The Playbook Podcast

Vice President Kamala Harris spent the weekend interviewing at least three candidates to be her running mate. Her campaign said a decision will come by Tuesday, when she will also appear publicly with her pick, kicking off a seven state tour. National politics reporter Elena Schneider talks with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels about the political pros and cons of the options remaining.

In a matter of days, Kamala Harris will officially announce her running mate. But ahead of the unveiling, speculation is rampant in Washington about who she’ll pick and why. National politics correspondent Adam Wren walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through Harris’ VP shortlist and what each of them brings to the table — or not.

If former President Donald Trump wanted to steal back the spotlight after a week of the attention being on VP Kamala Harris, he did that. But it seems likely to backfire in a major way. Yesterday, Trump used an appearance at the NABJ conference to launch a new battery of attacks aimed at Harris’ racial identity — and specifically at the fact that she is both Black and Indian-American. Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels discuss that — and break a bit of news about Harris’ VP search.

On Tuesday, the Heritage Foundation confirmed that Paul Dans, the director of the contentious 2025 Presidential Transition Project, or Project 2025, is stepping down. However, Dans’ departure does not mean the project is shutting down. National politics correspondent Meridith McGraw chats with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza about how this shakeup will play out during the final few months until the election. Plus, when to expect Harris' VP announcement, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Democrats have been on cloud nine for the past week since President Joe Biden announced his decision not to run for re-election. However, Republicans have shifted their focus and sharpened their strategy for attacking Harris. The Trump campaign is going live with its first TV ad attacking Harris in swing states today. They will blame the crisis at the US-Mexico border on Harris, the Biden administration's so-called "border czar." Will it be enough to dampen the electric momentum surrounding the vice president? Playbook co-author Rachael Bade looks into it. In addition, a bipartisan expansion of the child tax credit is up for a vote today, and it is expected to be defeated by Republicans. How will this play with Republicans' family value-centric identity?

President Joe Biden may not be running for reelection, but that does not mean he intends to be invisible during his lame duck period. Today, Biden is expected to present a proposal to significantly reform the Supreme Court, which included imposing term limits on justices. Biden's decision marks a significant departure from his longstanding reluctance to change the court. White House Correspondent Adam Cancryn joins Playbook editor Mike DeBonis to break down what this all means. Plus, what we know about how the presidential race is shaping one week after Biden's departure from it, and two events around the world that could have large implications for the U.S. That, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

The struggle is real. Ever since Kamala Harris emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee, Donald Trump’s allies have struggled to land on a consistent line of attack against the VP. The result? A gusher of insults aimed at Harris’ identity rather than her policies. Can the rhetoric be reined in? Breaking news reporter Irie Sentner joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to explore. Plus, Harris receives an official endorsement from the Obamas, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Last night, President Joe Biden gave a rare Oval Office speech to mark an even more rare occurrence: A president who is eligible for another term choosing not to run for reelection. While at times forward-looking — as when he reiterated his support for VP Kamala Harris — the address was, on its face, an attempt at legacy building. Biden checked off a list of his accomplishments, and framed his overall decision as being taken in the defense of democracy — which, he said, was “more important than any title.” But his remarks also provided a reminder of the same performance concerns that led to calls for him to step aside. What comes next? White House correspondent Eli Stokols joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to unpack it all.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday afternoon. However, the recent shakeup in the presidential race has overshadowed what would normally be Washington's biggest story. A vocal few lawmakers have stated that they will not attend the address, and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris will also not attend due to a prior commitment. So what should we expect from the speech, and from the Prime Minister's meetings with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump later in the week? National Security Daily author Matt Berg joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to offer some insight. Plus, what we know about Biden's Oval Office address this evening. That, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

Kamala Harris has received enough commitments to move closer to clinching the Democratic presidential nomination. When Harris previously ran for the Democratic nomination, her record was criticized for being insufficiently progressive. But this time around, that characterization could actually give her an advantage. Former prosecutor and current senior writer for Politico Magazine, Ankush Khardori, joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss. Plus, the latest on who will attend the meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

For the first time in over 50 years, a sitting president eligible for a second term has opted to forgo reelection. After weeks of speculation, the president announced on Sunday that he would withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. According to reports, the decision caught not only Democratic politicians off guard, but also members of Biden's campaign and White House staff. And with less than a month until the Democratic National Convention, many details must be worked out as the dust settles. Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade, Eugene Daniels, and Ryan Lizza break it all down.

