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
FLY OUT DAY: RSC Chair Pfluger on gas prices, midterms and his future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:11
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 aro…
Can House Democrats change their party? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:17
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-d…
Jeffries cracks down [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:04
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 Mass…
Should the House stay? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:36
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. Wa…
The House is back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:29
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…
Readback: What Mike Johnson told us in Pennsylvania [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:35
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 Punc…
Who will replace James Braid? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:12
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 new…
Johnson bullish on the trail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:08
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 Punch…
The shocker in Florida [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:24
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…
A big primary night ahead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:24
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 pu…