Ken Rudin's Political Junkie

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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 capitol…

Ken Rudin

Washington, D.C.

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    • Mar 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 51m AVG DURATION
    • 143 EPISODES

    4.7 from 612 ratings Listeners of Ken Rudin's Political Junkie that love the show mention: ron elving, it's all politics, ken rudin, talk of the nation, yuma, ken gives, fun political, love ken, still miss, political history, ken's, best political analysis, listening to ken, history and humor, love the political, bad jokes, us political, us politics, political junkies, thanks ken.


    Ivy Insights

    The Ken Rudin's Political Junkie podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in politics and history. Ken Rudin, with his deep knowledge of politics and history, provides insightful analysis and commentary on current events. The highlight of the original podcast was when Ken and Ron Elving teamed up, showcasing their pun and joke competition along with their expertise. It was always a highlight of the week to hear their banter and discussions.

    Ken Rudin continued on his own with substantive interviews that demonstrate his empathy and emotional perception. He has a unique ability to bring out the human side of politics, showing his reverence for the political process and how it can solve social problems. His wit and humor add an enjoyable aspect to the podcast, making it engaging even for those who may not typically be interested in politics.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is how it presents issues and current events in a concise and digestible manner. Ken presents the facts in a way that allows listeners to gain a basic understanding of an issue without feeling overwhelmed or confused. He also includes lesser-known information or forgotten details that prompt listeners to dive deeper into the subject matter.

    Another positive aspect of this podcast is the credibility of Ken as a host. With his encyclopedic knowledge and comprehensive understanding of politics, he offers a unique perspective that is grounded in historical context. This makes his analysis more insightful and provides valuable context to understand current affairs.

    While there are many positive aspects to this podcast, one potential downside is that episodes may be shorter or less frequent than desired. Some listeners have expressed frustration about only finding March and February episodes available or feeling like there are fewer posts overall. However, this does not take away from the overall quality of the content provided by Ken Rudin.

    In conclusion, The Ken Rudin's Political Junkie podcast stands out as an indispensable source for political reporting and stories. With its informative interviews, historical perspective, and Ken's wit and humor, it provides a comprehensive understanding of politics and current affairs. While there may be some drawbacks in terms of episode availability, the overall value offered by this podcast is unparalleled. It is a must-listen for political junkies and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the political landscape.



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    Latest episodes from Ken Rudin's Political Junkie

    Episode #422: How Mitch McConnell Enabled The Party Takeover By Donald

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 43:49


    Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell is retiring next year, ending a long career in which he united Republicans against Democratic presidents and whose relationship with Donald Trump, while never good, enabled the president to hold onto and extend his power. PLUS: Trump vs. Zelensky. The post Episode #422: How Mitch McConnell Enabled The Party Takeover By Donald appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #421: The Consoler In Chief

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 60:30


    Past presidents have been able to take tragic events and try to console distraught Americans. Not Donald Trump. Plus: An open Senate race in Michigan, and an Iowa senator up for re-election next year is pressured on a Cabinet confirmation vote. The post Episode #421: The Consoler In Chief appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #420: Decency And Civility, Then And Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 68:26


    Trump's election opened up two Senate seats, in Ohio and Florida, that have been since filled by Republican governors. And is our sadness about Jimmy Carter's passing possibly due to the thought of Trump returning to the presidency? The post Episode #420: Decency And Civility, Then And Now appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #419: Trump Won, And His Cabinet Choices Prove It

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 95:54


    The election is over, Trump won, and now the Senate has to confirm (or not) some extraordinary Cabinet choices. Also: Who will succeed Marco Rubio in the Senate? Is bipartisanship possible? And we remember Fred Harris. The post Episode #419: Trump Won, And His Cabinet Choices Prove It appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #418: Butte And The Beast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024


    A look at two races on the ballot next month that have national implications: Montana Senate and North Carolina governor. Plus, two vice presidential hopefuls meet in New York City. The post Episode #418: Butte And The Beast appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #417: The Unfathomable Rise Of Kamala Harris

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 49:51


    How Kamala Harris went from the battles of California politics to the possibility of becoming the 47th President of the United States. The post Episode #417: The Unfathomable Rise Of Kamala Harris appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #416: I’d Walk A Mile For A Kamala

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 63:37


    How a bad debate performance by President Biden helped lead to Kamala Harris becoming the (likely) Democratic nominee for president. And a farewell to the long political career of New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez. The post Episode #416: I'd Walk A Mile For A Kamala appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #415: The Debate — Cui Bono?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 66:24


