The Conversation with Dasha Burns

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.

Carlos Lozada, a top book critic, delves into the political lines of 2024 through analyzing books by Obama, Trump, Biden, and more. Insights on Supreme Court dynamics, Trump's influence on the book industry, and comparing Trump and Obama's presidential self-regard. Exploring potential presidential candidates' memoirs, policy challenges, and the role of ghostwriters in speeches and books.

Rep. Nancy Mace's political journey with Trump's support, facing revenge plots in a heated primary, her prediction for Trump's victory margin, and the backstory of the scarlet 'A' incident. Exploring the complexities of political leadership, personal struggles, advocacy for women's rights, and analysis of Tim Scott, January 6th aftermath, and border policy. Resilience against sexism in politics and defiance towards unfair media treatment.

Rep. Jim Himes and Ryan Lizza discuss Russian space weapons, Section 702 reforms, and behind-the-scenes drama at the Intelligence Committee. Topics include space militarization, satellite threats, declassification risks, oversight obligations, and challenges in passing Section 702 legislation.

Sen. Chris Murphy shares the untold backstory of the bipartisan border bill that fell apart due to Donald Trump's influence. He reveals the challenges in negotiations, unexpected turns with Senator McConnell, and the public demand for new laws. The podcast delves into reflections on respect, career sacrifices in politics, and intensive text-focused negotiations. Murphy discusses unforeseen challenges at the Southern border, adaptive leadership, and personal support from family during tough times.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) discusses the unique role she plays as one of President Joe Biden’s campaign co-chairs who is also opposed to some of the key policies he is pursuing on immigration and in the Middle East.  On this episode, she tells Deep Dive host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza: Her views on Biden’s border policies and the senate bill  Her own ideas of what a winning immigration policy looks like  Her concerns about Biden’s policies in the Middle East — and what she fears is the potential political fallout for his re-election What might be on the agenda at the next secret meeting of Biden’s campaign co-chairs Whether she’d rather Biden run against Nikki Haley or Donald Trump Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.Veronica Escobar is the representative for Texas's 16th district. 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