The Playbook Podcast

With less than two weeks out from the presidential election, a rift is opening inside Donald Trump's inner circle. Howard Lutnick, the Wall Street CEO leading Trump’s transition operation, is facing accusations from some insiders that he is double-dealing his role on the campaign with personal business interests. Economic policy reporter Jasper Goodman chats with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels about how this all could play out.

Though Election Day is still two weeks away, jockeying behind the scenes for Trump’s Chief of Staff has already begun. According to insiders, the three potential picks that Trump is eyeing are Susie Wiles, Kevin McCarthy, and Brooke Rollins. National political correspondent Meridith McGraw joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to walk through the options.

In the six presidential elections since 2000, Republicans have won Michigan only once. But, that one time was Donald Trump's victory in 2016, and he might capture the state again in just over two weeks. A confluence of factors like the state's Arab American population, the uncommitted voter movement, and Michigan's strong union ties could lead to success for the Trump campaign. Playbook deputy editor (and Macomb County native!) Zack Stanton walks through what he's hearing from the state with Playbook co-author Rachael Bade. Plus, is Elon Musk an asset or a nuisance for the Trump campaign?

Yesterday, the Israel Defense Forces announced that they’d killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and mastermind of the terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023. But with Sinwar dead, do cease-fire talks have a new lease on life, or is the current conflict in the Middle East more entrenched than ever? National security reporter Robbie Gramer joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to go through what we know.

We’re less than three weeks out from Election Day and Kamala Harris is taking big swings. After a blitz on mostly friendly shows and podcasts last week, she ventured into the Fox den last night for a contentious sitdown with Bret Baier. While Trump is also doing a lot of media, he isn't taking as many risks. Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels discuss.

Today, both presidential candidates will make somewhat unexpected appearances on cable news channels in a bid to expand their coalitions with just 20 days left in the election. First, Vice President Kamala Harris will venture into the Fox News guest chair for an interview with Bret Baier. And tonight, former President Donald Trump — fresh off of his own Fox appearance this morning — will appear in a pre-taped town hall with Latino voters on Univision. What do we make of all of it? Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains. Plus, the rest of the news you need to know today.

With only three (yes, three!) weeks until Election Day, both the Harris and Trump campaigns are dialing in their final pitches. National political correspondent Adam Wren chats with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels about the challenges both campaigns still face as they approach the critical final weeks of the presidential campaign and why the Keystone State is still key to electoral success.

Just eight days into the fiscal year, FEMA has already spent $9 billion of its annual $20 billion disaster fund. Blame Hurricanes Helene and Milton — but also our era, when major natural disasters are happening with greater frequency. Can America afford the age of the superstorm? And how is Washington adapting to meet the challenge? Climate finance editor Tom Frank from POLITICO’s E&E News joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss.

For generations, Black men have been loyal Democratic voters. But this year, behind closed doors, Democrats are worried that Kamala Harris’ campaign is struggling to win over their support in the numbers needed to clinch the White House. What exactly is going on with the Black male vote, and what is the Harris campaign doing to make inroads? National political correspondent Brakkton Booker joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss. Plus, what a new poll can tell us about the swing states, and all the rest of the news you need to know today.

As the presidential race heads into its final days, Kamala Harris has sat down for a wide range of largely friendly interviews on shows like "Call Her Daddy," "The Howard Stern Show," "The View" and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" — in addition to a hard-hitting interview on "60 Minutes." The campaign is trying to reach voters in key swing states and demographic groups on which Harris doesn’t have a stronghold. Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels chat about whether this blitz is reaching the voters the Harris campaign needs.

The Tampa Bay area is on high alert as the Category 5 hurricane is expected to hit later this week. This comes as the Southern U.S. is still recovering from Hurricane Helene. With Election Day just weeks away, political optics are at the forefront of how the Florida government, and Gov. Ron DeSantis, will manage the crisis. Tallahassee-based reporter Gary Fineout joins Playbook editor Mike DeBonis to discuss the situation.

It’s been one year since Hamas’ attack in Israel that killed 1,200 people. Since then, Israel's ensuing war has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths and now, has extended into Lebanon. The conflict has strained U.S.-Israel relations, particularly with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. National security reporter Robbie Gramer joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss the implications for U.S. foreign relations amid the ongoing war.

Yesterday, the International Association of Fire Fighters announced that they will not endorse a candidate for president — a blow to Kamala Harris, especially as the group traditionally backs Democratic presidential candidates. Coming on the heels of the Teamsters’ non-endorsement, what exactly is the status of organized labor’s relationship with the Democratic Party? Labor and immigration reporter Nick Niedzwiadek joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to discuss what it all means. That, plus big news about former President Barack Obama’s return to the presidential campaign trail.