    Setting up next week's CNN debate between Biden and Trump. Predicting Trump's running mate. And a look at some GOP VP picks that sometimes -- but not always -- worked. The post Episode #415: The Debate — Cui Bono? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #414: Trump Law, Meet Murphy’s Law

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024


    Republican strategist Mike Murphy, a leading anti-Trump voice in the party, discusses the state of politics and a new look at the presidential race in the aftermath of the guilty verdict. The post Episode #414: Trump Law, Meet Murphy's Law appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #413: Maryland Has A Thriller, Farewell To Pete, And A Ruff Ending For Kristi

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 46:09


    Democrats are experiencing an increasingly bitter battle for a Maryland Senate seat that suddenly seems competitive. Plus, Kristi Noem destroys her own VP hopes. And a farewell to Pete McCloskey. 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.

    Episode #412: Old McDaniel Told A Lie

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 65:41


    How the Ronna McDaniel hiring turned NBC News into knots and revived the question about the advisability of hiring partisan voices on network news. And we rerun a wonderful 2017 interview with Joe Lieberman, who died last week. The post Episode #412: Old McDaniel Told A Lie appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #411: A Sense Of Yuma After Sinema’s Departure

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 53:13


    A review of the Arizona Senate race following the departure of incumbent Kyrsten Sinema. And a look at the key results from Super Tuesday. Plus, a review of a most unusual State of the Union address. The post Episode #411: A Sense Of Yuma After Sinema's Departure appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #410: California Girls (And Guys)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 39:01


    A look ahead towards Tuesday's primary to fill the Senate seat long held by the late Dianne Feinstein. Plus: Age and Biden, Sanity and Trump, and a Farewell by McConnell The post Episode #410: California Girls (And Guys) appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #409: Swift Paranoia Taylor-Made For MAGA

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 46:19


    Rumors that Taylor Swift might endorse Joe Biden has led conservatives to lose their minds. And a look at Tuesday's congressional race on New York's Long Island to replace the irreplaceable George Santos. The post Episode #409: Swift Paranoia Taylor-Made For MAGA appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #408: New Hampshire, Where Trump Came, Saw and Concord?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2024 50:57


    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.

    Episode #407: Farewell To 2023, Bracing For 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 46:33


    It's a review of 2023 and a look ahead to 2024 with NPR's Ron Elving. The post Episode #407: Farewell To 2023, Bracing For 2024 appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    npr farewell bracing ken rudin ron elving
    Episode #406: Farewell To The Trailblazers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 77:29


    We hear from the biographers of two trailblazers who have left us, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. And we hear about an investigative podcast about Ohio's greatest political scandal in history. The post Episode #406: Farewell To The Trailblazers appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #405: Pence Is Out; Is Choice In?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2023 39:45


    Election Day is on Tuesday, and we look at the race for governor in Kentucky and the battle for the state legislature in Virginia. Plus, Mike Pence is out, and Tommy Tuberville loses friends. The post Episode #405: Pence Is Out; Is Choice In? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #404: Master Of The House (For Now)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2023 47:34


    The ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and replacing him, finally, with Mike Johnson, sets up two conversations this week: One, with a former California GOP lawmaker who bolted his party to vote for a Democratic House Speaker, only to be recalled for his efforts; and Two, a visit to the 1995 archives and a talk with a former Republican House leader analyzes the forced resignation of House Speaker John Boehner. The post Episode #404: Master Of The House (For Now) appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #403: Goodbye To DiFi … And Kevin Too

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 29:59


    Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the longest serving woman in the history of the Senate and a trailblazer for women, has died at the age of 90. And Kevin McCarthy becomes the first House speaker in history to be ousted in a vote amongst his colleagues. The post Episode #403: Goodbye To DiFi … And Kevin Too appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    house senate difi dianne feinstein d ca ken rudin
    Episode #402: Murphy’s Law — On Romney, Haley And The Debates

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 43:38


    GOP strategist Mike Murphy on Mitt Romney, Nikki Haley and this week's second Republican debate. We explore what's behind the Impeach Biden effort. And Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has been indicted. The post Episode #402: Murphy's Law — On Romney, Haley And The Debates appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #401: From The Archives, Gone, But Not Forgotten

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2023 37:02


    Interviews with two political guests who died last week, Democrat Bill Richardson and Republican Gerald Carmen, are repeated in this episode. The post Episode #401: From The Archives, Gone, But Not Forgotten appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #400: Larry Hogan’s Heroes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 38:16


    Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan talks about Donald Trump, the GOP debate, his future plans, and memories of his father, who courageously supported Nixon's impeachment in 1974. The post Episode #400: Larry Hogan's Heroes appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #399: Senate Health and Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 29:22


