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The Playbook Podcast

The Playbook Podcast

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Ep 1812March 27, 2024: Just the beginning of the mifepristone story

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the nation should significantly limit the use of mifepristone, a pill that terminates early pregnancy. A number of justices on the majority-conservative court appeared to take issue with the idea of a sweeping, national pronouncement. But, this story is really just getting started. Anti-abortion activists and elected officials have several backup plans if the Supreme Court reject their arguments for nationwide restrictions on the drug. Health care reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein walks Playbook co-author Rachael Bade through the story.

Mar 27, 20248 min

Ep 1811March 26, 2024: Inside the evolving relationship between the U.S. and Israel

In the last 24 hours, the diplomatic dynamic between the U.S. and Israel took on another layer of complexity when the U.S. abstained in voting for a UN Gaza ceasefire resolution, allowing it to pass. The action resulted in officials from Israel cancelling a trip to Washington. National security reporter Alex Ward joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss how things got here, and what lies ahead. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Mar 26, 20249 min

Ep 1810March 25, 2024: Trump’s trifecta

There are three important things on Donald Trump’s agenda today, and they're all connected. First, the former president has a half-billion dollar bond due stemming from the New York civil fraud case. He has said he is struggling to procure the funds to fulfill this, so it is particularly timely that Trump Media and Technology Group is going public today. Trump is estimated to have about a $3 billion stake in the company, but he can’t use that money to pay for his bond thanks to lockup provisions. Finally, Trump will get a date from the Manhattan DA in the hush money trial that was delayed due to a last-minute documents dump. Legal editor James Romoser joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to talk this all through. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews Legal editor James Romoser.

Mar 25, 20248 min

Ep 1809March 22, 2024: A Biden campaign vibe check

Most polls show a tight race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. But ever since Biden’s notably energetic State of the Union address, his campaign has been feeling a strange new optimism. He’s outpacing Trump on fundraising, his campaign schedule is purposefully packed and his team is already going up with TV ads in an effort to define the race early — while Trump is still struggling to catch up. National politics reporter Elena Schneider tells joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to talk it all through. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews National politics reporter Elena Schneider

Mar 22, 20249 min

Ep 1808March 21, 2024: Are Dems Speaker Mike Johnson’s saving grace?

Time and again, Speaker Mike Johnson has relied on an unexpected source to propel legislation to success: House Democrats. We’ve already seen Dems help Johnson pass a $78 billion tax bill, the proposed de facto ban on TikTok and multiple stopgap spending proposals. (Up next: another federal funding deal!) But is the approach an unexpected stroke of bipartisan unity, or a risky tactic that will blow up in the speaker’s face? Congress reporter Nick Wu joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss. Plus, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell throws water on the idea of turning Ukraine aid into a loan, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Mar 21, 20248 min

Ep 1807March 20, 2024: Trump-endorsed Moreno wins big in Ohio

Bernie Moreno, the car dealer-turned Trump-endorsed Senate candidate, won the Ohio GOP primary quickly and handily yesterday. It is obviously good news for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, but it is also the outcome many Democrats were hoping for as well. Will longtime incumbent Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown be able to keep his seat out of the hands of another MAGA Republican? Politics bureau chief and senior political columnist Jonathan Martin joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to break down the election results, and what they may mean for November. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews Politics bureau chief and senior political columnist Jonathan Martin.

Mar 20, 20249 min

Ep 1806March 19, 2024: What we’re watching in Ohio (and elsewhere) today

Five states — Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio — are holding primary elections today. Though President Joe Biden and Donald Trump clinched the presumptive nominations for their respective parties last week, some of the House and Senate contests around the country could have enormous implications. Plus, in one swing state, we will get another look at how big of an impact the Democratic voters displeased with Biden could have in November. Senior campaign and elections editor Steve Shepard joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to break it all down.Plus, some much-needed movement on Congress’ struggle to fund the government before the end of the week, and new developments in how they will tackle their next big funding fight: Ukraine.

