The Playbook Podcast

Sen. Joe Manchin announced yesterday that he will not seek reelection in 2024 — news with wide-reaching 2024 implications. His seat is almost certain to flip into Republican hands, drastically complicating Democrats’ hopes of holding a majority in the chamber. But rumors abound that Manchin himself may not be done with politics just yet. Political reporter Ally Mutnick joins Rachael Bade to break down just how big a blow it is, and what role Donald Trump himself may have had in Manchin’s decision.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews political reporter Ally Mutnik.

Republican presidential candidates clash in a policy-heavy debate, discussing TikTok, Trump, and Hamas. Analysis of standout performances, controversial comments on Ukraine, struggles in answering questions, surprising alliances, and abortion conversation reflecting party divide. Exploration of Republican candidate alternatives to Trump and Biden's position, along with Congress updates and Biden meeting UAW workers.

Discussion on Democrats' victories in Kentucky and Ohio on abortion rights, and the implications for the next presidential election. Analysis of the Kentucky governor's race and Virginia state Senate results. Republicans' struggles on abortion, Democrats' satisfaction with election results.

Today is Election Day with pivotal races in Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, and Virginia. Results may provide insight into the 2024 presidential election. Factors like black voter turnout, early voting, swing suburbs, and an abortion rights referendum in Ohio will impact the upcoming election. Surprising political dynamics in Kentucky and Virginia are discussed, showcasing diverse support and challenges. The significance of off elections and midterms in states like Kentucky, Mississippi, Virginia, and New Jersey is explored.

Former President Donald Trump takes the witness stand in a civil fraud case, accused of falsifying documents. The episode discusses the significance of his testimony and the potential penalties and risks he faces. It also explores the approach of New York Attorney General Letitia James and her team in questioning Trump in court.

A Republican-backed $14.3 billion bill to aid Israel passed the House, but is going nowhere fast in the Senate. One reason is because the bill is funded by IRS cuts, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says would add to the federal deficit over the next decade. Another  is that the bill does not contain any money for Ukraine. White House reporter Myah Ward lays out some compromises Democrats and the Biden administration may propose in order to procure the aid money.Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton interviews White House reporter Myah Ward.

Republican senators pushed to confirm more than 60 military nominees Wednesday evening in a direct challenge to fellow GOP member Tommy Tuberville and his blockade on promotions — but the Alabama senator is refusing to budge. Defense reporter Connor O'Brien breaks it down with Playbook co-author Rachael Bade. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Over the next two days, tech giants and world leaders — including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Vice President Kamala Harris — will gather in London for a summit on artificial intelligence. Highlighting the agenda is discussions on the dangers of the evolving technology and how to regulate it. Additionally, the U.S. and U.K. are slated to announce a collaborate effort on AI safety. But already, Politico U.K. senior tech correspondent Vincent Manancourt tells Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels, a lack of international presence isn’t painting Sunak in the best light.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews  Politico U.K. senior tech correspondent Vincent Manancourt.

Speaker Mike Johnson has come out swinging in his first few days with the gavel. The newly-elected leader of the House has raised eyebrows in both parties with an announcement that he will use funds allotted to the IRS plus-up within the Inflation Reduction Act to offset 4.3 billion worth of assistance to Israel. The decision, Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains, is leaving many Democrats in between a rock and a hard place pitting aid to Israel against plus-up funding, and may not be all that popular among some Republicans either.

In a meeting with lawmakers later today, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will talk artificial intelligence and Biden will issue an executive order expected to organize for federal agencies to monitor and find new uses for artificial intelligence technology. Vice President Kamala Harris will also travel to London this week for a summit focused on AI hosted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels and Playbook editor Mike DeBonis break it all down. Playbook editor Mike DeBonis interviews Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels.