The Playbook Podcast

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

At the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Secretary General Mark Rutte joins Dasha to discuss NATO's historic defense spending overhaul, Russia's war in Ukraine, Greenland, President Trump's demands of the alliance, and whether NATO can withstand growing questions about America's future role in European security. Plus, POLITICO’s diplomatic correspondent Felicia Schwartz and defense reporter Jack Detsch give their takeaways from the summit.  Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

The U.S.-Iran ceasefire is “over.” But how are Republicans responding to these renewed strikes and what does this all mean for the midterms? Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on the bipartisan Housing bill. The question on everyone’s mind: will Trump sign it? Plus, an update on the saga unfolding in Maine as Democrats scramble to find their next Senate nominee.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

In a video statement, Graham Platner announced that he is suspending his campaign for the U.S. Maine Senate race. Since the aftermath of POLITICO’s report on sexual assault allegations against Platner, Maine Democrats tentatively approved a nominating convention to identify their replacement, and a band of hopefuls are already raising their hands. So who is vying for the Democratic nomination, and what does this moment say about the future of the Democratic Party?  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

The political fallout continues after POLITICO's reporting on sexual assault allegations against Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. On this episode, host Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Myah Ward get into what this means for Democrats as they head into a highly contested seat for the 2026 midterms. Meanwhile, President Trump is still at the NATO summit where he’s been bashing against allies on all fronts. Trump is expected to hold a press conference from Turkey later this morning.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

A woman who dated Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner has accused him of sexual assault, in reporting exclusive to POLITICO. Platner denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious, and false." Today on the Playbook Podcast, host Jack Blanchard in conversation with the reporters who broke the allegation explores what this all means for Platner, the Democrats, and the battle for the United State Senate.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Donald Trump heads to Turkey for the NATO summit, where there’s plenty of questions about defense spend, Ukraine, and the future of Greenland. POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly gives us the rundown on what she’s looking out for this summit.  Plus, the Qatari-gifted jet serving as Air Force One makes its first international trip. And in an extraordinary twist ahead of tonight's World Cup U.S.-Belgium match, FIFA reversed U.S. star Folarin Balogun's suspension after Trump urged the organization to review the decision.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

As America marks 250 years since its founding, award-winning documentarian Ken Burns joins Dasha to reflect on what history can teach us about this political moment. In this wide-ranging interview, Burns discusses what lawmakers misunderstand about the founding of our nation, what George Washington would think of Donald Trump, and whether the American experiment can survive the next chapter. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

What does MAGA make of the Democratic Party's insurgent wing? POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly shares insights from her interview with former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release their jobs report this morning. The White House is hoping for a boost in data, but will that matter if the numbers don’t square up with consumer sentiment? Plus, a very special July 4th weekend lies ahead. So how did America 250 get so political?  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

Results from the Rockies have rolled in, and it’s another big night for the insurgent Democratic candidates. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court wrapped up its term with major rulings, so what do they mean for the midterm elections? And, once again, a handful of hardliner Republicans froze the house floor, leading to several canceled votes and an early two-week recess for lawmakers.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver end-of-term decisions for several high-profile cases including birthright citizenship, state bans on transgender athletes in women's sports, and campaign finance limits. Meanwhile, Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are in Qatar today for technical talks about the MOU with Iran and the contested Strait of Hormuz. Plus, a preview of Colorado's primary as Trump makes familiar attacks on the left.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

Colorado voters head to the Primary polls on Tuesday. And there's one big question Democrats are wondering nationally: what's next for insurgent candidates? Meanwhile, the U.S. and Iran agree to another ceasefire. Will this one last longer than the last ? And after a week filled with surprises, can the Republicans finally get some business done in the House this week ahead of the Fourth of July? Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Dasha sits down with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki for a wide-ranging conversation on NATO, Russia's war in Ukraine, Iran and the future of America's relationships with allies around the world.  Stubb, who has developed an unusually close personal relationship with Donald Trump, discusses how he approaches the president behind closed doors, why he believes Ukraine has the upper hand in the war against Russia and how he remains confident in NATO's future. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

House Speaker Mike Johnson patches things up with Trump after the president canceled the signing of a bipartisan housing bill on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Democrats of all ilk prepare for the Colorado primaries next week, where newcomer Melat Kiros challenges Rep. Diana DeGette. And a sneak peek at how Gov. Wes Moore is complicating Trump’s 250th anniversary narrative with his own event on Independence Day.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Is the roof collapsing on the Democratic Party? The New York primaries are fueling questions around where the party is headed as insurgent candidates gain ground. Meanwhile, after President Trump refused to sign the bipartisan housing bill into law, House Speaker Mike Johnson gears up for an afternoon meeting with the president. And it’s SCOTUS decision day ... again. The high court could issue major rulings on birthright citizenship, mail-in voting, and other closely watched cases.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Playbook Podcast host Jack Blanchard and POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly sit down for a primary postmortem. It’s a big win for Democratic Socialists – so what do New York’s results reveal about the Democratic establishment? At the same time, even everyone wants to be a political outsider, big money still packs a punch. Plus, Trump’s off to a jam-packed day that captures the chaos on the Hill right now.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

