The Playbook Podcast

President Joe Biden's entire agenda appears to be in jeopardy amid Democratic infighting over how to proceed on infrastructure. That’s a sweeping statement, and it’s possible this all gets sorted out for Democrats after a frenzied Monday in the Senate. But the party ended the day with things looking pretty grim. In short, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is getting squeezed by both ends of his conference. Raghu Manavalan is the host of POLITICO's Playbook.Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Senior Democrats were telling us Sunday night they think the White House is actually considering the trillion-dollar bipartisan infrastructure deal floated by 10 centrist senators Friday. First, however, they need to see if their own members can swallow it. Raghu Manavalan is the host of POLITICO's Playbook.Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

When we talk to European diplomats and officials, they all say the same thing — the Biden presidency is a “sigh of relief” after the “near-death experience” of Trump. This week we checked in with the former U.S. ambassador to the EU, Anthony Gardner, about Biden’s first foreign trip. Raghu Manavalan is the host of POLITICO's Playbook.Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

VP Kamala Harris' trip to Guatemala and Mexico — like just about every foreign trip by a president or VP — was a mix of policy and politics. On the policy, her aides, her allies and those in the immigration advocacy space tell us she did what she was supposed to do. On the politics, they admit her performance could have been smoother. Raghu Manavalan is the host of POLITICO's Playbook.Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

In Washington, relationships come and go. In a quick succession of phone calls on Tuesday, Joe Biden exited negotiations with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and started them with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Could a compromise on infrastructure be on the way? Raghu Manavalan is the host of POLITICO's Playbook.Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

A host of Black and civil rights leaders will visit Sen. Joe Manchin to discuss voting rights this morning — two days after the West Virginia moderate announced his opposition to Democrats’ top legislative priority on the matter, the For the People Act (aka H.R. 1/S. 1). Those who know Manchin tell us the senator’s mind isn’t exactly open to persuasion as he heads into this meeting, so, we asked some of the participants how they plan to approach it. Here’s what we heard back. Raghu Manavalan is the host of POLITICO's Playbook.Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

We interrupt infrastructure summer to bring you two weeks of foreign policy-focused events — a show of force, then a showdown with Putin. Raghu Manavalan is the host of POLITICO's Playbook.Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

If you thought President Joe Biden’s offer to keep the corporate tax rate at 21% might yield a breakthrough on infrastructure…not so much. Raghu Manavalan is the new host of POLITICO's Playbook Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Here's what Playbook was able to learn about Shelley Moore Capito's one-on-one meeting with President Joe Biden over a possible infrastructure deal. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

A century after the Tulsa Race Massacre, President Joe Biden will head to Tulsa today to offer words of healing, once again donning his hat as sympathizer-in-chief. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Senate Republicans are gearing up to initiate their first filibuster of the Biden administration. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

They’ll never say it publicly. But Republicans in Washington are dreading Donald Trump’s return to the stump, predicting his rallies will cause a major headache for the party as it mounts a bid to take back Congress in 2022. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

After news broke last night that Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance has convened a special grand jury to decide whether to indict former President Donald Trump or execs at his company, Playbook checked in with Trump world to get their take on the latest news. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

George Floyd was murdered one year ago today. President Joe Biden wanted to use that grim marker as a deadline for Congress to pass a police reform bill. But with no bill in sight Biden has instead invited Floyd’s family to the Oval Office. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

The clock is ticking on two self-imposed deadlines set by President Joe Biden: passing a police reform act and reaching a bipartisan deal on infrastructure. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

With a vast number of Republicans still not vaccinated, you’d think the White House would accept all the help it can get from celebrities and influencers who speak to that demographic. But when Megan McCain, the conservative co-host of ABC’s daytime ratings-driver “The View,” personally reached out to offer her help, she got crickets in response. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

On Wednesday night, it seemed like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be heeding President Joe Biden's call for a cease-fire. Now it's not so clear. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

On most issues, the younger rising progressive wing of the Democratic Party has found President Joe Biden, despite his age, to be an ally — someone who ran as a centrist but has been willing to move left across a range of issues, such as climate, racial justice and government spending. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Playbook has counted 10 recent tweets from Stephen Miller — a figure reviled by the left for creating Donald Trump's Muslim ban and his child separation policy — in support of Andrew Yang's bid to become New York City's next mayor. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

We’ve frequently used the term “civil war” to describe what’s going on in the Republican Party. But what if that’s the wrong way to think about it? Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Law enforcement officials in Palm Beach County, Fla., have actively prepared for the possibility that Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance could indict former President Donald Trump while he’s at Mar-a-Lago, according to two high-ranking county officials involved in planning sessions. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

This morning, House Republicans will likely boot one of their own from leadership for the first time in years, sacrificing Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney at the altar of former President Donald Trump. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

