Ken Rudin's Political Junkie
Ken Rudin's Political Junkie is the essential show for anyone who is curious and passionate about politics ... which includes most of us. Each week, veteran political analyst Ken Rudin explores policy debates, campaign strategies and the newsmakers making it happen in Washington and in state capitols across the country. Politicians, journalists and experts of all stripes join Ken to share smart analysis and rich historical context behind the issues shaping our national dialogue today. Whether you're a seasoned political junkie or a casual observer of politics, you’ll enjoy hearing informed conversation about national and regional campaigns, deep dives into no...
Mon, March 03, 2025
How Mitch McConnell Enabled The Party Takeover By Donald
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 .
Thu, February 06, 2025
The Consoler In Chief
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 .
Sat, January 25, 2025
Decency And Civility, Then And Now
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 .
Thu, December 05, 2024
Trump Won, And His Cabinet Choices Prove It
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 .
Fri, October 04, 2024
Butte And The Beast
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 .
Mon, September 16, 2024
The Unfathomable Rise Of Kamala Harris
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 .
Mon, July 29, 2024
Episode #416: I’d Walk A Mile For A Kamala
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 .
Thu, June 20, 2024
The Debate -- Cui Bono?
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 .
Thu, June 06, 2024
Trump Law, Meet Murphy's Law
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 .
Sun, May 12, 2024
Maryland Has A Thriller, Farewell To Pete, And A Ruff Ending For Kristi
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 .
Thu, April 04, 2024
Old McDaniel Told A Lie
How the Ronna McDaniel hiring turned NBC News into knots and revived the question about the advisability of hiring partisan voices on network news. And we rerun a wonderful 2017 interview with Joe Lieberman, who died last week. The post Episode #412: Old McDaniel Told A Lie appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Tue, March 12, 2024
A Sense of Yuma After Sinema's Departure
A review of the Arizona Senate race following the departure of incumbent Kyrsten Sinema. And a look at the key results from Super Tuesday. Plus, a review of a most unusual State of the Union address. The post Episode #411: A Sense Of Yuma After Sinema’s Departure appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, March 01, 2024
California Girls (And Guys)
A look ahead towards Tuesday's primary to fill the Senate seat long held by the late Dianne Feinstein. Plus: Age and Biden, Sanity and Trump, and a Farewell by McConnell The post Episode #410: California Girls (And Guys) appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, February 09, 2024
Swift Paranoia Taylor Made For MAGA
Rumors that Taylor Swift might endorse Joe Biden has led conservatives to lose their minds. And a look at Tuesday's congressional race on New York's Long Island to replace the irreplaceable George Santos. The post Episode #409: Swift Paranoia Taylor-Made For MAGA appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Sat, January 20, 2024
New Hampshire, Where Trump Came, Saw and Concord?
The latest in the Republican and Democratic contests in New Hampshire. The post Episode #408: New Hampshire, Where Trump Came, Saw and Concord? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, January 12, 2024
Farewell to 2023, Bracing for 2024
It's a review of 2023 and a look ahead to 2024 with NPR's Ron Elving. The post Episode #407: Farewell To 2023, Bracing For 2024 appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Wed, December 06, 2023
Farewell to the Trailblazers
We hear from the biographers of two trailblazers who have left us, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. And we hear about an investigative podcast about Ohio's greatest political scandal in history. The post Episode #406: Farewell To The Trailblazers appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Sat, November 04, 2023
Pence Is Out; Is Choice In?
