Mike DeBonis

In this discussion, Mike DeBonis, POLITICO's Senior Congress editor, and Sophia Cai, West Wing Playbook co-author, dive into Trump’s fast-paced governance and its implications for the GOP. They analyze the challenges Speaker Mike Johnson faces with budget negotiations under pressure. The conversation also touches on Trump’s upcoming congressional address and his confrontational tactics in U.S. foreign relations. Additionally, they explore the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party and the complexities of diplomatic strategies influenced by Trump.

Mike DeBonis, Senior Congress editor at POLITICO, provides an insider's view of the tumultuous journey of the GOP's massive reconciliation package. The bill's drastic makeover in the Senate could complicate voting in the House and impact Trump’s agenda significantly. They discuss the frantic preparations House members face and the political fallout from budgetary changes, particularly regarding ICE funding and potential Medicaid cuts. The implications for the upcoming elections are dire, making for a riveting conversation about the future of American politics.

Mike DeBonis, Senior Congressional Editor at POLITICO, joins to dissect the challenging landscape of a narrow Republican House majority. He dives into the complexities of budget reconciliation and how Trump's unclear preferences impact legislative strategies. The conversation highlights crucial policy areas such as tax, energy, and border security, revealing the contrasting approaches of House and Senate Republicans. DeBonis also examines the need for results-oriented strategies, hinting at impactful future meetings that could shape the political landscape.

Meridith McGraw, a national political correspondent for POLITICO and author of "Trump in Exile," teams up with Mike DeBonis, Playbook editor at POLITICO, to dissect the nuances of a potential second Trump term. They discuss who might fill Trump's cabinet, the evolving GOP leadership, and how Democrats will strategize after their recent losses. The conversation touches on the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party, the rise of the America First Policy Institute, and how Trump's policy priorities may clash with a new political landscape.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President, joins Jonathan Lemire, White House Bureau Chief, and Mike DeBonis, Playbook editor, to discuss President Biden's crucial UNGA address. They highlight Biden's goals to enhance his foreign policy legacy and support Harris's campaign amidst global issues like the Ukraine invasion. The conversation also delves into the complexities of U.S. diplomacy, the impacts of domestic politics on international relations, and the challenges facing Biden's agenda leading up to the election.