The Playbook Podcast
POLITICO’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns bring their fresh insight, analysis and reporting to the biggest story driving the day in the nation’s capital.
Episodes
Steve Bannon sizes up the Democrats
What does MAGA make of the Democratic Party's insurgent wing? POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly shares insights from her interview with former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release their jobs report this morning. The White House is hoping for a boost in data, but will that matter if the numbers don’t square up with consumer sen
Running on an anti-establishment ticket
Results from the Rockies have rolled in, and it’s another big night for the insurgent Democratic candidates. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court wrapped up its term with major rulings, so what do they mean for the midterm elections? And, once again, a handful of hardliner Republicans froze the house floor, leading to several canceled votes and an early two-week recess for lawmakers.
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Trump’s scorecard on SCOTUS decisions
The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver end-of-term decisions for several high-profile cases including birthright citizenship, state bans on transgender athletes in women's sports, and campaign finance limits. Meanwhile, Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are in Qatar today for technical talks about the MOU with Iran and the contested Strait of Hormuz. Plus, a preview of Colorado's pri
Trump looms over Colorado Primary
Colorado voters head to the Primary polls on Tuesday. And there's one big question Democrats are wondering nationally: what's next for insurgent candidates? Meanwhile, the U.S. and Iran agree to another ceasefire. Will this one last longer than the last ? And after a week filled with surprises, can the Republicans finally get some business done in the House this week ahead of the Fourth of July?
Finland’s president: Europe needs to calm down about Trump (with Alexander Stubb) | The Conversation
Dasha sits down with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki for a wide-ranging conversation on NATO, Russia's war in Ukraine, Iran and the future of America's relationships with allies around the world.
Stubb, who has developed an unusually close personal relationship with Donald Trump, discusses how he approaches the president behind closed doors, why he believes Ukraine has the upper ha
How Gov. Wes Moore is challenging Trump’s 250th anniversary narrative
House Speaker Mike Johnson patches things up with Trump after the president canceled the signing of a bipartisan housing bill on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Democrats of all ilk prepare for the Colorado primaries next week, where newcomer Melat Kiros challenges Rep. Diana DeGette. And a sneak peek at how Gov. Wes Moore is complicating Trump’s 250th anniversary narrative with his own event on Independenc
Where the Democratic Party insurgency is headed
Is the roof collapsing on the Democratic Party? The New York primaries are fueling questions around where the party is headed as insurgent candidates gain ground. Meanwhile, after President Trump refused to sign the bipartisan housing bill into law, House Speaker Mike Johnson gears up for an afternoon meeting with the president. And it’s SCOTUS decision day ... again. The high court could issue ma
Mamdani's moment, AIPAC’s reach, and a bipartisan bill
Playbook Podcast host Jack Blanchard and POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly sit down for a primary postmortem. It’s a big win for Democratic Socialists – so what do New York’s results reveal about the Democratic establishment? At the same time, even everyone wants to be a political outsider, big money still packs a punch. Plus, Trump’s off to a jam-packed day that captures the chaos on t
Trump and Mamdani test their political clout in New York
It’s primary day, again. On this episode of the Playbook Podcast host Jack Blanchard sits down with POLITICO Albany bureau chief Nick Riesman to get the scoop on what’s moving in the Empire state. President Trump and New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani are both testing their political clout amid a rising tide of populist candidates. Plus, the Kennedy factor, AI's growing role in campaigns, and what
Amid tensions, NATO chief heads to DC
NATO Chief Mark Rutte heads to Washington to meet with President Trump as tensions simmer over defense spending. Meanwhile, Iran negotiations had a shaky start on Sunday after Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Trump’s continued threats against Tehran. And the White House is weighing the future of AI regulation as talks with Anthropic continue over safeguards for this rapidly advancing technology.
F
Democrats need to stop being ‘boring’ (with Jack Schlossberg) | The Conversation
Jack Schlossberg joins Dasha to talk about his campaign for New York’s 12th congressional district, his viral online persona and why he thinks Democrats need to be more “controversial” in the Trump era.
Schlossberg discusses what he says Democrats got wrong in 2024, why he believes attention is political power, how the party can reach young male voters, and why he sees himself as part of a new g
Versailles, Vance, and the Iran Deal
The G7 summit has wrapped and Trump signed the Iran MOU at the Palace of Versailles — yes, that Versailles. Politico’s Myah Ward was on the ground at the G7 all week and shares how much Iran and the U.S. dominated conversation at the summit. Plus, not all Republicans are happy with the MOU and some are pointing blame at JD Vance for a bad deal. And across the Atlantic, Britain may get its seventh
Who is really winning in the Iran deal?
