The Playbook Podcast

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.

We’re less than a year from the election and the Biden campaign has to reckon with some troubling new voter insights. Extensive data conducted by the organizations Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Data for Progress found those surveyed generally lacked confidence in President Biden’s handling of the economy. But, as White House reporter Adam Cancryn tells Playbook co-author Rachael Bade, there is some nuance to these results. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews White House reporter Adam Cancryn.

Congress has until the end of the work week to determine, once again, how to keep the government funded. New House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to pass a continuing resolution that is going to delay funding for some government agencies until January and the rest of until the deadline in early February. The CR is clean enough that it’ll be hard for Democrats to reject the plan, Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains. But, even some hardline Republicans are already vowing they won’t vote for it.Plus, the GOP Primary pool is down another candidate, new exclusive polling shows a comfortable win for Donald Trump in 2024, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook editor Mike DeBonis interviews Playbook co-author Rachael Bade.

Sen. Joe Manchin announced yesterday that he will not seek reelection in 2024 — news with wide-reaching 2024 implications. His seat is almost certain to flip into Republican hands, drastically complicating Democrats’ hopes of holding a majority in the chamber. But rumors abound that Manchin himself may not be done with politics just yet. Political reporter Ally Mutnick joins Rachael Bade to break down just how big a blow it is, and what role Donald Trump himself may have had in Manchin’s decision.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews political reporter Ally Mutnik.

Republican presidential candidates clash in a policy-heavy debate, discussing TikTok, Trump, and Hamas. Analysis of standout performances, controversial comments on Ukraine, struggles in answering questions, surprising alliances, and abortion conversation reflecting party divide. Exploration of Republican candidate alternatives to Trump and Biden's position, along with Congress updates and Biden meeting UAW workers.

Discussion on Democrats' victories in Kentucky and Ohio on abortion rights, and the implications for the next presidential election. Analysis of the Kentucky governor's race and Virginia state Senate results. Republicans' struggles on abortion, Democrats' satisfaction with election results.

Today is Election Day with pivotal races in Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, and Virginia. Results may provide insight into the 2024 presidential election. Factors like black voter turnout, early voting, swing suburbs, and an abortion rights referendum in Ohio will impact the upcoming election. Surprising political dynamics in Kentucky and Virginia are discussed, showcasing diverse support and challenges. The significance of off elections and midterms in states like Kentucky, Mississippi, Virginia, and New Jersey is explored.