Congressional analyst Jack Pitney assesses the meaning of Marjorie Taylor Greene’s upcoming resignation from Congress, and weighs whether the Georgia Republican still has a future in politics, given her seeming banishment by President Trump. And we remember Mark Mellman, the Democratic pollster who died last month, by replaying an interview we had with him in November of 2016, when Hillary Clinton and Trump were vying for the presidency. PLUS: A selection of favorite Trump responses to reporters’ questions at press conferences. Music in this episode: Where Is The Love by Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway You and I by Rick James The post Episode #426: Marjorie Tinker Taylor Q’Anon Traitor Patriot appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Maine Public Radio’s Steve Mistler focuses on what may be the Democrats’ best chance at a Senate pickup in 2026, the seat of five-term Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Establishment Democrats in Washington have come up with who they feel would be the strongest opponent, popular Gov. Janet Mills; earlier this year she made a name for herself by standing up to President Trump at a governors’ conference. But she is 77 years old, and progressives back home are instead rallying behind Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and former Marine who has raised more than $4 million. However, controversial old social media posts of Platner’s have been uncovered, threatening his chances. And there are two gubernatorial races taking place next week, in New Jersey and Virginia, states where both incumbents are term limited. Bob Holsworth of Decide Smart says that Democrats in Virginia are likely to take back the governorship with Abigail Spanberger. But media coverage is now focused on a series of ugly emails that came from the Dem candidate for attorney general, Jay Jones, whose own lead has evaporated. And in New Jersey, NJ Advance Media’s Brent Johnson reports that Democrat Mikie Sherrill’s lead has narrowed and that the Republican, Jack Ciattarelli, making his third bid for the job, is within striking distance. Music in this Episode: Fix You by Coldplay Tattoo by Doreen She’s a Sensation by the Ramones Jersey Girl by Bruce Springsteen The post Episode #425: Day Of The Woman? Election 2025 appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Journalist and historian Chris Whipple, author of the new book “Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History,” talks about how the Democratic Party, the Biden campaign and the candidate himself decided to ignore the reality of Biden’s mental acuity and insist on running against Trump until it was too late — and handing the White House to the Republican in the process. PLUS: The latest on Godzilla vs. King Kong. And if you think only Biden had the cognitive problems, you’re not paying attention. Music in this episode: I Started a Joke by the Bee Gees I’m Alright by Kenny Loggins The post Episode #424: The Tragedy Of Joe Biden appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Chicago Tribune political correspondent Rick Pearson sums up the career of Dick Durbin, the Illinois Democrat who is retiring after five terms in the Senate. PLUS: George Santos can continue to lie, only this time in prison … Remembering Donald Trump’s tirades against Barack Obama for his executive orders and golf playing … A farewell to our old friend Alan Simpson … and looking back at the final days of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, now 50 years after the evacuation. Music in this Episode: Dear Mr. Fantasy by Traffic Time Is Running Out by Muse Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Billy Idol Friends by The Beach Boys We Gotta Get Outta This Place by The Animals The post Episode #423: Dick Durbin’s 44 Years Of Service appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Joe Gerth, columnist for the Louisville Courier-Journal, takes us through the long Senate career of Mitch McConnell, the Republican from Kentucky, who announced he will not seek an eighth term. PLUS: The stunning shouting match between President Trump, cheered on by Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The post Episode #422: How Mitch McConnell Enabled The Party Takeover By Donald appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Jeff Greenfield remembers how Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush consoled the nation during crisis and trauma, and compares their actions to those of Donald Trump, whose response to a deadly plane crash was one of blame and nastiness. Rick Pluta of Michigan Public Radio discusses the retirement of Sen. Gary Peters (D) and the battle in 2026 to succeed him — a battle that could include Pete Buttigieg. And Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch talks of the pressures back home that may have forced Sen. Joni Ernst, a rape victim during college, to vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, despite the sexual assault allegations against him. PLUS: A look at the first two weeks of Trump. Music in this episode: It’s My Party by Lesley Gore Mean Mr Mustard by The Beatles America by Simon & Garfunkel Under Pressure by Queen The post Episode #421: The Consoler In Chief appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Donald Trump’s election opened up two Senate seats — in Ohio, where JD Vance was elected vice president, and in Florida, where Marco Rubio joined the Trump Cabinet as Secretary of State. Jeremy Pelzer, a political reporter with Cleveland.com and the Cleveland Plain Dealer, talks about new Sen. Jon Husted, who had been Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s lieutenant governor. And Susan MacManus, a leading Florida political analyst, tells us everything we need to know about Ashley Moody, the state’s former attorney general who now succeeds Rubio. And the recent death of former President Jimmy Carter