Mar 19, 202410 min

Ep 1805March 18, 2024: Another week, another government funding deadline

Six massive bills that make up roughly 70% of discretionary federal spending — including the military — need to be passed by Friday in order to keep the government open. It is a predicament Congress has found itself in over and over again the past few months, but, as appropriations reporter Caitlin Emma tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza, the challenge is different this time: These are some of the biggest and hardest bills to fund, and a final showdown is looming. Plus, a new Ipsos-POLITICO poll reveals a conviction may not doom Donald Trump’s presidential hopes, but it could do real political damage. That, plus the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews appropriations reporter Caitlin Emma.

Mar 18, 20249 min

Ep 1804March 15, 2024: Another Trump trial delay?

A theme has emerged in the recent developments surrounding former president — and presumptive GOP nominee — Donald Trump’s criminal trials: They keep being delayed. In the New York hush money case, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg conceded that he would be OK with as much as month's delay. Federal judge Aileen Cannon is also expected to delay Trump’s May 20 trial date in Florida but is otherwise remaining tight-lipped. And news on whether Georgia DA Fani Willis will remain on Trump’s case in Atlanta might also emerge this week. Legal editor James Romoser joins Playbook coauthor Ryan Lizza to discuss. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews legal editor James Romoser.

Mar 15, 20249 min

Ep 1803March 14, 2024: Biden takes aim at the housing crisis

It’s one of the biggest economic trends shaping American life — and it happens to be something of an obsession of the president’s: The high cost of housing. Sources tell POLITICO that for months, Biden has used his debriefs to press senior staff on affordability, quizzing them on mortgage rates and rental costs. Now, the White House is making a fresh push to show it shares Americans’ frustrations and elevating housing to a top priority as the general election begins in earnest. White House reporter Adam Cancryn joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews White House reporter Adam Cancryn.

Mar 14, 20249 min

Ep 1802March 13, 2024: Absent a smoking gun, Republicans consider impeachment offramps

Republicans on the Hill were hoping that Special Counsel Robert Hur’s testimony Tuesday would kickstart their stalled impeachment campaign, but that isn’t how things shook out. Without the smoking gun Republicans were hoping for from Hur, they now must face the reality that an impeachment of President Joe Biden is increasingly unlikely. Congress reporter Jordain Carney joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss. Plus, Biden and former president Donald Trump clinch their respective party nominations, and TikTok may be on the chopping block. All that, plus the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews Congress reporter Jordain Carney.

Mar 13, 20249 min

Ep 1801March 12, 2024: Robert Hur’s big moment on the Hill

Special Counsel Robert Hur is set to appear before the House Judiciary Committee today to talk about his explosive report on Biden's handling of classified documents. Ankush Khardori, a senior writer for POLITICO Magazine and a former federal prosecutor — joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to talk about what Democrats should take heed of as Hur takes the stand.Plus, the House is inching toward what could be a bipartisan vote to effectively ban TikTok in the U.S. That, plus the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews senior writer for POLITICO Magazine Ankush Khardori.

Mar 12, 20249 min

Ep 1800March 11, 2024: What Biden’s budget tells us about his priorities

The budget President Biden is releasing today is through fiscal year 2025, potentially leading into Biden’s second term if he is reelected. As economics reporter Victoria Guida tells Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels, it’ll be an interesting look into what his policy priorities are going to be. Also today, the deteriorating relationship between Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Plus, the race for Senate Republican Conference Chair appears to have a new challenger. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews economics reporter Victoria Guida.

Mar 11, 20249 min

Ep 1799March 8, 2024: Biden’s strident SOTU speech jolts the political world

It was the speech Joe Biden’s supporters were aching to hear: A 66-minute stemwinder that torched Donald Trump and the GOP on issues from abortion rights and IVF to taxes on the wealthy to Ukraine and Russia. Along the way, Biden bore his teeth and set to bed — for the moment, at least — concerns about his mental acuity. The big questions after: Did the SOTU speech just reset the 2024 campaign? And where does Biden take his message from here? Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade, Eugene Daniels and Ryan Lizza discuss.

