Balance of Power

Bloomberg
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Dec 11, 2025 • 42min

Senate Rejects Healthcare Bills

Watch Joe and Kailey LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF.The Senate rejected a pair of partisan measures addressing the impending expiration of Obamacare subsidies, setting up a Jan. 1 spike in health insurance premiums for more than 20 million Americans.With only a few days left before lawmakers leave for their Christmas break and few signs of life in stalled bipartisan negotiations, the failure Thursday of the dueling partisan plans all but guarantees the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits initiated during the pandemic era.Bloomberg Washington Correspondents Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz deliver insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy. On this edition, Joe speaks with: Bloomberg Washington Correspondent Tyler Kendall. Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis of New York. Stonecourt Capital Partner Rick Davis and Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center Visiting Democracy Fellow Jeanne Sheehan Zaino. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dec 10, 2025 • 40min

Trump Says Smart People Back Tariffs

Watch Joe and Kailey LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF.President Donald Trump said people were “starting to learn” the benefits of his tariff regime as he sought to convince voters his administration was moving to address affordability concerns, taking to the road in hopes of countering a mounting political vulnerability.Trump, who is resuming domestic political travel after months without holding a rally, allowed that he “got a lot of heat” over his sweeping levies on foreign imports, with political opponents seizing on the program to argue tariffs have increased consumer prices and inflation. Bloomberg Washington Correspondents Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz deliver insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy. On this edition, Joe speaks with: Arbroath Group Founder and Managing Partner Christopher Smart. Stonecourt Capital Partner Rick Davis and Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center Visiting Democracy Fellow Jeanne Sheehan Zaino. KISS Singer and Songwriter Gene Simmons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dec 9, 2025 • 13min

Weekly Washington Policy Pulse: Obamacare, Farm Aid (Dec. 8, 2025)

Nathan Dean, a senior policy analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, dives into key legislative developments impacting health care and agriculture. He discusses the Senate's vote on extending Obamacare subsidies amid political gridlock. Dean also unveils a proposed $12 billion farm aid package aimed at capital expenditures. The episode touches on the regulatory future of crypto, highlighting stablecoin rules and potential shifts in the market structure. Plus, insights on the Trump administration's AI executive order and implications for the Netflix–Warner merger keep listeners engaged.
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Dec 9, 2025 • 55min

GOP Senators Float Health Plan

Ashley Davis, a Republican strategist from S-3 Group, shares insights on congressional dynamics and discusses the implications of the farmer bailout. U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts joins from Capitol Hill to explain GOP efforts on health care reform, emphasizing HSAs and state flexibility. They delve into looming Senate votes on ACA subsidies amid rising health care costs, and Ricketts advocates for bipartisan cooperation to support low-income Americans. The conversation also touches on national security issues and the ongoing support for Ukraine.
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Dec 8, 2025 • 43min

Trump Unveils New Farm Aid

Elina Valtonen, Finland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, shares insights on NATO, Russia, and the importance of supporting Ukraine. Kelly Loeffler, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator, talks about inflation's impact on small businesses and praises Trump's economic agenda. Rick Davis offers a strategic perspective on political messaging, while Jeanne Sheehan Zaino analyzes the disconnect between voter sentiment and the administration’s claims. Together, they navigate complex political waters and discuss the implications of recent decisions on democracy and governance.
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Dec 5, 2025 • 51min

Speaker Johnson Revives GOP Healthcare Policy Push

Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader, discusses the implications of Texas's new congressional map and criticizes Republicans on healthcare affordability. Lisa McClain, from Michigan, outlines GOP health priorities aimed at lowering premiums and shifting subsidies, while also sharing her personal vehicle choices. Constitutional lawyer Robert McWhirter offers insights on the legal aspects of redistricting and military actions, sparking a riveting debate on the intersection of law and politics!
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Dec 4, 2025 • 42min

Signal Report Deepens Hegseth Scrutiny

Evelyn Farkas, former deputy assistant secretary of defense, and Marlon Stutzman, U.S. Representative from Indiana, delve into pressing military and political issues. Farkas discusses the legal ramifications of recent military strikes, emphasizing the need for compliance with international law and the potential for court-martials. Stutzman shares insights on budgeting and healthcare legislation, advocating for direct consumer payments over insurance subsidies and addressing concerns about redistricting and Republican party dynamics. Their expertise brings clarity to complex topics.
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Dec 3, 2025 • 41min

Hegseth Rejects Boat Strike Claim

Nick Wadhams, a Bloomberg national security reporter, dissects the legality and implications of U.S. military strikes in Venezuela, addressing concerns over double-tap attacks. Jane Harman, former Congresswoman, urges for better Congressional oversight and discusses the challenges of inadequate briefings on intelligence matters. Caroline Hyde dives into the volatile world of AI, covering export control debates and the competitive landscape involving giants like Microsoft and Google, emphasizing how multiple players can thrive in the evolving tech ecosystem.
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Dec 2, 2025 • 35min

Putin Meets Trump Team on Ukraine War

Liana Fix, a Senior Fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations, dives into Russia's negotiation tactics in the Ukraine conflict, cautioning against trusting superficial gestures. U.S. Representative Carlos Jimenez discusses the complexities of recent strikes on narco boats and the implications for regional security. Former SEC chair Gary Gensler underscores the speculative nature of cryptocurrency markets, advocating for fair regulations. Together, these insights explore the intertwined nature of diplomacy, security, and economic stability.
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Dec 1, 2025 • 36min

Trump Mulls Next Venezuela Move

Iain Marlow, Bloomberg's National Security Editor, examines the potential implications of U.S. strikes on Venezuelan territory, raising war crime concerns and questioning the limits of U.S. authority over Venezuelan airspace. Rick Davis shares insights on Capitol Hill's response and oversight plans regarding the Pentagon's communication and accountability. Ben Jensen highlights modern negotiation dynamics in peace talks, emphasizing the role of security guarantees and AI simulations in predicting outcomes. A discussion on President Trump's recent comments adds a political twist.

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