The Conversation with Dasha Burns

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) joins Dasha in San Diego for a conversation about the Iran war, the future of the Democratic Party and the possibility of a 2028 presidential run. The Arizona Democrat says voters weren’t necessarily embracing Democrats in the midterms so much as rejecting Republicans, and he argues his party needs to show it can improve people’s lives.

Kelly also discusses why he’s still weighing a presidential bid and whether a quieter political style can break through in today’s attention economy. Plus: his critique of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his response to President Trump’s threats against him.

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

In an exclusive interview with Dasha Burns, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) gives his first reaction to Democrats’ historic midterm wins, reveals which potential 2028 candidates have already called him up, and explains why he thinks the path to the White House in 2028 runs through the South.

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

In the latest episode of On the Road, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at the Flying Biscuit Cafe in Atlanta, where they dig into breakfast biscuits and grits — and Democrats’ chances in Tuesday’s midterms. Warnock makes the case for investing in states such as Mississippi and South Carolina, says Democrats have a “great shot” at the Senate and argues that the party’s path to a lasting majority runs through the South.



The Georgia senator also discusses Donald Trump, faith in politics, the need for a robust 2028 Democratic primary and the future of U.S. alliances.

With Election Day days away, Republican strategist T.W. Arrighi and Democratic strategist Lis Smith join Dasha to break down what’s driving a surprisingly competitive midterm map. They discuss the central role of affordability, how candidates are navigating voter frustration with the status quo, and the risks and rewards of tying campaigns to President Trump.

The conversations also look beyond Tuesday: What should each party learn from the results, and what could this cycle signal about the fight for the parties’ futures?

Watch POLITICO Elections Live at POLITICO.com or the POLITICO app, starting at 9pm ET on Tuesday.

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

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin over breakfast in New York City for a wide-ranging conversation about governing in 2026. She discusses working with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, her conversations with President Donald Trump over ICE operations and why she says data centers should bring their own power.

Hochul also weighs in on Israeli leadership and the possibility of a Palestinian state, the future of the Democratic Party and its 2028 presidential field, and her hopes for the Buffalo Bills.