

The Playbook Podcast
POLITICO
POLITICO’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns bring their fresh insight, analysis and reporting to the biggest story driving the day in the nation’s capital.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 20, 2017 • 2min
July 20, 2017
Senator John McCain, a significant figure in U.S. politics known for his dedication and resilience, opens up about his battle with brain cancer. Meanwhile, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions candidly discusses the fallout from President Trump’s harsh criticism regarding loyalty and performance. The conversation also delves into the ongoing struggles of Republican lawmakers with health care and a pivotal decision by Trump impacting CIA operations in Syria. A blend of personal and political challenges makes for a compelling listen.

Jul 19, 2017 • 3min
July 19, 2017
The White House is shifting focus towards tax reform and infrastructure. There's a tension-filled analysis of President Trump's recent conversation with Vladimir Putin. The ongoing fallout from the Senate GOP's struggle to repeal Obamacare is also highlighted, revealing how it impacts political strategies. Join the discussion on Washington's evolving political landscape and the complications of diplomacy.

Jul 18, 2017 • 3min
July 18, 2017
The struggle to repeal Obamacare takes center stage as Republicans face significant hurdles. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's tactics are under scrutiny, shedding light on the complexities of Washington politics. Meanwhile, the podcast explores President Trump's responses and the broader implications for his legislative agenda, including healthcare and tax reform challenges.

Jul 17, 2017 • 3min
July 17, 2017
The health of Senator McCain could derail Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare, causing significant delays. Meanwhile, President Trump is stirring conversations by engaging with Senator Flake’s challengers. Security clearance controversies surrounding Jared Kushner come to light, raising questions about transparency. Public sentiment on the economy is also explored, reflecting evolving opinions on the Trump administration's effectiveness.

Jul 14, 2017 • 4min
Bonus Briefing #5: The year ahead
Anna, a strategist for Playbook's future, and Jake, a key player in event previews, dive into exciting developments ahead. They discuss the expansion of Playbook into six states and Brussels, bringing fresh perspectives to political discourse. The duo also teases a new book focused on Capitol Hill and upcoming events aimed at engaging audiences across multiple cities. Listeners can look forward to a London playbook, enriching the conversation in a vibrant political environment.

Jul 14, 2017 • 3min
July 14, 2017
Dive into the turmoil facing Senate Republicans as they grapple with repealing Obamacare amidst internal dissent. President Trump's tenacious tweets fuel the health care debate while his immigration stance continues to shift. Meanwhile, tensions bubble within Trump's legal team, marked by internal conflicts and a threatening email from a lawyer. As investigations into Russia loom large, the podcast also offers a glimpse into the intrigue of Washington's social circles.

Jul 13, 2017 • 3min
Bonus Briefing #4: Meet the Playbook team
Zach, the producer for Playbook, joins Jake and Anna to unveil the inner workings of crafting impactful news. They delve into the chaos of the news cycle, sharing humorous personal anecdotes about balancing work and sleep. The discussion takes a heartfelt turn as they reflect on campaign coverage and the anticipation of parenthood. Zach expresses excitement for upcoming campaign features while acknowledging the crucial support from Playbook readers, setting the scene for future news developments.

Jul 13, 2017 • 3min
July 13, 2017
The ongoing battle over health care takes center stage as Senate moderates push back against Medicaid cuts, jeopardizing the GOP's plans. Meanwhile, political fallout from Donald Trump Jr.'s scandal looms large. Senators Warren and Manchin ramp up their fundraising efforts, raising questions about the upcoming elections. Plus, discussions around military authorization add another layer of complexity to the political landscape.

Jul 12, 2017 • 3min
Bonus Briefing #3: The Playbook interview
Join the hosts as they dive into a retrospective of their impactful interview series. They highlight key conversations with influential figures in politics and business. Hear insights on how these discussions have shaped public understanding of current events. The duo sets the stage for future interviews, promising more enlightening exchanges ahead.

Jul 12, 2017 • 4min
July 12, 2017
The Senate is gearing up for a busy August, focusing on their legislative agenda amid the chaos of the White House. Tensions rise as Donald Trump Jr.'s emails spark controversy and internal struggles within the administration come to light. Republican leaders express frustration over a lack of transparency, particularly relating to Russia. Health care discussions continue to be a hot topic, with Mitch McConnell facing significant challenges in pushing forward the bill amidst mounting opposition.


