It’s Day 35 of the government shutdown — now tied for the longest in U.S. history. But for the first time in weeks, there’s movement on Capitol Hill: Senators from both parties are exploring an off-ramp that could reopen the government and jump-start the appropriations process.
Anna and Jake break down what’s on the table. Plus: It’s Election Day, with key races in California, Virginia and New Jersey shaping the 2026 map.
Punchbowl News is on YouTube Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video.
Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
16:02
--------
16:02
Polls, elections and shutdown talks
It’s Day 34 of the shutdown — and one year out from the midterms. Anna and Jake break down new polling and Trump’s approval numbers. Plus: A new GOP civil war takes hold.
Watch this episode on YouTube here!
Punchbowl News is on YouTube Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video.
Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
14:28
--------
14:28
The Readback: The shutdown’s tone shift
Samantha and Max discuss the changing dynamics of ending the government shutdown. This story was featured in The Readback, our weekend digest featuring the best of Punchbowl News this week.
Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
13:36
--------
13:36
What's at stake for Schumer and Thune
It’s Day 31 of the government shutdown — and there’s no end in sight. Jake breaks down how Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader John Thune are navigating the high-stakes fight, as Republicans face growing pressure and Trump stirs up talk of ending the filibuster.
Plus: House Minority Whip Katherine Clark doubles down on her party’s shutdown strategy — and we get into her comments from Fly Out Day.
Punchbowl News is on YouTube Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video.
Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
9:02
--------
9:02
Fly Out Day: What's Next In Shutdown Standoff?: No. 2 Dem On Their Strategy
Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer sit down with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark to unpack Democrats’ strategy through the shutdown. Then Geoff Bennett and Julie Tsirkin join for analysis — and a fresh round of That’s Not Gonna Fly.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Weekday mornings, The Daily Punch brings you inside Capitol Hill, the White House and Washington for an unfiltered look at the key players and stakes of all major issues of the day. Power. People. Politics. Hosted by Punchbowl News founders, journalists and best-selling authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman.