The Playbook Podcast

Mikie Sherrill, former Navy helicopter pilot and the new governor-elect of New Jersey, discusses her impactful campaign strategies and commitment to affordability in her state. She emphasizes a focus on working-class issues and collaboration across the aisle. James Blair, former political director for the Trump campaign, analyzes the recent Democratic victories and outlines GOP strategies for upcoming midterms, stressing the importance of connecting with low-propensity voters and adapting messaging to economic concerns.

The podcast dives into the challenges facing Republicans in a post-Trump landscape. With recent electoral losses, they explore strategies to engage voters without Trump on the ballot. J.D. Vance's potential to unite Trump’s diverse coalition is scrutinized, while the Democratic field for 2028 remains uncertain. There's also discussion about a potential deal to end the longest government shutdown and insights into Viktor Orban's controversial visit to the White House, focusing on sanctions. Tune in for a blend of political intrigue!

President Trump dives into drug prices and rare earth minerals while the political scene grapples with stunning election outcomes. Republicans are left analyzing their losses, with Trump's name absent from ballots and the prolonged government shutdown as key factors. The hosts discuss the GOP's need for affordability messaging to resonate with voters, while questioning if they can adapt without Trump admitting fault. The implications of recent election results in New York City and the significance of domestic concerns versus foreign engagements also take center stage.

Elections across the country show a surprising surge for Democrats, including a notable win by Zohran Mamdani in New York. The discussion reveals Republican concerns over voter motivation and doubts about candidate quality. Both progressive and moderate Democrats successfully focused on cost-of-living issues to connect with voters. Meanwhile, the potential impact of a significant Supreme Court ruling on tariffs looms large, as does the ongoing government shutdown. Overall, the left's victories hint at a shift in political dynamics.

Election Day brings thrilling races and suspense! Tune in as hosts break down key contests, including the NYC mayoral race featuring Zohran Mamdani and his progressive agenda. Will New Jersey's governor race be a nail-biter? The dynamics in Virginia show promising signs for Democrats. Plus, California's redistricting could reshape strategies. As the government shutdown reaches a historic milestone, there's even a quirky story about a political wedding serving raw milk. Get ready for a politically charged day!

As Election Day approaches, the stakes soar in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia with high-profile mayoral and gubernatorial races. Barack Obama’s presence in battleground states sparks discussions about momentum for Democrats. Meanwhile, redistricting in California could reshape Congress. The Supreme Court tackles the constitutionality of Trump’s tariffs, with high economic stakes. The prolonged government shutdown continues to threaten vital services like SNAP, while controversies unfold within the FBI.

Jasmine Crockett, a U.S. Representative from Texas, is shaking up Democratic communication with her bold, authentic style. She shares insights on the government shutdown, stressing the importance of effective messaging and the necessity for Democrats to combine empathy with strength. Meanwhile, Jane Coaston, a seasoned political journalist, discusses the challenges of daily news coverage and the dangers of merging political reporting with fandom. Together, they delve into the nuances of engaging voters in today's complex political landscape.

President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have been off touring Asia, seeking to firm up partnerships and open up trade with countries across the region. While Trump has already returned home, Carney is wrapping up his sojourn soon. White House reporter Megan Messerly and Ottawa Bureau Chief — and host of the new Playbook Canada podcast — Nick Taylor-Vaisey walk through what each leader is expecting to come from their trip, plus the interesting way Canada is feeling the effect from the shutdown.

Tensions rise as President Trump hints at restarting nuclear tests just before meeting Xi Jinping. The hosts explore the potential implications and motivations behind this dramatic announcement. They dissect the confusing state of global nuclear testing and the strategic risks of breaking a long-standing moratorium. With insights into Russia and China’s military developments, they frame Trump's actions as bold negotiation tactics. As the discussion shifts to a looming government shutdown, the pressure mounts on Trump to navigate domestic challenges amidst international tensions.

President Trump's Asia trip is heating up with trade talks in South Korea and a pivotal meeting with Xi Jinping on the horizon. The hosts dive into the challenges of finalizing the Korea trade deal and Trump's optimistic outlook on China, including managing fentanyl and rare earths. There’s chatter about potentially shifting stances on Taiwan and Trump's controversial comments on the Middle East. The discussion also brushes against the implications of a possible military deployment domestically and the looming Fed interest rate decision.