Political Theater

CQ Roll Call
  • 4.6 (42)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Political Theater

Have you ever asked, “WTF?,” about politics? Or, “who are these people making decisions about my life?” Political Theater pulls back the curtain on the stunts, antics and motivations that drive Washington. Host Jason Dick and the Roll Call team spotlight the spectacle, the players and what’s going on behind the curtain in Washington’s long-running drama: Congress.

  1. APR 11

    Golden State meets ‘Golden Age’

    Jason Dick and Christina Bellantoni discuss California political leaders' approach to President Donald Trump's second term, Gov. Gavin Newsom's podcast and hair and whether we'll see more retired Dodgers run for state-wide office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  2. APR 3

    Much ado about special elections

    Jason Dick, Mary Ellen McIntire and Andrew Menezes discuss the election results this week in Florida and Wisconsin, whether vermouth will be more expensive with the latest round of tariffs and whether it was wise to do a training run that involved the Tidal Basin this past week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min

  3. MAR 27

    The Thai popcorn does not detract

    Sports is leading the way on diversity, equity and inclusion, but don't expect to hear those words at the game. Plus: Everyone get ready for National Operational Security Awareness Month.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min

  4. MAR 19

    At the Gridiron, laughter in the dark

    Dressing up as a donkey for a skit lampooning politicians at a white tie dinner in Washington is silly. But during difficult times, when the most powerful people in the world are challenging the boundaries of constitutional democracy, it is important to hang onto your sense of humor. The annual Gridiron dinner aims to “singe, not burn” with its humor. What does that mean when it feels like the world is on fire, though? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min

  5. MAR 12

    Democrats at (in?) retreat

    House Democrats are gathering for their annual policy retreat this week, and face a series of questions as they navigate the 119th Congress, including why they are more unpopular than Republicans, what they can do as a minority party in a closely divided country, how do they recruit quality candidates to run for office and what level of coordination to pursue among themselves and their allies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min

  6. MAR 6

    Protest, retreat, hide? Congressional behavior, 2025-style

    In the early days of the second Trump administration, congressional Republicans and Democrats face decisions about how to react to White House-led actions. For Democrats, it can be boiled down to: Fight or retreat. Republicans are being advised to restrict contact with the public. We talk with Nathan Gonzales about what, at this point, makes the most sense politically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min

  7. FEB 27

    ‘Yeah, I don’t love that,’ or how the House learned to start jamming the Senate

    In recent days, the Senate and House have both passed versions of their own budget resolution, one of the key steps in constructing a so-called reconciliation bill that will cut spending and taxes and enact GOP legislative priorities without having to deal with the usual Senate roadblocks. But there is a long way to go until something heads to the president’s desk, so we are going to talk about what’s been happening and what is going on with CQ Roll Call’s illustrious Budget Tracker, David Lerman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min

  8. FEB 19

    'If I can get you to feel' -- politics, wrestling and connecting with people

    For someone who has dominated politics for going on a decade, Donald Trump still controls the narrative in a way that leaves his opponents flat-footed. Trump's connection to professional wrestling offers lessons on how he is able to do this and how to connect in the political arena. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
See All (456)

4.6
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Have you ever asked, “WTF?,” about politics? Or, “who are these people making decisions about my life?” Political Theater pulls back the curtain on the stunts, antics and motivations that drive Washington. Host Jason Dick and the Roll Call team spotlight the spectacle, the players and what’s going on behind the curtain in Washington’s long-running drama: Congress.

Information

  • Creator
    CQ Roll Call
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    456
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019 All Rights Reserved CQ Roll Call, Inc. 324838

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