
National Journal Radio
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 21, 2025 • 36min
National Journal Radio Episode 77: Democrats Have a Tea Party
Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado brings on former Hotliner and political analyst Matt Holt to give a temperature check of the Democratic Party ahead of President Trump’s 100th day in office. They talk Democrats' weaknesses in the 2024 presidential elections, the brewing Tea Party sentiments within the party, the gameplan for Democrats in the midterm elections, and more.

Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 2min
National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: A View from the States
In this bonus episode adapted from National Journal’s webinar series, Hotline editor Kirk Bado brings on House race correspondent James A. Downs and governors and state legislatures correspondent Mary Frances McGown to talk about the shifting political landscapes in state legislatures, the economic impact of tariffs on states, and how funding cuts impact governors in blue and red states.

Apr 7, 2025 • 34min
National Journal Radio Episode 76: Budget Breakdown
NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King brings on House reporter Casey Wooten and Senate reporter Savannah Behrmann to break down what's happening with the budget reconciliation, congressional reactions to President Trump's tarrifs, and Speaker Mike Johnson's deal on proxy voting.

Mar 31, 2025 • 45min
National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: The House Ranks, Divided
Editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss Rep. Elise Stefanik's return to the House, the off-year governor races, and potential primary challenges to Democrats and Republicans in the Senate. Episodes of National Journal Radio are also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 24, 2025 • 31min
National Journal Radio Episode 75: The Senate Battlefield Forms
Ahead of midterms, Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado brings on Senate races correspondent Nicholas Anastácio to see where the Senate battlefield forms with open primaries, retirement announcements, and how the midterms could impact Republican female senators.

Mar 17, 2025 • 48min
National Journal Radio Episode 74: Bringing Down the House
Ahead of the midterm elections, Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado takes a look at the possible storylines that could form as Democrats and Republicans plan out the race for the House. House races correspondent James A. Downs and Inside Elections deputy editor Jacob Rubashkin join the podcast to give their expert analysis on what races could be the ones to watch.

Mar 10, 2025 • 33min
National Journal Radio Episode 73: A Full Plate in the House
Speaker Mike Johnson tries to juggle several fiscal balls: a spending bill to avoid a looming government shutdown; a multi-trillion-dollar reconciliation package, a recissions package, and a deadline to suspend the debt ceiling or face default. NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King brings on House reporter Casey Wooten to break down these fiscal priorities.

Feb 28, 2025 • 58min
National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Trump Redoes the Midterms
Hotline editor Kirk Bado and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss President Trump's first month in office and how his presidency may affect the midterm congressional races. Episodes of National Journal Radio are also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Feb 24, 2025 • 23min
National Journal Radio Episode 72: State of the European Union
Foreign Affairs Correspondent Cristina Maza has been reporting from the Munich Security Conference and watching the results of the elections in Germany. She joins NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King to discuss her reporting at the conference, the outcomes of the election, and reactions from European leaders to President Trump's foreign policy positions.

Feb 10, 2025 • 23min
National Journal Radio Episode 71: DOGE Days
Editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour brings on White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. to discuss the rapid pace of news coming out of the White House, Elon Musk's increasing influence over the federal government and early favorability polling.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.