Election Day is on Tuesday, and we look at the race for governor in Kentucky and the battle for the state legislature in Virginia. Plus, Mike Pence is out, and Tommy Tuberville loses friends. The post Episode #405: Pence Is Out; Is Choice In? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Thu, October 26, 2023
Master of the House (For Now)
The ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and replacing him, finally, with Mike Johnson, sets up two conversations this week: One, with a former California GOP lawmaker who bolted his party to vote for a Democratic House Speaker, only to be recalled for his efforts; and Two, a visit to the 1995 archives and a talk with a former Republican House leader analyzes the forced resignation of House Speaker John Boehner. The post Episode #404: Master Of The House (For Now) appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, October 06, 2023
Goodbye To DiFi ... And Kevin Too
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the longest serving woman in the history of the Senate and a trailblazer for women, has died at the age of 90. And Kevin McCarthy becomes the first House speaker in history to be ousted in a vote amongst his colleagues. The post Episode #403: Goodbye To DiFi … And Kevin Too appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Tue, September 26, 2023
Murphy's Law -- On Romney, Haley And The Republican Debate
GOP strategist Mike Murphy on Mitt Romney, Nikki Haley and this week's second Republican debate. We explore what's behind the Impeach Biden effort. And Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has been indicted. The post Episode #402: Murphy’s Law — On Romney, Haley And The Debates appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Sun, September 10, 2023
From the Archives, Gone, But Not Forgotten
Interviews with two political guests who died last week, Democrat Bill Richardson and Republican Gerald Carmen, are repeated in this episode. The post Episode #401: From The Archives, Gone, But Not Forgotten appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, August 25, 2023
Larry Hogan's Heroes
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan talks about Donald Trump, the GOP debate, his future plans, and memories of his father, who courageously supported Nixon's impeachment in 1974. The post Episode #400: Larry Hogan’s Heroes appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Thu, August 17, 2023
Senate Health, and Politics
Looking at the health -- and the political jockeying -- regarding Senators Mitch McConnell and Dianne Feinstein. Plus: Another Trump indictment and the first GOP debate on the way. The post Episode #399: Senate Health and Politics appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, January 13, 2023
Kevin Can't Wait
A look at Kevin McCarthy's victory to be Speaker of the House, which took 15 ballots -- the most since before the Civil War. We set up this month's election at the RNC to determine whether incumbent chair Ronna McDaniel can keep her job. A prominent New Hampshire Democrat is saddened by President Biden and the DNC's decision to replace his state as the nation's first presidential primary. And a look at the 2024 Senate race in California, where candidates are already running. The post Episode #398: Kevin Can’t Wait appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, December 16, 2022
Sinema Vérité
A look at the decision by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) to leave her party and become an independent, and a look at other Senate party switches. Plus, Kevin McCarthy battles his right flank to become the next speaker of the House. The post Episode #397: Sinema Vérité appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Wed, November 30, 2022
51 Or 50, And Fight
A look ahead to next week's Senate runoff in Georgia. Plus, thoughts about Trump's dinner with two anti-semites. The post Episode #396: 51 Or 50, And Fight appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Wed, November 23, 2022
Trump's Problems, Pelosi's Decision And A 2022 Wrap
Donald Trump is running but the Justice Department may not let him get far. Nancy Pelosi is stepping down, but she's not going far. And what to make of the 2022 midterms. The post Episode #395: Trump’s Problems, Pelosi’s Decision And A 2022 Wrap appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Sun, October 30, 2022
Women Yes, Abortion Rights Maybe
Debbie Walsh of the Center for American Women and Politics reviews the women who will be on the ballot on Nov. 8th ... not all of whom are supporters of abortion rights. And reporter Bill Salisbury remembers that day in 2002 when Sen. Paul Wellstone, 11 days out of his third-term re-election bid, perished in a plane crash in Minnesota. Plus, a review of the Fetterman-Oz Senate debate in Pennsylvania and the brutal attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband. The post Episode #394: Women Yes, Abortion Rights Maybe appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Sun, October 23, 2022
Keystone State May Be Key to Senate Majority
A detailed look of the Pennsylvania Senate race by Jonathan Tamari of the Philadelphia Inquirer. And Jacob Rubashkin of Inside Elections lays out the themes of the 2022 midterm elections. The post Episode #393: Keystone State May Be Key To Senate Majority appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, October 07, 2022
O Father, Where Art Thou?
Reports on two key races this year, the Senate contest in Georgia (where GOP candidate Herschel Walker finds himself in a growing list of controversies) and the gubernatorial race in Texas (where incumbent Republican Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke held their only debate this week. Plus, a conversation with retiring AP congressional reporter Alan Fram after nearly four decades on the job. The post Episode #392: O Father, Where Art Thou? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Mon, August 15, 2022
She Has Everything But The Voters
Wyoming Sen. Alan Simpson talks about his close friend, Rep. Liz Cheney, and her chances in the August 16th primary for renomination. The post Episode #391: She Has Everything But The Voters appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, July 29, 2022
A Risk Of Failin' For Cheney And Palin
The political future of two well-known Republican women -- Liz Cheney and Sarah Palin -- will be determined by the voters next month. The post Episode #390: A Risk Of Failin’ For Cheney And Palin appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Mon, June 13, 2022
The Facts Are There. Is Anyone Listening?
Some thoughts about what we saw and heard from the January 6th committee last Thursday, designed to find out who was responsible for the planning and execution of the assault on democracy. The post Episode #389: The Facts Are There. Is Anyone Listening? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Tue, May 17, 2022
Is Trump The Wizard For Oz? And Whither Cawthorn?
