The Daily Punch
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.
All episodes(57)
- StandardSummaries onlyOn the trail with Rob Wittman
Published Sep 5, 2026
Rob WittmanMax and defense reporter Anthony Adragna talk about the House Armed Services Committee gavel race and Rep. Rob Wittman's reelection campaign. Plus, Anthony goes over the political landscape in Virginia. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyInside Jeffries and Johnson's rollercoaster week
Published Sep 4, 2026
Anna and Jake do a Leader Look and discuss the week Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyFLY OUT DAY: RSC Chair Pfluger on gas prices, midterms and his future
Published Sep 3, 2026
Republican Study Committee Chair Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) stopped by the townhouse to chat with Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer about the state of the GOP, rooting out fraud, immigration reform and MUCH more. Stick around: The Texas Tribune's Gabby Birenbaum and MS NOW's Mychael Schnell join for That's Not Gonna Fly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- StandardSummaries onlyCan House Democrats change their party?
Published Sep 3, 2026
Anna and Jake go over how House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' leadership team is discussing a broad overhaul of how the House Democratic Caucus operates as the party inches toward the midterm elections. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyJeffries cracks down
Published Sep 2, 2026
Anna and Jake discuss House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' rebuke of two representatives who voted with Republicans on a rule Tuesday afternoon. Plus: a look at several close races in Pennsylvania and a blowout in Massachusetts. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyShould the House stay?
Published Sep 1, 2026
Jake and Laura talk about the spot Speaker Mike Johnson is in, whether he should send everyone home this week. Plus, the latest on the Russia sanctions effort in the House and a preview of the Massachusetts primaries. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyThe House is back
Published Aug 31, 2026
Jake and Anthony talk about the House's return and what's on the docket for the chamber leading up to Election Day. Plus: Zelensky sends a top aide to the Hill and Raskin hits the campaign trail for Democrats. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyReadback: What Mike Johnson told us in Pennsylvania
Published Aug 22, 2026
Congressional reporter Laura Weiss discusses what Speaker Mike Johnson told her in Pennsylvania about growing the House GOP majority. This story was featured in the Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyWho will replace James Braid?
Published Aug 21, 2026
Jake and Andrew discuss who might replace James Braid as Trump's top Hill lobbyist. Plus, more on AOC's delicate balancing act. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyJohnson bullish on the trail
Published Aug 20, 2026
Anna and Jake break down what Speaker Mike Johnson told us on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania. Plus, James Braid is leaving the White House. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyThe shocker in Florida
Published Aug 19, 2026
Anna and Jake break down Tuesday's primary results. Plus: the prospect of a 50-50 Senate looms. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyA big primary night ahead
Published Aug 18, 2026
Anna and Jake break down what to watch tonight as primary voters head to the polls in Florida, Alaska and Wyoming. 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
- StandardSummaries only'Crooks vs. Commies’ on the campaign trail
Published Aug 17, 2026
Jake and Anna break down the dynamics at play in the House Democratic Caucus as the midterms creep up. Plus, what House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told Jake on the trail. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyReadback: PBN video heads into the field
Published Aug 15, 2026
Our digital content producer Rachel Scully takes you behind the scenes of producing Fly Out Day and capturing Punchbowl News' video content at stakeouts. This story was featured in the Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyWhat will Scalise do if Republicans lose?
