Quorum Call

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No one knows Capitol Hill and the corridors of Washington power like National Journal, and now NJ brings you Quorum Call—a weekly podcast on Congress, policy, and politics. Hosted by National Journal's veteran reporting team, new episodes of Quorum Call will be available every Monday.

National Journal


    • Jul 8, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 270 EPISODES

    4.9 from 35 ratings Listeners of Quorum Call that love the show mention: pace, news, favorite, great.



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    Latest episodes from Quorum Call

    Introducing a new podcast from National Journal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2022 0:32


    Editor in Chief Jeff Dufour brings you an update on a new podcast coming from National Journal. Follow National Journal on Twitter for more podcast news!

    Episode 268: Big Takeaways

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 63:56


    The Hotline team discusses the upcoming primaries on Tuesday and the big takeaways from May's races during the Hotline Power Hour webinar.

    Episode 267: Weapons at Home, Weapons Abroad

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 24:48


    Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour talks to Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann on the path gun control is taking in both chambers of Congress and new developments on other legislation in the Senate. Then, Foreign Policy correspondent Cristina Maza gives updates on Ukraine and why Turkey is objecting to Finland and Sweden joining NATO.

    Episode 266: What Happens After Uvalde?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 26:32


    Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour talks to Congressional reporter Casey Wooten on what Congress' response has been to the tragic mass shootings in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX. Then, White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. talks about what action Biden can take on gun violence.

    Episode 265: Waxing and Waning

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2022 37:51


    Hotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado talks about former President Trump's waxing and waning power over the GOP in certain races with National correspondent Zac Weisz and States races correspondent Mary Frances McGowan. Then House races correspondent Erin Covey and Senate races correspondent Matt Holt talk about what President Biden's record is when it comes to competitive races.

    Episode 264: At the Previews

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 35:14


    Hotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado brings on Senate races reporter Matt Holt, House races reporter Erin Covey and States races Mary Frances McGowan to discuss what primaries are worth keeping track of and which candidates are creating the most buzz.

    Episode 263: Crises at Every Corner

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 26:20


    Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger delves into a variety of crises lawmakers have on their plate after returning from recess. Congressional reporter Casey Wooten breaks down on how the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that could overturn Roe v. Wade has rocked Congress from House races to responses by House Republicans. Then Technology correspondent Philip Athey joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming conference on the USICA bill.

    Episode 262: Dinner and A Leaked Draft

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022 30:17


    Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour talks to White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. about the White House Correspondents Association dinner last weekend after it had been cancelled for two years due to the pandemic. Then, they discuss the leaked draft opinion by Justice Alito that would overturn Roe v. Wade and the political impact this could have on the midterm elections. Foreign policy and defense correspondent Cristina Maza joins the podcast to break down the latest in aid funding for Ukraine.

    Episode 261: Battles and Brawls

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2022 32:41


    Hotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado checks in with Senate races reporter Matt Holt on Democrats' chances of holding onto the Senate among other latest developments in Senate races across the country.

    Episode 260: The Next Move

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 28:51


    Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour talks to White House correspondent George Condon Jr. about all things West Wing from President Biden wanting to go to Ukraine to reports that White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy may step down. Plus, could Trump's track record of endorsements mean his political influence is fading?

    Episode 259: Shake It Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 32:21


    Hotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado dissects the historic confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court and its partisan moments with Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann. Then Governor races and state politics reporter Mary Frances McGowan and National correspondent Zac Weisz break down their recent article on the DNC proposing to change the presidential primary calendar with new criteria.

    Episode 258: Before the Week Ends

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 21:37


    Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger breaks down the agenda for the Senate this week before Senators leave Washington before recess starts. She's joined by Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann who talks about the next steps on the confirmation process of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Then Healthcare correspondent Erin Durkin breaks down the latest in the fight for COVID-19 funding and more.

    Episode 257: Retreat, Then Advance

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 34:31


    Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour catches up with House correspondent Casey Wooten on what went down at the House Republicans retreat last week in Florida and what the midterm messaging could look like on the campaign trail. Then Energy correspondent Brian Dabbs joins the podcast to discuss new updates to the Defense Production Act and what energy-related strategies are on the table to tackle high gas prices. 

    Episode 256: The Gaffe-O-Meter

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 39:39


    Hotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado checks in with Senate races correspondent Matt Holt and House races correspondent Erin Covey on the latest news in the Senate battleground and redistricting. Then the Hotline team shares their top 5 gaffes on this campaign cycle.

