions rise in Washington over a potential shutdown. Key dynamics unfold, including Trump’s crucial meeting with Democratic leaders and the political optics in play. Meanwhile, Kansas Republicans are pushing for a special redistricting session that could jeopardize Rep. Sharice Davids' seat. The battle intensifies with a $3.2M ad campaign aimed at supporting GOP efforts and challenging Democratic incumbents. Tune in for a lively analysis of the shifting political landscape!

Sep 22, 2025 • 8min
Congress is nowhere on funding the government
Congress is out of session this week, but the funding deadline is just days away — and a shutdown looks increasingly likely. Jake breaks down the latest dynamics on Capitol Hill, including Trump’s role in the fight, the Senate’s next move and why House Republicans may be giving up their leverage by staying home.
Plus: Tens of millions of dollars are pouring into California as the redistricting battle heads to the ballot and the DCCC continues to outpace the NRCC in fundraising.
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Sep 20, 2025 • 15min
The Readback: A chips state of mind
Diego and Max discuss how the Chinese market regulator launched an antitrust investigation into Nvidia, accusing the American chipmaker of violating anti-monopoly laws. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week.
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Sep 19, 2025 • 15min
Inside Schumer's shutdown strategy
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer unveils his strategy for potential government shutdowns, weighing risks and proposing a continuing resolution. The discussion delves into how funding battles might impact Democrats politically. Additionally, the White House is reportedly engaging with critical House Democrats before a pivotal spending vote. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape for the 2026 elections, highlighted by the ongoing ad wars over Obamacare premium subsidies.

Sep 18, 2025 • 33min
Senate Minority Leader Schumer gets candid on shutdown politics
Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader and veteran Democratic strategist, joins for a revealing discussion. He addresses the looming government shutdown, attributing blame to Trump while outlining Democratic priorities. Schumer shares insights on the competitiveness of the 2026 Senate landscape and potential paths to victory. He’s tight-lipped about endorsing NYC mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani but hints at ongoing discussions. In a personal touch, Schumer reflects on his family, traditions, and his loyalty to the Buffalo Bills.

Sep 18, 2025 • 12min
Dems, GOP dig in as shutdown nears
The podcast dives into the looming government shutdown, dissecting the entrenched positions of both parties. Tensions rise as Democrats push for concessions while Republicans respond with counteroffers. The Texas GOP Senate primary heats up with potential new entrants, creating chances for a three-way battle. Additionally, concerns surround Trump's controversial TikTok deal, raising questions about its ties to the CCP. The hosts provide sharp analysis and insights on these pivotal political issues.