National Journal Radio

Hotline Editor Kirk A. Bado talks to House campaigns correspondent Zach Blackburn, Senate campaigns correspondent Nicholas Anastácio, and states and governors correspondent Abby Turner to discuss the big takeaways from the first half of the primary season and look ahead to the remaining races before November. Subscribe to Hotline here: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/hotline-subscribe 

In this bonus episode, National Journal editor in chief Jeff Dufour and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss the latest updates with Graham Platner's fall from grace, the lessons learned for candidate recruitment, the latest efforts by the Trump administration to control elections and more. Subscribe to Hotline: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/hotline-subscribe 

In June, National Journal editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour hosted a panel discussion, MAHA Movement Up Close: A discussion with the influencers leading the Movement, where MAHA influencers shared how they've created space in the influencer ecosystem and their relationships with policymakers. They discuss how the MAHA and MAGA movements have been aligned and distant, and what could the movement look like in a post-Trump administration world.  Subscribe to The Listening Station here: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/the-listening-station  Watch the video replay here: https://www.nationaljournal.com/me/732060/maha-movement-up-close/ 

Hotline Editor Kirk Bado joins states and governors correspondent Abby Turner, national correspondent Erika Filter, and Senate races correspondent Nicholas Anastácio to discuss their picks in a 2028 presidential draft and the political figures they believe are best positioned for the next White House race. To subscribe to Hotline for more expert analysis: https://hub.nationaljournal.com/hotline-subscribe 

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 

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 

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.nationaljournal.com/the-listening-station

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 Preview special report here: https://go.nationaljournal.com/hotlinemidtermpreview/ 

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.

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. 

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 

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.

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. 

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 and blue states, the legal battles behind redistricting, and the real-life impacts of what redistricting could have on communities.

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 here.

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.

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 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

With this year's Congressional Baseball Game taking place at Nationals Park on Wednesday, Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado brings on the leading expert on the history of the game, Nathaniel Rakich of Baseballot. They discuss Democrats' losing streak, the players to watch, and how torpedo bats could impact the game. Follow Nathaniel's baseball and political insights on X, Bluesky, and on Baseballot.

Editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour speaks with Robert Shea and Adam Hughes, cofounders of GovNavigators, about the differences between civillian and military contracts, the implications of Trump's cuts to the federal government on the private sector, and more. Episodes of National Journal Radio are also avail­able on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The House Budget Committee Sunday night voted to move the "big, beautiful bill" forward after the bill failed in a committee vote on Friday. NJ Daily Editor Ledyard King brings on senior congressional correspondent Casey Wooten and Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann to discuss the potentials pathways for the bill and what tax cuts could be affected in negotiations.

Hotline editor Kirk Bado and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook handicap the midterm elections and discuss the political dynamics of incumbents facing younger primary challengers.

NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King brings on Senate reporter Savannah Behrmann and House reporter Casey Wooten to talk the updates on budget reconciliation. They talk which programs could be at risk due to budget cuts, the role of the Senate parliamentarian in the reconciliation process, and more.

National Journal has released Margins to Mainstream, a comprehensive look at the acceleration of policy ideas coming from nontraditional sources and what this could mean for organizations looking to anticipate policy shifts. In a webinar last week, Pope Ward and Jeff Dufour broke down the rise of alternative media and its growing influence, challenges in tracking these decentralized voices, and the best tools and strategies to stay ahead. You can find the presentation here if you'd like to follow along while you listen. Download the special report here.

Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado brings on former Hotliner and political analyst Matt Holt to give a temperature check of the Democratic Party ahead of President Trump's 100th day in office. They talk Democrats' weaknesses in the 2024 presidential elections, the brewing Tea Party sentiments within the party, the gameplan for Democrats in the midterm elections, and more.

In this bonus episode adapted from National Journal's webinar series, Hotline editor Kirk Bado brings on House race correspondent James A. Downs and governors and state legislatures correspondent Mary Frances McGown to talk about the shifting political landscapes in state legislatures, the economic impact of tariffs on states, and how funding cuts impact governors in blue and red states.

NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King brings on House reporter Casey Wooten and Senate reporter Savannah Behrmann to break down what's happening with the budget reconciliation, congressional reactions to President Trump's tarrifs, and Speaker Mike Johnson's deal on proxy voting. 

Editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss Rep. Elise Stefanik's return to the House, the off-year governor races, and potential primary challenges to Democrats and Republicans in the Senate. Episodes of National Journal Radio are also avail­able on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Ahead of midterms, Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado brings on Senate races correspondent Nicholas Anastácio to see where the Senate battlefield forms with open primaries, retirement announcements, and how the midterms could impact Republican female senators.  

Ahead of the midterm elections, Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado takes a look at the possible storylines that could form as Democrats and Republicans plan out the race for the House. House races correspondent James A. Downs and Inside Elections deputy editor Jacob Rubashkin join the podcast to give their expert analysis on what races could be the ones to watch.

Speaker Mike Johnson tries to juggle several fiscal balls: a spending bill to avoid a looming government shutdown; a multi-trillion-dollar reconciliation package, a recissions package, and a deadline to suspend the debt ceiling or face default. NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King brings on House reporter Casey Wooten to break down these fiscal priorities.

Hotline editor Kirk Bado and Cook Political Report with Amy Walter founder Charlie Cook discuss President Trump's first month in office and how his presidency may affect the midterm congressional races. Episodes of National Journal Radio are also avail­able on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Foreign Affairs Correspondent Cristina Maza has been reporting from the Munich Security Conference and watching the results of the elections in Germany. She joins NJ Daily managing editor Ledyard King to discuss her reporting at the conference, the outcomes of the election, and reactions from European leaders to President Trump's foreign policy positions.

Editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour brings on White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. to discuss the rapid pace of news coming out of the White House, Elon Musk's increasing influence over the federal government and early favorability polling.