Shows / Political Theater
Political Theater
Have you ever asked, “WTF?,” about politics? Or, “who are these people making decisions about my life?” Political Theater pulls back the curtain on the stunts, antics and motivations that drive Washington. Host Jason Dick and the Roll Call team spotlight the spectacle, the players and what’s going on behind the curtain in Washington’s long-running drama: Congress.
Episodes
Political TheaterWhy a crowded 2020 ‘knife fight’ is good for Democrats
Democrats continue to throw their hats into the 2020 presidential race, and veteran strategist Rodell Mollineau thinks that’s a healthy way to work out the…
Political TheaterWhen Fritz Hollings ‘made the turn’ as a Southern politician
Before the late Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings was elected to what would become a distinguished congressional career, the South Carolina Democrat reversed…
Political TheaterWhy 'Queer Eye' stormed Capitol Hill
Washington might be Hollywood for ugly people, but every once in a while Hollywood pretties the place up. That was certainly the case when the cast of “Queer…
Political TheaterWhy we should care that the Senate will debate less
The Senate has changed its rules again and it will result in less debate on many judicial and executive nominations. Who cares? The public should, if it wants…
Political TheaterWill Mueller matter in 2020?
CQ Roll Call senior political reporters Bridget Bowman and Simone Pathé explain the political ramifications, if any, on the conclusion of the Russia election…
Political Theater‘The River and the Wall,’ a journey down the wall’s path
When Ben Masters began the 1,200-mile journey along the Rio Grande to film his new documentary “The River and the Wall,” he had no idea the border wall would…
Political TheaterWhy Trump is Fueling Journalism Majors
When the president of the United States labels you the enemy of the people, what’s a young, aspiring journalist supposed to think? While recognizing that…
Political TheaterWhy everyone wants to talk about HR 1
Democrats love it. Republicans hate it. K Street really hates it. The White House wants to veto it. Everyone’s talking about HR 1, House Democrats' overhaul of…
Political TheaterHow the National Archives Helped ‘Apollo 11’ Get a Fresh Look
The Apollo 11 Moon landing is one of mankind’s iconic stories. So how, with the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing coming up, does the documentary “Apollo…
Political TheaterDoes Michael Cohen Testimony Change Political Strategies?
Sure, as one cable news talking head says, Michael Cohen’s congressional testimony on Wednesday is “very, very explosive” and spread out over “several, several…
Political TheaterAll the President's Potential Opponents
Take one congresswoman from Hawaii, one tech entrepreneur and one South Bend mayor, add in 7 percent of the U.S. Senate and you still don’t have even half of…
Political TheaterThe State of Lobbying is, Well, Pretty Darn Good
Last year, Julian Ha of Heidrick & Struggles said the swamp was “constipated,” as the lobbying world continued adjusting to the Trump administration and…
Political TheaterIs the State of the Union Just Another Campaign Stop?
President Donald Trump's State of the Union address touched on familiar themes and not so familiar ones like bipartisanship. Yet, the goal of many politicians…
Political TheaterDonald Trump and the Chamber of 2020 Rivals
When President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to both chambers of Congress on Feb. 5, he will not be the only star of the night. The…
Political TheaterWhat Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Dick Cheney Have in Common
What do Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and former Vice President Dick Cheney have in common? In addition to being political power brokers, films…
Political TheaterWhat’s not part of the shutdown? 2020 Senate campaigns
Politics never sleeps, not even during a government shutdown. That is especially true of Senate campaigns, because the unique nature of that chamber and its…
Political TheaterCongress for Newbies: Practical Advice From a Pro
“Decide what kind of member of Congress you want to be,” says Tom Davis, the former congressman from Virginia. “Voters see through phoniness pretty quickly.”…
Political TheaterWhat to Expect as the New 116th Congress Gets Under Way
If it’s a new year in an odd-numbered year, then you’ve got yourself a new Congress. As the 116th Congress is sworn in, things are going to look and operate…
Political TheaterDid Tax Reform Scrooge the Holiday Party Spirit?