If you thought there wasn’t anything new you could learn about Donald Trump on January 6, special counsel Jack Smith has news for you. Yesterday, a federal judge unsealed a 165-page legal brief by Smith with new details of Trump’s attempt to overturn the election results in 2020. The questions now: Will this matter in the 2024 election, and how will it affect Trump’s legal jeopardy? Senior legal reporter Kyle Cheney joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to break it down. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns today with former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.). That, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

Those who predicted a slugfest were sadly disappointed. In Tuesday night's VP debate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance had a debate that was light on body blows and heavy on policy. Playbook co-authors Eugene Daniels and Rachael Bade break down the highs, the lows, and, unrelated but importantly: why it's time for you to put your Halloween decorations up.

Expect jabs over military service and who’s ‘weird’ from JD Vance and Tim Walz during the first — and only — vice presidential debate in 2024. With just over one month until Election Day and a tight race, the stakes couldn’t get any higher. Reporters Meredith Lee Hill and Mia McCarthy join Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to walk through what they’re watching for during tonight’s showdown.

After Hurricane Helene devastated cities across the Southeast this past weekend, political finger-pointing has sprung over how to best respond to disaster-torn communities. At a campaign rally, former President Donald Trump accused President Joe Biden of neglecting disaster areas while vacationing, and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for fundraising over the weekend. Later today, Trump plans to visit Valdosta, Georgia for a briefing on the disaster, and President Joe Biden plans to visit disaster-impacted areas later this week. But, North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards told Playbook's Rachael Bade that his constituents need water, food, and federal disaster assistance, not political photo opps. That, plus, everything else you need to know today.

Mitch McConnell’s remaining time as head of the Senate GOP may be limited, but he still has plenty to say — if you get the chance to talk with him. We did. And we asked him about the future of the filibuster, the upcoming election and some of the most controversial campaign remarks from Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance. Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels talk through what we learned — and the one topic on which he’s remaining mum.

Just weeks before an election in which they hope to regain a majority, Senate Republicans are singing from the same hymnal in public. But behind the scenes, there are real divisions as jockeying heats up to replace Mitch McConnell and become the next GOP leader. Frontrunners John Thune (S.D.) and John Cornyn (Texas) are appealing to supporters and — who else — former President Donald Trump. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through it all. Plus, what we know about New York Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

That smell coming off Capitol Hill today? Jet fumes, as members prepare to get out of dodge. The House of Representatives is expected to vote this evening on a continuing resolution that will fund the government until December. According to Playbook editor Mike DeBonis, what happens next is heavily influenced by the outcome of the election. He breaks it all down with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels. Plus, formal charges from the Department of Justice for would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

President Joe Biden will address the United Nations General Assembly this afternoon in what is expected to be one of the most important appearances in the final months of his presidency. Aides to the president say Biden has two goals: to burnish his own foreign policy legacy and to bolster Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. White House Bureau Chief Jonathan Lemire joins Playbook editor Mike DeBonis to walk through what else we know. Plus, another possible scandal for a New York Republican representative, and all the rest of the news you need to know today.

Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a six-month continuing resolution that would fund the government until late December. The move is in direct defiance against former President Donald Trump’s stated wishes for the bill, but Johnson argued that a government shutdown 40 days before the election would be “political malpractice.” Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down what’s included in the bill and what’s missing. Plus, multiple staffers on North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s campaign team have resigned and everything else you need to know today.

On Thursday, reports surfaced that North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson used a pseudonym on internet forums to express support for antisemitic ideals, as well as to comment on pornographic material. Natalie Allison of POLITICO reported that Robinson had an account on the website Ashely Madison, which is designed for married people looking for extramarital affairs. POLITICO's Natalie Allison talks with Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton about the discoveries and whether his faltering poll numbers in North Carolina could impact Trump.

House Speaker Mike Johnson’s initial attempt to avoid a government shutdown has been quashed. Yesterday, Johnson put a spending bill on the floor, and it died in a 202-220 vote, with some Republicans joining with Democrats to down the proposal. So … where does Johnson go from here? Playbook editor (and former congress reporter) Mike DeBonis joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to walk through next moves. Plus, the Teamsters put out a non-endorsement in the presidential race, while Donald Trump made some outlandish predictions about New York’s vote during a rally on Long Island. All of that, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris sat down with three journalists—including Playbook’s own Eugene Daniels—to chat about some of the election’s most pressing issues. Eugene and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza discuss what we've learned about the Democratic presidential nominee's stance on the war in Gaza, restoring Roe v. Wade, and how she perceives the task of winning Black voters.

