The Playbook Podcast

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.

Breaking news reporter Irie Sentner discusses the struggle of Trump's allies to attack Kamala Harris, focusing on insults towards her identity. The podcast explores the racist and sexist attacks faced by Harris, including conspiracy theories linking her to a political leader's decline.

Former President Joe Biden's recent Oval Office speech, choosing not to seek re-election, focuses on legacy building and defending democracy. White House correspondent Eli Stokols and Ryan Lizza dissect Biden's decision and what comes next.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial visit to Washington, with some lawmakers and Kamala Harris skipping his address. Insights into Netanyahu's meetings with President Biden and Trump. Analysis of Biden's upcoming Oval Office address and the latest news updates.