On Thursday night, Donald Trump gave the longest televised acceptance speech ever, and while the crowd was initially locked in, it later grew restless. The news elephant in the room for many reporters was actually President Biden, as speculation continues to increase about when — and if — he steps down from the ticket. Playbook co-authors Ryan Lizza, Eugene Daniels, and Rachael Bade share their takes after the speech, what they're hearing about Biden from sources, and try to go find steak.

J.D. Vance officially accepted his party’s nomination for vice president Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention. To unpack how Vance's speech played in the room — and the split screen as speculation around Biden grew Wednesday — Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza is joined by Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels and national political correspondent Adam Wren.

Day two of the 2024 Republican National Convention was informally about the runners-up. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis were two of the notable speakers. Each pledged their full support for the Trump/Vance ticket, urging even those who don't see eye-to-eye with the former president on every single issue to follow suit. But is the message of unity merely a facade? Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza and Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin caught up with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-T.X.), the 2016 runner-up, to ask just that, and more.

Roughly halfway through the first day of the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump announced that had chosen J.D. Vance, a junior senator from Ohio, as his running mate. But of course although the announcement was one of the biggest and arguably most important moments of the election cycle, it was overshadowed by the biggest elephant in the room: Trump's attempted assassination over the weekend. The former president isn't scheduled to speak until Thursday, but his appearance Monday—with a large bandage on his ear—was unquestionably the highlight of the day. Olivia Beavers sat down with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza in Milwaukee last night to unpack that and the rest of the highlights from the day.

The Republican National Convention begins today, with former President Donald Trump expected to address attendees on Thursday. But all expectations of what that moment would hold were shattered when a 20-year-old gunman opened fire on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. National politics correspondent Meridith McGraw joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels from Milwaukee to talk about how the extraordinary incident will effect the convention.

It was almost certainly the most important press conference of President Joe Biden’s long career. And now that it’s done … well, things seem even more unclear than they were before. Democrats now find themselves in a sort of purgatory while their ultimate fate remains undetermined. Was it enough to silence the naysayers? Probably not. But it also wasn’t bad enough to swell their ranks, either. Where do things head from here? White House reporter Myah Ward — who was in the room during Biden’s presser — talks it through with Playbook co-author Rachael Bade.

What’s driving the day today is what’s been driving the day: Joe Biden’s health and whether he’s going to stay in the race. Recently, the Biden campaign has begun calling delegates, in what politics bureau chief and senior political columnist Jonathan Martin calls an unprecedented sign of the times. He talks about it with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels.

A Tuesday meeting with Hill Democrats left many who initially expressed concerns after the debate two weeks ago reluctantly falling in line with Biden or saying nothing at all. Though the dam appears to be holding behind the president for now, will it stay strong? What will happen if Biden stumbles again before the Democratic National Convention next month? Congressional reporter Nicholas Wu joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to break it all down.

Over the next few days, the spotlight on Joe Biden will only sharpen as the president attends this year’s NATO summit in Washington. His first big test will be a major address today commemorating the 75th anniversary of the organization. Whether a strong performance there — and at a Thursday news conference — can calm the nerves of Democrats still shaken by a shoddy debate performance is another thing entirely. White House correspondent Adam Cancryn joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to walk through what's happening with the Democratic debate over calling for Biden to step aside. Plus, what we’re watching out of Biden’s ultra secure meeting with House Democrats this morning, and all the rest of the news you need to know today.

Congress returns today after time off for the Fourth of July, but it is the forthcoming presidential election that is the only thing anyone is talking about. More and more Democrats are coming out of the woodwork to suggest President Joe Biden step aside and pass the baton to another candidate to run in November. But who, if anyone, actually has influence over the decision? Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through what she is watching.

Nearly a week after the disastrous presidential debate, more Democrats are going on the record to suggest President Biden step aside and let another candidate be the nominee for president in 2024. After prominent Democrats called questions about Biden’s mental acuity “valid,” a cascade of other voices echoed the sentiment. But that introduces a potentially more complicated question: if not Biden, who? Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels take stock of the Democratic disarray.

