Quorum Call
271 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 36 ratingsCheck out our new podcast show, National Journal Radio, where our expert correspondents take you on a deep dive through the biggest stories. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.
No one knows Capitol Hill and the corridors of Washington power like National Journal, and now NJ brings you Quorum Call—a weekly podcast on Congress, policy, and politics. Hosted by National Journal's veteran reporting team, new episodes of Quorum Call will be available every Monday.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Introducing a new podcast from National Journal
July 08, 2022 13:00 - 32 seconds - 739 KBEditor in Chief Jeff Dufour brings you an update on a new podcast coming from National Journal. Follow National Journal on Twitter for more podcast news!
Episode 268: Big Takeaways
June 13, 2022 21:20 - 1 hour - 87.8 MBThe Hotline team discusses the upcoming primaries on Tuesday and the big takeaways from May's races during the Hotline Power Hour webinar.
Episode 267: Weapons at Home, Weapons Abroad
June 06, 2022 23:54 - 24 minutes - 34 MBEditor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour talks to Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann on the path gun control is taking in both chambers of Congress and new developments on other legislation in the Senate. Then, Foreign Policy correspondent Cristina Maza gives updates on Ukraine and why Turkey is objecting to Finland and Sweden joining NATO.
Episode 266: What Happens After Uvalde?
May 31, 2022 21:05 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MBEditor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour talks to Congressional reporter Casey Wooten on what Congress' response has been to the tragic mass shootings in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX. Then, White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. talks about what action Biden can take on gun violence.
Episode 265: Waxing and Waning
May 25, 2022 00:18 - 37 minutes - 52 MBHotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado talks about former President Trump's waxing and waning power over the GOP in certain races with National correspondent Zac Weisz and States races correspondent Mary Frances McGowan. Then House races correspondent Erin Covey and Senate races correspondent Matt Holt talk about what President Biden's record is when it comes to competitive races.
Episode 264: At the Previews
May 17, 2022 00:36 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBHotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado brings on Senate races reporter Matt Holt, House races reporter Erin Covey and States races Mary Frances McGowan to discuss what primaries are worth keeping track of and which candidates are creating the most buzz.
Episode 263: Crises at Every Corner
May 09, 2022 22:02 - 26 minutes - 36.2 MBManaging Editor Mackenzie Weinger delves into a variety of crises lawmakers have on their plate after returning from recess. Congressional reporter Casey Wooten breaks down on how the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that could overturn Roe v. Wade has rocked Congress from House races to responses by House Republicans. Then Technology correspondent Philip Athey joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming conference on the USICA bill.
Episode 262: Dinner and A Leaked Draft
May 04, 2022 00:08 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBEditor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour talks to White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. about the White House Correspondents Association dinner last weekend after it had been cancelled for two years due to the pandemic. Then, they discuss the leaked draft opinion by Justice Alito that would overturn Roe v. Wade and the political impact this could have on the midterm elections. Foreign policy and defense correspondent Cristina Maza joins the podcast to break down the latest in aid funding for Ukr...
Episode 261: Battles and Brawls
April 25, 2022 22:35 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MBHotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado checks in with Senate races reporter Matt Holt on Democrats' chances of holding onto the Senate among other latest developments in Senate races across the country.
Episode 260: The Next Move
April 18, 2022 22:12 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBEditor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour talks to White House correspondent George Condon Jr. about all things West Wing from President Biden wanting to go to Ukraine to reports that White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy may step down. Plus, could Trump's track record of endorsements mean his political influence is fading?
Episode 259: Shake It Up
April 11, 2022 23:17 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MBHotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado dissects the historic confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court and its partisan moments with Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann. Then Governor races and state politics reporter Mary Frances McGowan and National correspondent Zac Weisz break down their recent article on the DNC proposing to change the presidential primary calendar with new criteria.
Episode 258: Before the Week Ends
April 04, 2022 22:45 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MBManaging Editor Mackenzie Weinger breaks down the agenda for the Senate this week before Senators leave Washington before recess starts. She's joined by Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann who talks about the next steps on the confirmation process of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Then Healthcare correspondent Erin Durkin breaks down the latest in the fight for COVID-19 funding and more.
Episode 257: Retreat, Then Advance
March 28, 2022 22:17 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBEditor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour catches up with House correspondent Casey Wooten on what went down at the House Republicans retreat last week in Florida and what the midterm messaging could look like on the campaign trail. Then Energy correspondent Brian Dabbs joins the podcast to discuss new updates to the Defense Production Act and what energy-related strategies are on the table to tackle high gas prices.
Episode 256: The Gaffe-O-Meter
March 22, 2022 00:01 - 39 minutes - 54.5 MBHotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado checks in with Senate races correspondent Matt Holt and House races correspondent Erin Covey on the latest news in the Senate battleground and redistricting. Then the Hotline team shares their top 5 gaffes on this campaign cycle.
