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The Playbook Podcast
POLITICO
POLITICO’s Dasha Burns bring her fresh insight, analysis and reporting to the stories driving the day in the nation’s capital. She will be joined by her fellow co-authors and journalists from across POLITICO — available, as always, in audio and video formats each morning.
- 2,331 episodes
- Updated Today
Episodes2331
- TPYesterday · 57 min
Rahm Emanuel makes his 2028 pitch over pizza in Chicago | On the Road
Rahm Emanuel joins POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at Michael's Original Pizzeria on Chicago's North Side for a wide-ranging conversation about his political future, the Democratic Party's identity crisis and why he's seriously considering a run for president in 2028. The former Chicago mayor, Obama chief of staff and U.S. ambassador to Japan reflects on the biggest mistakes of both parties, argues Democrats need to win back the political center, weighs in on Israel, China and Donald Trump, and explains why he believes America is at a political turning point. Plus: Chicago tavern-style pizza, growing up on the North Side and the childhood experience that still drives Emanuel today.
- TPFriday · 14 min
Shapiro shoots his shot
LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers made headlines last week, but behind-the-scenes, Gov. Josh Shapiro lobbied for the deal. Is Shapiro making a political play for male voters disillusioned with the Democratic party? Meanwhile, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out of a crowded Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, so who's leading the charge? And a preview from POLITICO’s podcast, The Conversation, where Dasha Burns sits down with the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPThursday · 13 min
How Michigan is shaping the Democratic Party
Establishment Democrats are wringing their hands as candidates of the insurgent left, like Abdul El-Sayed, take center stage in Michigan. Meanwhile, what we're taking away from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate vote yesterday. And Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general is hanging on by a thread. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPWednesday · 13 min
Pulte’s work isn’t done
The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the next director of national intelligence last night, but current acting director Bill Pulte hopes to delay the hand-off. Either way, expect to see more of Pulte, who has become “bros” with President Trump. Meanwhile, after glowing reports on Trump’s meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Washington is watching for what comes next. And a familiar pandemic-era face returns to the nation's capital today. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPTuesday · 14 min
Trump to meet with Netanyahu and Zelenskyy
Power players convene today in the nation’s capital to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Attendees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who both will be meeting with Trump. Meanwhile, Laura Loomer is on a mission to dig up dirt on fellow conservative influencers, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman makes his way to the White House to discuss Trump’s June AI executive order. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPMonday · 15 min
Thune is in the hot seat
President Donald Trump is pushing for polarizing legislation to be folded into a budget resolution. But will Senate Majority Leader John Thune even bring the resolution to the floor? Meanwhile, there's a long list of other items on the Senate's agenda as it heads into crunch time before its August recess. And the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's funeral is brining foreign leaders—including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—to Washington, teeing up high-stakes conversations on the wars in Iran and Ukraine. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPJuly 26 · 42 min
The California AG trying to stop Hollywood’s biggest merger (with Rob Bonta) | The Conversation
California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins Dasha to explain why he’s trying to block Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, and defends California’s antitrust agenda. He also weighs in on AI regulation, election security and why says his office will keep suing President Trump whenever it believes the law has been broken. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
- TPJuly 24 · 11 min
White House Correspondents’ Dinner 2.0
This weekend kicks off with take-two of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, but this time around expect higher tensions and fewer attendees in the room. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee is debating which states will vote first in the 2028 presidential primaries. And Maine Democrats prepare to nominate their Graham Platner replacement for a critical Senate race just months before the midterms. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPJuly 23 · 14 min
Johnson stalls AOC momentum
As Congress races toward the August recess, one bipartisan bill is glaringly missing from the House agenda. The Defiance Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, passed the Senate unanimously, so what’s the hold up in the House? Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs on Canada. Are they a key negotiating chip or a political liability headed towards the midterms? For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPJuly 22 · 15 min
Trump's Iran trap
Anxiety over the war in Iran ripples across Trump’s orbit as some GOP operatives warn that the White House is caught in an “escalation trap” ahead of the midterms. Meanwhile, MAGA Inc., the megadonor-funded super PAC, sits on a $400 million war chest. But when will Republican candidates get access to this bounty? And on Capitol Hill, Trump is seeing some victories as Congressional allies prioritize war funding and the SAVE America Act, but key hurdles lie ahead. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPJuly 21 · 13 min
Trump has three priorities. Congress isn’t one.
