The Playbook Podcast

GOP primary split-screen reality on full display with DeSantis and Haley brutalizing each other, while Trump focuses on general election message. Hosts analyze impact of Christie's departure, speculate on Nikki Haley's chances, and discuss non-Trump candidates' challenges. Examines recent events, candidate comments, and Trump's campaign messaging strategy. Discussion on potential challenges faced by a candidate running against Trump, including support for Haley among Christie supporters and Trump's strategic move to undermine her momentum.

Some of the youngest staffers working in government are challenging norms that have been in place for decades by speaking out when they don’t agree with the Biden administration. The unwritten code of conduct is to keep quiet or quit, but the newest generation is speaking up, speaking out, and staying on the payroll. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels walks co-author Rachael Bade through how the president is handling the conundrum.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels.

Former President Donald Trump will appear in a D.C. Circuit Court Tuesday as oral arguments are heard in the case claiming he attempted to subvert the 2020 election. But, as senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza, Trump’s presence — which isn’t required— could be performative ahead of the kickoff of GOP primary voting.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Over the three week-long holiday break, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer appear to have reached an agreement on top line spending numbers. Plus, Senate negotiators say they've made progress on discussions about the U.S.-Mexico border. But as Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains, multiple complications remain before either deal can be finalized.

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.