Mar 8, 202411 min

Ep 1798March 7, 2024: Why tonight’s SOTU speech is *actually* important

The importance of State of the Union speeches is vastly overrated. Except this year.When President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress this evening, the vast viewing audience won’t simply by listening to the usual laundry list of accomplishments; they’ll be looking for reliable proof of his stamina and mental acuity, for his narrative frame that justifies his reelection campaign, and for a sense of vision that will provide his presidency with badly needed momentum. How’s the Biden team handling all this? White House Correspondent Adam Cancryn joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss that and what else to look at tonight’s big speech. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews White House Correspondent Adam Cancryn.

Mar 7, 20249 min

Ep 1797March 6, 2024: Super Tuesday shaped the November election — but not how you think

On the campaign trail, Super Tuesday was a romp for Joe Biden and Donald Trump — though both men stopped short of a clean sweep in their parties’ respective contests. Down the ticket, we now have a clear view of what the November general election will look like in some of the nation’s most pivotal House and Senate contests. And yet, for all of that, Tuesday’s most consequential news might be about someone who isn’t going to be on the ballot this fall: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. The colorful Arizona independent announced that she will not seek reelection this year — a move with significant implications not just for November, but for the future of the Senate. Politico Deputy Managing Editor for Congress Elana Schor sits down with Playbook Deputy Editor Zack Stanton to discuss what it all means on the micro level — and the larger trend it hints at on a macro level.

Mar 6, 202411 min

Ep 1796March 5, 2024: The real Super Tuesday action is in these two states

Though it is one of the most significant dates of the U.S. election cycle, this year’s Super Tuesday looks like it won’t come with many surprises. President Joe Biden has won every early Democratic competition, and former president Donald Trump has won all but one. But in some parts of the country, like Texas, things are getting exciting on a state level. The implications of the drama stretch all the way to the White House. Senior columnist and politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through the situation. Plus, SCOTUS rules Trump can appear on state ballots, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Mar 5, 20249 min

Ep 1795March 4, 2024: Pete Buttigieg knows Biden's message isn't translating

Ahead of the State of the Union on Thursday, members of President Joe Biden’s cabinet are scattering about the country to tout Biden's accomplishments to voters. Included in that group is Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who spoke with national politics correspondent Adam Wren over the weekend. Adam joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to reflect on the takeaways from that interview. Plus, House and Senate negotiators released a $459 billion spending package Sunday afternoon that would keep the government open — for now. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Mar 4, 20248 min

Ep 1794March 1, 2024: Trump vs. the courtroom clock

Donald Trump’s week has been a mixed bag. There was a victory of sorts as the Supreme Court agreed to hear his argument that he is immune from charges related to allegedly subverting the 2020 election — effectively granting him a bit of a delay in the trial. Then there was a humbling filing in which the former president and self-proclaimed billionaire admitted to not having the cash on hand he needs to pay the hundreds of millions of dollars he’s on the hook for in two civil suits — judgments he’s appealing and trying to postpone. And, finally, today, he faces vital hearing in his federal criminal trial over allegedly mishandling classified documents — one that could affect how long the trial date will be delayed. Legal editor James Romoser joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to break it down for us.

Mar 1, 20249 min

Ep 1793February 29, 2024: MAGA delights in its ‘Bye, Mitch!’ moment

The MAGA makeover of Senate GOP leadership is coming. At least, that’s what allies of Donald Trump are hoping now that longtime Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced that he’s stepping down from his leadership post at the year’s end. It’s a seismic shift on Capitol Hill — one with major implications on everything from the GOP’s policy outlook to President Biden’s relationship with the Hill. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through the situation. Plus, a government shutdown looks to be narrowly avoided by yet another CR, and SCOTUS takes up the question of Trump’s potential immunity for his alleged attempts to subvert the 2020 election. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Feb 29, 20246 min

Ep 1792February 28, 2024: It’s Hunter Biden’s deposition day. Here’s what to watch for.

