Can an unpopular Trump save the GOP?

Can an unpopular Trump save the GOP?

Author: Punchbowl News September 9, 2026 Duration: 13:11
There are 55 days to go until Election Day. Jake and Anna discuss the three headwinds for Republicans going into November and three potential lifelines. 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

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Daily Punch
Podcast Episodes
Is Congress missing the moment with AI? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:58
As artificial intelligence dominates the news cycle, AI companies are begging to be regulated. Congress is nowhere on the issue. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM ne…
Congress is back: 50 days to Election Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:38
Both the House and the Senate are back this week as the sprint kicks off to Election Day. Plus: the latest on the Clarity Act. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM news…
Readback: A more realistic defense spending assessment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:15
Defense reporter Briana Reilly takes you behind the scenes of the NDIA emerging technology conference and what top DOD officials said about their outlook on future funding. This story was featured in the Readback, our we…
Thune on his future, 2026 and Trump [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:47
Jake and Brendan go over what Thune told us about the future of the Senate. Plus: HMP's redline. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Lear…
Jeffries allies have a new outside group [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:11
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is jumping into the dark money game ahead of the midterm elections with a new 501(c)(4). Jake Sherman and Ally Mutnick discuss Jeffries' strategy. Want more in-depth daily coverage f…
Inside the Dallas money game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:23
The Republicans’ “midterm convention” in Dallas begins Wednesday. The made-for-TV event is aimed at boosting GOP base turnout in the midterm elections. But there will also be a lot of big-money fundraising taking place o…
What we're watching this week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:04
Trump's "midterm convention" is in Dallas this week alongside top House and Senate Republicans and a handful of key GOP candidates. One Republican who won't be there: Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Jake breaks it dow…
On the trail with Rob Wittman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:48
Max 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-dept…
Inside Jeffries and Johnson's rollercoaster week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:50
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…