The Playbook Podcast

Whether it’s affirmative action, LGBTQ rights or student loan forgiveness, we’re awaiting a cascade of opinions from the Supreme Court that have the potential to remake American life — as well as the contours of the political battlefield. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have had one of the most powerful relationships in Washington. So when McCarthy went on CNBC and didn't provide a full-throated endorsement that Trump was the strongest Republican candidate, it got a lot of tongues wagging, especially in Trump world. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis are racing to appeal to New Hampshire voters with full slates of campaign events today. Plus, more developments in the Trump documents case and political strategist Doug Sosnik’s latest must-read strategy memo. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

It’s going to be a quiet week on the Hill but a frenzied one on the campaign trail, where 2024’s GOP hopefuls will be hitting the donor circuit in advance of Friday’s quarterly fundraising deadline. Meanwhile, Ron DeSantis has a new setback in New Hampshire. Lisa Kashinsky, author of POLITICO’s Massachusetts Playbook, joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade with more. 

As President Joe Biden fetes Indian PM Narendra Modi in D.C., he faces uncomfortable questions about his rhetoric putting idealism at the heart of American foreign policy — and what happens when that approach runs head-on into the buzzsaw of realpolitik.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with national security reporter Alex Ward.   

Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, struck a plea bargain with the Department of Justice over a five-year investigation into tax fraud and illegal firearms possession. It’s a relief for President Biden, but still an event that’s been used politically by his opponents. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with White House reporter Eli Stokols.

All eyes are on the 2024 presidential election, but Congress is heating up as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy contends with a growing conservative uprising and tough times for moderates. Meanwhile, Democrats are analyzing and looking to capitalize on the situation. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

Yesterday the Republican presidential primary got a new contender: the 45-year-old mayor of Miami: Francis Suarez. Hear excerpts of Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza's interview with him as he tries to make his case.

The Supreme Court still has yet to release decisions for a whopping 21 cases, ranging from affirmative action to student loans. But beyond the decisions themselves, what remains to be seen is how the conservative majority drives those rulings — and how they’re received by the overall public. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with Senior Legal Affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Donald Trump had his day in court — again. All that, and everything else you need to know today.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with Senior Legal Affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.