Democrats have been using the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, as fodder for support on the campaign trail, but some are more worried about the transition of power should Kamala Harris win the White House in November. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade digs deep on what both Democrats and Republicans are saying. Plus, the latest updates on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on Sunday and all the rest of the news you need to know today.

For the second time in just over three months, Donald Trump has survived an assassination attempt. Around 1:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, Secret Service agents opened fire on a gunman who was located in the brush outside of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Trump, who was on the golf course, was unharmed. But this story is just beginning; Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through what we know about the incident and the alleged gunman’s puzzling political views.

Legalized sports gambling is everywhere. Could betting on elections be next? Americans will soon be able to legally gamble on the presidential election. After a judge rejected the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s attempt to block it, financial exchange company Kashi launched the country’s first fully regulated election-betting markets on Thursday. Capital markets reporter Declan Harty walks Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels through what this means for the election, and why some officials are ringing alarm bells.

It’s mid-September, which means it’s that time of year again: Sweater weather is upon us, leaves are starting to change colors and the threat of yet another government shutdown looms over Capitol Hill. As Congress braces for a spending fight, Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan to avert a potential government shutdown has, so far, failed. With a slim majority in the House, internal GOP divisions and little vocal support from former President Donald Trump, Johnson is finding it difficult to push a spending bill through ahead of Election Day. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels breaks down Johnson’s dilemma with Congress reporter Sarah Ferris.

In a debate that circled around abortion, immigration, foreign policy and, yes, eating pets, Vice President Kamala Harris effectively dominated Tuesday night's debate against former president Donald Trump by provoking him into outbursts and steering him away from political weak spots. Playbook co-authors Ryan Lizza, Rachael Bade, and Eugene Daniels analyze the highs, lows, and whoas of the debate, and each campaign’s missed opportunities.

For the first time as the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris will step on the debate stage to face off against former President Donald Trump. National political reporter Holly Otterbein joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to analyze what each candidate needs to achieve for a successful debate night.

Congress returns to session today after its August recess and it already has a spending fight on its hands. At the center of the fight between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is a law aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from voting by requiring proof of citizenship to register. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through the situation.

Just over a year ago, Playbook welcomed readers to the “courtroom campaign” — previewing an election year shaped largely by the legal woes of Donald Trump and Hunter Biden. So much for that. Just consider the news that broke yesterday in California and Washington — and that’s set to happen later today in New York City. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks us through what you need to know about what’s coming and how it’s likely to reverberate politically.

Today, Hunter Biden goes to trial in Los Angeles, the culmination of a six-year federal investigation that resulted in criminal charges over alleged tax evasion. Though the trial is expected to last for about two weeks, its ramifications could have real staying power: The charges are more serious than Biden’s Delaware case, and the issues at hand — including foreign business dealings — have been central to Republican attacks on the president. What are the actual potential repercussions — both for Hunter Biden and for the White House? National correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan guides Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through the situation.

Here’s something that elected Republicans won’t tell you on the record: Some of them don’t want Donald Trump to win in November. And, what’s more, they’re already plotting about what happens to the GOP if he falls short. That reality check comes from politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, who writes that some GOP lawmakers privately believe that losing the White House to Kamala Harris will save the party in the long run. Just how widespread is this outlook? And what would a post-Trump GOP look like? JMart joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss.

There are just 62 days left until the 2024 presidential election, and both candidates are gearing up for the stretch run. VP Kamala Harris is dropping a new ad this morning that tackles middle-class concerns like lowering housing costs and fighting price gouging. Meanwhile, the GOP is trying to keep pace with the Harris campaign’s lofty fundraising totals. Plus, a glimpse into what we know so far about the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza breaks down all of the important news you need to know today.

And that's a wrap from the Democratic National Convention! Playbook's Ryan Lizza, Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels look back on Kamala Harris' closing speech, the potential landmines her campaign faces in the weeks ahead and whether or not TMZ can ever be trusted again after publishing a rumor that Beyoncé would appear at the convention.