Published Aug 14, 2026
Jake recounts what House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told him on the road in Michigan. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyData centers take center stage
Published Aug 13, 2026
Jake and Anna break down the role data centers are taking on the campaign trail, with candidates from both sides of the aisle using them as a punching bag. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyInside a gigantic primary night
Published Aug 12, 2026
Jake and Anna break down what happened last night across the country after the primary polls closed in Connecticut, South Carolina and Wisconsin. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyInside Democrats' meltdown in Michigan
Published Aug 11, 2026
Anna and Jake break down what went down with Democrats in a downballot House primary in Michigan where a former DSA member won the party's nomination. Plus, what to watch today as voters in several states head to the polls. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyWhat the Senate left undone
Published Aug 10, 2026
Jake and Anna explore what the Senate needs to do when they come back next month; the upper chamber may have pushed the CR down the road, but there's still plenty to do. Plus, North Carolina Republicans are picking their replacement for Rep. Chuck Edwards. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyReadback: Inside Michigan’s primary night
Published Aug 8, 2026
Ally and Max discuss Abdul El-Sayed's victory over Rep. Haley Stevens in the Senate Democratic primary in Michigan Tuesday. This story was featured in the Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyFly Out Day: President Trump on midterms, SAVE America and why he could be “the last Republican president”
Published Aug 7, 2026
Fly Out DayJake Sherman sits down with President Donald Trump to talk the SAVE America Act, Iran, Blanche's nomination and MUCH more. Stick around: John Bresnahan and Anna Palmer provide their post-interview analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- StandardSummaries onlyTrump on Fly Out Day plus the Senate latest
Published Aug 7, 2026
Jake and Anna recap Punchbowl News' exclusive interview with President Donald Trump at the White House. The president refused to back Senate Majority Leader John Thune and had some interesting thoughts on the Fed. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyWhat Schumer told us about El-Sayed
Published Aug 6, 2026
President Donald Trump is our guest on Fly Out Day, the episode drops tomorrow morning. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sat down with Punchbowl News to talk about the midterms. Plus, the Senate countdown is on. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyThe left strikes back
Published Aug 5, 2026
The Democratic Party’s reckoning is here. Progressives are on track to win key races in Tuesday’s primaries in Michigan, although not as decisively as predicted — or hoped. Anna and Jake break down the latest from Primary Day. Plus, what to watch in the Senate GOP’s pre-recess rush. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congr
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Senate's escape math
Published Aug 4, 2026
The Senate’s ability to clear its pile-up of legislation and nominations before a five-week summer recess may come down to two GOP decisions. Plus, it’s Primary Day in Michigan! Anna and Jake break down what we’re watching. Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news.
- StandardSummaries onlyBlanche and Cornyn's deal
Published Aug 3, 2026
The White House believes it has a deal with GOP senators to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee after days of frenzied negotiations. Jake breaks down the late-night Cornyn-Blanche weaponization deal. Plus, will Rep. Shri Thanedar (Mich.) become the next House Democrat to lose reelection? Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Wan
- StandardSummaries onlyReadback: Blanche’s confirmation battle
Published Aug 1, 2026
Laura and Brendan discuss Todd Blanche's struggle this week to sway Senate GOP holdouts Thom Tillis and John Cornyn on his attorney general nomination. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. 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
- StandardSummaries only2026 and its campaign tricks
Published Jul 31, 2026
From mystery super PACs to late third-party candidate adds, we’ve seen some questionable campaign practices this cycle, with the control of Congress coming down to a district-by-district, state-by-state knife fight. Punchbowl News Congressional Reporter Laura Weiss joins Jake to discuss the 2026 cycle’s dirty tricks. Plus, how President Donald Trump’s clashes with Senate Majority Leader John Thune are supercharging Senate Republicans’ fears of a Democratic majority — and inside the Blanche scram
- StandardSummaries onlyFly Out Day: Super PAC leader Alex Latcham talks Republicans’ $400 million campaign war chest
Published Jul 30, 2026
Fly Out DaySenate Leadership Fund's Alex Latcham joined Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer at the Punchbowl News Townhouse to break down midterm spending strategy across key states, the SAVE America Act and MUCH more! Stick around for Igor Bobic of NOTUS and our own Andrew Desiderio on That's Not Gonna Fly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- StandardSummaries onlyIs Trump kicking Thune to the curb?
Published Jul 30, 2026
President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to say whether Senate Majority Leader John Thune is the right person to lead Senate Republicans amid an inter-party struggle over the president’s top legislative priority, the SAVE America Act. Anna and Jake discuss the latest dynamic between the two leaders. Plus, how the Green Party is threatening Democrats in Pennsylvania. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new
- StandardSummaries onlyThune's minefield
Published Jul 29, 2026
From President Donald Trump’s SAVE America Act push to a high-profile Cabinet nomination and a budget reconciliation effort, Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces a political minefield to navigate before the August recess. Anna and Jake break down what’s next in the Senate. Plus, will the Shaheen legacy endure in N.H.? Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want
- StandardSummaries onlyA SAVE Act cheat sheet for the W.H.
