

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

4 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 14min
The easy part on Trump's agenda is about to end
The House Budget Committee is gearing up to tackle its spending blueprint amidst rocky dynamics. Tensions are rising among House Republicans as they navigate the reconciliation bill aligned with Trump's agenda. Strained relationships within the Judiciary Committee raise concerns about legislative efficiency. Meanwhile, the rivalry among Democrats heats up after leadership challenges. The FCC's new proactive stance is also under scrutiny, with tech reporters shedding light on potential changes.

Feb 12, 2025 • 13min
The dueling budget chairs: How Arrington and Graham are playing their hands
Snowfall in D.C. creates a unique backdrop for political discussions. The House Budget Committee is on the verge of revealing a contentious budget resolution. Representative Jody Arrington's $4 trillion proposal sparks intense debate over tax cuts and spending. Meanwhile, Marjorie Taylor Greene rises in congressional leadership, shaking up dynamics with her new role. The intricate dance of budget reconciliation looms large as political predictions clash with reality and industry insights emerge.

4 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 13min
Rough days for Democrats in GOP-run Washington
As Trump gears up for another term, Democrats are feeling the pressure. Internal party criticism is mounting against leadership figures like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. The Fed's Jay Powell faces a pivotal testimony that could shape economic messaging. Complicating matters, budget battles loom in Congress with debates over funding and reconciliation plans in GOP committees. The tension is palpable as Democrats grapple with their strategies amid a rapidly evolving political landscape.

Feb 10, 2025 • 12min
The race for reconciliation
House Republican leaders are pushing for massive federal spending cuts, leading to intense debates within the party. Tensions rise as key figures like Lindsey Graham and Mike Johnson clash over budget reconciliation. Meanwhile, Trump's cabinet nominations face scrutiny as Senate Republicans grapple with chaotic challenges. The podcast also delves into the political strategies aimed at securing a majority in the Senate by 2026, exploring the implications for upcoming elections. It's a captivating look at the complexities of party dynamics and legislative maneuvers.

9 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 16min
The Readback: The reconciliation rollercoaster
Laura Weiss, a tax expert at Punchbowl News and a dedicated Philadelphia Eagles fan, talks about the chaos among House Republicans as they grapple with reconciliation. She highlights the struggles of aligning party priorities amidst budget resolutions and looming deadlines. Weiss also shares her excitement for the upcoming Super Bowl, reflecting on her personal ties to the game and its players. The conversation weaves together the tensions of Capitol Hill and the thrill of sports fandom, making for an engaging listen.

Feb 7, 2025 • 8min
Vance is now in charge of TikTok deal
J.D. Vance is at the forefront of negotiations around the potential sale of TikTok, addressing significant national security issues. The podcast delves into the political dynamics in Washington and bipartisan calls for transferring ownership to an American firm. Additionally, it covers House Republicans' strategies to manage budget pressures and the impact of an impending deadline. The role of hardline conservatives advocating for severe budget cuts adds another layer of intrigue, alongside important personnel changes in the political landscape.

Feb 6, 2025 • 16min
Johnson, House GOP to meet with Trump as frustration builds
Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans are meeting with Trump at the White House amid rising frustrations. The podcast dives into the intense budget battle brewing between the House and Senate, highlighting major divisions in strategy. It also tackles the high-stakes 2026 Georgia Senate race and the competitive dynamic between GOP governor Brian Kemp and Senator John Ossoff. Additionally, the episode features a Republican fundraiser event, where a whopping $7.5 million was raised, showcasing the blend of seriousness and camaraderie in political fundraising.

5 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 10min
The options to jumpstart the Trump agenda
House Republicans are navigating contentious budget negotiations, with a stark divide between the leadership's proposed $500 billion cuts and hardliners demanding $5 trillion. The complexities of finalizing a budget resolution could lead to prolonged discussions stretching into 2024. Meanwhile, Democrats are losing steam on the 'Doge caucus' as skepticism about Elon Musk's influence grows, and Mick Mulvaney introduces strategies to challenge the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Tension and shifting allegiances dominate the current political landscape.

Feb 4, 2025 • 17min
The USAID fight both sides want
Tune into the clash over USAID, where both Democrats and Republicans vie for influence. Discover why this agency has become a hot topic and how private figures like Elon Musk are affecting governmental actions. The potential legal fallout from disbanding such agencies is also explored, highlighting historical context and power dynamics. Plus, catch the critical committee votes featuring Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr., and uncover unexpected endorsements and lobbying battles in the finance sector that shape the political landscape.

Feb 3, 2025 • 13min
After this weekend, can Democrats help Trump?
This discussion dives into the political tightrope that Democrats walk while dealing with Republican strategies amidst government funding deadlines. It explores the leverage Democrats hold despite being in the minority and the critical moments where collaboration might be necessary. Additionally, the podcast highlights the challenges Republicans face in pushing the Trump agenda, especially regarding spending cuts and internal party divisions, while also addressing contentious cabinet confirmations.


