Podcast Episodes

The very bumpy end to the shutdown

It’s Day 41 of the shutdown — and Washington may finally be nearing a deal. Anna and Jake break down how Senate Democrats moved toward ending the standoff and what’s next in the House. Plus: A look a…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

The Readback: A huge moment for Trump’s tariffs — and for Congress

Laura takes you behind the scenes of what it was like to report on the Supreme Court hearing on President Trump's tariffs. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the be…

Published on 1 month, 4 weeks ago

Why Senate Dems want to keep fighting

It’s Day 38 of the government shutdown — and no end in sight. Anna and Jake break down how the standoff hardened after Tuesday’s elections and Sen. Chris Murphy’s message on Fly Out Day. Plus: what C…

Published on 1 month, 4 weeks ago

Fly Out Day: Sen. Chris Murphy Digs In

Sen. Chris Murphy stops by the townhouse to unpack Democrats’ Tuesday wins and what it means for the shutdown battle. Stick around after for a conversation with New York Times' Catie Edmondson and Th…

Published on 2 months ago

How Republicans lost their groove

President Donald Trump’s focus is drifting abroad just as his party faces mounting political headwinds at home. Anna and Jake break down how Trump’s split attention is worrying GOP leaders and reshap…

Published on 2 months ago

Democrats' big night

It’s Day 36 of the government shutdown and Democrats are waking up to a big election-night boost.

Jake and Anna break down how Democrats’ sweeping wins shifted the political map to the left — and wha…

Published on 2 months ago

Inside the talks to open the government

It’s Day 35 of the government shutdown — now tied for the longest in U.S. history. But for the first time in weeks, there’s movement on Capitol Hill: Senators from both parties are exploring an off-r…

Published on 2 months ago

Polls, elections and shutdown talks

It’s Day 34 of the shutdown — and one year out from the midterms. Anna and Jake break down new polling and Trump’s approval numbers. Plus: A new GOP civil war takes hold.

Watch this episode on YouTub…

Published on 2 months ago

The Readback: The shutdown’s tone shift

Samantha and Max discuss the changing dynamics of ending the government shutdown. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week.

Want more…

Published on 2 months ago

What's at stake for Schumer and Thune

It’s Day 31 of the government shutdown — and there’s no end in sight. Jake breaks down how Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader John Thune are navigating the high-stakes fi…

Published on 2 months ago