Hunter Biden will appear for a closed-door Congressional deposition today, where he will answer questions about alleged involvement with his father’s business dealings. Republicans hope any revelations within the meeting will justify proceeding with impeaching President Joe Biden. But the case is already on wobbly footing. Congress reporter Jordain Carney walks Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels through what to watch, and just how vital this is to the potential impeachment. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews Congress reporter Jordain Carney.

Feb 28, 20249 min

Ep 1791February 27, 2024: Biden’s first real reckoning with Michigan's naysayers

In must-win Michigan, Joe Biden is expected to handily win the primary election today. But the numbers — specifically the number of Democrats who vote “undeclared”— could provide some insight into one of the president’s weak spots come November. Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton, freshly returned from a reporting trip in the Wolverine state, offers some insight into the importance of the race, and what the locals are saying about 2024. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton.

Feb 27, 202411 min

Ep 1790February 26, 2024: Hill fighting ahead of the March funding deadline

Once again, Congress has found itself up against a deadline for a partial government shutdown, and once again, things on Capitol Hill appear to be cracking under pressure. Late last week, congressional leaders had hoped they would be able to unveil a small government funding package today to buy time to negotiate the rest of the bills that need resolutions before the deadline. But now the situation has “devolved into full blown finger-pointing and fighting,” according to budget and appropriations reporter Caitlin Emma, who sat down with Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to walk through the situation. Plus, Donald Trump unsurprisingly beat Nikki Haley in the primary in her home state. What’s next for the former governor’s campaign?

Feb 26, 20249 min

Ep 1789February 23, 2024: What’s the matter with South Carolina?

South Carolina’s Republican presidential primary has long had a reputation as something like a knife fight in a phone booth. But this year, it feels different. It’s a conventional campaign despite having the most unconventional candidate of modern times in the lead. It even risks being — gasp! — a bit boring. At least, that’s according to Jonathan Martin, our politics bureau chief and columnist, who joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to talk all things Trump, Haley and Palmetto State. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews politics bureau chief and columnist Jonathan Martin.

Feb 23, 20249 min

Ep 1788February 22, 2024: GOP faces IVF ruling backlash

Following a ruling in Alabama that grants legal personhood to frozen embryos, Republicans are bracing for another round of backlash — and for more punishing headlines likely to turn off swing voters, suburbanites and women ahead of the 2024 election. Why? The ruling ventures into virtually unexplored legal territory that could see IVF and other fertility treatments targeted and effectively banned in states that have embraced major restrictions on abortion, including fetal personhood laws. Yet an overwhelming majority of Americans support IVF, suggesting that Republicans may be walking on thin ice. Health care reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein talks Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton through the situation.

Feb 22, 20249 min

Ep 1787February 21, 2024: What we learned from 2024's first campaign finance filings

The first Federal Election Commission reports for 2024 paint an interesting picture for the three most prominent candidates in the race. The biggest takeaways? President Joe Biden’s campaign is flush with cash; January showed strong fiscal turnout for former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s campaign; and the leadership PAC for former President Donald Trump’s campaign spent $3 million on legal fees during the first month of the year. State politics reporter Zach Montellaro walks through the highlights with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Feb 21, 20248 min

Ep 1786February 20, 2024: Biden pushes temporary ceasefire

With a week until the Democratic Primary in Michigan, President Joe Biden has his eyes on the state’s Muslim population that helped get him elected in 2020. The Abandon Biden movement, a coalition of Michigan progressives — including Rep. Rashida Tlaib — calling for residents to vote uncommitted next week, is growing stronger by the day. The administration, too, has shifted its message toward Israel dramatically, and the U.S. has drafted a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire and encouraging Israel to push pause on plans to attack the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through that and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Feb 20, 20245 min

