PODCAST · news
The Playbook Podcast
by 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.
Episodes
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The new Trump of Florida?
Republicans are drawing an unlikely comparison between Democratic Florida Senate nominee Angie Nixon and President Donald Trump. What does Nixon’s appeal reveal about the state of Florida politics — and the Democratic Party’s struggle to win there? Then the other stories animating Washington…
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America’s Heartland sows doubt in the GOP
America’s Breadbasket needs bread. Soaring diesel prices and fertilizer costs are putting the squeeze on farmers who voted for President Donald Trump, prompting some to rethink their Republican loyalties. Then the other stories animating Washington: Jon Husted’s backside becomes an unlikely...
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The GOP has a midterm messaging problem. Ramaswamy isn’t helping.
Vivek Ramaswamy’s new attack ad on Democratic opponent Amy Acton has ignited a firestorm in Ohio. The backlash points to a much bigger problem for Republicans: finding a closing message that connects with voters. Then the other stories animating Washington: President Donald Trump sidesteps...
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Democrats’ Musk-ask questions
Elon Musk isn’t on the ballot, but he’s once again becoming a central figure in the midterms. Democrats hoping to reclaim the House majority are already signaling that he’ll be a major target of congressional oversight if they win. Then the other stories animating Washington: Sen. Thom Tillis has…
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Ohio returns as a bellwether
Ohio could be a bellwether for the future of a GOP-controlled Senate. In the final weeks toward the midterm, can Republicans shore up their red walls in states like Ohio and Iowa before they crumble? Then the other stories animating Washington: Abdul El-Sayed hits back at ‘Muslim Brotherhood’...
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Inside the democratic socialists’ plan to shake up Congress | The Conversation
Democratic socialists Melat Kiros and Darializa Avila Chevalier each defeated a longtime Democratic incumbent to win their deep-blue primaries. They’re among a handful of Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates who scored surprise victories this election season. Now they’re poised to...
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Abdul El-Sayed's ‘new coalition’
In the final weeks toward the midterms, can Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed earn favor from some Black and Jewish voters who have felt skeptical of his campaign? Then the other stories animating Washington: Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries faces a potential revolt from new progressive candidates...
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Susie’s turn
President Trump is privately calling allies, soliciting their opinions about his once untouchable chief of staff, Susie Wiles. Playbook has exclusive reporting on sharks circling around Wiles – and the names Trump is floating to possibly take her place. Then the other stories animating…
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Republicans privately brace for House defeat
Top Republicans are quietly preparing for a midterm wipeout, shifting resources to save the Senate. Then the other stories animating Washington: new White House press secretary Katie Zacharia has a shaky start, more Republicans are breaking with Trump ahead of the midterms, and Keke Palmer asks...
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Are Dems too confident?
Three weeks out from the midterms and Democrats in some of the most competitive races are walking tall towards Election Day. Purple state candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Chris Pappas are touting what they see as easy wins, but how far will their confidence take them? Then the other stories...
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Walking the Trump tightrope (with Byron Donalds) | The Conversation
Dasha sits down with Rep. Byron Donalds, the Florida Republican nominee for governor, for a special midterms edition of the show. As Republicans face headwinds over affordability and rising costs tied to the war with Iran, Donalds explains how he can support President Trump while still…
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The Battle for Black voters
Rep. Byron Donalds is making a play for Black voters in a new ad shared exclusively with POLITICO. What does his campaign tell us about the battle for Black voters this midterm election — and what are Democrats doing to win this voting bloc back? Then the other stories animating Washington: James...
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Knives out on MAGA Inc.
Knives are out for MAGA Inc.’s top two globetrotting advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair. Does this open the duo to take the fall if a blue wave materializes in November? Then the other stories animating Washington: Marco Rubio sounds presidential in Athens, despite saying he doesn’t have...
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Trump’s Latino coalition cracked
Republicans appear on the verge of losing the Latino voter coalition that helped carry President Donald Trump in 2024. But that doesn’t mean they’re embracing Democrats. Then the other stories animating Washington: several tech companies fund Trump’s effort to accelerate AI, Abdul El-Sayed taps...
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It’s 2026. Still Obama’s Party.
Nearly a decade after leaving the White House, Barack Obama is still one of the Democratic Party’s most powerful political assets. Then the other stories animating Washington: Open AI CEO Sam Altman faces heat after his POLITICO interview, a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia has U.S....
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Paxton's campaign control
In audio from a private meeting obtained by Playbook, Ken Paxton tells donors he’s never felt less in control of a campaign, as he trails Democrat James Talarico in Texas. Plus in other news: Sam Altman says he’d love to see less money in politics, even as AI money floods the midterms and Pete...
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Can this pastor flip a Senate seat in deep red Kansas? (with Adam Hamilton) | The Conversation
In this special midterms edition of “The Conversation with Dasha Burns,” Adam Hamilton, the pastor and Democratic candidate challenging Sen. Roger Marshall, sits down with Dasha at a campaign office in Kansas to discuss why he thinks the race is competitive – and why he believes a moderate,...
