National Journal Radio - podcast cover

National Journal Radio

National Journalagainstthegrain.libsyn.com
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.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Redistricting Redux

In this bonus episode, Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado is joined by Hotline senior political correspondent James A. Downs, Erin Covey of The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter , and Jacob Rubashkin of Inside Elections to discuss how the renewed redistricting fights will impact the midterms and beyond. Subscribe to Hotline for more expert analysis: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/hotline-subscribe...

May 15, 202659 minSeason 1Ep. 159

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: The Redistricting Rumble

In this bonus episode, Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss the latest developments in redistricting for Virginia, the Senate battleground, and President Trump's sway over the Republican party. Subscribe to Hotline here: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/hotline-subscribe

May 11, 20261 hrSeason 1Ep. 158

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: The Age of Alt Media

In our new monthly webinar series, "Hotline Live," Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado talks to National Journal editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour about campaigning in the age of alternative media, exploring how podcasters, live streamers, and AI-candidates will dominate 2026. To sign up for Hotline Wake Up Call: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/-hotline-wuc-subscribe To learn more about the MAHA Project: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/maha-project To sign up for the Listening Station: https://hub.nationaljou...

Apr 20, 20261 hrSeason 1Ep. 157

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Riding the Poller-Coaster

In our new monthly webinar series, "Hotline Live," Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado and Senate correspondent Nicholas Anastácio talk to Natalie Jackson, vice president at CQR and National Journal "Leading Indicators" columnist, about the evolving world of polling and predictions, and how to forecast elections like a pro. To sign up for Hotline Wake Up Call: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/-hotline-wuc-subscribe To learn more about the MAHA Project: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/maha-project...

Mar 19, 202656 minSeason 1Ep. 156

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: The Lifespan of the MAGA Movement

In this bonus episode, Hotline Editor Kirk A. Bado and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss the lack of political fallout from Republicans over the war in Iran, who could lead the MAGA movement in the future, the Texas Senate primary results and more trending topics.

Mar 16, 20261 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 155

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Redistricting Rodeo

In our new monthly webinar series, "Hotline Live," Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado talks to senior political correspondent James A. Downs and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter House editor Erin Covey on how the unprecedented wave of mid-cycle redistricting has broader implications for the electoral landscape.

Feb 23, 20261 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 154

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Where the Political Headwinds Blow

In this bonus episode, Editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss Democrats' Senate battleground strategy and Republicans' panic over losing the majority, the latest in national polling, and the latest headlines.

Feb 09, 202658 minSeason 1Ep. 153

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Bold 2026 Predictions

In our new monthly webinar series, "Hotline Live," Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado talks to senior political correspondent James A. Downs, national correspondent Erika Filter, states correspondent Abby Turner, and Senate campaigns correspondent Nicholas Anastácio. In this roundtable discussion, they lay out predictions for another pivotal election year.

Jan 26, 20261 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 152

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Reshaping Federal AI Strategy

As part of the Trump 2.0: From Platform to Policy webinar series last year, National Journal editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour talked to Dean Ball, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation and former Senior Policy Advisor on AI and Emerging Technology at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. They discuss the topic of reshaping federal AI strategy and the Trump administration's AI plan.

Jan 12, 202659 minSeason 1Ep. 151

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Changing of the Guard

In this bonus episode, Hotline Editor Kirk A. Bado and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss the changing of the guard within the Republican party, the after effects of congressional retirements, and President Trump's sinking approval.

Dec 08, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 150

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: The 2026 Midterm Preview

The new Hotline 2026 Midterm Preview special report provides a comprehensive overview of the races, trends, and campaigns that will dominate the road to the midterms. In this webinar, Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado is joined by national correspondent Erika Filter, Senate campaign correspondent Nicholas Anastácio, House race correspondent James A. Downs, and states correspondent Abby Turner. They discuss races, trends, and storylines shaping the 2026 midterm elections. Download the 2026 Midterm Prev...

