The Playbook Podcast

One story looms above all others today: the first Republican debate. (Although a close second is Donald Trump, who is expected to surrender to law enforcement in Georgia later today, after giving a bizarre interview to Tucker Carlson that aired last night.) The Playbook team got together for a post-debate call to talk it all through.

We’re just a few hours away from the start of the first presidential debate of the 2024 cycle, and the event is already mired in controversy. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through everything you need to know about the main event, and then sits down with RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to talk about the sideshows.

The podcast discusses the debate stage for the 2024 presidential cycle, with eight candidates confirmed while Donald Trump plans to turn himself in. It highlights the opaque process of debate qualification and the frustrations of Republican hopefuls. The discussion includes the confusion surrounding the RNC's debate requirements, the polling threshold for participation, and the potential decrease in speaking time. Additionally, it briefly mentions the schedules of key political figures.

Vice President Kamala Harris discusses her political future, the challenges of making a second impression in modern-day D.C., and the recent shift in her comfort level. The podcast also looks ahead to a busy week for Donald Trump and the GOP presidential candidates.

As Republicans gear up for the big debate in Milwaukee, further west, California Gov. Gavin Newsom injects himself into the debates raging in San Francisco. The city’s myriad challenges — from culture war topics to substance abuse to unaffordable housing to rampant crime — not only pose governing problems, but political ones as the city reemerges as a Republican punching bag. Deputy editor Zack Stanton talks with California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago on how Newsom plans to navigate it. All that and the news you need to know today.Deputy Editor Zack Stanton interviews California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago.

Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor running for president, discusses the benefits and drawbacks of being the sole woman in the crowded GOP primary race. She addresses the assumptions made about her candidacy and shares her perspective on Trump's remarks and experiences with sexism.

Thus far, President Joe Biden’s administration has not used Donald Trump’s multiple indictments as fodder for insult. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels and White House Bureau Chief Jonathan Lemire explore what it will take for the White House to change their approach. Plus, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is unhappy with the situation at the Southern border, and Mark Meadows wants his trial out of Georgia. All that, and the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with White House Bureau Chief Jonathan Lemire.

On Monday night, a Georgia grand jury delivered a 98-page indictment against Donald Trump and many of his close allies on charges of interfering with the 2020 election. Legal Affairs reporter Kyle Cheney joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to explore the most wide-ranging indictment against the former president yet.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with reporter Kyle Cheney.

Republican Minority Leader McConnell says he is working to preserve the United States’ identity as a strong, visible presence internationally and within NATO. But with Donald Trump now the de facto party leader, that’s no longer a popular position to take. The senator’s declining health only adds further complication to his endeavors. Host Ryan Lizza talks with Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin about his newest piece about McConnell’s political endgame.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with Senior Columnist and Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin.

Nearly every Republican presidential hopeful will be in Des Moines for the Iowa State Fair this weekend. And so will our own Rachael Bade. She joins Ryan to discuss the scene at Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence and Doug Burgum’s campaign stops. That, plus what (and who) we can expect to make headlines in the days ahead.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with reporter Rachael Bade.