

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 5, 2025 • 14min
Johnson makes lots of news on 'Fly Out Day'
Mike Johnson discusses the pivotal challenges around healthcare and government funding, offering insights into the future of Obamacare subsidies. The conversation dives into Maryland's redistricting strategies aimed at weakening Republican positions, alongside the Iowa Senate race, where key endorsements could boost Ashley Hinson's candidacy. Unexpected political comebacks, like Melissa Bean's potential return, add intrigue to the landscape. The hosts navigate complex political waters, promising more engaging content in future installments.

Sep 5, 2025 • 40min
Check out Fly Out Day! Speaker Mike Johnson on Shutdowns, Epstein & 2026
In this engaging dialogue, Speaker Mike Johnson, a key figure in Congress representing Louisiana's 4th district, shares insights on critical topics. He discusses the looming threat of a government shutdown and the complexities of bipartisan negotiations. Johnson also unpacks Congress's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, highlighting the balance between transparency and victim protection. The conversation touches on strategies for the 2026 elections and the implications of redistricting, making for a riveting exploration of current political landscapes.

Sep 4, 2025 • 15min
The Obamacare subsidy fight
Vulnerable Republicans face a looming crisis as Obamacare subsidies are set to expire, impacting their fortunes ahead of the 2026 elections. The HHS Secretary encounters bipartisan backlash during a Senate hearing over broken vaccine promises. Tensions brew as Senate Republicans uphold traditions against the Trump administration's push for quicker nominations. Meanwhile, strategies for navigating the political landscape around health insurance costs emerge, highlighting divides between House and Senate approaches to solutions.

Sep 3, 2025 • 15min
GOP heading in different directions as funding fight begins
The government funding deadline looms as the Republican trifecta that controls Washington pursues three different strategies. Plus, the increasingly difficult Senate map the GOP faces in 2026.
Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 2, 2025 • 16min
Welcome back, lawmakers
With 28 days until the government shuts down, will Congress act in time to keep it open? Plus, Democrats target Sen. Susan Collins over stock trading.
Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 1, 2025 • 15min
Congress’ plate is full after recess
Congress is back, and the stakes are high with a potential government shutdown looming. The Texas GOP Senate primary heats up as candidates navigate a turbulent political climate influenced by Trump's actions. Strategies among Democrats and Republicans are unfolding as discussions about funding grow contentious. Polling trends reveal intriguing insights about the Senate race in Texas, especially the competition between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. Expect aggressive campaigning as the primaries approach, setting the stage for intense political battles ahead.

Aug 23, 2025 • 21min
The Readback: How OBBB is playing in the swing states
Andrew Desiderio, a senior congressional reporter known for his insightful analysis, shares his recent travels in key swing states like Arizona and Nevada. He delves into the Democrats' campaign strategies focusing on Medicaid cuts and their local impacts. Desiderio highlights crucial political shifts in Arizona, with efforts to oust Republican House members, and explores the fierce Democratic primary dynamics in Michigan. The conversation also includes amusing anecdotes from campaign trails and their culinary experiences.

Aug 22, 2025 • 13min
The Punch Power Matrix
Andrew Desiderio and Jake unpack the latest twists in the Punch Power Matrix. They delve into the Senate Democrats' strategies for navigating the upcoming funding battles, highlighting rifts between progressives and moderates. Tensions escalate in Texas as Democrats grapple with new district maps, while Gavin Newsom's funding efforts in California raise questions about voter turnout. The political landscape is shifting—watch how it unfolds!

Aug 21, 2025 • 12min
Can Rogers win in Michigan?
Andrew Desiderio, a journalist at Punchbowl News, joins to dissect Mike Rogers' bold strategy for a Senate seat in Michigan, especially without Trump's influence on the ballot. They tackle the challenges of midterm turnout and how Rogers is navigating voter sentiment. The conversation highlights the evolving campaign tactics and the impact of bipartisan deals amidst a polarized political landscape. Additionally, they delve into the significance of recent FEC filings and fundraising dynamics for both parties as the legislative agenda heats up.

Aug 20, 2025 • 14min
Israel-Gaza and the Michigan Democratic primary
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Desiderio, a Capitol Hill reporter for Punchbowl News, dives into the tumultuous dynamics of the Michigan Democratic primary amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. He highlights how internal party divisions are shaping candidates' stances, particularly on Israel. The conversation also shifts to California's swing districts and how redistricting might sway future elections. Furthermore, Desiderio touches on the rising influence of Latino voters and competitive tensions in Texas, illustrating the unpredictable nature of upcoming political battles.