Ep 1785February 16, 2024: Fani Willis gets grilled

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis took the stand on Thursday to face pointed and personal questions from from lawyers representing former President Donald Trump. They allege Willis’ past romantic involvement with fellow prosecutor Nathan Wade is a conflict of interest and ought to disqualify her from leading the criminal case against Trump for alleged election interference in Georgia. But is their real goal to disqualify her, or simply delay the proceedings? Senior legal reporter Josh Gerstein walks Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton through what we saw, and what it all could mean. Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton interviews Senior legal reporter Josh Gerstein.

Feb 16, 20249 min

Ep 1784February 15, 2024: Two-for-one Trump hearings

Two major hearings today will shape the trajectory (and timing) of the legal woes that Donald Trump faces as he attempts to return to the White House. In New York, a judge will decide whether the hush money case against the former president can move to trial in late March or whether that timeline will be pushed back — a popular Trump delay tactic honed over his many decades of lawsuits. Meanwhile in Georgia, Trump and his co-defendants aim to sideline Fulton County DA Fani Willis in her sweeping election interference case. Plus, more headaches for Speaker Mike Johnson, and urgent new concerns about Russian space nukes. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade talks with legal editor James Romoser and walks through what you need to know. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews legal editor James Romoser.

Feb 15, 20249 min

Ep 1783February 14, 2024: No love from the House GOP for Mayorkas

On their second attempt, House Republicans managed to formally impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by one vote. That will likely be the end of the story, though, as the impeachment proceedings are expected to come to a stop in the Senate. Plus, in Tuesday’s election, Democrats managed to flip a seat in the New York District 3 special election to fill the seat formerly occupied by Rep. George Santos. And, despite the increasingly urgent need for foreign aid, the supplemental continues to stall. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through all of this and more.

Feb 14, 20246 min

Ep 1782February 13, 2024: Election Day for George Santos' seat

The center of the political universe today is on Long Island, where voters in Queens and Nassau County will decide whether Democrat Tom Suozzi or Republican Mazi Pilip will replace George Santos, the fabulist who was expelled from Congress. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza calls up Politico editor Steve Shepard — a fellow Long Island native — to discuss. Plus, the latest on the Senate's supplemental bill and the changes former President Donald Trump is pushing at the Republican National Committee.

Feb 13, 20249 min

Ep 1781February 12, 2024: Inside the possible mutiny Speaker Johnson faces over Ukraine aid

Over the weekend, former President Donald Trump captured headlines and confused many when he said he would “encourage” Russia to attack NATO members who did not pay their financial dues. Among those who were quick to condemn the comments is former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Trump’s remaining challenger for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade spoke with Haley about her reaction to the comments. Plus, House Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner weighs in on Speaker Johnson's approach to Ukraine aid.

Feb 12, 20246 min

Ep 1780February 9, 2024: Exactly how bad is Biden’s special counsel report?

The special counsel report on Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents was about as damaging as it could possibly be while stopping short of recommending criminal charges. Over nearly 350 pages, the investigation paints a troubling picture of Biden’s behavior and cognitive abilities — one almost certain to feed voters’ existing concerns about the 81-year-old president, whom it describes as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” National correspondent Betsey Woodruff Swan walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through the report and its reverberations across Washington.

Feb 9, 202411 min

Ep 1779February 8, 2024: What’s at stake in today’s watershed Supreme Court case

This morning, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a momentous case that could determine former President Donald Trump’s ballot eligibility — and, potentially, whether the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause bars him from a return to the White House. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza and legal editor James Romoser break down what to expect inside the courtroom.