It’s primary day, again. On this episode of the Playbook Podcast host Jack Blanchard sits down with POLITICO Albany bureau chief Nick Riesman to get the scoop on what’s moving in the Empire state. President Trump and New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani are both testing their political clout amid a rising tide of populist candidates. Plus, the Kennedy factor, AI's growing role in campaigns, and what the results could mean for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

NATO Chief Mark Rutte heads to Washington to meet with President Trump as tensions simmer over defense spending. Meanwhile, Iran negotiations had a shaky start on Sunday after Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Trump’s continued threats against Tehran. And the White House is weighing the future of AI regulation as talks with Anthropic continue over safeguards for this rapidly advancing technology.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Jack Schlossberg joins Dasha to talk about his campaign for New York’s 12th congressional district, his viral online persona and why he thinks Democrats need to be more “controversial” in the Trump era.  Schlossberg discusses what he says Democrats got wrong in 2024, why he believes attention is political power, how the party can reach young male voters, and why he sees himself as part of a new generation trying to change Democratic politics. He also weighs in on his Kennedy family legacy, RFK Jr., Israel and Gaza, impeachment, super PAC spending, and why he says he has “no regrets” about anything he’s posted online. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

The G7 summit has wrapped and Trump signed the Iran MOU at the Palace of Versailles — yes, that Versailles. Politico’s Myah Ward was on the ground at the G7 all week and shares how much Iran and the U.S. dominated conversation at the summit. Plus, not all Republicans are  happy with the MOU and some are pointing blame at JD Vance for a bad deal. And across the Atlantic, Britain may get its seventh prime minister in a decade. 

President Donald Trump is expected to speak later this morning, likely touting the Iran agreement. This comes after Bloomberg published an unconfirmed draft of the memorandum that raises some serious questions. Later today, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh will preside over his first Open Market Committee meeting, where news will likely paint a less than peachy vision of high inflation rates. Speaking of peaches, Georgia’s runoff results mean a Rep. Mike Collins v. Sen. Jon Ossoff showdown come November. And finally, Jay Clayton heads to a confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, less than a week after lawmakers formally received his nomination to serve as director of national intelligence. Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

In Georgia’s Republican primary runoff, will Trump’s endorsement of Rep. Mike Collins secure his GOP nomination in a high-stakes bid to unseat Sen. Jon Ossoff? Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom is accusing Trump of weaponizing the DOJ to investigate him and his wife. Plus, ten years after Hillbilly Elegy launched his public rise, Vice President JD Vance is back with a new book, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith. Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

President Donald Trump heads to the G7 Summit in France today after reaching a peace agreement with Iran last night. But what is in the deal, and is it worth the paper it's written on? Amid these geopolitical developments, a media spectacle on the South Lawn as Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with the White House’s first ever UFC match.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

At POLITICO’s Energy Summit, Dasha presses EPA administrator Lee Zeldin on rising gas prices, the war in Iran, Trump’s energy dominance agenda, coal, AI data centers, and whether the EPA has a responsibility to address climate change. Zeldin defends his approach, arguing that the EPA can protect the environment while growing the economy and rejects the idea that his agency should lead the fight against climate change – unless Congress tells him to. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

TACOs are back. President Trump announced yesterday that he will nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, to be the next director of national intelligence. This comes after pushback on the Hill to acting director Bill Pulte, a top Trump housing official. Meanwhile, just hours after declaring strikes on Iran for a third night in a row, Trump canceled the attacks, citing a breakthrough in negotiations. Is a deal within reach, or is this just another twist in a long-running standoff? Plus, the G7 Summit kicks off on Monday – and U.S. and European leaders alike are setting a low bar for success.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

Tumult stirs in the White House as an increasingly frustrated President Trump tightens his inner circle. Abroad, another night of U.S. strikes on Iran is testing whether Trump's long-promised path to a peace deal remains viable. Plus, beneath the surface of the FIFA World Cup inaugural games, tensions grow between Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

Voters in Maine have decided: controversy-plagued Democrat Graham Platner will face Sen. Susan Collins in the fall. Meanwhile in South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham defeated MAGA challenger Mark Lynch, avoiding a runoff election. And with a key inflation report due later this morning, Morning Money newsletter author Sam Sutton joins the Playbook Podcast to preview the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers and what they could mean for voters.  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/  ➤ Instagram:  / politico       ➤ Facebook:  / politico    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

Voters head to the polls in Maine's primary, where Democrats are watching to see whether controversies surrounding Graham Platner will derail his political future. In South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial race, it’s another test of Trump’s influence in a crowded field. Will Trump-endorsed Lt. Governor Pamela Evette cross the finish line? Plus, First Lady Melania Trump welcomes student finalists to the White House for the Presidential AI Challenge.