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The heartland’s ‘woke’ Democrat
A Democratic pastor running for Senate in Kansas says Kamala Harris should stay in California, told Chuck Schumer he is a liability and is taking the "woke" label head on. Playbook hears from Adam Hamilton and what his campaign could tell us about the Democrats' appeal to the heartland. Then the...
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Beshear’s red-state edge
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is making his case for 2028. Playbook speaks to the governor on why he thinks a red-state Democrat has a competitive edge and what sets him apart from potential Republican 2028-er, Vice President JD Vance. Then the other stories animating Washington: Sen. Eric Schmitt’s...
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Nevada’s 2028 high rollers
The race for governor in Nevada is an early proving ground for the Democratic Party’s next generation as 2028 hopefuls descend on the state. Then the other stories animating Washington: A Republican senator’s attempted gotcha of Jack Smith goes spectacularly sideways, Sherrod Brown has a new…
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Congress had the Squad. Soon it will have the Bloc.
The 2018 midterms had the Squad. Now, a new generation of progressive insurgents is already organizing its successor: “the Bloc.” But what happens when they run headlong into House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries? Then the other stories animating Washington: President Donald Trump heads to red...
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‘Front Row Joes’ take a backseat
"Front Row Joes" were some of President Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters, traveling across the country on his campaign trail. Now some are disillusioned with his presidency. We asked some of them why. Then the other stories animating Washington this morning: New polls show Abdul El-Sayed...
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Will Democrats finally win in Texas? (with Gina Hinojosa) | The Conversation
In this special midterms edition of “The Conversation with Dasha Burns,” Gina Hinojosa, the Democrat running for governor of Texas, sits down with Dasha at her campaign headquarters in Austin to talk about why she believes the race against Greg Abbott is newly competitive — and the lessons...
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Is this the Democrat who could win back the South? | On the Road
Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Mosca’s Restaurant for a wide-ranging conversation about President Trump, the future of the Democratic Party and whether he might run for president in 2028. Landrieu discusses why he believes Joe Biden should not have...
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Are Dems Choosin’ Texas?
Could the Lone Star State’s Senate race be the tipping point for Democrats? Playbook's Adam Wren and Megan Messerly take a deep dive into Texas politics. Then the other stories animating Washington: a new U.S. government-funded Trump TV ad is on the DC airwaves and Abdul El-Sayed signals a female...
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Republicans grab the fire extinguisher
Republicans brace themselves for a potential midterm blowout – while Democrats see a clearing in the smoke. One thing for certain, GOP candidates and their teams are forced to make some tough choices given the bleak road ahead. Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns, Will Steakin and Megan Messerly unpack...
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Xi gets the red carpet
President Donald Trump will roll out the literal red carpet this evening for President Xi Jinping, kicking of the Chinese leader’s three-day Washington stint with an AI-star-studded dinner. But what progress can the two world leaders actually make on AI? Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns, Megan…
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The GOP senator breaking with Trump on vaccines and AI (with Sen. Bill Cassidy) | The Conversation
This episode was originally published on Sunday, September 20. We re-published due to a platform issue. There are no changes to the content. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who lost his reelection bid to a Trump-endorsed challenger, joined Dasha to discuss the future of the Republican Party and…
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Trump scraps the GOP script
Six weeks before Republicans ask voters to reject socialism and communism, President Trump is spending the week embracing socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani and preparing to welcome China’s communist leader, Xi Jinping. Playbook’s Dasha Burns and Will Steakin break down the Republican reaction. Plus...
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Mike Waltz’s next moves
It’s U.N. General Assembly week and Mike Waltz is in the spotlight again. Is his role as U.S. ambassador a springboard to higher aspirations? POLITICO's senior foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi joins to discuss. Plus a source in the intelligence community is calling one of Ambassador Mike...
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Democrats’ P(doom)
AI is quickly becoming a 2028 litmus test for Democrats. Playbook spoke with some of the party’s potential presidential contenders grappling with the latest wave of AI doom. Then the other stories animating Washington: Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar sends a message to President Donald Trump and Sen....
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Decoding Decoded
The debate over AI safety took center stage at POLITICO’s Decoded Summit. Senior technology reporter Brendan Bordelon joins the podcast to unpack where top Trump AI adviser David Sacks draws the line on safety measures and how the tech industry is responding to Washington’s growing appetite for...
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A turning point on AI
Most Americans say there is a risk of AI destroying humanity – that's according to a new POLITICO Poll about public perception of AI. What does the data say about AI as a driving force in 2028? Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns and Adam Wren digest the other news animating Washington: President Trump’s...
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AI regulation’s strange bedfellows
Some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names are changing their tune on AI regulation and an unlikely alliance is joining the chorus. Among these strange bedfellows are Sen. Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon, who are both set to speak at a “pro-human” AI event today. POLITICO Congress tech reporter Owen...
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AI alarm bells are ringing. How will Washington respond?
Alarming warnings from the biggest players in artificial intelligence are sending Washington scrambling for answers. Can they catch up to the moment before AI moves to the next? Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns, Will Steakin and Ali Bianco dive into the other stories animating Washington: a packed...
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‘I'd rather they be American killer robots’ (with Sen. Ted Cruz) | The Conversation
Dasha sits down with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at the Republican midterms convention in Dallas to discuss President Trump’s tariffs, the economy and the GOP’s prospects in November. Cruz explains why Trump “changed” his views on trade, responds to the president’s proposed $5,000 dividend for…
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Spencer Cox on why Trump is the result — not the cause — of America’s crisis
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana for a wide-ranging conversation about his new book, “Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt,” and the forces driving America’s political divide. The Republican governor discusses political...
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Trump divides on dividends
President Donald Trump’s proposed dividend is splitting his own party and setting up an early test for Republicans eyeing 2028. So what’s the response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest play? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren speak with former POLITICO Magazine editor Garrett M. Graff…
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Trump’s Convention, Vance’s Moment
The Republican midterm convention in Dallas is a Trump show, but today, all eyes are on Vice President JD Vance as he takes the stage for his keynote address. What will Vance’s speech tell us about a potential 2028 bid? Plus, an exclusive interview with Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno. Then Playbook...
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Can Trump’s convention kickoff compete with the NFL?
POLITICO Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin shares highlights from his candid conversation with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. Then Playbook’s Will Steakin and Irie Sentner unpack Republican jitters over the GOP midterm convention, why political polling keeps missing the mark and an AI-generated ad…
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Why a Nebraska Senate candidate flipped on Trump’s border wall
Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn slammed President Donald Trump’s border wall after previously signaling support, according to leaked audio of a private meeting obtained by Playbook. What do Osborn’s remarks reveal about his strategy to appeal to voters across the political...
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‘What the hell is going on with the Democratic Party?’ (with Stephen A. Smith) | The Conversation
Stephen A. Smith is best known for sports commentary. But now, he’s weighing in on the direction of both political parties — and even considering a potential 2028 presidential run. In a wide-ranging conversation with Dasha, the outspoken analyst explains why he believes he could win the…
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Susan Collins on her high-wire act in Trump’s GOP | On the Road
Sen. Susan Collins joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Perry’s Lobster Shack in coastal Maine for a wide-ranging conversation about her reelection fight in the senate, President Trump’s second administration and the future of the Republican Party. The Maine Republican also discusses Canadian...
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The GOP’s fifth stage of grief
In a Friday roundup, White House reporter Sophia Cai and Playbook’s Ali Bianco unpack three stories animating Washington this morning. They break down what yesterday’s White House press briefing reveals about cracks in Trump’s coalition, the implications of a private phone call between President...
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Harris’ red state blues
Democrats campaigning in red states are divided on Kamala Harris – some going as far as to reject a Harris endorsement. So,what is the Harris strategy barreling ahead towards the midterms? Then polling and campaigns reporter Erin Doherty joins Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren to...
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Trump’s data center defense
President Donald Trump called data centers the “Golden Goose,” even as they hang like an albatross around the necks of Republicans facing a tough election season. So Playbook's Megan Messerly found out why. Later, Dasha Burns joins alongside JMart to discuss his latest excursion to Vacationland…
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Canada trade talks went cold. What happens next?
As the deadline for Canada’s retaliatory tariffs approaches, Playbook caught up with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on whether bilateral trade talks are still in the cards. Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns, Will Steakin and Megan Messerly dig into JD Vance’s take on data center...
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Bernie Sanders on what's next for Democrats
In a Playbook interview, Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks on Abdul El-Sayed's campaign, Hasan Piker and his political legacy. Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren and Will Steakin unpack what Sanders’ comments reveal about the midterms, the Democratic establishment and the road to 2028. Then the...
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The lesson Democrats could learn from MAGA | The Conversation
The 2026 midterms are taking shape, and the results could determine the future of both parties. Dasha sits down with her fellow Playbook co-authors Adam Wren and Will Steakin to examine what the primaries have revealed about Trump’s influence, the Republican coalition and the Democratic Party’s...
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An outsider Democrat taking on both parties in Iowa | On the Road
In an episode from another great Politico show, On the Road, Jonathan Martin sits down with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand at the Iowa State Fair to talk politics over a pork tenderloin and a deep-fried Twinkie. Sand, a Democrat running in a state that has shifted sharply to the right…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
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POLITICO
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Playbook Podcast have?
The Playbook Podcast currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Playbook Podcast about?
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.
How often does The Playbook Podcast release new episodes?
The Playbook Podcast releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to The Playbook Podcast?
You can listen to The Playbook Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Playbook Podcast?
The Playbook Podcast is created and hosted by POLITICO.
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