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

The post Episode #418: Butte And The Beast appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

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

The post Episode #417: The Unfathomable Rise Of Kamala Harris appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

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

The post Episode #416: I’d Walk A Mile For A Kamala appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

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

The post Episode #415: The Debate — Cui Bono? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

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

The post Episode #414: Trump Law, Meet Murphy’s Law appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

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

The post Episode #413: Maryland Has A Thriller, Farewell To Pete, And A Ruff Ending For Kristi appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

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

The post Episode #412: Old McDaniel Told A Lie appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

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

The post Episode #411: A Sense Of Yuma After Sinema’s Departure appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

Mark Z. Barabak of the Los Angeles Times sets up Tuesday’s California Senate primary for the seat once held by Dianne Feinstein.  A race long dominated by three Democratic House members — Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee — the campaign suffered a jolt when a Republican, former Dodgers star Steve Garvey, got in the race.  Now there are accusations that Schiff, the acknowledged frontrunner, is trying to make sure his opponent in November is Garvey, considered the easiest to beat, rather than one of his Democratic House colleagues.

PLUS:  The age issue and Joe Biden.  And the sanity issue and Donald Trump.  In addition, Mitch McConnell announces he will be leaving the leadership position he’s held longer than any other senator in history.

Music in this episode:

I Can’t Explain by the Who

I Hate Myself for Loving You by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

California Girls by the Beach Boys

The post Episode #410: California Girls (And Guys) appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

Yale Prof. Kathryn Lofton explores the whole Taylor Swift rumor mill lunacy and explains the pitfalls celebrities encounter as they decide whether to use their fame for political ends.

And Spectrum News New York political director Bob Hardt dissects the upcoming race to succeed George Santos in New York’s Third Congressional District.

PLUS:  The House GOP effort to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas blows up in Speaker Mike Jobnson’s face.  And a federal appeals court unanimously rejects Donald Trump’s argument that he is immune from prosecution for actions he took as president.

Taylor Swift button designed by SmithDigital.

Music in this episode:

409 by the Beach Boys

The Winner Takes It All by November Ultra

High Hopes by Frank Sinatra

Harding, You’re the Man by Al Jolson

Anti Hero by Taylor Swift

A Life of Illusion by Joe Walsh

The post Episode #409: Swift Paranoia Taylor-Made For MAGA appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

The latest in the Republican and Democratic contests in New Hampshire.

The post Episode #408: New Hampshire, Where Trump Came, Saw and Concord? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.