

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 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.

Sep 17, 2025 • 12min
Fed Day hits different this time
A new era at the Federal Reserve is stirring debate over expected rate cuts and the dual role of Stephen Miran. Tensions rise as Lisa Cook's future at the Fed hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Democrats unveil a counterproposal in a heated government funding showdown, hoping to alter the shutdown calculus. The podcast also delves into the impact of upcoming Supreme Court rulings on economic policies and the ongoing challenges of bipartisan negotiations amidst a polarized political landscape.

Sep 16, 2025 • 13min
Johnson's to-do list for Tuesday
Congress is barreling toward another shutdown fight — and Speaker Mike Johnson faces his toughest test yet. Can he rally his conference behind a short-term funding bill before time runs out? Anna and Jake break down Johnson’s cautious approach, Trump’s unpredictable role, and the new political incentives shaping GOP hardliners.
Plus: Why the Senate might skip the NDAA again, and what’s driving Democrats’ Obamacare subsidy push as open enrollment nears.
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Sep 15, 2025 • 13min
Congress is barreling toward a shutdown
A possible government shutdown looms as both parties dig in their heels over funding proposals. Tensions rise with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pushing for big fundraising in California amid redistricting battles. Meanwhile, Joe Manchin’s new book sparks controversy, targeting top Democrats as he embarks on a so-called 'revenge tour.' The podcast also highlights security concerns within the House, stemming from a recent assassination, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced measures.

Sep 13, 2025 • 13min
The Readback: Millsmentum builds in Maine
Allie Munnick, Senior congressional reporter at Punchbowl News, delves into Maine's Senate race dynamics. She discusses the potential candidacy of Governor Janet Mills against Senator Susan Collins in 2026, highlighting candidate profiles and strategies. Allie examines the geographic divide between urban and rural Maine, touching on authenticity in politics and even mentions L.L. Bean as a cultural symbol. Tune in for insights on campaign tactics and the evolving landscape of Maine politics!

Sep 12, 2025 • 14min
Thune on FOD: Dems want a shutdown
Anna and Jake discuss their wide-ranging Fly Out Day conversation with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Thune weighed in on the looming government shutdown, Obamacare subsidies, tariffs and more.
Plus, we break down what the Senate’s “nuclear” fight means for nominations — and the latest on Maryland Democrats’ redistricting debate.
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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 11, 2025 • 32min
Senate Majority Leader Thune on political violence, shutdowns and tariffs
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a key figure in South Dakota politics, dives into the pressing issues facing Congress. He reflects on the alarming rise of political violence and its detrimental effects on American discourse. Thune also discusses the critical nature of upcoming government funding negotiations and the strategies at play within party leadership. He shares insights on national security in a post-9/11 world, emphasizing the importance of alliances and innovative warfare, while highlighting the implications of trade policies on the economy.

Sep 11, 2025 • 11min
The Creator Economy: Content to Commerce
Explore the inspiring journey of Cassey Ho as she morphs from a YouTube Pilates star into the founder of a thriving athleisure brand, PopFlex, employing 30 team members. Dive into the challenges she faced, from copyright issues to design patents. Discover how YouTube's revenue-sharing model is reshaping the creative landscape, empowering countless creators to turn their passions into profitable ventures and significantly impacting the U.S. economy.