The Conversation with Dasha Burns

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.

Florida Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon joins Dasha for a wide-ranging conversation about her historic campaign and the Democratic Party’s future. Nixon had sharp words for her own party, arguing that Democrats have taken Black voters for granted and the party needs to have a “long conversation” about the state of Black voters in the party, or else it will continue to ‘hemorrhage’ voters.

Nixon also weighs in on why she joined the Democratic Socialists of America, whether she considers Israel an ally, and whether she would support Chuck Schumer for Senate leader.

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

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at a Charlotte diner for a candid conversation about his new book, his decision to leave the Senate and the future of the Republican Party.



Tillis reflects on his votes to confirm President Trump’s Cabinet nominees, argues that the president’s advisers should be replaced and says Republicans need to show more independence from Trump. He also predicts the party could take a “whoop-ass” in November and explains why he thinks Trump’s would-be successors can’t simply imitate him.



Plus, country ham, biscuits and grits at the Carolina Family Restaurant.