Five states are holding primaries on May 17th, with Pennsylvania and North Carolina taking top bill. The post Episode #388: Is Trump The Wizard For Oz? And Whither Cawthorn? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Mon, May 02, 2022
Trump's Endorsements, Many Of Them Real People
We explore the effect of Donald Trump's endorsements. A look at the upcoming Georgia primaries. And we remember the late Orrin Hatch, the longest serving Republican senator in history. The post Episode #387: Trump’s Endorsements, Many Of Them Real People appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Mon, April 11, 2022
Testing the Leadership's Patience
Claims made by freshman Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) may have gone too far for the House Republican leadership to support his re-election. We look at the key Senate races up in 2022. And a new book on politics and the media is asking serious questions about bias. The post Episode #386: Testing The Leadership’s Patience appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Sun, March 27, 2022
Alaska's Not Jolly Not Green Giant
A look at the career of the late Rep. Don Young (R-AK), the longest serving Republican in the history of Congress. And a review of a recent Ohio GOP Senate debate that almost turned physical. The post Episode #385: Alaska’s Not Jolly Not Green Giant appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, March 18, 2022
America First! Iowa, Maybe Not.
The Democratic Party is rewriting its calendar for the 2024 presidential race, and Iowa is expected to lose its position as the lead off contest. And Sen. Jim Inhofe's (R-OK) upcoming resignation will result in a special election -- but an assured Republican victory. The post Episode #384: America First! Iowa, Maybe Not. appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Wed, February 23, 2022
The End of the Bush Era?
A review of Tuesday's primaries in Texas, featuring George P Bush's attempt to topple the state attorney general. Plus, a Presidents Week look at some classic movies and the presidents they portrayed. The post Episode #383: The End Of The Bush Era? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Wed, February 16, 2022
Truth Or Consequences
The health of a New Mexico Democrat becomes critical in a Senate that is split 50-50. And Mike Pence, who spent four years as a compliant vice president, surprised many with his break from Donald Trump over the correct course of action on that fateful Jan. 6th day. The post Episode #382: Truth Or Consequences appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Tue, February 01, 2022
Joe Gets His Court Pick, Maybe
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, under tremendous pressure from the left, announced his resignation this week, which allows President Biden to name a successor while the Democrats still control the Senate. The post Episode #381: Joe Gets His Court Pick, Maybe appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Thu, December 30, 2021
War Hero, Senate Giant -- The Man From Russell, Kansas
Does Joe Manchin's decision to vote no on President Biden's top priority end its chances? And we remember Bob Dole, the former Senate Majority Leader and 1996 presidential nominee, who died earlier this month at the age of 98. The post Episode #380: War Hero, Senate Giant — The Man From Russell, Kansas appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, November 19, 2021
In The Middle Of Nowhere
Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, author of a new book about centrism in politics, says both parties need to compromise if they expect anything to get done. And we review the career of Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT), who announced his retirement after nearly 48 years in office. The post Episode #379: In The Middle Of Nowhere appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Sat, November 13, 2021
A Hero To The Max
We remember former Georgia Democratic Sen. Max Cleland, who died last week and who was on the receiving end of one the most controversial attack ads in political history. And we weigh the decision by New Hampshire GOP Gov. Chris Sununu not to challenge Sen. Maggie Hassan (D) next year, who is thought to be vulnerable. The post Episode #378: A Hero, To The Max appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Thu, October 28, 2021
Yes Virginia, This One Matters
Tuesday's gubernatorial contest in Virginia is being watched nationwide for a possible clue about what might happen in the 2022 midterms ... and how to deal with Donald Trump. And former Sen. Harry Reid makes the case for Nevada to lead off the presidential calendar, not Iowa. The post Episode #377: Yes Virginia, This One Matters appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Fri, October 22, 2021
Is There Hope For The GOP? Or Democracy?
A book by a longtime Republican strategist says his party has become indistinguishable from Donald Trump -- and all that's wrong with Trumpism. We look ahead to next month's historic Boston mayoral race. And we talk to Colin Powell's former chief of staff, who has the inside scoop behind Powell's infamous 2003 UN speech about "weapons of mass destruction." The post Episode #376: Is There Hope For The GOP? Or Democracy? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Sun, October 10, 2021
Sinema Paradiso
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema may be driving progressives nuts by thwarting much of President Biden's agenda, but her actions may be popular back home. And we remember the unfortunate 2012 campaign gaffe of Todd Akin, who died last week, and who suggested that "legitimate rape" would not result in pregnancy. The post Episode #375: Sinema Paradiso appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Wed, September 22, 2021
Trump Enemies List Loses One
The decision by anti-Trump Republican Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio not to seek reelection next year is seen as a victory for the former president, who retains deep loyalty among GOP voters. And we discuss the meaning of last week's defeated recall vote in California. The post Episode #374: Trump Enemies List Loses One appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
Sun, September 12, 2021
Can You Recall the Governor of California?
We set up what's at stake in Tuesday's California gubernatorial recall election. And we replay an interview from last summer with former Illinois Sen. Adlai Stevenson III, who died last week. The post Episode #373: Can You Recall The Governor Of California? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie .
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