The Conversation with Dasha Burns

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, known for his progressive advocacy, joins Kamala Harris to discuss the dynamics of her presidential campaign. He offers candid thoughts on Biden's candidacy, how Democrats can better connect with young, diverse voters, and where Harris needs to adapt her policies. The conversation tackles essential topics like income inequality, medical debt, and the influence of money in politics. They emphasize the need for unity and transparency in leadership to address the challenges faced by working families.

Doug Sosnik, a veteran Democratic strategist and former adviser to Bill Clinton, dives into the pivotal elements shaping the 2024 campaign. He reveals how the widening gender gap could influence voter behavior and discusses why JD Vance might hold unexpected sway in the election. Sosnik emphasizes key metrics for gauging the race's dynamics and flags Omaha, Nebraska, as a surprising focal point. He also sees Kamala Harris as a potential game-changer, likening her influence to iconic figures like Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama.

Anita Dunn, a key architect of Joe Biden's 2020 campaign and former senior advisor, shares her insights following her recent departure from the White House. She discusses the chaotic circumstances leading to Biden's decision to drop out, including the pivotal June debate with Trump. Dunn reveals her thoughts during Biden's struggles, the strategies to counter calls for him to step aside, and reflections on the new opportunities for Kamala Harris. The candid conversation provides a behind-the-scenes look at the pressures and dynamics of the campaign and its implications for the Democratic Party.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, known for his strategic insights, shares why he chose not to vie for Kamala Harris's vice presidential spot during a pivotal time for Democrats. The discussion reveals his candid interactions with key figures like Biden and Pelosi amidst political turmoil. Cooper also dives into campaign strategies, the critical importance of party unity, and the ongoing electoral challenges in North Carolina, highlighting the role of young voters and the significance of Medicaid expansion in shaping state politics.

Eugene Daniels, co-author of Playbook, and Jonathan Martin, POLITICO's politics bureau chief, dissect Kamala Harris’s rapid ascent in the Democratic nomination race. They reveal the reasons behind Joe Biden's exit from the 2024 race and explore the shifting political landscape. The conversation shifts to Harris’s unique identity challenges, her appeal to diverse voter demographics, and the strategic dynamics shaping her campaign. They also tackle the impact of Donald Trump's response to the evolving political scene.

Congressman Richard Hudson shares insights on how recent events like the Trump assassination attempt and Biden's impact on House Republicans' November strategy. Topics include Trump's response, JD Vance's appeal, candidate quality, and GOP tactics for expanding House seats.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp discusses the impact of recent events on election strategy and J.D. Vance's transformation. He emphasizes the importance of grace in politics, unity, and future election strategies. The conversation also covers security situations, calls for resignation, and presidential immunity.

Elaine Kamarck is a longtime member of the DNC’s rules committee, a scholar at Brookings, a former advisor to top Democrats such as Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Walter Mondale; and author of “Primary Politics: Everything You Need to Know about How America Nominates Its Presidential Candidates.” On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels asks Kamarck all of your questions about how the Democratic Party would choose a new nominee should Joe Biden step aside. Topics include: How and when Joe Biden would go about dropping out; if his delegates can rebel against him if he doesn’t; whether or not he can choose a successor; how exactly an open convention would unfold in Chicago; and what she thinks the public’s reaction will be if the Democratic nominee for president is chosen by a handful of party insiders in smoke-filled back rooms.Eugene Daniels is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.Elaine Kamarck is a scholar at The Brookings Institution.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

Utah Governor Spencer Cox is a longtime Trump critic who is known nationally for his work to depolarize American politics. This week, Cox easily defeated a far-right opponent in the Republican primary. So too did a slate of other Utah Republicans. While national Republicans continue to move in Trump’s direction, in Utah, the Romney faction of the GOP is still holding its own.On this episode of Deep Dive, Cox joins host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss Utah politics, as well as Cox’s disagreements with Trump; how he’s preparing to be cast as MAGA’s next boogeyman; what he thinks Trump’s other Republican critics, such as Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, get wrong; and why “disagreeing better” doesn’t mean giving up your most strongly held beliefs.Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.Spencer Cox is the governor of Utah.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

Bob Bauer is President Joe Biden’s personal lawyer and was general counsel to both of Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns. But over the last three decades, he’s developed another specialty practice: playing the role of his candidate’s rival during debate prep.Bauer has helped Democratic candidates prepare for debates by playing the likes of Bernie Sanders, Al Gore, and Donald Trump. He’s also been involved with efforts to reform the process and production of presidential debates themselves.So with the first presidential debate less than one week away, and both Biden and Trump cramming to prepare for it, Bauer is joining the show to preview the event, as well as to discuss his new book, “The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis”.Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.Bob Bauer is a lawyer for President Biden and a veteran Democratic debate coach. 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