The Playbook Podcast

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.

As the 2024 GOP hopefuls gathered in California to debate, the barbs aimed at Donald Trump were more pointed, the elbows thrown at one another were sharper, and all in all, the moderators let the exchanges careen out of control. And yet, for all of that, the debate largely fell flat: Nobody’s performance was strong enough to touch Trump’s massive polling lead. What exactly happened? Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks it all through with national politics correspondent Adam Wren, who covered the debate in person, and takes us behind the camera to reveal how it played in the room.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews national politics correspondent Adam Wren.

Candidates vying for the Republican nomination debate again, but Trump won't attend. House Speaker McCarthy and Senator Schumer try to keep the government open. The podcast analyzes the lack of polling boost after the first debate and Trump's surge in polls. It also mentions Trump and Biden's impact on blue-collar workers' votes and President Biden's meeting with the President's Council.

Sen. Bob Menendez, facing federal charges, receives contrasting reactions from colleagues in New Jersey and Washington. Discusses his press statement on cash found in his apartment. Scrutiny on Cory Booker's connection to Menendez and potential impact on his reputation.

Kevin McCarthy, House speaker, faces challenges in avoiding a government shutdown and potential challenge to his position. Analyzing McCarthy's strategy to unite Republicans through long-term appropriations bills and implications for party divisions. Updates on Republican CR battle, McCarthy's fight to keep his job, and White House strategy for shutdown.

A government shutdown appears inevitable as the clock winds down with little progress evident on the bills necessary to keep the government open. It’s so dire that Speaker Kevin McCarthy is seemingly unable to rally House Republicans on even the smallest necessary procedural matters. Where do we go from here? Congress reporter Daniella Diaz talks to Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza about the road ahead — and what to expect as the most unlikely of characters steps in to try to get things moving.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews Congress reporter Daniella Diaz.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visits Washington to present his case for more aid. House Republicans optimistic but infighting may derail spending bills. Challenges faced in securing funding for Ukraine's war against Russia.

The podcast discusses House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's struggle to pass a bill to keep the government open, with no help expected from the White House. Attorney General Merrick Garland's comments to the House Judiciary Committee are previewed, and the ongoing disagreement between the White House and House Republicans over the budget deal is explored. The contrasting actions of the White House and House Republicans are also highlighted, with President Biden's international engagements and House Republicans' internal struggles noted.

President Biden's priorities at the UN General Assembly include human rights, Ukraine, climate change, and the US-China rivalry. Dysfunction in DC affects Biden's message about the American system. The absence of world leaders from France, Russia, and China also has an impact. Divisions among Republicans in the House regarding a government shutdown are causing heated exchanges.

House Republicans struggle to find common ground on a stopgap spending bill amid opposition. Ukrainian President Zelensky visits Capitol Hill. Discussion on increasing funding for Ukraine and the challenges faced by Republicans. Varying opinions on Zelensky's role and the future of Ukraine funding.