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that Donald Trump has immunity from criminal prosecution for some actions he took as president while fighting to subvert the 2020 election, further complicating efforts to put Trump on trial in Washington on criminal charges. The decision immediately deflated some of the central allegations that special counsel Jack Smith leveled against Trump. Plus, what does this indicate for the powers a President has? Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza and Ankush Khardori — former federal prosecutor at the Department of Justice and now senior writer for Politico Magazine — break down the details.

The fallout from last week's presidential debate continues. Over the weekend, it was reported that the Biden family gathered to discuss whether the president should remain in the race. His family is said to have encouraged him to see it through. But, despite nobody publicly coming forward to encourage him to drop out, others in the Democratic Party are indicating that they aren’t so sure that is the best approach. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade has the inside scoop. Plus, all eyes are on the Supreme Court, which is set to rule today on whether former President Trump has immunity from criminal prosecution.

President Joe Biden’s campaign gambled on a June debate, ostensibly with the goal of shaking up the trajectory of the campaign. Last night, it backfired in spectacular fashion. Over the course of a disastrous 90 minutes, the incumbent often wandered into incoherence, his voice faint, while former President Donald Trump blasted a firehose of insults and untruths. Now, with word that prominent Dems are in crisis mode, could we be approaching virtually unforeseen political territory? Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade, Ryan Lizza and Eugene Daniels unpack what we saw and where things go from here.

It’s the day that members of both major parties have been waiting for with excitement and/or dread. Tonight in Atlanta, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will take to the debate stage for their first debate of the 2024 cycle. Could this be a make-or-break moment for the candidates? How are both candidates angling to get under one another’s skin? What is realistically at stake? White House reporter Lauren Egan joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to tell us what to watch for — and what she’s expecting to see in the spin room.

The Supreme Court is slated to deliver rulings on roughly a dozen cases in the coming days—its last batch of this term. Among these is Trump v. United States, which will rule on whether the former president is immune from criminal prosecution over his bid to subvert the 2020 election. Also expected in this wave of decisions is a ruling on Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce, which may spell the end of the controversial so-called Chevron doctrine. Senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss the cases and what—if anything—can be predicted about the rulings. Plus, the biggest takeaways from Tuesday's primary elections.

It is primary day in the Empire State, and one of the buzziest races of the day involves Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16). In the only public polls out, Bowman appears to be trailing his opponent, George Latimer, by a whopping 17 points. As New York Playbook co-author Emily Ngo explains, it is the issues at hand in the race—namely, a divide surrounding Israel and Gaza, a microcosm of the Democratic Party at large—that are perhaps the most interesting thing about the race. She joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss it and what else she is watching. Plus, Julian Assange is a free man, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Groups including Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and Reproductive Freedom for All are banding together to form Abortion Access Now, an alliance focused on restoring protections for abortion care on the federal level. The new coalition is marking the second anniversary of the fall of Roe v. Wade with a pledge to spend $100 million on a national, 10-year campaign. But the coalition is finding fractures within the Democratic Party about how to best proceed with protecting abortion. Health care reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through what to know about her scoop. Plus what we're watching during Tuesday's primary elections out West. That, plus all the rest of the news you need to know today.

Today begins a momentous three days of hearings in Trump’s classified documents case in the Florida courtroom of Judge Aileen Cannon. In an alternate timeline, the criminal prosecution — which was originally slated to start on May 20 — is already underway. But in the real world, Cannon has postponed proceedings indefinitely — and it’s likely that, pending what happens today, Monday and Tuesday, they won’t begin at all in 2024. Senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss. Plus, after an enormous wave of donations triggered by his conviction in New York, Trump has all but erased Joe Biden’s cash advantage in the presidential race. All that and the rest of the news you need to know today.

It could happen today. It could happen tomorrow. And you can count on it happening next week, too. The Supreme Court has 22 remaining cases left on the docket, and with time ticking down on this term, the floodgates are about to open. From abortion restrictions to Trump’s claims of presidential immunity in his bid to subvert the 2020 election, to social media censorship, to a decision that could gut the regulatory state, the decisions that remain could have a sweeping impact on American life. Senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein sits down with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to walk through some of the key cases and what pros should watch for.

