The Playbook Podcast

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,

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.