President Donald Trump is expected to speak later this morning, likely touting the Iran agreement. This comes after Bloomberg published an unconfirmed draft of the memorandum that raises some serious questions. Later today, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh will preside over his first Open Market Committee meeting, where news will likely paint a less than peachy vision of high inflation rates. Speaking of pea
Trump tests endorsement in Georgia
In Georgia’s Republican primary runoff, will Trump’s endorsement of Rep. Mike Collins secure his GOP nomination in a high-stakes bid to unseat Sen. Jon Ossoff? Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom is accusing Trump of weaponizing the DOJ to investigate him and his wife. Plus, ten years after Hillbilly Elegy launched his public rise, Vice President JD Vance is back with a new book, Communion: Finding My Wa
U.S. and Iran reach a deal. Now what?
President Donald Trump heads to the G7 Summit in France today after reaching a peace agreement with Iran last night. But what is in the deal, and is it worth the paper it's written on? Amid these geopolitical developments, a media spectacle on the South Lawn as Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with the White House’s first ever UFC match.
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The EPA isn’t here to fight climate change (with Lee Zeldin) | The Conversation
At POLITICO’s Energy Summit, Dasha presses EPA administrator Lee Zeldin on rising gas prices, the war in Iran, Trump’s energy dominance agenda, coal, AI data centers, and whether the EPA has a responsibility to address climate change.
Zeldin defends his approach, arguing that the EPA can protect the environment while growing the economy and rejects the idea that his agency should lead the fight a
Why TACOS are back in the headlines
TACOs are back. President Trump announced yesterday that he will nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, to be the next director of national intelligence. This comes after pushback on the Hill to acting director Bill Pulte, a top Trump housing official. Meanwhile, just hours after declaring strikes on Iran for a third night in a row, Trump canceled the attacks, citing a breakthrough
A vibe check inside Trump’s White House
Tumult stirs in the White House as an increasingly frustrated President Trump tightens his inner circle. Abroad, another night of U.S. strikes on Iran is testing whether Trump's long-promised path to a peace deal remains viable. Plus, beneath the surface of the FIFA World Cup inaugural games, tensions grow between Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Lindsey Graham wins, inflation looms
Voters in Maine have decided: controversy-plagued Democrat Graham Platner will face Sen. Susan Collins in the fall. Meanwhile in South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham defeated MAGA challenger Mark Lynch, avoiding a runoff election. And with a key inflation report due later this morning, Morning Money newsletter author Sam Sutton joins the Playbook Podcast to preview the latest Consumer Price Index (
Will Graham Platner survive his controversies?
Voters head to the polls in Maine's primary, where Democrats are watching to see whether controversies surrounding Graham Platner will derail his political future. In South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial race, it’s another test of Trump’s influence in a crowded field. Will Trump-endorsed Lt. Governor Pamela Evette cross the finish line? Plus, First Lady Melania Trump welcomes student finalist
100 days of the Iran War and FISA at risk over Bill Pulte
Sunday marked 100 days of the Iran war with no deal reached. Iran launched a new wave of missiles at Israel overnight and then Israel struck back. Trump is pressing both sides toward negotiations. Plus, the Senate's FISA renewal is at risk after Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence — the act expires Friday. And Maine's primary is Tuesday, with Democrat senate cand
The crypto clash that could reshape finance (with Brian Armstrong) | The Conversation
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of crypto, the growing political influence of the industry, and his vision for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Plus, he responds to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s recent attack, after Dimon called him “full of s--t,” and explains why he’s still “a little perplexed” by the per
Do scandals still have political consequences? Plus, Biden’s back in the headlines
The Bidens are back in the spotlight after tensions briefly flared between loyalist Andrew Bates and Jill Biden over her new memoir. Out west, California's primary results are rolling in, revealing a trademark California story: Democrat-on-Democrat showdowns. And with another round of allegations surrounding Graham Platner, do personal scandals still have political consequences?
Todd Blanche gets the gig, oil shocks, and Trump vs. Congress
Trump nominates Todd Blanche as attorney general—but can he actually get confirmed? Plus, oil industry executives are warning the White House of a potential energy price spike in mid-to-late June as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. And in Congress, vote-a-rama gets underway in the Senate, but as of late, but White House curveballs keep complicating things for Republicans.
Trump's endorsement in Iowa loses and Bill Pulte is now Acting DNI?