has Carter biographer Jonathan Alter wondering if the overwhelming sadness about the 39th president’s passing might be tied to the widespread revulsion of the new occupant of the White House. Music in this episode: Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon Susan by Aimee Mann Turn! Turn! Turn! by the Byrds The post Episode #420: Decency And Civility, Then And Now appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Republican strategist Terry Holt explains what happened on November 5th and dissects some of Donald Trump’s more controversial Cabinet picks. Aubrey Jewett of the University of Central Florida handicaps who will succeed Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio in the Senate. Former Congresswoman Jill Long Thompson (D-IN) has a new book filled with essays from Democrats and Republicans alike making the case that bipartisanship really works … and must work. And former Oklahoma TV anchor Scott Thompson talks of his experiences with former Sen. Fred Harris, who sought the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination on a platform of fairness and equality. Harris died last month at the age of 94. Music in this episode: They’re Coming to Take Me Away by Napolean XIV I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor Pick Me by Alec Benjamin Long, Long, Long by the Beatles The post Episode #419: Trump Won, And His Cabinet Choices Prove It appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Holly Michels of the Montana State News Bureau for Lee Newspapers reports on the tough re-election battle facing Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat seeking a fourth term in an overwhelmingly Republican state … and this time, with the very popular Donald Trump on the ballot. And Rob Schofield of NC Newsline is covering the race for governor in North Carolina, where we have learned that the Republican nominee, Lt. Governor Mark Robinson — heartily endorsed by Trump — has in the past posted racist and misogynistic writings that may have all but ended his prospects for victory. PLUS: Jack Smith still has Trump in his sites … a quick look at the VP debate … and Happy 100th for Jimmy Carter. Music in this Episode: Smelly Cat by Phoebe and Chrissie Hynde Birthday by The Beatles High Hopes by Frank Sinatra Your Racist Friend by They Might Be Giants The post Episode #418: Butte And The Beast appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Dan Morain, a journalist who spent decades at the Los Angeles Times and the Sacramento Bee, and who is the author of “Kamala’s Way,” the first biography of Vice President Kamala Harris, talks about her rise in California politics that has led her to the doorsteps of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. PLUS: A look back at the Harris-Trump debate, the intrusion of Taylor Swift into the political battle, and how the inclusion of Laura Loomer into Trump’s inner circle has shaken up the Republican Party. Music heard in this episode: Cool for Cats by Squeeze Freedom by Beyonce The post Episode #417: The Unfathomable Rise Of Kamala Harris appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Anti-Trump Republican strategist Mike Murphy tries to sum up a surreal month of politics, starting with Joe Biden’s debate from hell and ending with the president’s withdrawal and the likely anointment of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. On her VP selection, Murphy offers a prediction … and a preference. And Matt Arco, a political reporter for the Star Ledger and NJ.com, reports on the conviction and upcoming resignation of New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, and how it affects this year’s Senate race. PLUS: Memories of Lyndon Johnson’s withdrawal in 1968. Music in this episode: Kamala! by Randy Rainbow Running on Empty by Jackson Browne I’m Not the Man I Used To Be by Fine Young Cannibals The post Episode #416: I’d Walk A Mile For A Kamala appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Alan Schroeder, author of the definitive book on presidential debates, takes us on a tour of memorable debates over the years and tries to assess how next week’s “bash” (CNN pun intended) between President Biden and former President Trump may affect the November vote — if at all. NPR’s Ron Elving adds up the pros and cons of Trump’s many potential running mates and, when pressed, announces his prediction. Ken Rudin agrees with him. And Republican strategist Frank Donatelli recounts his career of working for GOP presidential candidates going back to Ronald Reagan and lists the VP picks that were successful … and less so. Photo by Reuters. Music in this episode: Don’t Stand So Close To Me by The Police Another Star by Stevie Wonder Those Were the Days by Mary Hopkin The post Episode #415: The Debate — Cui Bono? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Republican and Never-Trump strategist Mike Murphy joins us to discuss the state of politics in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts, the first time a former president was ever convicted of a crime. He also talks about the Joe Biden campaign and what he must do if he is to win re-election. PLUS: The RNC disses Larry Hogan, Bob Good may have a bad primary, and the Libertarians boo Trump’s ballsy bid for its endorsement. Trump courtroom sketch by Jane Rosenberg. Music in this Episode: Don’t You Want Me by The Human League Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival The post Episode #414: Trump Law, Meet Murphy’s Law appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Pamela Wood of the Baltimore Banner sets up Tuesday’s Democratic primary in Maryland to succeed retiring Sen. Ben Cardin. David Trone and Angela Alsobrooks are engaged in an increasingly heated contest for a seat Republicans haven’t won in 44 years. But the presence of popular former Gov. Larry Hogan on the November ballot has given the GOP unexpected hope. PLUS: Kristi Noem’s self-sabotaged bid to become Donald Trump’s running mate. And a farewell to Pete McCloskey, the maverick Republican congressman from California whose opposition to the war in Vietnam spurred him to challenge President Nixon in the 1972 primaries. Photo by The Baltimore Banner Music in this episode: Vice President Fruitley by the Eels Saigon Bride by Joan Baez It’s a Maryland Thing by Jimmy Charles The post Episode #413: Maryland Has A Thriller, Farewell To Pete, And A Ruff Ending For Kristi appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
