The Playbook Podcast

After more than two weeks and multiple failed floor votes, House Republicans have yet to elect a new speaker. Among nine declared candidates, Majority Whip Tom Emmer is most likely to win the GOP conference nomination and head to the floor. But will he be able to evade accusations that he is not in lockstep with Donald Trump? Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks it down.

Rep. Jim Jordan has a press conference at 8 a.m. and another speaker vote scheduled for 10 a.m. Will 217 members of the Republican conference back him? Unlikely — but we’ll be watching. Plus, President Biden used his Oval Office address last night to forcefully advocate for aiding both Israel and Ukraine. National security reporter Alex Ward breaks it down with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels.

The House is still without a Speaker after Rep. Jim Jordan once again failed to receive the 217 votes necessary to secure the gavel.Rather than continuing with a second vote after the Ohio Republican’s first failed ballot on Tuesday, Jordan used the time to attempt to flip more members of his own party to yes votes. Instead, he received an additional two ‘nos’ bringing the total on Wednesday to 22. The plan for Jordan—and the entire speaker-less House going forward— is unclear, Huddle author Daniella Diaz tells Playbook Deputy Editor Zack Stanton. Plus, protestors calling for a ceasefire in Gaza sat in the Capitol as President Biden was en route back from Israel, and the different ways Democrats have chosen to address (or not address) the crisis is deepening some existing fissures within the party.Playbook Deputy Editor Zack Stanton interviews Huddle author Daniella Diaz.

Jim Jordan's bid for Speaker of the House is in trouble after losing votes from his own party. Moderate Republicans take a surprising stand. The potential outcomes of Jordan's bid are discussed, including alternative plans and the possibility of Patrick McHenry as acting speaker. The podcast also covers a hospital attack in Gaza and its impact on President Biden's trip to the Middle East.

In an unexpected turn of events, Rep. Jim Jordan has become the favorite to claim the Speaker’s gavel after an unprecedented number of initial detractors say they will flip their votes in favor of the Ohio Republican. A final vote for the new Speaker is expected Wednesday. Plus, President Biden will make a rare wartime visit to Israel to show support as the county prepares a ground invasion of Gaza. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down the news you need to know today.

A little over a week into the conflict playing out in Israel and Gaza, the impact on Washington is becoming more clear. President Biden may try to visit Israel in the near future if the violence subsides long enough to make it safe. The administration has also sent a request to Congress for an aid package to both Israel and Ukraine. But as National Security reporter Alex Ward tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza, Ukraine funding is a divisive topic in the House, which could imperil all the aid.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews National Security reporter Alex Ward.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise pulled out of the race to become the next speaker; potential candidates for speaker position discussed; chaos and paralysis within the party as a result; upcoming GOP conference meeting and potential rule changes; mention of President Biden's schedule.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise clinched GOP's nomination for Speaker, but faces lack of support from fellow Republicans. Despite challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Possibility of GOP members voting against Scalise. Biden's speech on Israel and controversy over unfrozen Iranian assets.

Republicans gather to choose between Scalise and Jordan for Speaker of the House. Possibility of raising the threshold for winning, causing complications. Discussion on privately selecting Speaker to avoid embarrassment. Exploring dynamics of McCarthy-Scalise battle and updates on Biden's speech.

The war in the Middle East impacts Washington, including the White House, Congress, and the 2024 campaign trail. The implications for Biden's global priorities and competition with China are discussed. The impact on the House speaker race and foreign affairs focus is analyzed. The Senate's stance on lifting holds on military personnel and ambassador confirmations is explored. The different responses from GOP presidential candidates and Biden's upcoming remarks on the crisis are also discussed.