National Journal Radio artwork

National Journal Radio

249 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 93 ratings

A deep dive on the most important policy, political, and campaign story of the week, powered by National Journal’s expert correspondents. New episodes every Monday.

News Government congress president campaign elections policy political politics senate whitehouse
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Episode 143: Breaking Down Redistricting

December 16, 2021 23:00 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MB

The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter's Dave Wasserman comes on the podcast to discuss redistricting, offers his outlook for the 2022 elections, and lists several lawmakers whose fortunes took the greatest hit as a result of the new Congressional lines.

Episode 142: Back to Business

December 09, 2021 00:44 - 52 minutes - 71.8 MB

Narrative Strategies' founding partner Ken Spain, a former communications director at the National Republican Congressional Committee, talks about Republican chances in the midterms, rates Kevin McCarthy's efforts in unifying a fractious Republican caucus, and discusses how companies and CEOs should position themselves in today's polarized climate.

Against the Grain Episode 141: Food Fight

December 01, 2021 22:53 - 50 minutes - 69.4 MB

Strategist Dan Sena comes on the podcast to talk about how Democrats can turn their political fortunes around, and the political implications if Roe vs. Wade is overturned.

Against the Grain Episode 140: Under the Magnifying Glass

November 18, 2021 22:51 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MB

Axiom Strategies Vice President Kristin Davison talks managing the Glenn Youngkin campaign to an upset victory.

Against the Grain Episode 139: How to Fix Congress

November 09, 2021 22:10 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MB

Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Rep. William Timmons (R-SC) come onto the podcast to talk about the Modernization committee's work and solutions for creating bipartisanship.

Against the Grain Episode 138: About Last Night

November 04, 2021 22:59 - 51 minutes - 71 MB

Third Way Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Matt Bennett comes onto the podcast to break down how Republicans won in Virginia, and how progressives lost badly in local races.

Against the Grain Episode 137: Tug of War

October 28, 2021 23:42 - 44 minutes - 60.9 MB

CBS News senior political correspondent Ed O'Keefe talks about President Biden's push to win Democratic support for his agenda, the too-close-to-call Virginia governors race and what it's like to cover the White House.

Against the Grain Episode 136: The Main Thing

October 18, 2021 19:33 - 54 minutes - 74.9 MB

Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report comes on the podcast to talk about Biden's challenges as a first term president, the pandemic influencing voter priorities and the outlook on midterm elections. 

Against the Grain Episode 135: Virginia State of Mind

October 12, 2021 16:32 - 44 minutes - 61.3 MB

Former Virginia congressman Tom Davis, a moderate Republican, breaks down the Virginia governors' race, its role in national politics, and how education has become the hottest topic in the race.

Against the Grain Episode 134: Missing the Mark

October 07, 2021 21:25 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MB

Democratic pollster Mark Mellman comes on the podcast to discuss Biden's sinking approval numbers, growing anti-Israel sentiments in the Democratic party, and the challenges Democrats face to pass the president's agenda.  

Against the Grain Episode 133: Diagnosing the Pandemic

September 30, 2021 22:27 - 50 minutes - 68.8 MB

Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who is out with a new bestselling book, “Uncontrolled Spread: Why Covid-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic," discusses when the pandemic will end, explains why Biden's vaccine mandate for private employers could backfire, and pinpoints the government's biggest mistakes throughout the COVID crisis.

Against the Grain Episode 132: Democrats Divided

September 24, 2021 21:53 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MB

Center for American Progress senior fellow Ruy Teixeira joins the show to discuss the problems Democrats face by positioning themselves too far to the left on cultural issues. He also critiques how Democrats have handled the infrastructure and social spending legislation now before Congress.

Against the Grain: Episode 131: David Vs. Goliath

September 17, 2021 20:34 - 52 minutes - 73.3 MB

Washington Examiner Senior Political Correspondent David Drucker joins the podcast to discuss his upcoming book, the retirement of Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, and the Virginia governor’s race.

Episode 130: Republican Reboot

September 09, 2021 22:31 - 49 minutes - 68 MB

Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan joined the podcast to talk about his new book GOP 2.0 on why he believes the GOP needs to move on from former President Trump. He also discusses the state's Senate race and the 2024 presidential election.

Episode 129: Not-so-Lazy Days of Summer

August 13, 2021 21:42 - 54 minutes - 74.9 MB

Republican strategist Scott Jennings joins the podcast to talk about the bipartisan infrastructure bill, mask and vaccine mandates, and the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Episode 128: Behind Shontel Brown’s Victory

August 05, 2021 23:57 - 50 minutes - 72.3 MB

Democratic strategists Daniel Barash and Doug Thornell of SKDK join the podcast to reflect on their work on Cuyahoga County Councilwoman Shontel Brown's campaign against former Our Revolution President Nina Turner in the special election primary to replace HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge.

Episode 127: Staying on Message

July 29, 2021 20:37 - 53 minutes - 73.3 MB

Republican strategist Jordan Shaw talks about pandemic politics as mask mandates return. Shaw also discusses 2022 Republican primaries in swing states like North Carolina and Pennsylvania, where he's representing Pat McCrory and Sean Parnell in those respective Senate races.