Whether it was a cramped schedule, the funeral of a president, changes to the tax code or overall crankiness, the holiday party scene this year seemed a…
Political TheaterThe Political Football That is Washington Redskins Football
There might be no better example of “political football” than what the Washington Redskins are doing by working with Congress, the White House and the D.C…
Political TheaterRoger Ailes 'Was Never Sorry About Anything'
In her new film, director and producer Alexis Bloom examines the life of the late Republican Party kingmaker and controversial Fox News leader who, before his…
Political TheaterGoing Down to Mississippi, Senate Runoff Edition
The results of the Mississippi Senate runoff election were not surprising. The Republican won. The Democrat lost. It is a Republican state. But the fact that…
Political TheaterWhat Really Happens During Congress’ Freshman Orientation
What’s my Representational Allowance? Why can’t I take pictures on the House floor? Where are the bathrooms? Newly elected lawmakers are participating in…
Political TheaterThe Midterms' Most Memorable Moments
Every campaign season is defined by moments when the big picture starts to come into focus. A parade outside Kansas City where Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder is…
Political Theater"A Private War" Illustrates Power, and Risk, Of Reporting the Truth
At a time when journalists around the world face threats and are characterized as the enemy of the people, the new movie "A Private War" arrives at delicate…
Political TheaterExplosive Rhetoric Ramping Up, But Do Voters Care?
Praising violence against reporters. Sending pipe bombs to public figures. Threatening political opponents. The fiery rhetoric is in full swing as the nation…
Political TheaterWill the Lone Stars Align for Beto O’Rourke in Texas Senate Race?
Will appealing to Whataburger partisans get out the vote? What about a new Willie Nelson song? These are but some of the questions that will be answered by the…
Political TheaterWhat ‘The Front Runner’ Says About Today’s Politics
“The Front Runner” is not going to tell you how to feel about politics. The new film, starring Hugh Jackman and directed by Jason Reitman and co-written by him…
Political TheaterRap, Race and Health Care Help Decide Upstate New York Fates
In upstate New York, two Republican House freshmen are fighting for their political future against two Democrats who hope that kitchen sink issues like health…
Political TheaterAs Minnesota Goes in the Midterms, So Goes the Nation?
Minnesota is suddenly the center of the political universe and voters there are more focused on health care and the economy than the latest scandal in…
Political TheaterHigh Court, High Political Drama — Probably for Years to Come
In the middle of a singularly rough Supreme Court nomination fight, the business of the high court goes on. The fate of Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald…
Political TheaterBeto O’Rourke: Not Just Another Bassist From El Paso
Rep. Beto O’Rourke has gained rock star status as an insurgent liberal candidate running against the established Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, but, but, but, says…
Political TheaterKavanaugh Drama Provides Stage for Democrats
Senate Democrats are trying to make the most of the Supreme Court nomination hearing of Brett Kavanaugh looking to bolster support for the midterms and the…
Political TheaterRemembering McCain: Personal Stories From CQ Roll Call Journalists
Sen. John McCain had countless interactions with members of the press during a career on Capitol Hill that spanned more than three decades. CQ's Patrick Pexton…
Political TheaterHow Duncan Hunter Became the Hunted Over Campaign Cash
Pro tip: Don’t put in writing your complaints that your campaign treasurer won’t dish out petty cash for your personal use. That’s just one of the details…
Political TheaterBen Foster and Being Part of a ‘Continuing Conversation’ About Veterans
For actor Ben Foster, veterans’ re-entry to civilian life is part of what he says is “a continuing conversation” he says is important. It shows in his body of…
Political TheaterLeft to Its Own Devices: Medical Tech, Congress and the Public
Director Kirby Dick and producer Amy Ziering discuss their documentary "The Bleeding Edge" about the medical device industry and its unknown dangers. The movie…
Political TheaterThe Capitol Shooting That Changed Everything
July 24, 1998 changed everything on Capitol Hill. The shooting and ensuing deaths of two Capitol Police officers left a scar on the close-knit community and…
Political TheaterDemocrats Cashing In on 2018 Midterms
Midterm elections typically have lower voter turnout than presidential ones. If that turns out to be the case in 2018, it won't be because of a lack of cash or…
Political TheaterWhen Political ‘Dark Money’ Rode to Town
Filmmaker Kimberly Reed grew up in Montana with little anticipation her home state would be ground zero for a massive fight over money in politics. But her new…
Political TheaterA Peek at Congress
Roll Call photographers Tom Williams @pennstatetom and Bill Clark @billclarkphotos describe their time covering Congress and how they came to take some of the…
Political TheaterNew York, I Love You But You're Bringing Joe Crowley Down
New York's Democratic primary has delivered the latest shock to the political system: the loss of House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joseph Crowley. Roll Call…
Political TheaterWhat the Congressional Softball Game Says About Lawmakers
Journalists and lawmakers face off at the annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game, an event that Roll Call political Reporter Bridget Bowman and Texas…
Political TheaterCongressional Baseball Game Enters New Era
The annual Congressional Baseball Game has for years allowed lawmakers and staff a light-hearted outlet for their competitive drive. That changed a bit last…
Political TheaterNo Recess For You!
Senate Republicans cancelled the August recess, citing historic obstruction by Democrats. But when you crunch the numbers, the delay tactics are far from…
Political Theater50 Years Later, Bobby Kennedy for President Lives On
The Netflix documentary series “Bobby Kennedy for President” marks the upcoming 50th anniversary of the late senator and presidential candidate’s assassination…
Political TheaterRoseanne, Donald Glover and Desperate-Class TV
President Donald Trump is a television fan and a polarizing figure in American culture. Two critically acclaimed television shows that just wrapped up their…
Political TheaterKeystone Races Now Set in Keystone State
Women were big winners in Tuesday's primaries as they are poised to change the midterm dynamics in states like Nebraska and Pennsylvania, explains Roll Call…
Political TheaterJoe Manchin and the Mountain State Midterm Melee
West Virginia Republicans lined up for the right to take on incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III, and after a knock-down, drag-out fight, state Attorney…
Political TheaterRuth Bader Ginsburg, the Unlikely Pop Icon
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a bona fide pop icon, perhaps strange territory for an 85-year-old, diminutive, reserved constitutional scholar…
Political TheaterMidterm Takeaways From the Duel in the Desert
Republican Debbie Lesko won a close House race in an Arizona district that is usually very friendly to her party. As the midterm election season continues to…
Political TheaterTending to the Congressional Mind, Body and Spirit
Members of Congress are the players we see on stage, but the production that is politics would go nowhere without the backstage people making up the staff —…
Political TheaterPaul Ryan Departure Leaves GOP Spinning
Speaker Paul D. Ryan's announcement that he will not seek re-election once he finishes out his term has set off a scramble on several fronts including who will…
Political TheaterTrump Makes a Run for the Border
President Donald Trump's desire to have the National Guard help patrol the Southern border is not all that different from actions taken by former Presidents…
Political TheaterLooking Forward to Being a Former Member of Congress
Wondering what former members of Congress do after leaving Capitol Hill? Perhaps that's why the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress was formed, to…
Political TheaterLessons for the Opioid Epidemic from the Ebola Fight
The opioid epidemic is a massive public health crisis that Washington is only now starting to grasp. Reid Wilson, national correspondent for the Hill, has a…
Political TheaterDemocrats Roar Over Conor Lamb
The special election result in Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District has rocked the political world on its heels, with Democrat Conor Lamb’s success in…
Political TheaterPolitics' Thin Line Between Laughing and Cringing
In light of Tuesday's 74th Annual Congressional Dinner, Political Theater talks to Washington Post humor columnist Alexandra Petri about when satire works and…
Political TheaterA Looming Warning From 'The Looming Tower'
HULU’s new mini-series “The Looming Tower” traces the rising threat of Al Qaeda in the runup to the 9/11 attacks and is adapted from Lawrence Wright’s Pulitzer…
Political TheaterMeet Jan Rader: A West Virginia Heroin(e) in the Opioid Fight
Among the stars at next month's Oscars will be Huntington Fire Chief Jan Rader, one of the subjects of the Academy Award nominated Netflix documentary…