Iowa delivered the biggest surprise of the 2026 primary cycle as a Trump-backed candidate, Randy Feenstra, lost for the first time, while Chuck Schumer's Senate pick, Josh Turek, won comfortably. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns dive into all the results from Iowa and New Jersey, and try to make sense of Bill Pulte's sudden move from housing chief to acting Director of National Intelligen
Primary Day in the Golden State
Six states vote today, with California's governor's race taking center stage. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns discuss the unexpected rise of Xavier Becerra, whether a Republican makes the final ballot, and why Spencer Pratt is somehow in contention for LA mayor. Plus, Marco Rubio and Acting AG Todd Blanche both face tough questioning on the Hill.
Congress returns, Iowa Primary, and the Iran stalemate
Congress returns from recess with several unresolved items on the agenda. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns walk through the stalled immigration spending bill, an upcoming war powers vote, and the mood among some Republican senators following the Texas primary. Then, a Democratic Senate primary in Iowa tomorrow and what it signals about Chuck Schumer’s role as a Democratic leader. Plus: th
Audience Q&A: Dasha Burns pulls back the curtain on covering politics | The Conversation
Every week on this show, Dasha Burns talks to the most compelling and sometimes unexpected power players in Washington and beyond. But for this special first anniversary episode, she turned the microphone over to you … our listeners.
“How do you prepare for high-stakes interviews?”
“Why has Washington left Gen Z behind?”
“How has covering politics changed you?”
Dasha answers your burning qu
Shapiro on Trump, Fetterman and 2028 over pizza and cheesesteaks in South Philly | On The Road
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Angelo’s Pizzeria, a South Philly institution, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Democratic party, rising cynicism in American politics and the growing speculation around his political future in 2028.
Michigan primary signals, economic anxiety, and Pam Bondi's Epstein testimony
Adam Wren shares his reporting from Mackinac Island where Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary is emerging as an early preview of 2028 fault lines. Plus, new inflation data and fresh Politico polling show voters remain sour on the economy. And former AG Pam Bondi heads to the Hill for a closed-door meeting on the Epstein investigation.
AI divisions at the White House, new inflation data, and Jill Biden’s new book
Divisions inside the White House over AI regulation explain why Trump pulled a major executive order at the last minute. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns talk about the competing factions and what comes next. Plus, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent takes his turn at the briefing room podium as new inflation data arrives. And Jill Biden's memoir is already stirring up Democratic frustration
The matchup Democrats want in Texas
Ken Paxton defeats John Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary — and Democrats couldn't be happier. But Paxton will face Democrat James Talarico come November, and that means a lot of campaign money will have to be raised between now and then. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren get into all of this and more about the Lone Star state.
Texas runoff day, more Iran strikes, and a moon base
Primary runoff day in Texas is here. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns discuss what Trump's last-minute endorsement of Ken Paxton means for John Cornyn — and for the Senate's already fragile Republican majority. Plus: the U.S. launches fresh strikes in the Strait of Hormuz while insisting the ceasefire holds, and NASA announces plans for a moon base by 2028.
How Ukraine became essential to America’s security (with Olga Stefanishyna)
Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna joins Dasha Burns on “The Conversation” to discuss whether the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran could pull American attention and weapons away from Kyiv, the state of Ukraine-Russia peace talks and why President Trump and Volodmyr Zelenskyy’s once-rocky relationship has become “iconic.”
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Wes Moore gets blunt about 2028: I'm hungry, not thirsty | On The Road
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Baltimore’s iconic Koco's Pub for a wide-ranging conversation about redistricting, the future of the Democratic party and how his military service shaped his views on patriotism, race and America’s role in the world.
Moore also opens up about Donald Trump, Joe Biden’s decision to stay in the presidential race too long, Kamal
‘Shameful’ and ‘stupid’: Democrats react to autopsy report
The DNC's nearly 200-page 2024 campaign autopsy is out — and Democrats are more upset about what's missing than what's in it. Playbook's Dasha Burns and Adam Wren get into it all. Plus, Congress fled town without finishing reconciliation. Then Dasha shares highlights from her interview with Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna on the state of the war and what Ukraine needs from Washington.
Trump's agenda vs. The GOP's agenda
Vote-a-rama could get underway in the Senate today on the Republicans’ second reconciliation bill. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns dig into Republican anxiety over Trump's ballroom, the $1.7B "weaponization" fund, the Iran war's rising costs, and what the CIA director's Havana trip really means. And how the Democrats could use all this for their midterm messaging.
Trump is 3-for-3 on his GOP revenge tour
Thomas Massie is ousted in Kentucky, and more Trump-backed candidates from Alabama to Georgia take the win. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren discuss whether Trump’s grip can last through the midterms
Plus, Democrats had a big night in Pennsylvania — and somehow, everyone in DC is already talking about 2028.
