The Playbook Podcast

Former President Donald Trump endorses Rep. Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House, changing the trajectory of the race. Trump initially considered running for the position himself. The podcast explores Trump's role and influence in the speakership race, including concerns about Jim Jordan's ability to secure moderate support and the significance of Trump's endorsement.

With Kevin McCarthy dethroned, House Republicans are mired in a frantic search for someone to fill the leadership vacuum. On Wednesday, two big names threw their hats in the ring: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Another name in the conversation: former President Donald Trump, the subject of a hard-right pipe dream that imagines him ending up with the speaker’s gavel — a far-out idea that Trump himself is stoking on social media posts. Congressional reporter Anthony Adragna joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to sort it all out.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade interviews Congressional national security reporter Anthony Adragna. 

Kevin McCarthy, the ousted Speaker of the House, discusses the unexpected removal and its implications. They explore potential replacements for House leaders and the dynamics between parties. Also, the chapter touches on the Senate schedule and President Biden's speech on student loan debts.

Laphonza Butler is well known in Democratic circles. Her resume includes roles as a regent on the board of the University of California, president of the California SEIU, and most recently the third president of EMILY’s List. But with her appointment to the late Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat this afternoon, her profile is about to get far more public. It also means she has mere weeks to decide if she will run to be elected to the seat she is assuming. California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago tells Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels that it's a decision that could throw an already complicated race into a tailspin.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago.

Congressman Matt Gaetz plans to file a motion to vacate against Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Former President Donald Trump is expected to attend the opening of the civil trial against him. Governor Gavin Newsom will appoint Laphonza Butler to fill Dianne Feinstein's seat.

Barring something genuinely surprising, the federal government will shut down in a little more than 24 hours’ time, as House Republicans show no sign of being able to pass the appropriations bills that have vexed them for weeks. Now, as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy takes the blame, there are growing whispers that conservative hard-liners will launch an audacious gambit to oust him and replace him with Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks us through the state of play behind the scenes — including the central role played by Trumpy Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.

As the 2024 GOP hopefuls gathered in California to debate, the barbs aimed at Donald Trump were more pointed, the elbows thrown at one another were sharper, and all in all, the moderators let the exchanges careen out of control. And yet, for all of that, the debate largely fell flat: Nobody’s performance was strong enough to touch Trump’s massive polling lead. What exactly happened? Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks it all through with national politics correspondent Adam Wren, who covered the debate in person, and takes us behind the camera to reveal how it played in the room.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews national politics correspondent Adam Wren.

Candidates vying for the Republican nomination debate again, but Trump won't attend. House Speaker McCarthy and Senator Schumer try to keep the government open. The podcast analyzes the lack of polling boost after the first debate and Trump's surge in polls. It also mentions Trump and Biden's impact on blue-collar workers' votes and President Biden's meeting with the President's Council.

Sen. Bob Menendez, facing federal charges, receives contrasting reactions from colleagues in New Jersey and Washington. Discusses his press statement on cash found in his apartment. Scrutiny on Cory Booker's connection to Menendez and potential impact on his reputation.

Kevin McCarthy, House speaker, faces challenges in avoiding a government shutdown and potential challenge to his position. Analyzing McCarthy's strategy to unite Republicans through long-term appropriations bills and implications for party divisions. Updates on Republican CR battle, McCarthy's fight to keep his job, and White House strategy for shutdown.