    Looking at the health -- and the political jockeying -- regarding Senators Mitch McConnell and Dianne Feinstein. Plus: Another Trump indictment and the first GOP debate on the way. The post Episode #399: Senate Health and Politics appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #398: Kevin Can’t Wait

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 69:35


    A look at Kevin McCarthy's victory to be Speaker of the House, which took 15 ballots -- the most since before the Civil War. We set up this month's election at the RNC to determine whether incumbent chair Ronna McDaniel can keep her job. A prominent New Hampshire Democrat is saddened by President Biden and the DNC's decision to replace his state as the nation's first presidential primary. And a look at the 2024 Senate race in California, where candidates are already running. The post Episode #398: Kevin Can't Wait appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #397: Sinema Vérité

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 40:04


    A look at the decision by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) to leave her party and become an independent, and a look at other Senate party switches. Plus, Kevin McCarthy battles his right flank to become the next speaker of the House. The post Episode #397: Sinema Vérité appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #396: 51 Or 50, And Fight

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 24:45


    A look ahead to next week's Senate runoff in Georgia. Plus, thoughts about Trump's dinner with two anti-semites. The post Episode #396: 51 Or 50, And Fight appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #395: Trump’s Problems, Pelosi’s Decision And A 2022 Wrap

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 85:28


    Donald Trump is running but the Justice Department may not let him get far. Nancy Pelosi is stepping down, but she's not going far. And what to make of the 2022 midterms. The post Episode #395: Trump's Problems, Pelosi's Decision And A 2022 Wrap appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #394: Women Yes, Abortion Rights Maybe

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2022 57:34


    Debbie Walsh of the Center for American Women and Politics reviews the women who will be on the ballot on Nov. 8th ... not all of whom are supporters of abortion rights. And reporter Bill Salisbury remembers that day in 2002 when Sen. Paul Wellstone, 11 days out of his third-term re-election bid, perished in a plane crash in Minnesota. Plus, a review of the Fetterman-Oz Senate debate in Pennsylvania and the brutal attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband. The post Episode #394: Women Yes, Abortion Rights Maybe appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #393: Keystone State May Be Key To Senate Majority

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2022 43:26


    A detailed look of the Pennsylvania Senate race by Jonathan Tamari of the Philadelphia Inquirer. And Jacob Rubashkin of Inside Elections lays out the themes of the 2022 midterm elections. The post Episode #393: Keystone State May Be Key To Senate Majority appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    O Father, Where Art Thou?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 77:16


    Reports on two key races this year, the Senate contest in Georgia (where GOP candidate Herschel Walker finds himself in a growing list of controversies) and the gubernatorial race in Texas (where incumbent Republican Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke held their only debate this week. Plus, a conversation with retiring AP congressional reporter Alan Fram after nearly four decades on the job. The post O Father, Where Art Thou? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #391: She Has Everything But The Voters

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2022 24:35


    Wyoming Sen. Alan Simpson talks about his close friend, Rep. Liz Cheney, and her chances in the August 16th primary for renomination. The post Episode #391: She Has Everything But The Voters appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #390: A Risk Of Failin’ For Cheney And Palin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2022 54:48


    The political future of two well-known Republican women -- Liz Cheney and Sarah Palin -- will be determined by the voters next month. The post Episode #390: A Risk Of Failin' For Cheney And Palin appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #389: The Facts Are There. Is Anyone Listening?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 10:48


    Some thoughts about what we saw and heard from the January 6th committee last Thursday, designed to find out who was responsible for the planning and execution of the assault on democracy. The post Episode #389: The Facts Are There. Is Anyone Listening? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    ken rudin
    Episode #388: Is Trump The Wizard For Oz? And Whither Cawthorn?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 22:35


    Five states are holding primaries on May 17th, with Pennsylvania and North Carolina taking top bill. The post Episode #388: Is Trump The Wizard For Oz? And Whither Cawthorn? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #387: Trump’s Endorsements, Many Of Them Real People

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 62:09


    We explore the effect of Donald Trump's endorsements. A look at the upcoming Georgia primaries. And we remember the late Orrin Hatch, the longest serving Republican senator in history. The post Episode #387: Trump's Endorsements, Many Of Them Real People appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #386: Testing The Leadership’s Patience

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 74:28


    Claims made by freshman Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) may have gone too far for the House Republican leadership to support his re-election. We look at the key Senate races up in 2022. And a new book on politics and the media is asking serious questions about bias. The post Episode #386: Testing The Leadership's Patience appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #385: Alaska’s Not Jolly Not Green Giant

