Ken Rudin's Political Junkie

Ken Rudin
  • 4.7 (620)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
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 noteworthy moments in political history, and intriguing tidbits of political trivia. Political Junkie is the show that aims to make politics accessible, engaging, and -- dare we say it -- fun.

  1. MAR 3

    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.

    44 min

  2. FEB 6

    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

    1h 1m

  3. JAN 25

    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

    1h 8m

  4. 12/05/2024

    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

    1h 36m

  5. 10/04/2024

    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

  6. 09/16/2024

    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

    50 min

  7. 07/29/2024

    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

    1h 4m

  8. 06/20/2024

    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

    1h 6m
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    Hosts & Guests

    4.7
    out of 5
    620 Ratings

    About

    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 noteworthy moments in political history, and intriguing tidbits of political trivia. Political Junkie is the show that aims to make politics accessible, engaging, and -- dare we say it -- fun.

    Information

    • Creator
      Ken Rudin
    • Years Active
      2014 - 2025
    • Episodes
      50
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2013-20 Political Junkie LLC. All rights reserved.
    • Show Website
      Ken Rudin's Political Junkie

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