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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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.

Jonathan Alter, author of a great biography about Jimmy Carter, talks about the significant role played during his life by Rosalynn Carter, his life partner and first lady, who died last month at 93. We replayed a 2019 interview with Evan Thomas, the author of a biography of Sandra Day O’Connor, the nation’s first female Supreme Court justice, who died on December 1st. And we heard about a fascinating podcast from WOSU’s Renee Fox, who in her series talks about the biggest political scandal...

We preview two big elections that will be decided on Tuesday.  Al Cross analyzes the gubernatorial contest in ruby red Kentucky, where Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, running on his record and support for reproductive rights, is thought to be favored against state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, a black Republican who is a protege of Mitch McConnell and endorsed by Donald Trump.  And in Virginia, both houses of the General Assembly are up for grabs, and Bob Holsworth says a GOP sweep could...

The House took some three weeks following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy, but there is a new Speaker:  Mike Johnson, Republican of Louisiana.  We follow the road to victory and discuss Donald Trump’s self-proclaimed role of kingmaker. In addition: — We talk to Paul Horcher, who as an independent Republican assemblyman from California in 1994 decided to bolt his party and vote for Democrat Willie Brown for Speaker … an act that got him recalled. — We go back into the archives for a 2015...

KQED’s Scott Shafer talks of the trailblazing career of Dianne Feinstein, the longtime California senator who died last month at 90. And we watch history in the making as Kevin McCarthy is ousted as Speaker of the House, the first time that had ever happened. Music in this episode: You Don’t Move Me by Keith Richards Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson  

Republican strategist Mike Murphy gives Mitt Romney high marks for his candid “exit interview” from the Senate.  He also sings reluctant praise for Nikki Haley, expresses his disappointment with Tim Scott, and sets up this week’s second GOP debate. And Jack Pitney of Claremont McKenna College explains what’s behind Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s decision to launch an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Plus: The indictment of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez (D). Songs in this...

The political world lost two friends of the Political Junkie in recent days, New Mexico Democrat Bill Richardson and New Hampshire Republican Gerald Carmen.  We celebrate them both this week, replaying conversations we had with them years ago. Music in this episode: San Francisco by Scott McKenzie The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan gives his review of Wednesday’s Republican debate, talks about his plans for the future, and remembers back to his father’s courageous decision to back the impeachment of President Nixon in 1974. PLUS:  Winners and losers of the GOP debate. Music in this week’s episode: So Begins the Task by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Stand! by Sly and the Family Stone Photo by NPR.

The alarming freeze of Mitch McConnell and the seeming deterioration of Dianne Feinstein have put a new focus on not only the health of two key members of the Senate but on the politics of the body as well.  Carl Hulse of the New York Times talks about the jockeying behind the scenes on the GOP side and the mixed emotions about Feinstein’s future on the Dem side. Plus:  Yet another Trump indictment, and how these serious charges are not affecting his lead for the GOP nomination.  And will he...

Republican strategist Vin Weber gives us the inside scoop of Kevin McCarthy’s ultimately successful bid to become Speaker of the House.  Former RNC chair Michael Steele sets up this month’s election for his old job, as incumbent Ronna McDaniel faces strong opposition to her bid for a fourth term.  And Lou D’Allesandro, a leading New Hampshire Democrat, talks of his disappointment that, after 70 years, his state will no longer host the “first in the nation” presidential primary. Plus:  The...

Carl Hulse of the New York Times talks about the decision by Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema to switch from the Democratic Party and become an independent.  He also talks about other famous Senate party switches — Arlen Specter, Joe Lieberman and Jim Jeffords — and how their decisions affected their careers. And Jack Pitney of Claremont McKenna College sizes up the problems facing California Republican Kevin McCarthy, who is the clear favorite to become the next House speaker … if he can only...

Greg Bluestein of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution sets up next week’s Georgia Senate runoff between Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker.  Regardless of the outcome, Democrats are assured of control of the Senate. PLUS:  Trump’s “My Dinner with Bigots.” Music heard in this week’s episode: Brain Damage by Pink Floyd Let Me In by the Sensations Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon

The votes were still being counted but the news was being made elsewhere.  Donald Trump announced his candidacy but then was hit with two bombshells:  The Justice Department named a special counsel to investigate the national security documents he took to Mar-a-Lago and his role in the January 6th insurrection, AND the Supreme Court said his tax returns can be released to the Democratic-controlled (until Jan. 3rd) House.  Nancy Pelosi said she’ll remain in the House but will not stand for...