Super Primary Tuesday, Todd Blanche, and Rubio vs. Vance
It's primary day across six states. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Megan Messerly dive into everything to watch — from a potential runoff in Alabama to the Republican scramble to take on Jon Ossoff in Georgia. Plus, acting AG Todd Blanche heads to the Hill to defend the DOJ's controversial new "anti-weaponization" fund, and JD Vance steps into the White House briefing room with big shoes to fill af
Massie vs. Trump, Cuba, and 2028 already?
It's the final day of campaigning in Kentucky's primary, where more than $30 million has been spent. Thomas Massie is trying to keep his seat but will his outspokeness about Trump hurt him? Then, Cuba could be next on Trump’s foreign policy list. And 2028 is so far yet so close, as J.D. Vance is in Kansas City for more than just midterm campaigning.
Iran’s exiled crown prince criticizes Trump’s ‘half-baked’ Iran strategy (with Reza Pahlavi) | The Conversation
Dasha sits down with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince of Iran, for a live taping of “The Conversation” at POLITICO’s Security Summit.
In a wide-ranging interview, Pahlavi discusses the latest on the war in Iran, whether diplomacy with Tehran is possible and the future of the Iranian opposition movement.
Have a question for our anniversary special? Text or leave us a voicemail at 20
Gloves off: Map wars and where’s the beef?
New polling shows voters actually want the gerrymandering wars — and it has big implications for 2026. Plus, ground beef is nearing $7 a pound and the White House just quietly shelved its plan to fix it. And Trump comes back from China — so why did Taiwan vanish from the official summit readout?
Trump in China: Pageantry and high-stakes meetings
POLITICO White House reporter Alex Gangitano joins the Playbook Podcast from Beijing, where she’s traveling with Donald Trump during his first state visit to China in nearly a decade. With host Jack Blanchard and China correspondent Phelim Kine, the team unpacks a day of closed-door meetings, carefully choreographed optics and mounting tension between the world’s two biggest powers.
Trump and Chi
James Blair and the Nebraska Dem who may drop out
Playbook’s Dasha Burns shares highlights from her one-on-one interview with James Blair, the head of the Republican midterm strategy, for a look at how the White House sees the road to November. Plus, the strangest Nebraska Senate primary result and what it means for Democrats in other races. Then Trump lands in Beijing with a delegation of American CEOs for his summit with Xi Jinping.
Nebraska’s strangest race and another new map
It's primary day in Nebraska, and this might be one of the strangest senate races we’ve seen in a while. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns also unpack the Republican redistricting wave gaining momentum in South Carolina and Alabama. Plus, Pete Hegseth heads back to Capitol Hill for more tough questions on the war. And Dasha's dog Helly makes a very rambunctious appearance!
Beijing, Iran and GOP's 12 seats
President Trump heads to Beijing for his first visit since 2017, but the shadow of Iran looms large over his talks with Xi Jinping. Playbook's Jack Blanhard and Dasha Burns discuss what's really on the table — from Taiwan to whether Trump might ask China with Iran. Plus, with the Strait of Hormuz still choked and gas prices climbing past $4.50, Republicans are finding an unlikely reason to smile:
Trump is ‘stuck in a stalemate’ in Iran (with Leon Panetta) | The Conversation
Leon Panetta, former Defense Secretary and CIA director under President Obama, joins Dasha Burns to assess the U.S. conflict with Iran, warning that unclear objectives, a closed Strait of Hormuz and uncertain nuclear negotiations could leave the U.S. stuck in a prolonged war.
Plus, Panetta defends President Biden’s handling of the Israel/Gaza conflict but says Biden “should have been much tougher
Can JB Pritzker be the Democrats’ anti-Trump in 2028? | On The Road
Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.) sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Chicago’s iconic Manny’s Deli for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the Democratic Party -- and his own.
Plus: a look at Chicago’s political culture, Pritzker’s rise from donor to power broker, and why Manny’s remains a must-stop on the campaign trail.
The message-less White House, immigration tensions, and Iran
The White House claims it has a midterm message — but nobody seems to know what it is. Adam Wren dives into the GOP's messaging confusion. Then Megan Messerly discusses the tension between immigration headliners and the Trump administration's promises on mass deportations. And more on Iran.