Episode 126: Running in Place

July 15, 2021 18:44 - 48 minutes - 67.2 MB

Jonathan Martin, national political correspondent for the New York Times and a Hotline alum, joins the podcast to discuss covering the Trump era, races to watch, and the evolution of political journalism.

Episode 125: Golden State of Mind

July 09, 2021 00:10 - 42 minutes - 58.1 MB

Policy adviser Lanhee Chen talks about his campaign for state controller of California and the challenges of running as a Republican statewide. Chen also discusses the gubernatorial recall effort and the state government's approach to crime.

Episode 124: Dan's Plan

July 01, 2021 23:56 - 50 minutes - 70 MB

Dan Sena, founding partner of Sena Kozar Strategies and former executive director of the DCCC, joins the podcast to discuss the 2020 election, Hispanic voters, and the Democratic coalition. 

Against the Grain Episode 123: The Narrow Path

June 21, 2021 23:38

Sean Trende, the senior elections analyst at RealClearPolitics, joins the podcast to discuss the 2022 outlook, Republican and Democratic rhetoric on crime, and the Biden administration's political success six months in.

Against the Grain Episode 123: The Narrow Path

June 21, 2021 23:38 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MB

Sean Trende, the senior elections analyst at RealClearPolitics, joins the podcast to discuss the 2022 outlook, Republican and Democratic rhetoric on crime, and the Biden administration's political success six months in.

Episode 122: Comstock Takes Stock

June 15, 2021 23:34 - 53 minutes - 72.9 MB

Former Rep. Barbara Comstock joins the podcast to discuss the state of the Republican party, rising GOP leaders, and the upcoming Virginia gubernatorial election.

Episode 121: The Primary Problem

June 10, 2021 21:20 - 53 minutes - 72.9 MB

Katherine Gehl, the founder of The Institute for Political Innovation, joins the podcast to talk about how party primaries affect polarization and gridlock in Washington. Gehl discusses her proposals to reform elections, including ranked choice voting and all-party primaries.

Episode 120: A Bronx Tale

June 02, 2021 23:55 - 31 minutes - 44.4 MB

Democratic congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY 15) joins the podcast to discuss his upbringing in the Bronx, support for Israel, and endorsement of Andrew Yang in the NYC mayoral election. 

Episode 119: Crunching Numbers

May 26, 2021 23:05 - 54 minutes - 74.6 MB

Republican pollster Chris Wilson joins the podcast to discuss what issues are motivating GOP voters. He also talks about why polls missed Republican gains in 2020 and how Democratic politicians' responses to the pandemic could affect 2021 and 2022 races.

Episode 118: Shaken, Not Stirred

May 17, 2021 22:49 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MB

Former Republican congressman Denver Riggleman joins the show to discuss the Virginia governor's race, the GOP leadership fallout and midterm opportunities, and UFOs.

Episode 117: Virtual Reality

May 07, 2021 23:33 - 37 minutes - 52.2 MB

Democratic digital strategist Annie Levene joins the podcast to talk about how candidates can effectively use digital platforms. She also discusses get out of the vote efforts for Democratic voters and the political ramifications of President Biden's economic policies.

Episode 116: Straight Talk Express

April 29, 2021 23:13 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MB

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie joins the podcast to talk about President Biden's address to Congress and how the Republican Party can win back suburban voters. Christie also talks about governors races in his home state and California, including about Caitlyn Jenner's candidacy, and his own 2024 plans.  

Episode 115: Prediction Time

April 22, 2021 23:57 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MB

Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball, joins the podcast to discuss President Biden's first 100 days in office, the 2022 Senate field, and the Virginia governor's race. 

Episode 114: Coming Out of the Honeymoon Phase

April 16, 2021 21:20 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MB

Republican strategists Robert Blizzard, partner at Public Opinion Strategies, and Liesl Hickey, founding partner at Ascent Media, join the podcast to talk about suburban voters' attitudes on the Biden administration so far, particularly the president's tax plan.

Episode 113: Agents of Shield

April 08, 2021 23:49 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MB

Jim Kessler, executive director of Third Way, joins the show to discuss supporting moderate Democrats through the newly launched Shield PAC, Congressional debates on infrastructure and the filibuster, and corporate political donations.

Episode 112: Oh, Atlanta

April 01, 2021 23:21 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MB

Democratic Georgia state Sen. Jen Jordan joins the podcast to talk about the state's sweeping voting law passed last week and how it affects election administration at the local level. She also discusses President Biden's infrastructure plan and whether Georgia is now a purple state.

Episode 112: What Matters

March 25, 2021 00:18 - 50 minutes - 69.1 MB

Conservative political commentator and Daily Beast columnist Matt Lewis joins the podcast to discuss the future of conservatism, possible 2024 GOP candidates, and President Biden's relationship with the press.

