The Daily Punch

The Daily Punch

Author: Punchbowl News Language: English Episodes: 100
Every weekday morning, The Daily Punch cuts through the noise to deliver a clear-eyed view from the corridors of power. This isn't about distant analysis; it's an insider's perspective on the forces shaping Washington, brought to you directly by Punchbowl News founders Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman. Their experience as journalists and best-selling authors informs each conversation, focusing on the people, the personal dynamics, and the real stakes behind every headline. You'll hear candid discussions that go beyond the press releases, offering context on how decisions are actually made on Capitol Hill and in the White House. Tuning into this podcast means getting an unfiltered look at the intersection of policy and politics, understanding not just what is happening, but who is driving it and why. It's for anyone who wants to move past the surface-level news cycle and grasp the underlying mechanisms of government. The daily episodes are built on deep sourcing and a straightforward approach, demystifying the day's major issues without the typical spin. For a direct line to the key players and pivotal moments in American politics, this is the essential listen.
Episodes
The two brawls dominating the Hill this week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:59
From President Donald Trump’s Middle East headaches and a looming FISA showdown to House Republicans gearing up for reconciliation 2.0, it’s a pivotal week on Capitol Hill. Anna and Jake discuss the latest. Plus, how rec…
Readback: A big moment for AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:06
Ben Brody breaks down OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's visit to the Hill this past week. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week. Want more in-depth daily coverag…
The Senate GOP’s rough days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:56
The Senate is in a bad place after GOP leaders just spent 18 hours trying to quell a rebellion from within their own ranks that threatened passage of their $70 billion immigration-enforcement funding package. Anna and Ja…
Fly Out Day: Sen. Ted Cruz on his quest to change college sports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:18
Sen. Ted Cruz joined Jake Sherman to unpack the Protect College Sports Act — what it means for student athletes, schools and more. Plus: A deep dive into Texas politics. Stick around: Texas Tribune's DC Correspondent Gab…
A messy day in store for the Senate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:24
Senate GOP leaders face a brutal day on Capitol Hill. As Republicans try to push through reconciliation and a FISA extension, President Donald Trump’s recent moves are creating major headaches for Senate Majority Leader…
AI has a Democrat problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:15
Top executives from artificial intelligence giants are making regular visits to Capitol Hill. Yet their message seems to have landed on deaf ears with top Democrats. Jake breaks it all down ahead of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman…
Trump's losing streak [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:24
President Donald Trump is suddenly taking losses from his own friends and allies, especially on Capitol Hill. From Trump’s White House ballroom security funding to his “anti-weaponization” fund, Anna and Jake discuss the…
Reconciliation is getting much harder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:43
With five months until Election Day, Congress returns to a tough legislative environment, as lawmakers face a major challenge: two of the president’s key priorities conflict. Anna and Jake discuss the latest on reconcili…
Readback: Crisscrossing the Hawkeye State [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:36
Max and Laura discuss Iowa Democrats' optimism in the upcoming midterms and what to expect when Congress returns after recess. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl N…
Iowa could be big for Democrats in '26 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:32
Iowa Democrats are dreaming big in 2026, aiming to flip the governor’s mansion, a Senate seat and three House districts. Anna and Jake discuss Max Cohen’s latest on-the-ground reporting on the Democrats’ very tall task.…