Ken Rudin's Political Junkie

Ken Rudin
  • 4.7 (617)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY
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. OCT 4

    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

  2. SEP 16

    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

  3. JUL 29

    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

  4. JUN 20

    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

  5. JUN 6

    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

  6. MAY 12

    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

    46 min

  7. APR 4

    Old McDaniel Told A Lie

    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, where the Connecticut senator and 2000 VP candidate talks about his career, Al Gore’s decision to name him to the ticket, how he saw the Bill Clinton/Lewinsky scandal, and his almost appearance as John McCain’s running mate in 2008.  Lieberman died last month at 82. PLUS:  Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his running mate, and the different ways Donald Trump has assessed his candidacy.  And the establishment choice for the U.S. Senate pulls out of the New Jersey Democratic primary. Music in this episode: Jersey Girl by Bruce Springsteen Dirty Laundry by Don Henley Isn’t Life Strange by The Moody Blues

    1h 6m

  8. MAR 12

    A Sense of Yuma After Sinema's Departure

    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 Republican Senate primary, the winner to take on three-term Democrat Sherrod Brown. Plus:  A highly combative Joe Biden and a highly caffeinated Katie Britt highlight the State of the Union. Music in this Episode: Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young You Lost by Austin Archer Tuesday’s Gone by Lynyrd Skynyrd

    53 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
617 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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2013-20 Political Junkie LLC. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Ken Rudin's Political Junkie

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