Feb 8, 20249 min

Ep 1778February 7, 2024: Speaker Johnson takes two major Ls

House Republicans dramatically failed to both impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and pass the Israel aid bill last night, delivering two major blows to the party leader. Speaker Mike Johnson has vowed to reintroduce articles of impeachment, but with yet another failure during his brief tenure, Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains Republican members of the House are beginning to question whether he can guide the party through a very public implosion.All that, plus the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook editor Mike DeBonis interviews Playbook co-author Rachael Bade.

Feb 7, 202410 min

Ep 1777February 6, 2024: The Senate border deal is on life support

It took months of negotiations to craft the bipartisan border agreement that debuted Sunday night, and only a few hours for its fate to take a grim turn. Republican senators are continuing to come out of the woodwork to voice concerns that the deal isn’t tough enough on border security. But, as congress reporter and Inside Congress author Daniella Diaz tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza, there is no apparent Plan B. Plus, the all signs point to an impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, but the implications of that move aren’t entirely clear.

Feb 6, 20249 min

Ep 1776February 5, 2024: Inside the long-awaited border deal

Senate negotiators unveiled at the text of the bipartisan border agreement Sunday night, offering a compromise that would both tighten security at the U.S.-Mexico border and send air money to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. But whether the $118 billion agreement that came to be after months of negotiations even stands a chance is another question entirely, Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains.

Feb 5, 20247 min

Ep 1775February 2, 2024: Groundhog Day for the immigration bill

At this hour, virtually no one knows exactly what is or isn’t in the hotly anticipated bipartisan Senate border bill — legislative text could drop as soon as tonight. But it’s already dominating conversation in Washington and on the campaign trail. Former President Trump is eager to kill the deal and keep the border alive as a galvanizing election issue — and so far, House Republicans seem to be falling in line. But could the arrival of the actual proposal swing momentum in the other direction? Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza sits down with editor Mike DeBonis to walk through the possible paths forward.

Feb 2, 20248 min

Ep 1774February 1, 2024: What the new FEC reports tell us about 2024

What are the biggest takeaways from last night’s major new fundraising numbers? For starters, here are two: Democratic frontrunner President Joe Biden is in pretty good shape, and GOP frontrunner former president Donald Trump is spending an unprecedented amount on legal fees. Campaign reporter Zach Montellaro joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to walk through more key findings, and what these totals can tell us about the shape of things in the year ahead.

Feb 1, 20247 min

Ep 1773January 31, 2024: Your primer on today's big tech hearing

CEOs from five of the world’s biggest social media companies head to Capitol Hill today to face a grilling about the safety of children on their platforms. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg — a hearing veteran — will be joined by leaders from X, Snap, Discord, and TikTok during the appearance. Politico Tech host Steven Overly talks with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels. Plus, the House's Homeland Security Committee is moving closer toward an impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas, and the latest on the border deal. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews Politico Tech host Steven Overly.

Jan 31, 20248 min

Ep 1772January 30, 2024: What we know about the drone strike at Tower 22

President Joe Biden has vowed the U.S. will respond to the weekend drone attack of three U.S. troops in Jordan, but what will that look like exactly? And, does this mean the country is at war with Iran — or at the very least, an Iran-backed militia group? Pentagon reporter Lara Seligman walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through the details. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews Pentagon reporter Lara Seligman.

Jan 30, 20249 min

Ep 1771January 29, 2024: Washington reacts to U.S. troop deaths in Jordan

After three U.S. troops were killed and 25 more were wounded in a drone attack in Jordan, President Joe Biden vowed a response and Senators Lindsey Graham and John Cornyn echoed a call for retaliation. Plus, over the weekend, House Republicans unveiled articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Finally, Legal Editor James Romoser walks Playbook co-author Rachael through this week in Trump trial watch. An earlier version of this episode referred to the verdict in the Carroll lawsuit inconsistently. The jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million.

Jan 29, 20245 min

Ep 1770January 26, 2024: Will Republicans kill their border deal to placate Trump?

