The Playbook Podcast

Lawmakers in Washington are facing complicated realities as they navigate funding deals and shifting dynamics. Topics include conservatives considering compromises on spending cuts, Senator Tuberville's efforts to address military promotions, and the challenges of the $100 billion supplemental funding request.

The podcast discusses the ongoing debates between Congress and the White House on immigration, focusing on asylum reform, safe third country restrictions, and changes to the parole system. The complex politics surrounding this issue and the Biden administration's challenges are explored, including the potential political vulnerability for President Biden on border security. The divide among House and Senate Republicans on addressing the issue is also discussed.

The complicated life of President Joe Biden’s son Hunter has been capturing the attention of the media and the public for years. But it reached a new level during summer 2023 when the younger Biden  rejected a plea deal in a case related to his business dealings. As the 2024 election nears, national correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan and Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels discuss how Hunter Biden’s team has been reevaluating both his legal approach and public image.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews national correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan.

Lawmakers return to tackle $100 billion funding request for aid to Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and U.S.-Mexico border. Finding common ground between parties is challenging. Discussion on expulsion of George Santos, defense and FISA reauthorization, military promotions, and a rule tweak. Partisan bickering in Congress hindering progress on the aid package. Coverage on Schumer's pressure tactics, threats to keep members in session during holidays, and role of religious leaders urging aid to Israel.

Alex Ward, national security reporter, discusses the recent Israel-Hamas hostage deal which will lead to a temporary pause in fighting and the release of 50 hostages. The deal aims to encourage the release of more hostages and send aid into Gaza. The podcast explores the process of the deal, concerns about its implementation, and the implications for future ceasefires.

Exploring the implications of the recent appeal regarding the gag order in Trump's D.C. election subversion case. Difficult questions faced by Trump lawyers and the special counsel's representative. Analysis of the court hearing on the gag order and an update on the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case. Legal battles in Florida, Georgia, and Manhattan with updates on progress and potential delays.

Senate Democrats focus on 2024 campaign, emphasizing the importance of red state incumbents like Jon Tester and Sherrod Brown. NRSC launches ad targeting Arizona to boost independent Senator Kirsten Sinema. President Biden pardons a turkey on the South Lawn.

Congressman George Santos faces an expulsion vote after a blistering report reveals alleged misuse of campaign funds. The report includes spending on Sephora, OnlyFans, and cosmetic procedures. The podcast explores the upcoming vote and the potential consequences for Santos. The introduction also mentions concerns about Beijing's authoritarianism and President Biden's schedule.

Garrett Graff, author of a book on the U.S. Government's search for alien life, discusses the truth about UFOs and the veil of secrecy surrounding them. The podcast explores the government's involvement, secret projects, and potential cover-ups. It also delves into the fascination of US presidents with UFOs, Area 51, and the existence of alien bodies, and explores the UFO encounters of Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan and their implications on national security.

President Biden's upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping of China at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is important due to a range of issues including artificial intelligence, espionage, and fentanyl. The House passed a funding bill to avert a government shutdown. The US-China relationship is tense, with the Biden administration concerned about China's power and actions. Key topics for the meeting include reassurance, potential agreements to prevent conflict, resetting the bar to August 2022, high-level military contact, and curbing fentanyl production. China faces economic challenges and Xi Jinping aims to engage US corporations and convey that China is open for business.