The Playbook Podcast

Playbook co-author Rachael Bade analyzes Speaker Johnson's intricate plan for aid to Ukraine, including turning aid into loans and a TikTok ban. The discussion delves into the reactions of Republicans and Democrats towards the plan, highlighting the muted resistance and complexities in gaining bipartisan support.

Legal editor James Romoser joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss the two-tiered justice system favoring Trump. They delve into Trump's hush money trial, Harris' aggressive stance on abortion rights, and Michael Cohen's interview with Ryan Lizza in this thought-provoking episode.

Explore the potential ousting of Speaker Johnson as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's motion gains momentum. Dive into the intricate dynamics of the Republican party and the strategic challenges faced amid internal struggles. Uncover the tense meeting between Speaker Johnson and Marjorie Taylor Greene, along with the unresolved house drama.

DC-based China correspondent Phelim Kine discusses Japanese PM Kishida's visit to the US, focusing on countering China's influence in the region. Topics include Kishida's economic achievements, US-Japan relations, potential technological partnerships, and geopolitical shifts amid rising tensions with China.

The podcast discusses Trump's conflicting stance on abortion as he tries to appeal to both sides, highlighting the political implications for his image and potential 2024 campaign. Insights are provided into internal party divisions, Trump's strategy on abortion, and the implications for the Republican Party and candidates in future elections.

The podcast discusses the upcoming reauthorization of the FISA law in Congress, highlighting Republican infighting, privacy concerns, and national security issues. Controversial amendments on data gathering and alliances between privacy hawks and security-minded members add complexity to the debate.

President Biden demands humanitarian aid expansion in Gaza and ceasefire negotiations with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Can the aftermath of the aid workers' killings be a turning point in the war? National security reporter Alex Ward discusses these key issues with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza.

White House reporter, Jen Haberkorn and Playbook co-author Rachael Bade dive into the chaos within House Republicans over Ukraine aid funding, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene slamming Speaker Mike Johnson. They discuss the tensions, potential speaker mutiny, and the urgent need for resolution.

On Monday, the Florida Supreme Court issued a number of significant rulings that will impact abortion politics in the state. The justices upheld a Gov. Ron DeSantis-backed, 15-week abortion ban that in one month will trigger a far more restrictive 6-week ban. The justices further ruled that Floridians will get a chance to vote on a constitutional amendment come November that would reverse the ban and make abortion broadly legal in the state. So, what does this mean for the Biden campaign in a state where registered Republicans handily outnumber Democrats? Florida Playbook author and politics reporter Kimberly Leonard joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss.

In an interview with Trey Gowdy of Fox News on the evening of Easter Sunday, Mike Johnson called Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s effort to oust him a distraction from the mission. Attempting to impart a dose of reality on Republican viewers, the House Speaker told his former colleague that his job is particularly difficult right now, but said he does have plans for resolving the Ukraine aid debacle. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade talks through it all.