Twelve years after former President Barack Obama passed DACA, and just a few weeks after President Joe Biden announced a harsh crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border, Biden is slated to make a major announcement today that takes the opposite approach. The parole-in-place program will allow the spouses of U.S. citizens who have lived in the country for at least 10 years to obtain work permits. A second policy will make certain DACA recipients and dreamers eligible for work visas and expedite the process of obtaining them. Will it strike a much-needed balance for the Biden campaign as it continues to struggle with immigration as a campaign issue? White House reporter Myah Ward joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss. Plus, the primary races to watch in Virginia and Oklahoma, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

The Republican National Convention is less than one month away, which means we are less than one month from knowing who presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will choose for his running mate. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), and Gov. Doug Burgum (R-N.D.) are among those speculated to be near the top of the list for the job, but each candidate comes with his or her own advantages and disadvantages. National politics correspondent Meridith McGraw joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss. Plus, the Biden campaign is going after Trump for his recent felony convictions to the tune of a $50 million ad campaign, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

At the G7 meetings in Italy, many of the conversations revolve around two men: One who’s there (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy), and one who isn’t (Donald Trump). Though much of President Joe Biden’s agenda at the summit is occupied by reasserting American support for Ukraine, the specter of the 2024 elections is never far from the center of attention. White House correspondent Adam Cancryn is in Italy and joins the pod to discuss it all with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels. Plus, Donald Trump gives Milwaukee the Baltimore treatment, and all the rest of the news you need to know today.

Former President Donald Trump is visiting Capitol Hill today, where he is set to meet with members of both chambers. Yes, there’ll be chatter about a 2025 agenda and an attempt to rally Republican support for his campaign. But behind the scenes, there’s tension as the GOP’s slim House majority is making it hard for Speaker Mike Johnson to deliver for Trump — whether the issue is impeaching Joe Biden, defunding Jack Smith or kneecapping prosecutors investigating the former president. Congress reporter Anthony Adragna joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss all that and more. All of that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

On Tuesday, Hunter Biden was convicted on all three charges he faced in a Delaware court over an unlawful gun purchase. The result was not necessarily a surprise for the Biden camp, though insiders say it is taking a tremendous personal toll on the president. But could the conviction actually benefit Biden politically? White House bureau chief Jonathan Lemire joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss. Plus, the biggest takeaways from Tuesday's elections around the country. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

It’s Tuesday, and that means another day of primaries. Races to watch today include South Carolina Republican Nancy Mace facing a primary challenger backed by ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the race to fill outgoing North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum’s seat, races in Nevada and Ohio and more. Plus, the bribery trial for Senator Bob Menendez heats up in New Jersey. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

In a sharp blow to PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel’s war cabinet, resigned his post this weekend in protest of the lack of a plan to win the peace in Gaza. While the move — which came with a call for new elections — is unlikely to force Netanyahu from power, Gantz’s departure has significant implications for both Israel and the U.S. Foreign affairs correspondent and columnist Nahal Toosi joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to walk through what you need to know. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris shifts her focus, and former President Donald Trump upstages his own policy announcement with remarks about the Jan. 6 attackers during his first post-conviction rally.

In the week since former President Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felonies, his campaign has been flooded with a jaw-dropping amount of cash. Aiming to keep up that momentum, Trump is currently in California for a $500,000-per-couple fundraiser with some of the nation’s wealthiest donors. Will it be enough to overtake the Biden campaign’s much touted cash advantage? National politics correspondent Meridith McGraw joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to discuss. Plus, what you need to know about President Joe Biden’s meeting today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and why Kyiv met Biden’s D-Day speech with skepticism.

Black voters have long been the backbone of the Democratic Party. But this year, MAGA is betting it can win over enough Black voters to make a real difference in November. As prominent Black Republicans including Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) make entreaties to Black voters in key states, political correspondent Brakkton Booker joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade break down the nuances of this mission — and where it might come up short.