    Episode 255: What Does It Take?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 32:21


    National Journal Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour brings on White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. to discuss whether Biden is poised to make a bounce back after his numbers slightly improve over his handling of the Ukraine-Russia war. Then Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann breaks down the Democratic infighting over the COVID funding and leadership clashes among Senate Republicans.

    Episode 254: What Ukraine Needs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 18:51


    Managing editor Mackenzie Weinger talks to Healthcare correspondent Erin Durkin about the healthcare and medicine needs the Ukranian government is asking for as the current war with Russia worsens. Then Erin talks about the COVID 19 funding policy issues between Democrats and Republicans on the hill as the deadline for government funding nears.

    Episode 253: From Ukraine to Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 35:21


    Hotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado breaks down the latest updates on Ukraine with Foreign Policy reporter Cristina Maza. Then House races reporter Erin Covey and State and Governor races reporter Mary Frances McGowan share their preview on the Texas primary and what races to watch as it kicks off on Wednesday. 

    Episode 252: Rubicons and Red Lines

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 24:20


    Fresh off the heels of President Biden's remarks on U.S. action in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour breaks down his remarks and Putin's actions with White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. and Foreign Policy and Defense correspondent Cristina Maza.

    Episode 251: Falling Out of Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 41:59


    Hotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado discusses Trump's waning influence in the primaries with States races reporter Mary Frances McGowan and what potential 2024 presidential Republican candidates are on the rise with National correspondent Zac Weisz. Then Senate races reporter Matt Holt dissects his Senate Power Rankings and how the decisions by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu to not run for the Senate influenced the Senate Power Rankings.

    Episode 250: Threat of Invasion

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 20:01


    On this episode, Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger and Foreign Policy reporter Cristina Maza break down the big headlines in international politics starting with the possibility of Russia invading Ukraine. Then they discuss American lawmakers' actions and human rights concerns with the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and what the latest update is on the Iran Nuclear Deal.

    Episode 249: Hope for Headway

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 36:35


    Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour and White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. analyze whether finding a replacement for Justice Stephen Breyer can revive enthusiasm among Biden's base and if this could be a smooth Senate confirmation. Then Energy reporter Brian Dabbs joins the podcast to discuss the attempts to bring back new versions of Build Back Better legislation in the Senate and how climate hawks are reacting to it.

    Episode 248: Sink or Swim

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 36:21


    Hotline Managing Editor Kirk A. Bado discusses whether President Biden's statement to hit the trail for Democrats in the midterms is enough to right the ship. States Races correspondent Mary Frances McGowan, Senate Races correspondent Matt Holt and House Races correspondent Erin Covey join the podcast to discuss how this may affect the current dynamic in the midterms battleground.

    Episode 247: Down in the Trenches

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2022 37:08


    Editor-in-Chief Jeff Dufour is joined by White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. on President Biden's end to his first year in office and Biden's chances on passing voting rights legislation. Then, Senate races correspondent Matt Holt breaks down the latest in the Senate battleground, including Senators John Thune and Ron Johnson deciding to run for reelection.

    Episode 246: Closing Deadlines and Ticking Clocks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 28:45


    On this episode, Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger talks with Energy and Environment reporter Brian Dabbs on the looming deadline for voting rights legislation and Senate Democrats' attempt to meet the deadline and get Republicans on board with filibuster reform. Then Foreign Policy and Defense correspondent Cristina Maza joins the podcast to discuss the future of Senator Ted Cruz's bill on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline on Capitol Hill and to break down the widespread and deadly protests in Kazakhstan.

    Quorum Call Episode 245: So Long 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 41:57


    Editor in Chief Jeff Dufour recaps the year with House correspondent Casey Wooten on how January 6th shaped this Congress and how Democrats feel about their expectations this year. Then, Hotliners Matt Holt, Kirk A. Bado and Mary Frances McGowan look back at their favorite stories of the year, what's the bellwether race to pay attention to, and what they're looking forward to next year.

    Episode 244: Mental Health in Indian Country

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 21:50


    On the latest episode of the podcast, Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by health care correspondent Erin Durkin to recap her year-long reporting fellowship on how tribal governments and health organizations are grappling with the mental-health toll the pandemic has placed on American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Erin talks about her conversations with advocates, tribes in Oklahoma and lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

    Episode 243: Momentum or Inertia?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2021 27:19


    On this episode, Editor in chief Jeff Dufour is joined by Senate correspondent Zach Cohen on the Senate's long list of priorities after the resolution to keep the government funded until February was passed last week. Then, White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. joins the podcast to discuss how the Omicron variant could impact President Biden's favorability, the president's upcoming talk with President Vladimir Putin and how the legal fight over abortion could shape Republicans nationally.