NPR’s David Folkenflik sorts out the brouhaha NBC News found itself in when it hired Ronna McDaniel as a paid commentator — a hire that lasted all of four days. An all-staff mutiny followed her new employment, given her role as a Trump enabler in his effort to overturn the 2020 election. David also weighs the advantages, if any, in hiring partisan voices in news organizations — a practice that goes back decades. And we rerun an interview we had with Joe Lieberman back in August of 2017, where the Connecticut senator and 2000 VP candidate talks about his career, Al Gore’s decision to name him to the ticket, how he saw the Bill Clinton/Lewinsky scandal, and his almost appearance as John McCain’s running mate in 2008. Lieberman died last month at 82. PLUS: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his running mate, and the different ways Donald Trump has assessed his candidacy. And the establishment choice for the U.S. Senate pulls out of the New Jersey Democratic primary. Music in this episode: Jersey Girl by Bruce Springsteen Dirty Laundry by Don Henley Isn’t Life Strange by The Moody Blues The post Episode #412: Old McDaniel Told A Lie appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
The announcement by Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat-turned-independent, that she would not seek a second term was hardly a surprise. But it shook up a key Senate race in a body where Republicans are closing in on a majority. Ron Hansen of the Arizona Republic lays out what’s ahead between likely nominees Ruben Gallego (D) and Kari Lake (R). And Jacob Rubashkin, the deputy editor of Inside Elections, sums up the major results from Super Tuesday and looks ahead to next week’s Ohio Republican Senate primary, the winner to take on three-term Democrat Sherrod Brown. Plus: A highly combative Joe Biden and a highly caffeinated Katie Britt highlight the State of the Union. Music in this Episode: Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young You Lost by Austin Archer Tuesday’s Gone by Lynyrd Skynyrd The post Episode #411: A Sense Of Yuma After Sinema’s Departure appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Mark Z. Barabak of the Los Angeles Times sets up Tuesday’s California Senate primary for the seat once held by Dianne Feinstein. A race long dominated by three Democratic House members — Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee — the campaign suffered a jolt when a Republican, former Dodgers star Steve Garvey, got in the race. Now there are accusations that Schiff, the acknowledged frontrunner, is trying to make sure his opponent in November is Garvey, considered the easiest to beat, rather than one of his Democratic House colleagues. PLUS: The age issue and Joe Biden. And the sanity issue and Donald Trump. In addition, Mitch McConnell announces he will be leaving the leadership position he’s held longer than any other senator in history. Music in this episode: I Can’t Explain by the Who I Hate Myself for Loving You by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts California Girls by the Beach Boys The post Episode #410: California Girls (And Guys) appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Yale Prof. Kathryn Lofton explores the whole Taylor Swift rumor mill lunacy and explains the pitfalls celebrities encounter as they decide whether to use their fame for political ends. And Spectrum News New York political director Bob Hardt dissects the upcoming race to succeed George Santos in New York’s Third Congressional District. PLUS: The House GOP effort to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas blows up in Speaker Mike Jobnson’s face. And a federal appeals court unanimously rejects Donald Trump’s argument that he is immune from prosecution for actions he took as president. Taylor Swift button designed by SmithDigital. Music in this episode: 409 by the Beach Boys The Winner Takes It All by November Ultra High Hopes by Frank Sinatra Harding, You’re the Man by Al Jolson Anti Hero by Taylor Swift A Life of Illusion by Joe Walsh The post Episode #409: Swift Paranoia Taylor-Made For MAGA appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
We speak to two veterans of New Hampshire politics, former Republican state chair Fergus Cullen and longtime Democratic state lawmaker Lou D’Allesandro. Cullen maintains that despite sizable dissatisfaction among Republicans with Donald Trump, Nikki Haley does not look like she is in a position to pose a threat to the former president. And D’Allesandro acknowledges unhappiness with President Biden’s decision to remove N.H. from its perch as the “first in the nation” primary state. But it shouldn’t be enough to threaten him in Tuesday’s contest. Music heard in this episode: Sitting On Top of the World by Cream Last Dance by Donna Summer Old Man by Neil Young The post Episode #408: New Hampshire, Where Trump Came, Saw and Concord? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Former Partner-in-Crime Ron Elving returns to the Political Junkie for a review of 2023 and what to expect in 2024 when, by most accounts, the presidential contest will be a repeat of four years ago: Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump. The post Episode #407: Farewell To 2023, Bracing For 2024 appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.
Shawn Sample
saw were 11eemm