Hunter Biden’s trial over an unlawful gun purchase is underway in Wilmington, Delaware. The jury (and four alternates) was assembled quickly, and the president’s son is already facing the heat. POLITICO Magazine opinion columnist and former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori was in the courthouse Tuesday. He tells Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels that the scene has already been defined by the government’s key witness: Hunter’s own words from his memoir. Plus, Democrats are butting heads over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's forthcoming visit to Washington, even though it doesn't have a set date yet. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

President Joe Biden is expected to sign a long-awaited executive order today that would allow him to halt crossings at the border after a certain threshold of people is reached. But will the move actually do anything to resolve the crisis at the border? Some immigration policy experts say no. White House reporter Myah Ward joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to talk it through.Plus, Attorney General Merrick Garland will testify before the House Judiciary Committee this morning in what is expected to be a fiery encounter. All that and the rest of the news you need to know today.

The trial of President Joe Biden’s son Hunter over an unlawful gun purchase begins today in Wilmington. The event won’t just shine a light on the younger Biden’s tumultuous relationship with the law, but on the perhaps even more complicated structures of the Biden family. Both Hunter’s ex-wife and the widow of his brother Beau—with whom he had a relationship after Beau’s death—could be called to the witness stand.Plus, lawmakers on Capitol Hill and the campaign trail are reacting to former President Donald Trump’s 34 felony convictions and a big shakeup at the Washington Post. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

On Thursday afternoon, a Manhattan trial of his peers found former President Donald Trump guilty on all charges of falsifying business records. The jury deliberated for two days. Shortly after the verdict was announced, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza sat down with senior writer and columnist for Politico Magazine (and former federal prosecutor) Ankush Khardori and senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney. They unpack how the prosecution prevailed, how the defense botched it, and what—if any—effect this will have on Trump’s life and political future.

Jury deliberations in Trump's hush money case started yesterday, and already there have been a number of interesting developments. Twice during the day, jurors sent notes to the judge. The first asked to review segments of testimony that came out during the trial; the second asked the judge to rehash jury instructions. What, if anything, can this tell us about a possible verdict? Legal editor James Romoser offers Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels some insight. Plus, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris make a rare double-appearance in Philadelphia to emphasize the importance of the Black vote, and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s flag fiasco is only getting more complicated. All of that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Jury deliberations for former President Donald Trump's hush money case begin today. Yesterday, attorneys on both sides laid out their closing arguments in what was a nearly 12-hour day in court. But New York isn’t the only place Trump is making legal headlines. In Florida, yet another snafu involving Judge Aileen Cannon is making the likelihood of that trial taking place before the election slimmer and slimmer. Senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to recount what he saw in the courthouse Tuesday and what to expect in the coming days.

As the end of former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial looms, his future has come into question. Should a jury decide to convict Trump, there are a number of different punishment options on the table. He could, of course, be sentenced to jail time. But, what would that look like? And what else could Judge Juan Merchan have the former president and presumptive GOP nominee do? National correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to offer some insight. Plus, some Democrats are voicing fears about the Biden campaign’s approach to the 2024 election, and how will President Biden respond to Israel’s deadly attack on a refugee camp in Rafah? All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Donald Trump held a large rally in the South Bronx in New York City last night, attended by a diverse array of people — a far cry from the typical MAGA rally crowd. National politics correspondent Meridith McGraw, who was present at the rally, tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza about how Trump tailored his message to the Big Apple audience. And just as interesting, she explains, is what he left unsaid. Plus, inside the U.S.’s plan for a “prominent post-war” role in Gaza, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Today’s legislative theme is voter fraud — or “fraud,” as the case may be. The GOP House majority is gearing up for two votes today aimed at blocking non-citizens from voting — with one vote centering on the District of Columbia and the other taking effect nationwide. Democrats are steamed, both because it’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, and because they see in this effort the groundwork for a 2024 reprise of Trump’s “Stop the Steal” push to sow doubt about the rightful outcomes of elections. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains it all. Plus, what’s driving Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to enter the fray and put himself forward as the next GOP leader? All that, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

For the first time since 2008, the president of Kenya will make a visit today, where he is set to receive the whole nine yards of special treatment. There are a few reasons for this: Kenya is celebrating 50 years of independence, and it has become an emerging tech hub. But there is also the fact that President Biden promised to visit the country and has yet to stay true to his word. Will that cast a certain light on the whole event? Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels joins Playbook editor Mike DeBonis to weigh in. Plus, the Trump defense team rested their case yesterday, but it looks like court won’t adjourn by the end of the week after all. All that, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.