The Playbook Podcast

It’s not often that we in Washington obsess over a policy issue that everyday voters are following closely as well. That changes this week, as Congress hits the gas on legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration — Playbook co-author Rachael Bade talks with transportation reporter Alex Daugherty about everything you need to know.

Late last night, in a slight surprise, the House punted on the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual defense policy bill; SAG-AFTRA goes on strike today and Sally Goldenberg previews the Family Leadership Summit, a gathering of evangelical Christians that most of the Republican presidential candidates will be at, except for Donald Trump. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton talks with national political correspondent Sally Goldenberg. 

President Biden’s NATO visit is wrapping up on a high note, as Turkey ends its blockade of Sweden’s bid for membership. Meanwhile, Biden has major domestic momentum as new economic numbers put inflation at its lowest rate since March 2021 — igniting hopes that the economy has finally turned the corner. Even so, it may be too soon for him to declare victory. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with White House reporter Adam Cancryn.

For the first time in more than 100 years, the Marine Corps has no Senate-confirmed commandant, thanks to Sen. Tommy Tuberville's blockade of hundreds of senior military appointments. At issue is the Pentagon’s new policy of reimbursing troops and their families should they have to travel to receive an abortion. Joe Gould, anchor of POLITICO’s Morning Defense newsletter, joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss what plays, if any, Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell have available to resolve this standoff. 

The National Defense Authorization Act and its 1,500 amendments are headed to the House Rules Committee today, but Kevin McCarthy can’t exhale just yet. Proposals regarding abortion, diversity and medical treatment for transgender troops are worrying Democrats. Plus, Turkey shocks the world by advancing Sweden’s NATO bid. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with senior defense reporter Connor O’Brien.

House Republicans are ready to wield a new tool in their quest to punish Biden Cabinet officials. The Holman Rule could allow the House to eliminate salaries of Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray or other GOP targets. But there are already some skeptics. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

President Joe Biden is about to embark on his latest tour of Europe, with stops visiting Britain’s King Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. But what will he face when he arrives at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania? Also, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is hesitating to endorse one of his biggest supporters: Donald Trump. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with national security reporter Alex Ward.

We've seen Republican voters rally around former president Donald Trump following his recent indictments. But his second-quarter fundraising haul of $35 million is really causing jaws to drop. Plus, "Bidenomics" is hitting the road in South Carolina. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with national political reporter Alex Isenstadt.

Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through the buzziest stories of the morning, including Rep. Adam Schiff’s gigantic new fundraising numbers, the discovery of cocaine in the White House and President Biden’s stumping on the economy.

President Joe Biden gave a live interview on Thursday. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels and White House reporter Myah Ward discuss the major takeaways. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.