The Playbook Podcast

Mia McCarthy, a Congress reporter who covers Capitol Hill negotiations, breaks down the looming DHS funding crunch. She walks through Democratic demands for ICE reforms, GOP resistance over mask bans, and the slim odds of a deal before the Feb. 13 deadline. Brief looks at whether the White House or private meetings might shift talks and why this fight feels painfully familiar.

They dig into Kevin Warsh’s résumé and whether his establishment past fits with demands for political loyalty. They debate who influenced the pick and what it means for Fed independence. They cover a new short-term government funding fix and the ticking clock to another DHS lapse. There is also a segment on bipartisan moves to curb China’s hold on critical minerals and a cheerful zoo update.

A tense White House meeting between Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump and whether it resets or frays relations. How U.S. strategy in the Western Hemisphere and recent regional operations shape high stakes. Shifts in White House optics, less public diplomacy and more quiet behind-the-scenes negotiations. Intense talks and political maneuvering over immigration policy and funding in Congress.

They break down a sudden partial government shutdown and why lawmakers expect a quick fix. They explain how a one-seat margin makes the Speaker’s job precarious and map the procedural hurdles ahead. They debate Democrats’ demands for ICE reforms and the political risks of a prolonged standoff. They also cover Trump’s latest legacy projects and a surprising cultural play involving Melania.

Thom Tillis, Republican U.S. Senator from North Carolina and former management consultant, speaks bluntly about leadership and strategy in today’s GOP. He demands accountability after Minnesota shootings. He criticizes advisers' competence, warns that tariffs and messaging could cost November, and urges a return to business-friendly, limited-government approaches.

They unpack the imminent Fed chair decision and the narrowed shortlist fueling speculation. Markets and Fed independence concerns get attention as yields and reactions are tracked. Tariff threats and pressure on neighboring countries over oil shipments are explored. Capitol Hill funding fights and negotiations over immigration enforcement funding are also discussed.

Mia McCarthy, Capitol Hill reporter for POLITICO and author of the Inside Congress newsletter, walks through the fight over DHS funding after a fatal Minnesota shooting. Short takes cover shifting Democratic demands, GOP resistance and the White House role. She also previews procedural votes, shutdown odds, and key political players influencing the standoff.

A look at how recent violent incidents are reshaping political messaging on immigration. Tension within one party over border enforcement and surprising PR problems for federal agents. Debate over whether the other party should prioritize the economy or make immigration central. Possible practical policy fixes and the election and foreign-policy stakes tied to migration.

They unpack the White House changing tactics in Minnesota after a deadly shooting and the decision to bring in a steadier law enforcement figure. They contrast confrontational optics with a lower-key approach and explore political risks for Republicans on immigration messaging. They also preview a national tour focused on affordability and touch on renewed Iran tensions.

They discuss conflicting accounts and political fallout from a recent Minnesota shooting involving federal agents. They cover how the incident is affecting immigration funding fights and calls for investigations. They also talk about a winter storm tightening Congress’s timeline and its ripple effects on telework, prices, and government shutdown risks.