The Playbook Podcast

Vice President Kamala Harris, currently riding a wave of popularity and leading in national polls, joins national political reporter Natalie Allison to discuss the changing political landscape. They highlight Trump’s recent press conference strategies aimed at regaining momentum against Harris’s surge. The conversation dives into the dynamics of a potential Harris-Trump debate and Trump’s evasive responses to pressing voter concerns, painting a vivid picture of the current electoral battleground.

In this engaging discussion, Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, joins political experts Eli Stokols and Rachael Bade, along with political figure Tim Walz. They delve into Harris's strategic media avoidance tactics and how it plays into her campaign strategy amidst public scrutiny. The conversation touches on the delicate balance of progressive ideals versus broad voter appeal. Additionally, they unpack GOP attacks on Walz’s military record and the aggressive tactics used in modern political campaigning.

Vice President Kamala Harris introduces Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in a vibrant rally in Philadelphia. National political reporter Holly Otterbein shares insights on the enthusiastic crowd of 10,000 and Walz's strong performance. They discuss the strategic decision-making behind Harris's choice, emphasizing Walz's relatability to working-class voters. The conversation also highlights the potential impact of this ticket on Pennsylvania's political landscape and the strategic moves from Republican factions leading up to the election.

Meridith McGraw, a national political correspondent and author of 'Trump in Exile,' discusses Donald Trump's strategic maneuvers during his time away from the spotlight. She reveals how he plotted his return after the January 6 riots, leveraging his business moves and the launch of Truth Social. McGraw also highlights his unique campaign tactics, including ridiculing rivals like Ron DeSantis. Additionally, she touches on Vice President Kamala Harris's nomination and the dynamics of her upcoming VP selection.

Vice President Kamala Harris dives into the high-stakes decision of selecting her running mate, revealing that she interviewed three candidates over the weekend. National politics reporter Elena Schneider and Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels discuss the potential of Mark Kelly, an astronaut and advocate against gun violence, to attract voters. They also compare the different campaigning styles of the candidates and the evolving political dynamics as the election nears, emphasizing strategies to connect with Midwestern blue-collar voters.

Adam Wren, a national politics correspondent, teams up with Ryan Lizza, co-author of Playbook, to dissect Kamala Harris’ potential VP picks. They analyze frontrunners like Governor Josh Shapiro, weighing his appeal against controversies. Tim Walz brings a progressive edge from Minnesota, while Andy Beshear focuses on abortion rights in a conservative state. The duo also discusses Senator Mark Kelly's uniqueness and Pete Buttigieg’s communication prowess amidst political challenges.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who boasts both Black and Indian-American heritage, faces a barrage of racially charged attacks from former President Trump. Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels analyze the implications of Trump's remarks on race and identity in politics. They also reveal insights into Harris's search for a running mate, emphasizing the importance of shared values and leadership readiness. The conversation highlights the evolving political landscape and Harris's strategies for navigating challenges with key political allies.

Paul Dans, the director of the 2025 Presidential Transition Project, is stepping down, sparking discussions on the future of Project 2025. Meridith McGraw and Ryan Lizza delve into the implications of his departure, including rising tensions between Project 2025 and Trump’s campaign. They explore how this shakeup will affect political strategies as the election approaches, while also speculating about Kamala Harris’ upcoming VP announcement and the broader impact on campaign dynamics. Tune in for the latest political insights!

Democrats are celebrating after Biden's exit from the race, but Republicans are gearing up for a heated battle against Kamala Harris. The Trump campaign launches its first TV ad targeting her, blaming the ongoing border crisis on her role. As tensions rise, the fate of a bipartisan child tax credit hangs in the balance, with Republicans likely to shoot it down. The podcast delves into how these moves may shift the political landscape and challenge the GOP's family values narrative.

Adam Cancryn, a White House Correspondent, dives into President Biden's surprising proposal to reform the Supreme Court despite his recent decision not to seek reelection. They discuss Biden's new stance on term limits for justices and enforced codes of conduct, highlighting the potential impact on his legacy. The conversation also touches on the political dynamics post-Biden's withdrawal from the race and how global events, like tensions in the Middle East and challenges in Venezuela, could shape U.S. politics.