    Episode 242: Final Byrd Bath Before Flying South

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 24:01


    On the latest episode, Managing Editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by House correspondent Casey Wooten and Senate reporter Zach Cohen to discuss the Build Back Better Act, the annual defense policy bill, the appropriations process, and more.

    Episode 241: Midterm Majority Makers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 61:22


    The Hotline discusses key takeaways from its Midterm Majority Makers series to mark one year out from Election Day. Plus, the team discusses New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu's decision not to run for Senate, and potential obstacles to Republicans' plans to run a Glenn Youngkin-inspired strategy across the map.

    Episode 240: Home and Away

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 26:16


    On the latest episode of the podcast, editor in chief Jeff Dufour talks to Senate correspondent Zach C. Cohen about the final push to enact President Biden's spending priorities, now that the Democratic Party's disparate factions all seem to be on board. Then, White House correspondent George E. Condon Jr. breaks down Biden's trip to Europe for meetings with the pope, the G-20, and the COP-26 climate summit.

    Quorum Call Episode 239: Before the Finish Line

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2021 33:00


    On the latest episode of the podcast, Hotline Editor in Chief Leah Askarinam is joined by Associate Editor Alex Clearfield, state politics reporter Mary Frances McGowan and House races reporter Kirk Bado to check in with the Virginia governors race and some important House races in Florida and Ohio as Election Day looms near.

    Episode 238: The Outlook on Capitol Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 24:20


    In a special edition of the podcast, Senate reporter Zach Cohen and health care correspondent Erin Durkin join managing editor Mackenzie Weinger during a recently recorded National Journal members' webinar to chat about Democrats' big spending bill—what's in the proposal, what's on the chopping block, and where Democrats go from here. They also tackle the negotiations over the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the larger outlook for Capitol Hill for the rest of this year.

    Episode 237: Presidents Past, Present ... and Future?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2021 24:29


    On the latest edition of the podcast, editor Jeff Dufour and White House correspondent George Condon focus on all things presidential—from Donald Trump's recent rally in Iowa to the subpoenas the Jan. 6 committee has served to his former advisors to how President Biden can find a path back to the light and stabilize his presidency.

    Episode 236: To the Principal's Office

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 29:13


    As Democrats bicker over the intricacies of passing legislation to advance President Biden's agenda, we zoom out to identify what's actually causing intraparty rifts and where Democrats might eventually find common ground. Hotline editor in chief Leah Askarinam talks with National Journal congressional correspondents Zach C. Cohen and Casey Wooten about the key figures who are dividing the party, President Biden's efforts to restore order, and the political implications of the current policy debate.

    Episode 235: Make Or Break

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2021 30:05


    Congressional Democrats hope to sign off on as much as $4.7 trillion in new domestic-agenda items this week. But first, they have to agree on what policies to include. National Journal Senate correspondent Zach C. Cohen talks to National Journal policy reporters Casey Wooten and Brian Dabbs about the tax and energy provisions Democrats need to agree to in order to pass their reconciliation package.

    Episode 234: Back to the Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2021 27:25


    Hotline editor in chief Leah Askarinam brings in Hotline states correspondent Mary Frances McGowan and National Journal's Josh Kraushaar to discuss the role of pandemic politics in 2021's gubernatorial races. The team also discusses polling in both California and Virginia's governors' races, along with how President Biden's current slump could play a role as Virginia begins early voting.

    Episode 233: Wake Me Up When September Ends

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2021 30:25


    On the latest episode of the podcast, managing editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by House correspondent Casey Wooten and energy and environment reporter Brian Dabbs to discuss what's on the legislative agenda this month.

    Episode 232: The Long Tail of Afghanistan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2021 19:25


    On our post-Labor Day podcast, editor Jeff Dufour chats with White House correspondent George Condon and national security correspondent Cristina Maza about whether the U.S. can ever have normal diplomatic relations with the Taliban and what the "Biden Doctrine" is shaping up to be. The team also discusses Biden's recent political struggles ... and whether the Texas abortion law can possibly come to the rescue of him and the Democrats.

    Episode 231: The Fall of Kabul

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 36:21


    On the latest edition of the podcast, Editor Jeff Dufour chats with White House correspondent George Condon, Senate correspondent Zach Cohen, and House correspondent Casey Wooten about Biden's speech on Afghanistan, the congressional response, and comparisons to foreign policy crises of the past.

