The Conversation with Dasha Burns

Speaker Mike Johnson discusses his victory over GOP radicals, Israel, Ukraine, January 6th, Trump trials, abortion, and relationships with key leaders like Biden and Trump. Also explores unity in Congress, assessment of Biden's leadership, fiscal responsibility, building bridges with Jeffries, and navigating conservative values in the Trump era.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, a long-serving Jewish member of the House, discusses his opposition to the Antisemitism Awareness Act, Middle East peace talks, and reflections on historical events like the Columbia University protests. The podcast delves into the complexities of defining anti-Semitism, critiques of Netanyahu's actions, and the potential impact of tough political decisions. It also explores Democratic support for Speaker Mike Johnson and the challenges of navigating free speech concerns in legislation.

Explore the movie 'Civil War' depicting a fictional civil war in America, with themes of political polarization and journalism. Discusses the impact of art on politics, challenges faced by journalists, and parallels between Brazil and the US. Actor Wagner Moura provides insights on his role in the film and the power of art in societal activism.

Rep. Tom Cole discusses navigating the House Appropriations Committee to secure aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. They delve into the challenges of the Rules Committee, Speaker Mike Johnson's tenure, and the controversial earmarks process. Cole also shares insights on handling the foreign aid bill, the difficulties faced by recent GOP speakers, and some candid thoughts on Trump from historians.

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen discusses the upcoming hush money trial, defending his credibility, and expectations for Trump's legal tactics. Insights on comparisons of legal cases, potential testimony from Trump, and preparations for the trial. Personal account of solitary confinement, fair housing discussions, and navigating a gag order also covered.

On April 1, the Florida Supreme Court issued a pair of decisions on abortion that led the Biden campaign to declare that Florida, which Democrats have lost twice to Donald Trump, was now “winnable.”The only problem with that? Some of Florida’s abortion rights advocates want the president to stay away. At issue is Amendment 4, a measure on November’s ballot that would enshrine abortion in the state constitution — and will also need Republican and independent votes to pass. On this episode of Deep Dive, Anna Hochkammer, the executive director of the Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition and one of the architects of Florida’s abortion ballot initiative, joins host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss the delicate politics of building a bipartisan coalition around abortion rights in a red state like Florida.Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.Anna Hochkammer is the executive director of the Florida Women's Freedom Coalition. 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

A year ago today, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Russia and charged with espionage, an allegation he and the Journal said was absurd. The State Department declared that Gershkovich was “wrongfully detained,” an official status that commits the Biden administration to work for his release.Journal publisher Almar Latour has played a key role in the legal and diplomatic effort to free Gershkovich. On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with Latour to learn the inside story of this effort. They discuss: how the shadow of basketball star Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia is influencing talks to bring Evan home; why a Russian hitman serving a life sentence in Germany may be the key to unlocking a deal with Putin; and how the 2024 election may affect Gershkovich’s fate. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.Almar Latour is CEO of Dow Jones and publisher of The Wall Street Journal.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

The politics of the Israel-Hamas war have become one of the most divisive issues in the Democratic Party. Mark Mellman, the president of Democratic Majority for Israel – and a longtime pollster – joins host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to get into the weeds on the new politics of Israel within the Democratic Party. Other subjects covered include the polling data behind Biden’s age, Trump’s hold on the GOP, double doubters, abortion, the fate of Nikki Haley voters, and whether you should bother paying attention to polls in the first place. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.Mark Mellman is the president of Democratic Majority for Israel.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

Kellyanne Conway discusses TikTok, abortion, and IVF in American politics. They explore Republican views on banning TikTok and their stance on reproductive rights. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating abortion discussions in political campaigns and the evolution of the Republican Party's healthcare focus.

Delve into the powerful roles of First Ladies like Jill Biden and Melania Trump, from staffing to policy decisions. Hear about sensitive topics like Melania and Donald's prenup and Jill's interactions with Kamala Harris. Explore the challenges faced by first ladies in the public eye and how they navigate expectations. Get insights into Melania Trump's legal negotiations and lack of influence during critical events. Discover the complex transition to Jill Biden's role and the defining of success in Washington.