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National Journal
A deep dive on the most important policy, political, and campaign story of the week, powered by National Journal’s expert correspondents. New episodes every Monday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 18, 2025 • 52min
National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: August Reset
In this bonus episode, National Journal Editor in Chief Jeff Dufour, NJ Daily Managing Editor Ledyard King, Hotline Editor Kirk Bado, and congressional policy reporter Nancy Vu are gathered in a virtual roundtable discussion to discuss a hectic August recess. They'll discuss what's going on in Washington in the weeks ahead, the state of the 2026 midterms, and how congressional retirements are impacting ideological composition in both parties.

Aug 11, 2025 • 24min
National Journal Radio Episode 87: Power or the Purse?
Being an appropriator isn't what it used to be. Senior congressional reporter Casey Wooten breaks down the Trump administration's efforts bucking against Congress' ability to spend money. He brings on Molly Reynolds, a senior fellow of governance studies at the Brookings Institution, to discuss what these battles between the executive and legislative branches mean for the political landscape.

Aug 4, 2025 • 29min
National Journal Radio Episode 86: The Races That Will Determine Control of Congress
Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado brings on Senate races correspondent Nicholas Anastácio and House races correspondent James A. Downs to give the big picture on the House and Senate battlefield this midterm season. They discuss the recently-published Hotline Power Rankings on which House and Senate seats are most likely to flip. Check out the House Power Rankings and the Senate Power Rankings.

Jul 28, 2025 • 36min
National Journal Radio Episode 85: Sen. Markwayne Mullin Talks BBB
Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma joins National Journal Radio for the first time, where he sits down with Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann. He discusses his liaison role during the process of passing the Big Beautiful Bill, his response to criticism over the bill, and his position on the Epstein files.

Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Redistricting, Retirements and Races
Hotline House campaign correspondent James A. Downs talks to Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook about the latest updates in redistricting efforts in Texas, who could retire next from the Senate, and the political fallout facing President Trump over information on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jul 14, 2025 • 29min
National Journal Radio Episode 84: Around the World
President Trump's actions in the U.S. continue to resonate around the world, from his tariffs impacting European stakeholders to his controversial decision to send arms shipments to Ukraine. NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King brings on foreign policy and defense reporter Cristina Maza to share her reporting on Trump's recent foreign policy actions and entanglements.

Jul 7, 2025 • 32min
National Journal Radio Episode 83: Vote-a-rama Drama
House and Senate GOP leaders walked a careful tightrope in trying to get the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ approved. NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King brings on senior congressional correspondent Casey Wooten, Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann and congressional policy reporter Nancy Vu to break down the drama and recap behind the scenes of the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on the Hill.

Jun 30, 2025 • 33min
National Journal Radio Episode 82: Emerging Senate Battlefields
Nicholas Anastácio, a Senate races reporter at National Journal, dives into the complexities of the upcoming Senate midterms. He discusses the rare pickup opportunities for Democrats, highlighting pivotal primaries and swing state retirements. The conversation shifts to the challenges Democrats face in traditionally Republican areas, like Iowa and Maine. Anastácio also touches on the evolving landscape of endorsements and candidate strategies, and lightens the mood by humorously comparing political drama to reality TV's chaos.

Jun 20, 2025 • 59min
National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Seeking Approval
Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss President Trump's polling numbers after a busy news week with threats of war with Iran, infighting in the West Wing, and Dems in disarray. Plus, a guest appearance from Hotline House races reporter James A. Downs.

Jun 16, 2025 • 26min
National Journal Radio Episode 81: Look Who’s Talking
Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado brings on new national correspondent Erika Filter to discuss Democrats' struggles with messaging in the Trump 2.0 era, the White House’s new communication strategy, and more.