Episode 111: Right Direction

March 17, 2021 23:41 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MB

Democratic pollster Zac McCrary joins the podcast to talk about the political implications of President Biden's COVID-19 stimulus package, demographic trends in the Democratic electorate, and the odds of Republicans taking back the House and the Senate in 2022.

Episode 110: The Making of the President

March 11, 2021 23:11 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MB

Biden campaign adviser Adrienne Elrod joins the podcast to discuss her work as director of talent and external affairs for the Biden inauguration, the odds that Biden supports repealing the filibuster, and the top Democratic policy priorities post-stimulus.    

Episode 109: Keystone Race Alert

March 05, 2021 00:28 - 55 minutes - 76.9 MB

Former Pennsylvania Rep. Ryan Costello joins the podcast to talk about the race for retiring Sen. Pat Toomey's open seat, which Costello is considering running for. He also talks about how his past criticism of President Trump will play in a Republican primary and President Biden's COVID-19 relief package.  

Episode 108: My Old Kentucky Home

February 26, 2021 00:35 - 53 minutes - 74.1 MB

Republican strategist Scott Jennings joins the podcast to discuss the Biden administration and potential areas for Republicans to collaborate with Democrats, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's thought process on impeachment, and the upcoming 2021 and 2022 elections. 

Episode 107: Dems on Defense

February 19, 2021 01:23 - 53 minutes - 73.6 MB

Former DCCC executive director Dan Sena joins the podcast to talk about the outlook for 2022 congressional races and the Biden administration's pandemic response so far. Sena also talks about the politics around school openings and the effort in California to recall the governor.

Episode 106: All Over the Map

February 11, 2021 23:44 - 50 minutes - 69.5 MB

Cook Political Report House editor David Wasserman joins the podcast to talk about the state of the House Republican conference and its 2022 prospects. Wasserman also breaks down how this year's redistricting will pan out in states like New York, Ohio, and Arizona.

Episode 105: Red Alert

February 05, 2021 00:02 - 48 minutes - 66.1 MB

Former Republican congressman Tom Davis joins the podcast to break down the current GOP coalition and to preview the Virginia governor's race and 2022 midterms.

Episode 104: Losing His Religion

January 28, 2021 23:00 - 59 minutes - 81.6 MB

Center for American Progress senior fellow Ruy Teixiera joins the podcast to discuss how identity politics are sidetracking President Biden's administration, and why a progressive agenda threatens to hurt the party's long-term prospects.

Episode 103: Reed All About It

January 21, 2021 22:57 - 38 minutes - 52.4 MB

Republican strategist Colin Reed joins the podcast to discuss the inauguration and President Biden's policy goals. He also talks about the future of the Republican party and impeachment.

Episode 102: Impeachment Round Two

January 13, 2021 23:54 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MB

Doug Thornell, a partner at the Democratic consulting firm SKDK, joins the podcast to discuss the fallout from the insurrection at the Capitol and President Trump's impeachment. Thornell also talks about regulating tech platforms, the impact of Democratic control of Congress, and President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

Episode 101: The Aftermath of an Insurrection

January 07, 2021 22:10 - 50 minutes - 69.1 MB

Lanhee Chen, a fellow at the Hoover Institution and former adviser to Sens. Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio, joins the podcast to talk about the future of Trumpism after a mob incited by the president stormed the U.S. Capitol while Congress was certifying the Electoral College vote. Chen also discusses the divide between Trump allies like Sens. Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley, Facebook and Twitter locking Trump out of their platforms, and Democratic control of the Senate.

Episode 100: The Path to Parity

December 17, 2020 23:47 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MB

Christina Reynolds, vice president of communications at EMILY's List, joins the podcast to talk about Democratic efforts to elect more women to office and her view on the incoming Biden administration’s track record in achieving gender parity. 

Episode 99: Cracking the Ceiling

December 06, 2020 21:18 - 48 minutes - 66.2 MB

VIEW PAC executive director Julie Conway joined the podcast to talk about Republican women's successes in the 2020 campaign cycle. Conway discusses the challenges of recruiting women for Congress, the role that President Trump plays in these races, and the Georgia Senate runoffs.

Episode 98: The Oregon Trail

December 01, 2020 23:38 - 47 minutes - 67.6 MB

Retiring Republican congressman Greg Walden of Oregon joins the podcast to discuss Trump, the future of the GOP, and the incoming Biden administration

Episode 97: The Biden Brand

November 19, 2020 23:20 - 50 minutes - 68.9 MB

Jim Kessler, executive director of Third Way, joins the show to discuss Joe Biden's win, how the president-elect will shape his administration, clashes between Democratic moderates and progressives, and intraparty threats to the party's Congressional leaders.

Episode 96: Georgia on My Mind

November 12, 2020 22:18 - 48 minutes - 68.6 MB

Atlanta Journal-Constitution political correspondent Greg Bluestein joins the podcast to break down all things Georgia: the recount, the runoffs, and the role of 2018 GOV nominee Stacey Abrams in shaping Democratic strategy.

Books

The White House
1 Episode