Sunday marked 100 days of the Iran war with no deal reached. Iran launched a new wave of missiles at Israel overnight and then Israel struck back. Trump is pressing both sides toward negotiations. Plus, the Senate's FISA renewal is at risk after Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence — the act expires Friday. And Maine's primary is Tuesday, with Democrat senate candidate Graham Platner facing controversy heading into the vote.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of crypto, the growing political influence of the industry, and his vision for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.  Plus, he responds to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s recent attack, after Dimon called him “full of s--t,” and explains why he’s still “a little perplexed” by the personal animosity. Have feedback for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

The Bidens are back in the spotlight after tensions briefly flared between loyalist Andrew Bates and Jill Biden over her new  memoir. Out west, California's primary results are rolling in, revealing a trademark California story: Democrat-on-Democrat showdowns. And with another round of allegations surrounding Graham Platner, do personal scandals still have political consequences?

Trump nominates Todd Blanche as attorney general—but can he actually get confirmed? Plus, oil industry executives are warning the White House of a potential energy price spike in mid-to-late June as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. And in Congress, vote-a-rama gets underway in the Senate, but as of late, but White House curveballs keep complicating things for Republicans.

Iowa delivered the biggest surprise of the 2026 primary cycle as a Trump-backed candidate, Randy Feenstra, lost for the first time, while Chuck Schumer's Senate pick, Josh Turek, won comfortably. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns dive into all the results from Iowa and New Jersey, and try to make sense of Bill Pulte's sudden move from housing chief to acting Director of National Intelligence.

Six states vote today, with California's governor's race taking center stage. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns discuss the unexpected rise of Xavier Becerra, whether a Republican makes the final ballot, and why Spencer Pratt is somehow in contention for LA mayor. Plus, Marco Rubio and Acting AG Todd Blanche both face tough questioning on the Hill.

Congress returns from recess with several unresolved items on the agenda. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns walk through the stalled immigration spending bill, an upcoming war powers vote, and the mood among some Republican senators following the Texas primary. Then, a Democratic Senate primary in Iowa tomorrow and what it signals about Chuck Schumer’s role as a Democratic leader. Plus: the latest on Iran negotiations, which remain at a standstill.

Every week on this show, Dasha Burns talks to the most compelling and sometimes unexpected power players in Washington and beyond. But for this special first anniversary episode, she turned the microphone over to you … our listeners.  “How do you prepare for high-stakes interviews?”  “Why has Washington left Gen Z behind?” “How has covering politics changed you?”  Dasha answers your burning questions, weighing in on everything from the most interesting under-the-radar character at the White House to why her news diet is a “hot mess.”   Have feedback for “The Conversation?” Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Angelo’s Pizzeria, a South Philly institution, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Democratic party, rising cynicism in American politics and the growing speculation around his political future in 2028.

Adam Wren shares his reporting from Mackinac Island where Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary is emerging as an early preview of 2028 fault lines. Plus, new inflation data and fresh Politico polling show voters remain sour on the economy. And former AG Pam Bondi heads to the Hill for a closed-door meeting on the Epstein investigation.

Divisions inside the White House over AI regulation explain why Trump pulled a major executive order at the last minute. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns talk about the competing factions and what comes next. Plus, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent takes his turn at the briefing room podium as new inflation data arrives. And Jill Biden's memoir is already stirring up Democratic frustration ahead of its release next week.

Ken Paxton defeats John Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary — and Democrats couldn't be happier. But Paxton will face Democrat James Talarico come November, and that means a lot of campaign money will have to be raised between now and then. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren get into all of this and more about the Lone Star state.

Primary runoff day in Texas is here.  Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns discuss what Trump's last-minute endorsement of Ken Paxton means for John Cornyn — and for the Senate's already fragile Republican majority. Plus: the U.S. launches fresh strikes in the Strait of Hormuz while insisting the ceasefire holds, and NASA announces plans for a moon base by 2028.

Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna joins Dasha Burns on “The Conversation” to discuss whether the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran could pull American attention and weapons away from Kyiv, the state of Ukraine-Russia peace talks and why President Trump and Volodmyr Zelenskyy’s once-rocky relationship has become “iconic.” Have feedback for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Baltimore’s iconic Koco's Pub for a wide-ranging conversation about redistricting, the future of the Democratic party and how his military service shaped his views on patriotism, race and America’s role in the world.    Moore also opens up about Donald Trump, Joe Biden’s decision to stay in the presidential race too long, Kamala Harris’ future and why Democrats can’t spend years “studying” voters’ frustrations instead of fixing them.

The DNC's nearly 200-page 2024 campaign autopsy is out — and Democrats are more upset about what's missing than what's in it. Playbook's Dasha Burns and Adam Wren get into it all. Plus, Congress fled town without finishing reconciliation. Then Dasha shares highlights from her interview with Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna on the state of the war and what Ukraine needs from Washington.

Vote-a-rama could get underway in the Senate today on the Republicans’ second reconciliation bill. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns dig into Republican anxiety over Trump's ballroom, the $1.7B "weaponization" fund, the Iran war's rising costs, and what the CIA director's Havana trip really means. And how the Democrats could use all this for their midterm messaging.

Thomas Massie is ousted in Kentucky, and more Trump-backed candidates from Alabama to Georgia take the win. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren discuss whether Trump’s grip can last through the midterms Plus, Democrats had a big night in Pennsylvania — and somehow, everyone in DC is already talking about 2028.