We’re t-minus one day ’til Rep. Liz Cheney gets the boot from GOP leadership. And as we enter that crazy news cycle, it’s important to remember that this is about one man’s ambitions: Rep. Kevin McCarthy and his hunger to take the speakership. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

There's good reason to think that the upcoming to vote to oust Rep. Liz Cheney is starting a fight, not ending one. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Ron DeSantis is looking ahead to reelection next year and quite possibly a 2024 bid for president — but he’s left behind a trail of former disgruntled staffers and has no long-standing political machine to mount a national campaign, DeSantis vets say. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Liz Cheney is not fighting to hold onto her job as House GOP conference chair. New information emerges about the McCarthy-Luntz housing arrangement. And, President Joe Biden visits Louisiana. Nirmal Mulaikal is a host-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Facebook’s oversight board is deciding today whether to allow former President Donald Trump back. Trump launches a new communications platform. And the battle over Rep. Liz Cheney within the GOP continues as a new challenger emerges. Nirmal Mulaikal is a host-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

The NRCC laid out who Republicans might be targeting in 2022. Tucker Carlson attacks House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy again. And, the White House announces a new refugee cap. Nirmal Mulaikal is a host-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Donald Trump had some wins this weekend — further signs he is cementing his grip on the GOP and exacting revenge on those Republicans who supported his impeachment. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and 37 GOP senators will call on the Education Department today to stop a proposed rule that invokes the 1619 Project — the latest turn in the culture wars. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

President Joe Biden's first 100 days have been defined by a blitz of government expansion — some $6 trillion worth of actual and proposed spending. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

President Joe Biden is backing down from a fight with two of Washington’s most powerful trade groups: the pharmaceutical industry and the health insurance lobby. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Some of you will quibble that Fox News host Tucker Carlson lost it long ago. But as careful students of his evening show, we’ve noticed that Carlson has gradually become more unhinged in recent weeks. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

With President Joe Biden set to unveil his trillion-dollar-plus “American Families Plan” before a joint session of Congress Wednesday night, he’s under intense pressure from Democratic constituencies who want their priorities included — and even better, highlighted in the speech. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin made waves when he endorsed Republican colleague and friend Sen. Susan Collins for reelection in 2020. Now he’s making more in Playbook Deep Dive, a new weekly podcast launching this morning. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris promised the Floyd family and the nation that the verdict was just a first step. But it’s now in Congress’ hands, not exactly a confidence-inspiring group for people hoping to see reform. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

SPOTTED: Nikki Haley in Miami, meeting with Mayor Francis Suarez at City Hall. Here's what you need to know for today. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Get ready for a big two weeks from the Biden administration: bipartisan infrastructure talks today, a major Covid and vaccine update speech from President Joe Biden on Wednesday, and a two-day climate summit starting on Earth Day this Thursday when Biden will announce America’s 2030 emissions target. Here's what you need to know. Olivia Reingold is an editor-producer for POLITICO Audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Democrats are already playing furious musical chairs to score one of the precious few seats at Biden’s joint address — and we're told the situation is downright contentious.

Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are some of the most influential Democrats in the entire party, but they’re more rivals than allies. Plus: Republicans have a counteroffer in the works to Biden's $2 trillion-plus infrastructure-jobs plan.

“It’s a f---ing nightmare," says one staffer working for members of the G-10. Plus: votes in Congress today on reparations and confronting the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Five of the top Democratic polling firms have joined forces to try to explain, once and for all, what went wrong in 2020 — when they predicted victories for the party up and down the ballot that never materialized.

The wife of the late Sen. John McCain would be the administration’s first Republican appointee to a Senate-confirmed position. Plus: The Senate is barreling toward the first possible legislative filibuster of 2021.

Playbook Deep Dive is a new weekly podcast from Politico — for the stories that seem stranger-than-fiction, but are all too real. Underneath all the theater, backstabbing and strategy in D.C. are colorful characters and real life consequences. You know those stories that stop you in your tracks? That's what we're going to tell each week. Featuring Playbook authors, reporters from all across the Politico newsroom, and characters from all over D.C. Launching April 23.

Activists are stepping up their SCOTUS calls today, saying Justice Stephen Breyer should help reinvigorate the court the way only he can — by resigning. Plus: It's Budget Day on the Hill. Here's what you need to know.

Here's what to expect from Biden's long-awaited announcement today on guns. Plus: GOP donors are fretting over Trump’s influence as they descend on Palm Beach.

An extremely D.C. fight is breaking out over a question that’s about to dominate politics: What is infrastructure?

One fewer thorn in Cheney's side in Washington doesn't necessarily change her political fortunes in Wyoming. Plus: The Senate parliamentarian just changed the game for Biden's first-year agenda.

What happens in the next few weeks to Biden’s $2 trillion-plus spending plan could determine the course of his first two years in office. And so far, all signs are pointing to a second reconciliation bill.