Episode 255: What Does It Take?
March 14, 2022 23:11 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MBNational Journal Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour brings on White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. to discuss whether Biden is poised to make a bounce back after his numbers slightly improve over his handling of the Ukraine-Russia war. Then Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann breaks down the Democratic infighting over the COVID funding and leadership clashes among Senate Republicans.
Episode 254: What Ukraine Needs
March 07, 2022 22:17 - 18 minutes - 25.9 MBManaging editor Mackenzie Weinger talks to Healthcare correspondent Erin Durkin about the healthcare and medicine needs the Ukranian government is asking for as the current war with Russia worsens. Then Erin talks about the COVID 19 funding policy issues between Democrats and Republicans on the hill as the deadline for government funding nears.
Episode 253: From Ukraine to Texas
March 01, 2022 01:29 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MBHotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado breaks down the latest updates on Ukraine with Foreign Policy reporter Cristina Maza. Then House races reporter Erin Covey and State and Governor races reporter Mary Frances McGowan share their preview on the Texas primary and what races to watch as it kicks off on Wednesday.
Episode 252: Rubicons and Red Lines
February 22, 2022 23:06 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBFresh off the heels of President Biden's remarks on U.S. action in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour breaks down his remarks and Putin's actions with White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. and Foreign Policy and Defense correspondent Cristina Maza.
Episode 251: Falling Out of Love
February 14, 2022 23:37 - 41 minutes - 57.7 MBHotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado discusses Trump's waning influence in the primaries with States races reporter Mary Frances McGowan and what potential 2024 presidential Republican candidates are on the rise with National correspondent Zac Weisz. Then Senate races reporter Matt Holt dissects his Senate Power Rankings and how the decisions by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu to not run for the Senate influenced the Senate Power Rankings.
Episode 250: Threat of Invasion
February 07, 2022 23:59 - 20 minutes - 27.5 MBOn this episode, Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger and Foreign Policy reporter Cristina Maza break down the big headlines in international politics starting with the possibility of Russia invading Ukraine. Then they discuss American lawmakers' actions and human rights concerns with the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and what the latest update is on the Iran Nuclear Deal.
Episode 249: Hope for Headway
February 01, 2022 00:15 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBEditor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour and White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. analyze whether finding a replacement for Justice Stephen Breyer can revive enthusiasm among Biden's base and if this could be a smooth Senate confirmation. Then Energy reporter Brian Dabbs joins the podcast to discuss the attempts to bring back new versions of Build Back Better legislation in the Senate and how climate hawks are reacting to it.
Episode 248: Sink or Swim
January 24, 2022 22:48 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MBHotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado discusses whether President Biden's statement to hit the trail for Democrats in the midterms is enough to right the ship. States Races correspondent Mary Frances McGowan, Senate Races correspondent Matt Holt and House Races correspondent Erin Covey join the podcast to discuss how this may affect the current dynamic in the midterms battleground.
Episode 247: Down in the Trenches
January 18, 2022 23:00 - 37 minutes - 51 MBEditor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour is joined by White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. on President Biden's end to his first year in office and Biden's chances on passing voting rights legislation. Then, Senate races correspondent Matt Holt breaks down the latest in the Senate battleground, including Senators John Thune and Ron Johnson deciding to run for reelection.
Episode 246: Closing Deadlines and Ticking Clocks
January 10, 2022 22:05 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBOn this episode, Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger talks with Energy and Environment reporter Brian Dabbs on the looming deadline for voting rights legislation and Senate Democrats' attempt to meet the deadline and get Republicans on board with filibuster reform. Then Foreign Policy and Defense correspondent Cristina Maza joins the podcast to discuss the future of Senator Ted Cruz's bill on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline on Capitol Hill and to break down the widespread and deadly protests in Kaz...
Quorum Call Episode 245: So Long 2021
December 17, 2021 22:28 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBEditor in Chief Jeff Dufour recaps the year with House correspondent Casey Wooten on how January 6th shaped this Congress and how Democrats feel about their expectations this year. Then, Hotliners Matt Holt, Kirk A. Bado and Mary Frances McGowan look back at their favorite stories of the year, what's the bellwether race to pay attention to, and what they're looking forward to next year.
Episode 244: Mental Health in Indian Country
December 13, 2021 22:38 - 21 minutes - 30 MBOn the latest episode of the podcast, Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by health care correspondent Erin Durkin to recap her year-long reporting fellowship on how tribal governments and health organizations are grappling with the mental-health toll the pandemic has placed on American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Erin talks about her conversations with advocates, tribes in Oklahoma and lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Episode 243: Momentum or Inertia?
