The Playbook Podcast

As Congress begins its summer recess, the biggest questions for the remainder of 2023 are coming into focus: Will Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema run for reelection? How will NRSC Chairman Steve Daines get his candidates through contentious primaries – and in so doing, avoid another 2022-style disappointment for Republicans? And can Joe Biden’s cabinet sell “Bidenomics” to voters? Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels on what’s next along all these fronts.

Special counsel Jack Smith introduced three new felony charges against former President Donald Trump — including a blockbuster claim that he asked an employee to delete security camera footage sought by investigators. Kyle Cheney joins Ryan Lizza to explain what it means for the case — and what indictments we can expect next. Plus, the Senate passed its annual NDAA defense bill yesterday — check out Playbook Deep Dive this morning where Ryan nerds out with Arnold Punaro, a retired general with the U.S. Marine Corps, on the politics and policy of the bill.

Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell offered some good news on Wednesday: The Fed’s staff believes the U.S. will avoid a recession in 2023. Plus, so much for Ron DeSantis's campaign reset - check out Playbook this morning where Eugene charts some paths forward. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with economics reporter Victoria Guida.

The campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis cut more than a third of its staff on Tuesday in another move billed as a 'reset.' Plus, Speaker Kevin McCarthy walks back comments he made on Fox News about a possible Biden impeachment. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade talks with national political reporter Alex Isenstadt.

Donald Trump’s presidential race rivals are hesitating to leverage his impeding January 6 indictment, treating it like a new primary third rail. In a rare statement, Kevin McCarthy alludes to a possible impeachment inquiry for Biden. Plus, the most surprising guests at Bohemian Grove this year. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza breaks it all down.

Over the weekend, Tim Scott received the latest in a series of polls that show him in third place in some key early states. The candidate he’s closing the distance with: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade examines how other GOP campaigns are reacting to Sen. Scott’s surge, and what they're doing to stunt his momentum.

The scoop about Kevin McCarthy’s promise to Donald Trump about an impeachment expungement vote continues to rock Capitol Hill. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema may be dashing confirmation hopes for Biden Labor Secretary nominee Julie Su. Plus, Ron DeSantis is pivoting his campaign strategy to stay in the game. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton chats with co-author Rachael Bade about her ongoing reporting.

After Kevin McCarthy suggested that Donald Trump may not be the strongest 2024 candidate, the former president fumed. So the speaker placated him with a promise: the House would vote expunge his impeachments before the August recess. That bill is now coming due, posing a major dilemma for the McCarthy, as many moderate Republicans want nothing to do with such a vote and fear electoral backlash. Plus, Sen. Lindsey Graham may soon have to guard his back against a Norman — Rep. Ralph Norman, that is. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade dishes on her inside scoops.

Yesterday, Donald Trump announced that he expects to be indicted by special counsel Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 grand jury, citing a new “target letter” he received from investigators. Joining Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss the implications, including when such an indictment may come, is Kyle Cheney, POLITICO’s senior legal affairs and Jan. 6 reporter.

After largely eschewing mainstream media for months, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has a sit-down interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper this afternoon. All that, and everything else you need to know today.