Nov 13, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 149

National Journal Radio Episode 93: The Presidential Factor in the Midterms

Hotline Editor Kirk A. Bado brings on national political correspondent Erika Filter to discuss President Trump's role or lack thereof on the midterm campaign trail, the political dynamics between Republican candidates and Trump, and the Democratic hopefuls on the campaign trail instead.

Nov 03, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 148

National Journal Radio Episode 92: The Off-Year Gubernatorial Campaign Trail

With the gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia getting closer to Election Day, Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado brings on states correspondent Abby Turner to discuss the campaign trail for Republican and Democratic candidates, which issues have become important to voters, and more on the political dynamics.

Oct 27, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 147

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Ripple Effects

In this bonus episode, Hotline Editor Kirk A. Bado and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss the battles on the Senate map, the gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia, and the changing political dynamics this midterm cycle. Read Gary Jacobson's article here: https://www.psqonline.org/article.cfm?IDArticle=20715 Watch the Midterm Election Preview on C-SPAN here: https://www.c-span.org/program/campaign-2026/midterm-election-preview/667195...

Oct 20, 202559 minSeason 1Ep. 146

National Journal Radio Episode 91: The Shutdown Showdown

Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado and NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King jump on the podcast to discuss where things stand on Day 6 of the government shutdown. They detail the positions of Democrats and Republicans, which party voters find more responsible, and what role the White House could play to resolve the standoff.

Oct 06, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 145

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Thermostatic Politics

Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss the latest news on redistricting, the impending government shutdown, and how thermostatic politics could affect the dynamics of the midterm elections.

Sep 29, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 144

National Journal Radio Episode 90: Inside the Redistricting Arms Race

Red states like Texas and Missouri have yielded to the White House's calls and redrawn their congressional maps to get more GOP-friendly seats. In response, Democratic states have also considered redraws to counteract their Republican counterparts. But with differences among state legislatures and complications in the redistricting process, it could be easier said than done. Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado talks to House races correspondent James A. Downs on the tense arms race between red states an...

Sep 22, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 143

National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Federal Workforce Transitions in the Trump 2.0 Era

In this bonus episode, National Journal Editor in Chief Jeff Dufour talks to Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service in the third installment of the Trump 2.0 From Platform to Policy webinar series. They unpack the Trump administration's proposed and enacted changes to the federal workforce and how that could affect policy in return. You can follow along with the presentation they discuss in the episode here . You can also look at this one-pager recap of the webinar he...

Sep 15, 202551 minSeason 1Ep. 142

National Journal Radio Episode 89: Shake-Ups at HHS

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has shaken up the department, from his anti-vaccine stances to his firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez. National Journal Daily Managing Editor Ledyard King brings on congressional-policy reporter Nancy Vu to go in-depth on the backlash toward RFK Jr. from Democrats and Republicans at his recent congressional hearing.

Sep 08, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 141

National Journal Radio Episode 88: The Great Almanac of American Politics

Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado sits down with the authors of the Almanac of American Politics, Louis Jacobson and Richard E. Cohen, as the Almanac's 2026 edition is released. Listen as they discuss the process for writing this edition, keeping up with the rapid political environment before the publishing deadline, and why the Almanac still matters after 53 years. Buy the 2026 edition here: https://www.thealmanacofamericanpolitics.com/index.aspx...

Sep 02, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 140

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 18, 202552 minSeason 1Ep. 139

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 11, 202524 minSeason 1Ep. 138

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 ....

Aug 04, 202529 minSeason 1Ep. 137

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 28, 202536 minSeason 1Ep. 136

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 21, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 135

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 14, 202529 minSeason 1Ep. 134

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.

Jul 07, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 133

National Journal Radio Episode 82: Emerging Senate Battlefields

The next Senate midterm cycle looks to be varied with Democrats looking at rare pickup opportunities, messy primaries and swing state retirements. Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado brings on Senate races reporter Nicholas Anastácio to give the current scope and dynamics of the Senate battlefield.

Jun 30, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 82

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 20, 202559 minSeason 1Ep. 131

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.

Jun 16, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 130
Hosted on Libsyn
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android