Playbook Deep Dive

Bret Baier, FOX News anchor and chief political anchor, shares his unique experiences in Trump’s Washington and engaging discussions with global leaders like Ukraine's Zelenskyy. He reveals anecdotes from playing golf with Trump and navigating high-stakes interviews. The conversation highlights the media's declining trust and the challenges of delivering unbiased journalism. Baier also discusses his role in covering pivotal Trump events and the changing dynamics of press relations during his presidency.

Ashley Etienne, a former adviser to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and VP Kamala Harris, candidly evaluates Hakeem Jeffries’ initial 100 days as House Democratic leader. She discusses the urgent need for Democrats to improve grassroots strategies to regain voter trust. The conversation dives into the inefficacy of political stunts and emphasizes the importance of unified messaging against Trump. Etienne critiques current leadership dynamics and stresses the significance of authentic voter engagement to enhance the party's effectiveness moving forward.

Longtime Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik joins Deep Dive host Dasha Burns to discuss the current identity crisis within the Democratic Party. Sosnik discusses insights from a presentation he’s shared exclusively with Playbook that details the path forward for the Democrats, including how to connect with voters, elevate the right new leaders, and whether or not to oppose Trump or work with him. Dasha Burns is the White House Bureau Chief at POLITICODoug Sosnik is a former Clinton adviser and political strategist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert Doar, President of the American Enterprise Institute, shares insights on the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party, particularly amid Trump's influence. He discusses how traditional conservatives are adapting to the rise of national populism and their strategies for promoting free trade and global leadership. Doar also highlights the new voices emerging in Congress, the complexities of U.S.-Russia negotiations, and the think tank's approach to fostering bipartisan support for Ukraine. Surprisingly, he expresses an optimistic view about the future of conservatism.

Calley Means, a special government employee at the Department of Health and Human Services and co-author of 'Good Energy,' discusses his strategic role in Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again movement. They dive into critiques of the healthcare system's pharmaceutical focus, advocate for disease prevention over treatment, and emphasize food transparency. Means also outlines proposed SNAP reforms for healthier food access and urges a rethink of Medicare and Medicaid funding to prioritize lifestyle changes and empower frontline research.

Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton shares insights into the Signalgate controversy and the impending fallout within Trump's circle. He delves into the war of ideologies shaping Trump's foreign policy—between interventionist hawks and isolationists. Bolton emphasizes the pressing security risks for ex-Trump aides without Secret Service protection, discusses the rifts within the GOP, and critiques Trump's complicated approach to China. He also sheds light on the implications of immigration policies and their influence on national strategy.

James Blair, the White House deputy chief of staff known as 'the Oracle,' opens up about the inner workings of Trump 2.0. He shares humorous campaigning anecdotes and discusses the leap from election strategies to actual governance. Blair provides insights on the dynamics of teamwork in the White House, the challenges of handling judicial confrontations, and the political landscape leading into the midterms. The conversation also touches on how Elon Musk's actions influence public sentiment and the economic challenges facing the administration.

Chris LaCivita co-managed Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. On this episode of Deep Dive, he’s sharing some of his secrets about Trump’s inner circle, as well as where he thinks Trump’s presidency is headed next. He joins POLITICO White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns to discuss the truths about Project 2025 and Donald Trump; what actual power Elon Musk has; some spicy tidbits about Trump’s plans to redevelop Gaza and who he thinks will be the heir to the MAGA movement.Dasha Burns is the White House Bureau Chief for POLITICO.Chris LaCivita is a Republican strategist.Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brendan Boyle, the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, shares insights on critical political and economic challenges. He discusses the divided Democratic response to Governor Newsom’s remarks on trans athletes, emphasizing empathy amidst heated debates. Boyle also addresses looming Medicaid cuts and the threat of a government shutdown, stressing fiscal responsibility. Adding a personal touch, he reflects on everyday inflation, blending humor with serious observations on rising costs impacting daily life.

In this discussion, Mike DeBonis, POLITICO's Senior Congress editor, and Sophia Cai, West Wing Playbook co-author, dive into Trump’s fast-paced governance and its implications for the GOP. They analyze the challenges Speaker Mike Johnson faces with budget negotiations under pressure. The conversation also touches on Trump’s upcoming congressional address and his confrontational tactics in U.S. foreign relations. Additionally, they explore the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party and the complexities of diplomatic strategies influenced by Trump.