Published Jul 28, 2026
President Donald Trump is upping his pressure campaign on Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the SAVE America Act, backing a push from hardline conservatives to scrap the August recess to try to pass the bill. But it’s not as easy as Trump makes it out to be. Anna and Jake break down why Trump’s SAVE threats aren’t working. Plus, what to expect ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to the Hill today to sell Democratic skeptics on a long-stalled Russia sanctions package. Watc
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Senate's two-week sprint
Published Jul 27, 2026
The Senate has a full plate during its two-week sprint to August recess, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces pressure from competing factions of his conference and the White House over the SAVE America Act, reconciliation 3.0 and more. Anna and Jake break down the chamber’s two-week sprint. Plus, Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) are trying to use their newfound political freedom to extract major concessions out of the White House. Will they hold out? Watch this episode
- StandardSummaries onlyReadback: Hegseth’s shaky push for Pentagon cash
Published Jul 25, 2026
Anthony Adragna takes you behind the scenes of Pete Hegseth's Senate hearing, where the DOD secretary pushed for the Trump administration’s $87.6 billion supplemental request. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. 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
- StandardSummaries only100 days out: House GOP's challenges
Published Jul 24, 2026
Sunday marks 100 days until the midterm elections. The House is gone for five weeks. And things are looking bleak for the House Republican majority. Anna and Jake break down the House GOP's challenges. Plus, inside the Senate’s two-week sprint to the August recess. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Su
- StandardSummaries onlyFly Out Day: Can the GOP avoid a shutdown? New Senate Budget Chair Ron Johnson on the fight ahead
Published Jul 23, 2026
Fly Out DayThe new chair of the Senate Budget Committee Sen. Ron Johnson chats with Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer at the Punchbowl News townhouse about reconciliation 3.0, the SAVE Act, midterms and more! Stick around: Ryan Nobles and Jackie Kucinich stop by for a lively That's Not Gonna Fly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- StandardSummaries onlyIs reconciliation 3.0 destined for the lame duck?
Published Jul 23, 2026
In one day, Speaker Mike Johnson and House GOP leaders overcame Republican opposition to pass three major bills. But the next challenge for House Republicans: it’s increasingly clear that the Senate GOP won’t take up reconciliation before Election Day. Anna and Jake discuss whether reconciliation 3.0 could slip to the lame duck. Plus, it’s finally showtime for the Clarity Act, but things are off to a bad start. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe
- StandardSummaries onlyAre House and Senate Rs even talking?
Published Jul 22, 2026
Reconciliation is getting very, very messy for Hill Republicans, as Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune find themselves at odds. Anna and Jake break down the most recent disagreement between the GOP leaders. Plus, the latest in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary and what we learned from primary day in Arizona. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in vide
- StandardSummaries onlyBudget vote, Hegseth showdown and a crypto breakthrough
Published Jul 21, 2026
There’s so much going on that we need to cover three topics at the top of this morning’s edition — the looming budget resolution vote in the House, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, and a deal on crypto legislation. Anna and Jake break it all down. Plus, could Michigan save the Senate GOP majority? And the latest in the wide-open South Carolina Senate GOP special. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe
- StandardSummaries onlyHouse Republicans' final-week gauntlet
Published Jul 20, 2026
Congress faces a crowded legislative week and an increasingly complex and messy geopolitical landscape as House Republicans look to move forward on reconciliation 3.0 and more. Will they be successful? Anna and Jake discuss the four big GOP bills to watch for the House’s last week. Plus, the latest in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary that pits progressives against the Democratic establishment. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our chan
- StandardSummaries onlyReadback: Graham’s death shocks Washington
Published Jul 18, 2026
Andrew and Max discuss Sen. Lindsey Graham's legacy and the latest on the Russia sanctions bill. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyDemocrats are drowning the House GOP in cash
Published Jul 17, 2026
House Democrats are rolling in cash with just 109 days until the midterms. Congressional Reporter Max Cohen joins Jake to break down the latest trove of campaign-finance reports released this week, which showed a concerning reality for the GOP. Plus, the latest test of the DCCC’s aggressive primary endorsement strategy comes next Tuesday in Arizona’s 1st District. Jake and Max break down what we’re watching. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe
- StandardSummaries onlyFly Out Day: HFC Chair Harris on government funding, immigration and redistricting
Published Jul 16, 2026
Fly Out DayMaryland GOP Rep. Andy Harris, chairs of the House Freedom Caucus, joins Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer at the Punchbowl News townhouse to discuss Speaker Johnson's and Leader Thune's leadership, the SAVE America Act, immigration and Maryland redistricting. Then, Semafor Congressional Reporter Nick Wu and Punchbowl News Co-Founder John Bresnahan stop by for That's Not Gonna Fly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- StandardSummaries onlyInside the Democrats' deep Israel split
Published Jul 16, 2026