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2022 45:52


    A look at the career of the late Rep. Don Young (R-AK), the longest serving Republican in the history of Congress. And a review of a recent Ohio GOP Senate debate that almost turned physical. The post Episode #385: Alaska's Not Jolly Not Green Giant appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #384: America First! Iowa, Maybe Not.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2022 40:47


    The Democratic Party is rewriting its calendar for the 2024 presidential race, and Iowa is expected to lose its position as the lead off contest. And Sen. Jim Inhofe's (R-OK) upcoming resignation will result in a special election -- but an assured Republican victory. The post Episode #384: America First! Iowa, Maybe Not. appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #383: The End Of The Bush Era?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2022 61:14


    A review of Tuesday's primaries in Texas, featuring George P Bush's attempt to topple the state attorney general. Plus, a Presidents Week look at some classic movies and the presidents they portrayed. The post Episode #383: The End Of The Bush Era? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    texas george p bush bush era ken rudin
    Episode #382: Truth Or Consequences

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 31:25


    The health of a New Mexico Democrat becomes critical in a Senate that is split 50-50. And Mike Pence, who spent four years as a compliant vice president, surprised many with his break from Donald Trump over the correct course of action on that fateful Jan. 6th day. The post Episode #382: Truth Or Consequences appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #381: Joe Gets His Court Pick, Maybe

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 24:22


    Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, under tremendous pressure from the left, announced his resignation this week, which allows President Biden to name a successor while the Democrats still control the Senate. The post Episode #381: Joe Gets His Court Pick, Maybe appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #380: War Hero, Senate Giant — The Man From Russell, Kansas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2021 62:12


    Does Joe Manchin's decision to vote no on President Biden's top priority end its chances? And we remember Bob Dole, the former Senate Majority Leader and 1996 presidential nominee, who died earlier this month at the age of 98. The post Episode #380: War Hero, Senate Giant — The Man From Russell, Kansas appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #379: In The Middle Of Nowhere

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2021 58:54


    Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, author of a new book about centrism in politics, says both parties need to compromise if they expect anything to get done. And we review the career of Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT), who announced his retirement after nearly 48 years in office. The post Episode #379: In The Middle Of Nowhere appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #378: A Hero, To The Max

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2021 36:54


    We remember former Georgia Democratic Sen. Max Cleland, who died last week and who was on the receiving end of one the most controversial attack ads in political history. And we weigh the decision by New Hampshire GOP Gov. Chris Sununu not to challenge Sen. Maggie Hassan (D) next year, who is thought to be vulnerable. The post Episode #378: A Hero, To The Max appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #377: Yes Virginia, This One Matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 36:01


    Tuesday's gubernatorial contest in Virginia is being watched nationwide for a possible clue about what might happen in the 2022 midterms ... and how to deal with Donald Trump. And former Sen. Harry Reid makes the case for Nevada to lead off the presidential calendar, not Iowa. The post Episode #377: Yes Virginia, This One Matters appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #376: Is There Hope For The GOP? Or Democracy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2021 53:49


    A book by a longtime Republican strategist says his party has become indistinguishable from Donald Trump -- and all that's wrong with Trumpism. We look ahead to next month's historic Boston mayoral race. And we talk to Colin Powell's former chief of staff, who has the inside scoop behind Powell's infamous 2003 UN speech about "weapons of mass destruction." The post Episode #376: Is There Hope For The GOP? Or Democracy? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #375: Sinema Paradiso

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2021 34:46


    Sen. Kyrsten Sinema may be driving progressives nuts by thwarting much of President Biden's agenda, but her actions may be popular back home. And we remember the unfortunate 2012 campaign gaffe of Todd Akin, who died last week, and who suggested that "legitimate rape" would not result in pregnancy. The post Episode #375: Sinema Paradiso appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #374: Trump Enemies List Loses One

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 46:41


    The decision by anti-Trump Republican Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio not to seek reelection next year is seen as a victory for the former president, who retains deep loyalty among GOP voters. And we discuss the meaning of last week's defeated recall vote in California. The post Episode #374: Trump Enemies List Loses One appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #373: Can You Recall The Governor Of California?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2021 44:18


    We set up what's at stake in Tuesday's California gubernatorial recall election. And we replay an interview from last summer with former Illinois Sen. Adlai Stevenson III, who died last week. The post Episode #373: Can You Recall The Governor Of California? appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    Episode #372: Remembering Neal Conan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2021 23:11


    An awful month. A disastrous exit from Afghanistan. And we lost Neal Conan to cancer. The post Episode #372: Remembering Neal Conan appeared first on Ken Rudin's Political Junkie.

    afghanistan ken rudin neal conan

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