The Playbook Podcast

With a partial government shutdown just days away, a clutch of top government officials — including President Joe Biden and House Speaker Mike Johnson — met yesterday to negotiate a potential spending deal. But before any deal gets finalized, they must reach a compromise on two big issues: border security (a priority for the GOP) and aid to Ukraine (a priority for Biden). So, what, if anything, changed in the meeting? And what’s the state of play today? White House reporter Myah Ward shares her readout with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews White House reporter Myah Ward.

The Supreme Court will take up Chevron deference on Wednesday, a principle related to how much consideration judges must give to federal agency regulations and other executive branch decisions that stems from a Reagan-era environmental regulation. Energy reporter Alex Guillén tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza that the fact the court is even taking it up signals that a change in the 40 year-old rule seems likely.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews energy reporter Alex Guillén.

Capturing more than 50% of the delegates up for grabs, former president Donald Trump claimed a historic, dominant win mere minutes after the Iowa caucuses began Monday night. By the end of the evening, he had also picked up another endorsement, this time from businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who withdrew his bid for president. Florida governor Ron DeSantis claimed second place and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley came in third. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade was on the ground in Iowa and tells Eugene Daniels what she saw and heard.

We’re just days away from the first ballots cast in the 2024 presidential cycle: the Iowa caucuses. But this year’s GOP contest is shaping up to look a bit different than you may expect. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza sits down with storied Iowa Republican strategist David Kochel in Des Moines to talk the field, campaigns and what to expect on Monday.

GOP primary split-screen reality on full display with DeSantis and Haley brutalizing each other, while Trump focuses on general election message. Hosts analyze impact of Christie's departure, speculate on Nikki Haley's chances, and discuss non-Trump candidates' challenges. Examines recent events, candidate comments, and Trump's campaign messaging strategy. Discussion on potential challenges faced by a candidate running against Trump, including support for Haley among Christie supporters and Trump's strategic move to undermine her momentum.

Some of the youngest staffers working in government are challenging norms that have been in place for decades by speaking out when they don’t agree with the Biden administration. The unwritten code of conduct is to keep quiet or quit, but the newest generation is speaking up, speaking out, and staying on the payroll. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels walks co-author Rachael Bade through how the president is handling the conundrum.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels.

Former President Donald Trump will appear in a D.C. Circuit Court Tuesday as oral arguments are heard in the case claiming he attempted to subvert the 2020 election. But, as senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza, Trump’s presence — which isn’t required— could be performative ahead of the kickoff of GOP primary voting.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Over the three week-long holiday break, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer appear to have reached an agreement on top line spending numbers. Plus, Senate negotiators say they've made progress on discussions about the U.S.-Mexico border. But as Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains, multiple complications remain before either deal can be finalized.

Florida grassroots groups aim to add a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights, potentially impacting Governor Ron DeSantis. The podcast analyzes the ballot initiative to rollback abortion bans and discusses a state Supreme Court case on limiting abortions. It also delves into conservative attempts to restrict abortion in Florida and Ohio, highlighting the political significance of the issue for Democrats.

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is rising in the GOP presidential polls. With New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s endorsement, she’s prepared to enter the state’s primary in a strong position. But the elephant in the room is that at this point, it is still a race for second place. So has anything changed? Massachusetts-based political reporter Lisa Kashinsky tells Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels that Haley, who once shied away from directly attacking former President Trump, seems to have decided to up the ante.