December 06, 2021 20:24 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MBOn this episode, Editor in chief Jeff Dufour is joined by Senate correspondent Zach Cohen on the Senate's long list of priorities after the resolution to keep the government funded until February was passed last week. Then, White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. joins the podcast to discuss how the Omicron variant could impact President Biden's favorability, the president's upcoming talk with President Vladimir Putin and how the legal fight over abortion could shape Republicans natio...
Episode 242: Final Byrd Bath Before Flying South
November 15, 2021 20:12 - 24 minutes - 33 MBOn the latest episode, Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by House correspondent Casey Wooten and Senate reporter Zach Cohen to discuss the Build Back Better Act, the annual defense policy bill, the appropriations process, and more.
Episode 241: Midterm Majority Makers
November 10, 2021 22:31 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBThe Hotline discusses key takeaways from its Midterm Majority Makers series to mark one year out from Election Day. Plus, the team discusses New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu's decision not to run for Senate, and potential obstacles to Republicans' plans to run a Glenn Youngkin-inspired strategy across the map.
Episode 240: Home and Away
November 01, 2021 20:01 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBOn the latest episode of the podcast, editor in chief Jeff Dufour talks to Senate correspondent Zach C. Cohen about the final push to enact President Biden's spending priorities, now that the Democratic Party's disparate factions all seem to be on board. Then, White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. breaks down Biden's trip to Europe for meetings with the pope, the G-20, and the COP-26 climate summit.
Quorum Call Episode 239: Before the Finish Line
October 26, 2021 22:05 - 33 minutes - 45.3 MBOn the latest episode of the podcast, Hotline Editor in Chief Leah Askarinam is joined by Associate Editor Alex Clearfield, state politics reporter Mary Frances McGowan and House races reporter Kirk Bado to check in with the Virginia governors race and some important House races in Florida and Ohio as Election Day looms near.
Episode 238: The Outlook on Capitol Hill
October 18, 2021 20:37 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBIn a special edition of the podcast, Senate reporter Zach Cohen and health care correspondent Erin Durkin join managing editor Mackenzie Weinger during a recently recorded National Journal members' webinar to chat about Democrats' big spending bill—what’s in the proposal, what’s on the chopping block, and where Democrats go from here. They also tackle the negotiations over the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the larger outlook for Capitol Hill for the rest of this year.
Episode 237: Presidents Past, Present ... and Future?
October 12, 2021 21:26 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MBOn the latest edition of the podcast, editor Jeff Dufour and White House correspondent George Condon focus on all things presidential—from Donald Trump's recent rally in Iowa to the subpoenas the Jan. 6 committee has served to his former advisors to how President Biden can find a path back to the light and stabilize his presidency.
Episode 236: To the Principal's Office
October 04, 2021 21:52 - 29 minutes - 40.1 MBAs Democrats bicker over the intricacies of passing legislation to advance President Biden's agenda, we zoom out to identify what's actually causing intraparty rifts and where Democrats might eventually find common ground. Hotline editor in chief Leah Askarinam talks with National Journal congressional correspondents Zach C. Cohen and Casey Wooten about the key figures who are dividing the party, President Biden's efforts to restore order, and the political implications of the current policy...
Episode 235: Make Or Break
September 27, 2021 20:50 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MBCongressional Democrats hope to sign off on as much as $4.7 trillion in new domestic-agenda items this week. But first, they have to agree on what policies to include. National Journal Senate correspondent Zach C. Cohen talks to National Journal policy reporters Casey Wooten and Brian Dabbs about the tax and energy provisions Democrats need to agree to in order to pass their reconciliation package.
Episode 234: Back to the Future
September 20, 2021 21:35 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBHotline editor in chief Leah Askarinam brings in Hotline states correspondent Mary Frances McGowan and National Journal's Josh Kraushaar to discuss the role of pandemic politics in 2021's gubernatorial races. The team also discusses polling in both California and Virginia's governors' races, along with how President Biden's current slump could play a role as Virginia begins early voting.
Episode 233: Wake Me Up When September Ends
September 13, 2021 20:49 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBOn the latest episode of the podcast, managing editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by House correspondent Casey Wooten and energy and environment reporter Brian Dabbs to discuss what’s on the legislative agenda this month.
Episode 232: The Long Tail of Afghanistan
September 07, 2021 21:04 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MBOn our post-Labor Day podcast, editor Jeff Dufour chats with White House correspondent George Condon and national security correspondent Cristina Maza about whether the U.S. can ever have normal diplomatic relations with the Taliban and what the "Biden Doctrine" is shaping up to be. The team also discusses Biden's recent political struggles ... and whether the Texas abortion law can possibly come to the rescue of him and the Democrats.
