The Daily Punch

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Inside the GOP's redistricting push Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Republicans are mounting an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting push — one they hope could net double-digit House seats heading into 2026. Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman break down where the map battles are heating up and why Democrats face an uphill fight.

Plus, an inside look at Speaker Mike Johnson’s high-dollar donor retreat in Jackson Hole, featuring Palantir CEO Alex Karp and other power players. And finally, the surprising story of how Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) is helping broker a potential peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

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The generational brawl inside the Democratic Party Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Democrats face a growing generational rift as younger challengers line up to take on veteran incumbents in a series of high-stakes primaries. Anna Palmer and Max Cohen break down the battle lines — and what it says about the future of the party.

Plus: Sen. Tom Cotton presses the Pentagon to block foreign nationals from accessing sensitive systems, and the GAO offers buyouts as House Republicans propose steep budget cuts.

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Members flock to Israel as Gaza war deepens Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Lawmakers head to Israel as the Gaza crisis deepens, testing Democratic divisions over support for Israel. Anna is joined by Punchbowl News Reporter Max Cohen to break down what’s driving the trip and how it could shape future primaries.

Plus: Democrats brace for the fallout if Obamacare subsidies lapse at year’s end, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski struggles to sell the One Big Beautiful Bill back home in Alaska.

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Schatz secures Schumer’s backing Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Sen. Brian Schatz is all but locked in as the next Senate Democratic whip — and possibly a future leader — with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s backing. Max Cohen joins Anna to break down Schatz’s rapid rise and how he’s reshaping the party’s leadership pipeline.

Plus: Vice President JD Vance heads to Indiana as Republicans eye aggressive redistricting while California Democrats target five new House seats of their own.

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Schumer, Jeffries demand 'Big 4' talks Aug 04, 2025

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Anna is joined by Punchbowl News Reporter Max Cohen to break down Democrats’ push for a high-stakes leadership meeting on government funding. Plus: A look at the Senate’s weekend meltdown over nominations, and why Texas Democrats are fleeing the state in the latest redistricting fight.

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The Readback: Kentucky Hemp Wars Aug 02, 2025

Show notes

Portal newsletter author Samantha Handler discusses Sen. Rand Paul's effort tostrip out language that would close a hemp regulatory loophole in the FY2026 Ag funding bill. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week.

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Netanyahu's massive problem with Dems Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Democrats are breaking from tradition, moving to block arms sales to Israel amid growing concerns over the war in Gaza. Anna and Jake break it all down.

Plus, President Donald Trump’s pitch for tariff rebate checks is falling flat — even among Republicans. And GOP super PACs are outraising their Democratic rivals ahead of the 2026 midterms.

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The Senate's earmark explosion Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Who’s cashing in during earmark season? Anna and Jake break down how Sen. Susan Collins is flexing her power — and what it means for Maine. Plus, can the Senate strike a minibus deal before the August recess? And Republicans' big bet on Latino candidates in 2026.

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Inside the new Texas map Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

As early as today, Texas Republicans will release their proposed new congressional map for the Lone Star State. Anna and Jake discuss the Democrats who are most directly in the danger zone. Plus, a look at the evolving norms surrounding Senate nominations.

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Thune’s next big fight: Governing Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Anna and Jake discuss how John Thune must somehow balance a vengeful president, unhappy conservatives, worried GOP moderates and Democrats, all while seeking to protect the Senate’s institutional power and his own majority.

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