The Playbook Podcast

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise pulled out of the race to become the next speaker; potential candidates for speaker position discussed; chaos and paralysis within the party as a result; upcoming GOP conference meeting and potential rule changes; mention of President Biden's schedule.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise clinched GOP's nomination for Speaker, but faces lack of support from fellow Republicans. Despite challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Possibility of GOP members voting against Scalise. Biden's speech on Israel and controversy over unfrozen Iranian assets.

Republicans gather to choose between Scalise and Jordan for Speaker of the House. Possibility of raising the threshold for winning, causing complications. Discussion on privately selecting Speaker to avoid embarrassment. Exploring dynamics of McCarthy-Scalise battle and updates on Biden's speech.

The war in the Middle East impacts Washington, including the White House, Congress, and the 2024 campaign trail. The implications for Biden's global priorities and competition with China are discussed. The impact on the House speaker race and foreign affairs focus is analyzed. The Senate's stance on lifting holds on military personnel and ambassador confirmations is explored. The different responses from GOP presidential candidates and Biden's upcoming remarks on the crisis are also discussed.

Former President Donald Trump endorses Rep. Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House, changing the trajectory of the race. Trump initially considered running for the position himself. The podcast explores Trump's role and influence in the speakership race, including concerns about Jim Jordan's ability to secure moderate support and the significance of Trump's endorsement.

With Kevin McCarthy dethroned, House Republicans are mired in a frantic search for someone to fill the leadership vacuum. On Wednesday, two big names threw their hats in the ring: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Another name in the conversation: former President Donald Trump, the subject of a hard-right pipe dream that imagines him ending up with the speaker’s gavel — a far-out idea that Trump himself is stoking on social media posts. Congressional reporter Anthony Adragna joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to sort it all out.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews Congressional national security reporter Anthony Adragna. 

Kevin McCarthy, the ousted Speaker of the House, discusses the unexpected removal and its implications. They explore potential replacements for House leaders and the dynamics between parties. Also, the chapter touches on the Senate schedule and President Biden's speech on student loan debts.

Laphonza Butler is well known in Democratic circles. Her resume includes roles as a regent on the board of the University of California, president of the California SEIU, and most recently the third president of EMILY’s List. But with her appointment to the late Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat this afternoon, her profile is about to get far more public. It also means she has mere weeks to decide if she will run to be elected to the seat she is assuming. California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago tells Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels that it's a decision that could throw an already complicated race into a tailspin.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago.

Congressman Matt Gaetz plans to file a motion to vacate against Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Former President Donald Trump is expected to attend the opening of the civil trial against him. Governor Gavin Newsom will appoint Laphonza Butler to fill Dianne Feinstein's seat.

Barring something genuinely surprising, the federal government will shut down in a little more than 24 hours’ time, as House Republicans show no sign of being able to pass the appropriations bills that have vexed them for weeks. Now, as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy takes the blame, there are growing whispers that conservative hard-liners will launch an audacious gambit to oust him and replace him with Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks us through the state of play behind the scenes — including the central role played by Trumpy Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.