U.S. policy toward Israel is one of the biggest issues of the 2026 Democratic primaries. And when it came time to vote on cutting off billions in aid to the Jewish State, House Democrats split into three groups. Anna and Jake break down Dems' deep Israel divide. Plus, how President Donald Trump’s 2020 election obsession is creating problems for the Senate GOP. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways
- StandardSummaries onlyHouse Republicans' fragile equilibrium
Published Jul 15, 2026
House GOP leaders are entering a very perilous period as they attempt to squeeze six months of legislating into a handful of weeks, with the midterm elections looming like an anvil overhead. Anna and Jake break down Speaker Mike Johnson’s twin gambit: reconciliation and immigration. Plus, a new push for Russia sanctions belies structural challenges — and what to expect ahead of Todd Blanche’s high-stakes hearing today before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Pun
- StandardSummaries onlyJohnson's election-year reconciliation rush
Published Jul 14, 2026
With the political winds howling in their face, House Republicans are gearing up to send the Pentagon tens of billions of dollars in new funding for a seemingly endless Iran war that’s bottoming out in public opinion polls. Anna and Jake break down the House GOP’s reconciliation gamble. Plus, inside the Senate’s changing guards following the loss of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and a wave of looming retirements. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe
- StandardSummaries onlyGraham's death and Congress' scramble
Published Jul 13, 2026
Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) shocking death this weekend at 71 has stunned the Senate, all of Washington, South Carolina and the nation. Anna and Jake discuss the latest. Plus, what we’re watching this week as reconciliation pressure builds for Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage fro
- StandardSummaries onlyReadback: What went wrong for Democrats in Maine
Published Jul 11, 2026
Laura and Max break down Graham Platner's exit from the Maine Senate race this week and what it means for Senate Democrats in the midterms. This story was featured in the Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyInside Thune's July floor plan
Published Jul 10, 2026
Senate GOP leaders are about to launch into a four-week summer rush to confirm Trump’s nominees in what could finally be a productive stretch for Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Anna and Jake break down what we’re watching. Plus, inside Dems’ next Michigan headache — and what Senate Majority PAC President J.B. Poersch told us on Fly Out Day about the whole Senate map, including Maine. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today
- StandardSummaries onlyFly Out Day: Democrats’ dilemma: Senate Majority PAC leader talks Platner, campaign finance and the road to 2026
Published Jul 9, 2026
Fly Out DayJ.B. Poersch, president of Senate Majority PAC, sat down with Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer to break down Democratic strategy, party leadership and the upcoming primaries. Stick around: CNN's Lauren Fox and our own Max Cohen swing by for That's Not Gonna Fly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- StandardSummaries onlyTrump's new Iran problem on the Hill
Published Jul 9, 2026
An escalation in fighting between the U.S. and Iran — for the second night in a row — could mean big political, legal and economic problems for President Donald Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill. Anna and Jake discuss the latest. Plus, Graham Platner’s Maine Senate campaign is over. So what happens now? Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth
- StandardSummaries onlyCan the left recover from Platner?
Published Jul 8, 2026
Senate progressives may have just blown a massive opportunity to drag the party further to the left thanks to the Graham Platner scandal in Maine. Will they ever recover? Jake discusses the latest on Maine. Plus, it’s crunch time for FY2027 spending bills. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe
- StandardSummaries onlyPlatner, Schumer and the future of the 2026 map
Published Jul 7, 2026
Amid reports of alleged sexual assault, Graham Platner is no longer a viable Democratic candidate to take on Maine Sen. Susan Collins, putting Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats in an incredibly difficult position as they look to take the majority on Election Day. Anna and Jake discuss the latest. Plus, why House GOP defense hawks are skeptical of the Trump administration’s terms for a peace deal with Iran. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe t
- StandardSummaries onlyWhat to watch for this recess
Published Jul 6, 2026
Washington will be empty this week with both the House and Senate on recess, and President Donald Trump heading to Turkey for a NATO summit. Anna and Jake preview what we’re watching during what’s sure to be a tense recess. Plus, how Mallory McMorrow’s departure from the Michigan Senate Democratic primary set the stage for a two-person battle between the progressive left and the party establishment. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our ch
- StandardSummaries onlyReadback: A campaign-finance earthquake
Published Jul 4, 2026
Ally Mutnick breaks down how the Supreme Court handed Republicans a massive win Tuesday by striking down coordination limits in NRSC v. FEC. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. 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
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Punch Power Matrix
Published Jul 3, 2026
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
- StandardSummaries onlyInside Thune's judicial strategy
Published Jul 2, 2026
Senate Republicans have been confirming circuit and district court judges at a pace that now exceeds their clip from the first Trump administration — a rare bright spot for the Senate GOP majority, despite several unresolved legislative crises. Anna and Jake break down Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s judicial blitz. Plus, where the Democratic anti-incumbent wave could strike next. Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel today to