It’s kitchen sink week on Capitol Hill as House Speaker Mike Johnson rushes to schedule votes on key issues like a CR and the NDAA before lawmakers leave for August recess. But with no recent legislative wins, how will Congress members stump in their districts ahead of the midterms? Meanwhile in the Grand Canyon state, Republicans are attempting to bridge the divide between hard-liner politicians and a more moderate voter base. And filings for Sen. Lindsey Graham’s replacement open today, with Darline Graham already in the mix. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPJuly 20 · 12 min
AOC isn’t ruling out 2028 presidential bid
AOC hit the campaign trail in Michigan over the weekend alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders. She’s rallying for Abdul El-Sayed in his race against Congresswoman Haley Stevens, but is there subtext of an AOC 2028 bid? Meanwhile, the Vance-Rubio succession race is getting spicier. Polls show Vance at the forefront, but there’s only one poll that matters in the White House: President Trump’s. And, how the new Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” became the latest site of the culture wars. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPJuly 19 · 44 min
The populist Democrat taking on his own party (with Abdul El-Sayed) | The Conversation
Abdul El-Sayed – the progressive former public health official running for the Democratic nomination in Michigan's open Senate seat – joins Dasha to explain why he believes "both parties are lying" to working Americans, unleashes on the ‘hypocrisy’ of the Democratic establishment, and defends his record on “Defund the Police,” ICE, socialism and more. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
- TPJuly 18 · 54 min
A GOP power trio look to Teddy Roosevelt for America's next 250 years | On The Road
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Gov. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) join POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at the Little Missouri Saloon in Medora for a conversation about the newly opened Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, why the Badlands helped shape one of America's most consequential presidents and how they're betting the landmark will transform North Dakota. They also discuss President Donald Trump's agenda, the future of the GOP, the politics of conservation and why they believe Theodore Roosevelt's legacy still offers lessons for America as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday.
- TPJuly 17 · 12 min
Trump raises election doubts, again
Last night, President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address focused on newly declassified documents that he argued cast doubt on the integrity of the 2020 election. But the documents don't appear to substantiate his longstanding claims that the election was stolen. So why deliver this speech now, and who was the real audience? Plus, a preview of our conversation with one of Washington's buzziest figures: Abdul El-Sayed. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPJuly 16 · 17 min
What to expect from Trump’s address
President Trump is slated to make a primetime address this evening at 9 pm E.T. He's dropped breadcrumbs all week that he’ll focus on election integrity and the SAVE America Act. But will he actually stick to the script? Meanwhile Republicans grapple with the fallout after two ICE-involved shootings in less than a week. Plus, it’s day two of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing, where we can expect outside testimony from Epstein survivors. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TPJuly 15 · 15 min
Todd Blanche faces the Senate Judiciary Committee
Senate Republicans face a series of high-stakes decisions that rival last year's One Big Beautiful Bill. At the top of today’s agenda — acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee. We’ll give you a preview of his testimony. Meanwhile President Trump dropped hints about tomorrow's national address, where he’s expected to return to a familiar message on the SAVE America Act. Plus, the latest on the war with no end in sight as Trump ramps up aggression towards Iran. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TP
July 14 · 13 minIs the Democratic establishment clapping back?
The Michigan primary isn’t for another few weeks, but the Democratic establishment is already putting their thumb on the scale, throwing support behind Rep. Haley Stevens. Her rival, Abdul El-Sayed, is showing strength of his own, reporting more than $4.5 million raised in the second quarter. What does the race say about the Democratic Party's establishment-versus-insurgent divide? Meanwhile, President Trump notified lawmakers that the U.S. is at war with Iran, again. What would the late Sen. Lindsey Graham make of Trump’s increasingly hawkish posture? For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
- TP
July 13 · 14 minThe succession race after Lindsey Graham’s death
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died over the weekend at the age of 71. He served more than three decades on the Hill, was the president’s Senate whisperer, and played a key role on the world stage. So, what happens next with his vacant seat in South Carolina – and how are insiders in Washington responding to this moment? Plus, everything else you need to jump-start your day – from renewed strikes on Iran to Congress’ first day back in session. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook