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On the Road with Jonathan Martin

POLITICO

POLITICO Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin is hitting the road for a series of wide-ranging conversations with key players in American politics on the ground in their home states. They’ll talk about the issues of the day, look ahead to the 2026 political season, and perhaps dig into some local delicacies.

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12 episodes
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Wednesday · 49 min
Susan Collins on her high-wire act in Trump’s GOP
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.
August 26 · 34 min
An outsider Democrat taking on both parties in Iowa
Jonathan Martin sits down with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand at the Iowa State Fair to talk politics over a pork tenderloin and a deep-fried Twinkie. Sand, a Democrat running in a state that has shifted sharply to the right, makes the case that Iowa voters are fed up with one-party control, corruption and politics as usual. He discusses why Democrats have lost ground in rural America, whether the party has become too focused on insiders and national politics, and how he would govern with a Republican legislature. Sand also weighs in on the future of the Democratic Party, his unlikely friendships with Republican governors — and his brief career as a model.
August 4 · 1 hr
Pete Buttigieg has a theory for how Democrats can win
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin in Traverse City, Michigan, to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and why he believes Democrats can't simply campaign on a return to the pre-Trump status quo. Buttigieg argues the party needs to "build what's next," weighs in on the Michigan Senate race, reflects on his time in the Biden administration, and shares his vision for institutional reform, AI, economic inequality and the road to 2028. Plus, he gives Jonathan a tour of his adopted hometown—including a stop for Traverse City's famous cherry ice cream.
July 28 · 57 min
Rahm Emanuel makes his 2028 pitch over pizza in Chicago
Rahm Emanuel joins POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at Michael's Original Pizzeria on Chicago's North Side for a wide-ranging conversation about his political future, the Democratic Party's identity crisis and why he's seriously considering a run for president in 2028. The former Chicago mayor, Obama chief of staff and U.S. ambassador to Japan reflects on the biggest mistakes of both parties, argues Democrats need to win back the political center, weighs in on Israel, China and Donald Trump, and explains why he believes America is at a political turning point. Plus: Chicago tavern-style pizza, growing up on the North Side and the childhood experience that still drives Emanuel today.
July 8 · 54 min
A GOP power trio look to Teddy Roosevelt for America's next 250 years
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Gov. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) join POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at the Little Missouri Saloon in Medora for a conversation about the newly opened Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, why the Badlands helped shape one of America's most consequential presidents and how they're betting the landmark will transform North Dakota. They also discuss President Donald Trump's agenda, the future of the GOP, the politics of conservation and why they believe Theodore Roosevelt's legacy still offers lessons for America as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday.
May 26 · 56 min
Shapiro on Trump, Fetterman and 2028 over cheesesteaks in South Philly
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Angelo’s Pizzeria, a South Philly institution, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Democratic party, rising cynicism in American politics and the growing speculation around his political future in 2028.
May 19 · 57 min
Wes Moore gets blunt about 2028: I'm hungry, not thirsty
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Baltimore’s iconic Koco's Pub for a wide-ranging conversation about redistricting, the future of the Democratic party and how his military service shaped his views on patriotism, race and America’s role in the world. Moore also opens up about Donald Trump, Joe Biden’s decision to stay in the presidential race too long, Kamala Harris’ future and why Democrats can’t spend years “studying” voters’ frustrations instead of fixing them. CORRECTION: The podcast misstates where Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King worked early in their careers. It was WJZ-TV.
May 5 · 1 hr 7 min
Can JB Pritzker be the Democrats’ anti-Trump in 2028?
Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.) sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Chicago’s iconic Manny’s Deli for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the Democratic Party -- and his own. Plus: a look at Chicago’s political culture, Pritzker’s rise from donor to power broker, and why Manny’s remains a must-stop on the campaign trail.
April 14 · 51 min
Gov. Brian Kemp’s blunt warning for Republicans
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at the Masters to talk Trump, 2028 and the upcoming Georgia Senate race. Plus: Kemp on EVs, economic policy and why he’s staying focused on 2026 — not the White House.
March 24 · 1 hr 9 min
Inside Gavin Newsom’s plan to take on Trump
California Gov. Gavin Newsom sat down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin for a wide-ranging conversation about the personal experiences that shaped his political career. A leading potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, Newsom has been raising his national profile by taking on President Donald Trump and traveling to key early primary states while promoting his new memoir. In the interview with Martin, Newsom reflects on his upbringing, outlines what he sees at stake for Democrats in 2026 and explains his increasingly aggressive strategy toward Trump.
March 10 · 41 min
Sarah Huckabee Sanders on BBQ, politics and sneaking out of the governor’s mansion
POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin sits down with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for a lively conversation about politics, leadership and life growing up in the governor’s mansion. From her time as White House Press Secretary to leading Arkansas today, Sanders shares insights on the Republican Party, U.S.-Israel security and the memories that shaped her journey—all while enjoying some of the state’s best barbecue. Watch upcoming episodes at politico.com/ontheroad Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Watch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@POLITICO.
March 6 · 45 sec
Welcome to On the Road with Jonathan Martin
POLITICO Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin is hitting the road! Join him for a series of wide-ranging conversations with key players in American politics on the ground in their home states. They’ll talk about the issues of the day, look ahead to the 2026 political season, and perhaps dig into some local delicacies. The first episode drops March 10!

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