The Playbook Podcast

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.

As the election year kicks off, President Joe Biden is making plans. In the coming weeks, Biden will headline big speeches in both Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson is applying pressure on the president to act more aggressively about the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, which just happens to be an area where the president consistently polls weakest. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks it all down.

Though the House and Senate are still on holiday recess, two big pieces of business from 2023 remain unfinished. Government funding for the new fiscal year and the $100 billion supplemental for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan — a bill that Republicans are demanding be paired with new border security policies — are likely to dominate the first few weeks on the Hill. The looming Iowa caucuses, too, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza explains, may further complicate things.An earlier version of this episode misstated the first government funding deadline this year. It is January 19.

Exploring the significance of Macomb County in American politics, from 'Reagan Democrats' to presidential battlegrounds. The secret history of American suburbs, including George Romney's role in desegregation and the lasting impact on American politics.

Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, Barbara Lee, and Steve Garvey discuss the California Senate primary race. Schiff is leading, but Porter and Lee are in a dead heat with Garvey. The guests analyze the progressive stances of the candidates and the pressures they face. The discussion also explores key constituencies and the potential impact of Trump voters in the race.

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that former president and 2024 GOP frontrunner Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s ballots, citing his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. Senior legal reporter Kyle Cheney joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to break down what this means going forward, and how it may impact the election at large.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews senior legal reporter Kyle Cheney.

At a number of recent appearances, President Joe Biden has shown he is not afraid to draw comparisons between the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler. Though not wholly unexplored territory, the move is unusual and seen by some as extreme. White House bureau chief Jonathan Lemire joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss why the Biden team has decided to cross the line, and what potential drawbacks he could face.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews White House bureau chief Jonathan Lemire.

With senators stuck on the Hill for another week before the Christmas holidays — thanks to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer — the pressure is on to pass President Joe Biden’s $106 billion national security supplemental. But Republicans aren’t going for it, so it is unclear whether there will even be a hearing before the new year. Plus, more trouble in the DeSantis camp as Jeff Roe, the leader of his PAC, Never Back Down, resigned Saturday night.

Republican George Santos has been ousted, sparking a special election in NY's 3rd district. The Democratic and Republican nominees, Tom Suozzi and Mazi Melesa Pilip, are discussed, focusing on Pillows' compelling backstory and connection to the Israel Hamas war. The significance of the special election and potential redrawing of district lines is highlighted in relation to determining party control in the House and as an indicator for the 2024 election.