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Republicans demanded a border deal in order to pass any Ukraine aid. And they’ve just about got one. But if Donald Trump gets his way, Republicans will abandon that effort and the bill will go down in flames. Congress reporter Ursula Perano joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to talk through the bizarre politics on the Hill that are leading some Republicans to ditch the deal they helped broker — and what Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell really thinks about it.

Jan 26, 20249 min

Ep 1769January 25, 2024: What will it take to pass the new bipartisan tax bill?

When it was unveiled, the bipartisan tax deal brokered by Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) seemed like a layup — it expanded the child tax credit (a Dem priority) while offering relief to businesses (a GOP priority). But now, in the cold spotlight of simple congressional vote-counting, it faces a very real challenge: border politics. Can it actually pass? Tax policy reporter Ben Guggenheim walks Playbook co-author Rachael Bade through what has to happen to make it through the Congress.

Jan 25, 20248 min

Ep 1768January 24, 2024: New Hampshire likely cements the 2024 race

A victory in the granite state for former President Donald Trump effectively ended Nikki Haley’s shot at the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. But the former governor of South Carolina announced Tuesday she will continue the fight in her home state, even though she is expected to lose by an even larger margin there. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, handily — and, as expected— won the New Hampshire write-in campaign, upsetting Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips who hedged much of his campaign’s bets on success in the state. The biggest takeaway from the night, as Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza tells Eugene Daniels, is that all signs point to a repeat of the 2020 race.

Jan 24, 202412 min

Ep 1767January 23, 2024: New Hampshire's looking like a sleepy primary

Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade and Ryan Lizza talk about what Ryan's been experiencing on the ground in New Hampshire, where Donald Trump currently has a double digit polling lead over Nikki Haley. Plus everything else you need to know today.

Jan 23, 20248 min

Ep 1766January 22, 2024: Inside the DeSantis drop

After vowing to stay in the race despite a disappointing second place finish in Iowa, Gov. Ron DeSantis made a 180-degree turn and ended his turbulent campaign Sunday. Florida reporter Gary Fineout talks to Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels about the failure to launch and whether we'll see DeSantis as a surrogate. Plus, POLITICO legal editor James Romoser breaks down what you need to watch for in Donald Trump trial news this week.

Jan 22, 202412 min

Ep 1765January 19, 2024: One weird trick that could save a border deal

With Senate negotiators expected to unveil a bipartisan border deal any day now, the chatter on Capitol Hill has turned to one elephantine obstacle: How to get this thing past the GOP-led House. The answer may just be… Democratic votes. And that could be a problem for Speaker Mike Johnson, especially as Donald Trump and the party’s right flank aren’t eager to support a border compromise — potentially dooming Johnson’s speakership. But now, a new scenario is gaining steam: If that happens, might Democrats actually help keep the gavel in the Louisianan’s hands? Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through the possibilities.

Jan 19, 20248 min

Ep 1764January 18, 2024: The complex balancing act of a Ukraine-border compromise

With a partial government shutdown just days away, a clutch of top government officials — including President Joe Biden and House Speaker Mike Johnson — met yesterday to negotiate a potential spending deal. But before any deal gets finalized, they must reach a compromise on two big issues: border security (a priority for the GOP) and aid to Ukraine (a priority for Biden). So, what, if anything, changed in the meeting? And what’s the state of play today? White House reporter Myah Ward shares her readout with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews White House reporter Myah Ward.

Jan 18, 20249 min

Ep 1763January 17, 2024: Inside the SCOTUS case that could change policymaking power

The Supreme Court will take up Chevron deference on Wednesday, a principle related to how much consideration judges must give to federal agency regulations and other executive branch decisions that stems from a Reagan-era environmental regulation. Energy reporter Alex Guillén tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza that the fact the court is even taking it up signals that a change in the 40 year-old rule seems likely. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews energy reporter Alex Guillén.

Jan 17, 20246 min