    Episode 230: New York and California and Virginia, oh my!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2021 31:09


    On the latest episode of the podcast, Hotline editor in chief Leah Askarinam brings on state politics correspondent Mary Frances McGowan and National Journal Associate Editor Alex Clearfield discuss Andrew Cuomo's resignation as governor. Then, the team discusses 2021 gubernatorial races, including the California recall election.

    Episode 229: Infrastructure Week: A New Legacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 31:05


    On the latest episode of the podcast, managing editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by House correspondent Casey Wooten to discuss where Congress stands on infrastructure. Then, health care correspondent Erin Durkin breaks down all the issues surrounding vaccine mandates.

    Episode 228: Pandemic Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 29:51


    In Texas, President Trump is betting his reputation as the party's kingmaker on the results of Tuesday's special election. Across the country, Republicans are more vocally encouraging their constituents to get vaccinated, though the team analyzes why neither political party seems eager to make the pandemic a centerpiece of their messaging. Hotline editor Leah Askarinam and correspondents Kirk Bado, Erin Covey, and Mini Racker discuss on the latest episode of the podcast.

    Episode 227: Inside 2022's Off-Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 33:10


    House and Senate candidates raked in millions of dollars in the last three months. On the latest edition of the podcast, guest host Zach C. Cohen talks with Hotline Senate races reporter Matt Holt and Hotline House races reporter Kirk A. Bado about what those totals mean for control of Congress in less than two years.

    Episode 226: Keep It Between the Lines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2021 28:34


    The Senate returned this week, with the House soon to follow. On the latest edition of the podcast, Editor in Chief Jeff Dufour talks to Senate correspondent Zach C. Cohen and House correspondent Casey J. Wooten about the latest developments on infrastructure negotiations, including pay-fors like a minimum corporate tax. Then they get into the looming battle over the debt celling, and whether Majority Leader Chuck Schumer can find any more votes in favor of a voting-rights package.

    Episode 225: We're Feeling '22

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 40:10


    Republicans have history on their side as they attempt to retake the Senate majority, with Democratic Senators in a handful of states President Biden narrowly won up for reelection. In Arizona and Georgia, however, President Trump seems to be complicating what should be Republicans' top pickup opportunities. Hotline correspondents Madelaine Pisani and Matt Holt walk through the dynamics in these key battleground states, along with North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and a detour through Alaska.

    Episode 224: Do or Die

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2021 30:13


    After a potentially devastating verbal slip last week, President Biden and his aides seemingly have put the compromise infrastructure package back on track. But will Mitch McConnell get on board? How about congressional progressives? Editor in chief Jeff Dufour, White House correspondent George Condon, and columnist Josh Kraushaar discuss on the latest episode of the podcast.

    Episode 223: A Line in the Sanders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2021 27:19


    On the latest episode of the podcast, managing editor Mackenzie Weinger is joined by House correspondent Casey Wooten and energy & environment reporter Brian Dabbs to talk all things infrastructure, from pay-fors to progressives.

    house sanders brian dabbs
    Episode 222: Where to Find Bipartisanship in the Senate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 26:54


    Hotline editor in chief Leah Askarinam asks Senate correspondents Zach C. Cohen and Madelaine Pisani to evaluate whether bipartisanship still exists in the Senate and how that could change in 2022.

    Episode 221: The New, Old Biden?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 30:01


    On this episode of the podcast, Editor Jeff Dufour talks to White House Correspondent George E. Condon Jr. about whether the infrastructure negotiations are finally revealing the dealmaking Joe Biden that he promised on the campaign trail, as well as President Trump's first foray back into the in-person events. Then, national political correspondent Mini Racker joins to discuss the Asian American vote, and trends in AAPI politics.

    Episode 220: The Endless Endless Frontier Act

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 28:28


    On the latest episode of the podcast, tech policy reporter Brendan Bordelon joins managing editor Mackenzie Weinger to break down everything that happened, and didn’t, with the Senate’s massive R&D package meant to counter China. Then, health care correspondent Erin Durkin joins to discuss the legal uncertainties surrounding mandating COVID-19 vaccines in schools, as well as the future of lobbying on the Hill for patient advocates.

    Episode 219: Commission Collisions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 29:44


    On the latest episode of the podcast, Hotline House races correspondent Kirk A Bado and national security correspondent Harrison Cramer discuss the House bill that Democrats passed with support from 35 Republicans to form a commission investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Senate correspondent Zach Cohen joins to dive into the politics of the issue and what the future of this legislation looks like.

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