Episode 231: The Fall of Kabul
August 17, 2021 19:13 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MBOn the latest edition of the podcast, Editor Jeff Dufour chats with White House correspondent George Condon, Senate correspondent Zach Cohen, and House correspondent Casey Wooten about Biden's speech on Afghanistan, the congressional response, and comparisons to foreign policy crises of the past.
Episode 230: New York and California and Virginia, oh my!
August 10, 2021 20:15 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MBOn the latest episode of the podcast, Hotline editor in chief Leah Askarinam brings on state politics correspondent Mary Frances McGowan and National Journal Associate Editor Alex Clearfield discuss Andrew Cuomo's resignation as governor. Then, the team discusses 2021 gubernatorial races, including the California recall election.
Episode 229: Infrastructure Week: A New Legacy
August 02, 2021 20:13 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MBOn the latest episode of the podcast, managing editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by House correspondent Casey Wooten to discuss where Congress stands on infrastructure. Then, health care correspondent Erin Durkin breaks down all the issues surrounding vaccine mandates.
Episode 228: Pandemic Politics
July 26, 2021 20:43 - 29 minutes - 41 MBIn Texas, President Trump is betting his reputation as the party's kingmaker on the results of Tuesday's special election. Across the country, Republicans are more vocally encouraging their constituents to get vaccinated, though the team analyzes why neither political party seems eager to make the pandemic a centerpiece of their messaging. Hotline editor Leah Askarinam and correspondents Kirk Bado, Erin Covey, and Mini Racker discuss on the latest episode of the podcast.
Episode 227: Inside 2022's Off-Season
July 19, 2021 21:46 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBHouse and Senate candidates raked in millions of dollars in the last three months. On the latest edition of the podcast, guest host Zach C. Cohen talks with Hotline Senate races reporter Matt Holt and Hotline House races reporter Kirk A. Bado about what those totals mean for control of Congress in less than two years.
Episode 226: Keep It Between the Lines
July 12, 2021 21:22 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MBThe Senate returned this week, with the House soon to follow. On the latest edition of the podcast, Editor in Chief Jeff Dufour talks to Senate correspondent Zach C. Cohen and House correspondent Casey J. Wooten about the latest developments on infrastructure negotiations, including pay-fors like a minimum corporate tax. Then they get into the looming battle over the debt celling, and whether Majority Leader Chuck Schumer can find any more votes in favor of a voting-rights package.
Episode 225: We're Feeling '22
July 06, 2021 21:19 - 40 minutes - 55.2 MBRepublicans have history on their side as they attempt to retake the Senate majority, with Democratic Senators in a handful of states President Biden narrowly won up for reelection. In Arizona and Georgia, however, President Trump seems to be complicating what should be Republicans' top pickup opportunities. Hotline correspondents Madelaine Pisani and Matt Holt walk through the dynamics in these key battleground states, along with North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and a detour through...
Episode 224: Do or Die
June 28, 2021 21:05 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MBAfter a potentially devastating verbal slip last week, President Biden and his aides seemingly have put the compromise infrastructure package back on track. But will Mitch McConnell get on board? How about congressional progressives? Editor in chief Jeff Dufour, White House correspondent George Condon, and columnist Josh Kraushaar discuss on the latest episode of the podcast.
Episode 223: A Line in the Sanders
June 21, 2021 20:46 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MBOn the latest episode of the podcast, managing editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by House correspondent Casey Wooten and energy & environment reporter Brian Dabbs to talk all things infrastructure, from pay-fors to progressives.
Episode 222: Where to Find Bipartisanship in the Senate
June 15, 2021 00:31 - 26 minutes - 38.5 MBHotline editor in chief Leah Askarinam asks Senate correspondents Zach C. Cohen and Madelaine Pisani to evaluate whether bipartisanship still exists in the Senate and how that could change in 2022.
Episode 221: The New, Old Biden?
June 07, 2021 21:27 - 30 minutes - 41.2 MBOn this episode of the podcast, Editor Jeff Dufour talks to White House Correspondent George E. Condon Jr. about whether the infrastructure negotiations are finally revealing the dealmaking Joe Biden that he promised on the campaign trail, as well as President Trump's first foray back into the in-person events. Then, national political correspondent Mini Racker joins to discuss the Asian American vote, and trends in AAPI politics.
Episode 220: The Endless Endless Frontier Act
June 01, 2021 18:44 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBOn the latest episode of the podcast, tech policy reporter Brendan Bordelon joins managing editor Mackenzie Weinger to break down everything that happened, and didn’t, with the Senate’s massive R&D package meant to counter China. Then, health care correspondent Erin Durkin joins to discuss the legal uncertainties surrounding mandating COVID-19 vaccines in schools, as well as the future of lobbying on the Hill for patient advocates.