The Conversation with Dasha Burns

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who lost his reelection bid to a Trump-endorsed challenger, joined Dasha to discuss the future of the Republican Party and reflect on how to make Congress more effective as he enters his final months in office.

Cassidy, a physician and chair of the Senate Health Committee, also addresses his vote to confirm HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the measles outbreak and vaccine policy, the influence of the MAHA movement, Social Security’s looming funding crisis and the need for congressional guardrails on artificial intelligence.

Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Dasha sits down with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at the Republican midterms convention in Dallas to discuss President Trump’s tariffs, the economy and the GOP’s prospects in November.

Cruz explains why Trump “changed” his views on trade, responds to the president’s proposed $5,000 dividend for American adults, and weighs in on Tucker Carlson and concerns over AI’s threat to humanity — including why he says he’d prefer “American killer robots” to Chinese ones.

Plus, Cruz warns that Republicans face a defining debate over the party’s future and begins to make his 2028 case ahead of a possible presidential bid.

Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana for a wide-ranging conversation about his new book, “Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt,” and the forces driving America’s political divide.

The Republican governor discusses political violence, social media’s role in fueling polarization, his relationship with President Trump and why he says he is not running for president. He also weighs in on the Republican Party’s future, immigration reform and what it will take to rebuild trust and community in American life.

Stephen A. Smith is best known for sports commentary. But now, he’s weighing in on the direction of both political parties — and even considering a potential 2028 presidential run.

In a wide-ranging conversation with Dasha, the outspoken analyst explains why he believes he could win the presidency but won’t give up his career to campaign. He also discusses what he thinks is wrong with today’s political class, his criticism of the direction of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump’s appeal to voters, his interviews with controversial figures and the 2028 contenders he’s watching — including a MAGA Republican he could consider voting for.

Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Sen. Susan Collins joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Perry’s Lobster Shack in coastal Maine for a wide-ranging conversation about her reelection fight in the senate, President Trump’s second administration and the future of the Republican Party.

The Maine Republican also discusses Canadian tariffs, immigration enforcement, her independent record and the challenge of appealing to voters in an increasingly nationalized political environment. Collins makes the case for bipartisan governing — and argues that there is still room for a political middle.

Plus, Jonathan and Collins dig into a classic Maine meal of lobster, steamers and clam chowder.