Playbook's Ryan Lizza chats with POLITICO's Jonathan Martin and Zolan Kanno-Youngs from The New York Times to recap day 3 of the Democratic National Convention. Former President Bill Clinton made a pitch for unity, Oprah Winfrey brought the joy, and VP pick Tim Walz focused on the blocking and tackling — among many other football metaphors. Ryan, JMart and Zolano discuss the convention programming’s appeal to middle America and the working class, with an eye toward key swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

Playbook's Rachael Bade joins CNN's David Chalian live from the CNN-POLITICO Grill to recap the second day of the Democratic National Convention. Former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama closed the evening with speeches that struck a notably different tone compared to previous years. Plus, an excerpt from POLITICO's Jonathan Martin discussing the vice presidential vetting process with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Playbook's Eugene Daniels chats with Amy Walter, editor-in-chief of The Cook Political Report, to recap the first day of the Democratic National Convention. While marquee figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Hillary Clinton took the stage, President Joe Biden's symbolic passing of the torch capped the night.

Live from the CNN-POLITICO Grill in Chicago, Playbook's Eugene Daniels chats with Illinois Playbook author Shia Kapos about the key events to watch for on the first day of the Democratic National Convention. Protesters have already hit the streets, reminding some of the 1968 Chicago DNC that was roiled by riots. Eugene and Shia also discuss planned speeches from President Joe Biden and former presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and why this year's convention quickly became a hot ticket once Harris went to the top of the ticket.

Today, Kamala Harris is expected to unveil a range of economic policies taking aim at the cost of living — from groceries to housing to the care economy. While Donald Trump and allies appear poised to assail that agenda as “price controls,” Harris is betting that her proposals will connect with voters’ as inflation and its effects continue to define the 2024 election. Economics correspondent Victoria Guida joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to break it all down.

It’s the question dividing Trump world: Does the former president’s campaign message need a reset? Trump surrogate Vivek Ramaswamy has earned his MAGA bona fides with his boisterous and, at times, pugnacious appearances on the campaign trail. But he’s also among the most strident voices on the right calling for the Trump camp to change course. His unexpected message for both Trump and the GOP writ large? Drop the insults and focus on policy. The race, he believes, depends on it. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade caught up with Ramaswamy to chat about this, and more.

Though President Joe Biden has reportedly come to terms with his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, he’s also said to harbor resentment towards the key members of his own party who effectively pushed him out. Will this change the dynamics of the upcoming Democratic National Convention? White House Bureau Chief Jonathan Lemire joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to break it all down. Plus, where the Teamsters stand on a presidential endorsement, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

If Kamala Harris wins the presidency in November, some progressives hope that the new administration will listen to their concerns about national security. But are their goals realistic? Foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi walks Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels through some of the nuances. Plus, a recap of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s conversation on X Spaces and the rest of the news you need to know today.

A week before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the party has yet to define its priorities should Kamala Harris win the presidency. There is no public 100-day plan, and no explicit plan for what would happen if Democrats flipped the House. As a result, the future of critical actions like the filibuster remains uncertain. However, as Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains, much of the blurriness is intentional.

What do you do when your opponent seems to be getting all the media attention? Hold a press conference, of course. Yesterday, former President Donald Trump did just that, taking questions in Florida. The backdrop is the surging popularity of Vice President Kamala Harris, whose campaign is now leading Trump’s in most national polls — the result of what Trump suggested is “honeymoon” that is “going to end.” What stood out from the presser? National political reporter Natalie Allison joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to talk about everything from the prospect of Harris-Trump debates to the questions the former president would prefer not to answer.

In the two-plus weeks since she’s emerged as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Kamala Harris has yet to give a sit-down interview or field reporters’ questions — and that’s just the way the Harris campaign wants it. Why? White House reporter and West Wing Playbook author Eli Stokols takes Playbook co-author Rachael Bade inside the Harris’ campaign’s media strategy, and the follow-the-vibes political moment we’re in. That, plus the latest on GOP attacks on Tim Walz’s military record.

Last night, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made their first appearance together as running mates in Philadelphia. National political reporter Holly Otterbein joins Rachael Bade from Philly to talk about the crowd — an enthusiastic 10,000 — and how well Walz went over in the room. Also, Holly breaks down Harris’ decision making process in the last couple days and what led to Walz edging out Shapiro for the spot.

Only one president has ever managed a return to the White House after losing reelection. If Donald Trump wins in November and becomes the second, his time in relative exile in Mar-a-Lago may well be the reason why. That period of time — extending from January 2021 to his entry in the 2024 race — is when the seeds of his campaign strategy were sown, his image burnished and return to the national stage plotted. And that’s the focus of national political correspondent Meridith McGraw’s new book, Trump in Exile, which is out today. She sits down with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss what she uncovered. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris officially clinched the nomination for president for the Democratic party. Next up, she chooses hew own VP.