The Daily Punch

Readback: A more realistic defense spending assessment

Defense reporter Briana Reilly takes you behind the scenes of the NDIA emerging technology conference and what top DOD officials said about their outlook on future fundin

Thune on his future, 2026 and Trump

Jake and Brendan go over what Thune told us about the future of the Senate. Plus: HMP's redline. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free P

Fly Out Day: Will Democrats flip the House? Super PAC chief weighs in

House Majority PAC President Mike Smith sits down with Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer at the townhouse to talk about affordability, redistricting and everything else weighi

Jeffries allies have a new outside group

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is jumping into the dark money game ahead of the midterm elections with a new 501(c)(4). Jake Sherman and Ally Mutnick discuss Jeffr

Can an unpopular Trump save the GOP?

There are 55 days to go until Election Day. Jake and Anna discuss the three headwinds for Republicans going into November and three potential lifelines. Want more in-de

Inside the Dallas money game

The Republicans’ “midterm convention” in Dallas begins Wednesday. The made-for-TV event is aimed at boosting GOP base turnout in the midterm elections. But there will als

What we're watching this week

Trump's "midterm convention"  is in Dallas this week alongside top House and Senate Republicans and a handful of key GOP candidates. One Republican who won't be there: Se

On the trail with Rob Wittman

Max and defense reporter Anthony Adragna talk about the House Armed Services Committee gavel race and Rep. Rob Wittman's reelection campaign. Plus, Anthony goes over the

Inside Jeffries and Johnson's rollercoaster week

Anna and Jake do a Leader Look and discuss the week Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress?

FLY OUT DAY: RSC Chair Pfluger on gas prices, midterms and his future

Republican Study Committee Chair Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) stopped by the townhouse to chat with Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer about the state of the GOP, rooting out

Can House Democrats change their party?

Anna and Jake go over how House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' leadership team is discussing a broad overhaul of how the House Democratic Caucus operates as the party i

Jeffries cracks down

Anna and Jake discuss House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' rebuke of two representatives who voted with Republicans on a rule Tuesday afternoon. Plus: a look at several

Should the House stay?

Jake and Laura talk about the spot Speaker Mike Johnson is in, whether he should send everyone home this week. Plus, the latest on the Russia sanctions effort in the Hous

The House is back

Jake and Anthony talk about the House's return and what's on the docket for the chamber leading up to Election Day. Plus: Zelensky sends a top aide to the Hill and Raskin

Readback: What Mike Johnson told us in Pennsylvania

Congressional reporter Laura Weiss discusses what Speaker Mike Johnson told her in Pennsylvania about growing the House GOP majority. This story was featured in the Read

Who will replace James Braid?

Jake and Andrew discuss who might replace James Braid as Trump's top Hill lobbyist. Plus, more on AOC's delicate balancing act. Want more in-depth daily coverage from C

Johnson bullish on the trail

Anna and Jake break down what Speaker Mike Johnson told us on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania. Plus, James Braid is leaving the White House. Want more in-depth daily

The shocker in Florida

Anna and Jake break down Tuesday's primary results. Plus: the prospect of a 50-50 Senate looms. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Pu

A big primary night ahead

Anna and Jake break down what to watch tonight as primary voters head to the polls in Florida, Alaska and Wyoming. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subsc

'Crooks vs. Commies’ on the campaign trail

Jake and Anna break down the dynamics at play in the House Democratic Caucus as the midterms creep up. Plus, what House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told Jake on the tra