The Playbook Podcast

As it weighs how to proceed in negotiations over a new tranche of aid to Ukraine, the Biden administration faces a dilemma of both policy and politics: How much can they concede on border security without losing ground with Democratic voters in 2024? The answer to that question is complicated — both on Capitol Hill, where progressives are fuming at Biden for what they see as caving to the right, and in the general public, where independent voters are fuming at Biden for being too far to the left on matters of migration. White House reporter Jen Haberkorn joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to explore the ins and outs of the latest fight roiling Washington.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews White House reporter Jen Haberkorn.

In a last ditch attempt to convince Congress to agree to send more humanitarian aid to his country before the end of the year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Capitol Hill. He met with House Speaker Mike Johnson and other senior officials, and hosted a press conference with President Joe Biden. But, as national security reporter Alex Ward tells Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels, without a border deal, chances of more aid to Ukraine are all but impossible.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels national security reporter Alex Ward.

Special counsel Jack Smith requests Supreme Court intervention in Donald Trump's trial, revealing intriguing revelations about Trump's Twitter account. The podcast explores Ukrainian President Zelensky's visit, Trump's immunity argument, Supreme Court speculation, and the significance of extracted data from Trump's cell phone.

House Republicans plan to authorize an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, despite a lack of evidence. The GOP is united in supporting the investigation, but their ultimate vote for impeachment remains uncertain. The podcast also covers the National Defense Authorization Act, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to Capitol Hill.

Hunter Biden, involved in a legal case regarding tax evasion, discusses the severity of his charges and the potential impact on his father's reelection. The podcast explores the indictment, defense strategy, and other legal developments involving the Biden family. It also discusses the challenge of enforcing a congressional subpoena and mentions President Biden's schedule.

It was the last scheduled GOP debate before primary ballots start being cast. But did it change anything? Last night in Tuscaloosa, Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy traded barbs, unspooled occasionally outlandish talking points and did their best to recapture the narrative in the final month of the primary race. Yet it was the candidate not in attendance — Donald Trump — who once again loomed large, defining the stage even while absent. And what we saw seems unlikely to disrupt the fundamentals of the campaign. National politics correspondent Adam Wren joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to unpack it all. 

The Colorado Supreme Court will hear oral arguments today on whether Trump should be disqualified from the ballot in 2024 based on alleged violations of the 14th amendment. The case, which legal reporter Kyle Cheney explains is almost bound to end up being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, has implications both for the 2024 election and legal precedent for years to come.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews legal reporter Kyle Cheney.

Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans for a $106B budget supplemental funding package failed. Aid to Ukraine hangs in balance. Ukrainian President to address chambers virtually. Discussion on Republican presidential debate participants. Breakdown of talks on Ukraine aid and concerns about failed vote. Border security negotiations breakdown and Democratic Party divide on immigration policy.

This week's agenda includes a final plea for Ukraine aid, a vote on the $106 billion supplemental funding package, a potential re-gagging of former president Trump, and a new focus for Democrats called MAGAnomics, the GOP's policy plans.

GOP presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis met with California Gov. Gavin Newsom for chaotic debate Thursday night. The two—and moderator Sean Hannity— set out to contrast the Republican and Democratic ways of governing during the 90 minute spectacle billed as the red vs. blue debate. A gamut of topics were covered and slews of fiery buzzwords were hurled at one another, but did the audience actually learn anything? California bureau chief Christopher Cadelago joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to unpack the event. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews California bureau chief Christopher Cadelago,