From Rome to the Oval Office to Tennessee
Marc Rubio is at the Vatican to smooth things over with Pope Leo XIV after weeks of tension with the White House. Playbook’s Dasha Burns and Jack Blanchard discuss the political importance of this meeting and what is really at stake. Meanwhile, Trump hosts Brazilian President Lula, who has been very critical of the Iran War, at the Oval Office. And Republicans are back to redrawing maps—this time
MAGA retakes Indiana
In Indiana, most of President Trump's endorsed primary opponents beat GOP state legislators. Playbook's Adam Wren tells Jack Blanchard what all of this means, including the future of the nationwide redistricting war and the division in the Republican Party.
Then, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faces questioning over Jeffrey Epstein. And Marco Rubio is headed to Rome to meet Pope Leo XIV after
Trump put to the test in the Midwest
Playbook heads to the Midwest. All eyes are on Indiana as voters hit the polls for the primary. It will be Trump’s big first test to see if his power still holds with the Republican Party. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down this unusual state senate race. And staying in the Midwest, a well-known ICE official is gunning for a House seat in Ohio—will it work for the Republicans? Plus, the Str
‘Warning signs are flashing’: GOP anxiety builds with six months to midterms
With six months to go until the midterm elections, the political picture is sharpening — and it’s a tough one for Republicans. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns run through six reasons each party can find a glimmer of hope, even as gas prices climb, Trump’s economic numbers slip and tensions with Iran add fresh uncertainty to the race for November.
Can AI solve the problems it creates? (with David Sacks) | The Conversation
David Sacks has played a key role in shaping AI policy for the Trump administration. He was formerly the White House AI and crypto czar. Now, he’s the co-chair of the President’s Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Sacks approaches the issue with a “let them cook” philosophy. Meaning, he thinks the way for the United States to win the global AI race is to m
Party tensions and 60 days of war
Chuck Schumer is dealing with internal blowback from some Democrats as key midterm battles heat up. Meanwhile, the Iran war hits the 60-day mark with Americans still feeling the pain at the pump, inflation continues to climb, and Congress heads out for recess without taking action on the War Powers Resolution.
Playbook’s Adam Wren and Megan Messerly break down party tensions, the economic pressu
Back to the maps with SCOTUS, more Pete Hegseth, and a governor’s dilemma
The Supreme Court’s decision on the Voting Rights Act will be felt in election cycles but maybe not as early as November. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Megan Messerly discuss if this decision will work in the GOP favor to redraw voting maps now. Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth heads back to Capitol Hill to face the Senate, where Europe will be a big topic of conversation. And in Nevada, Republican Governo
Pete Hegseth in the hot seat, the latest Fed drama, and King Charles goes to NYC
Starting today, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth takes the hot seat in two rare back-to-back sessions with Congress–the Iran War will be top of mind for the lawmakers meeting with Hegseth. Meanwhile, Trump's pick for Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh, is set to inherit high interest rates and rising energy costs as Jerome Powell gets ready to leave the post. And in New York City, King Charles meets with M
The British king meets Congress and Florida’s new map
It’s day two of King Charles III official state visit. Today he will address Congress in a bipartisan meeting on Capitol Hill. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Megan Messerly break down what the King is expected to say about US and UK’s relationship. And then, Florida has joined the redistricting wars before the mid-cycle elections. Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a new map that could give the GOP mor
Security under scrutiny at WHCD and a royal visit to the White House
Washington is still reeling as the suspect in Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner scare makes a court appearance, fueling fresh scrutiny of event security and giving new urgency to President Donald Trump’s push for a White House ballroom. Jack Blanchard and Megan Messerly discuss how attention may shift fast with King Charles III arriving for a rare state visit at a moment of strai
'Shaken' but 'grateful to be safe': Shooting at the WHCD
After gunfire disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Playbook goes live in a breaking Sunday edition to process what happened. Adam Wren and Dasha Burns share their firsthand experience inside the ballroom, the latest confirmed details, and the broader questions about political violence, security, and a country on edge.
Behind the velvet rope at White House Correspondents' Dinner (with Tammy Haddad) | The Conversation
Go behind the scenes of White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend with Tammy Haddad, a veteran TV executive and one of DC’s ultimate social connectors.
POLITICO's Dasha Burns and Tammy unpack why this dinner — which brings together the president, journalists and celebrities all in one room — is so important in Washington, and what really happens when the cameras are down.
Tammy also shares in
Gov. Brian Kemp’s blunt warning for Republicans | On The Road
Today, we're bringing you a new episode of 'On the Road' with Jonathan Martin.
Last week, Jonathan sat down with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) at the Masters to talk Trump, 2028 and the upcoming Georgia Senate race.
Plus: Kemp on EVs, economic policy and why he’s staying focused on 2026 — not the White House.
You can find more episodes in the 'On the Road with Jonathan Martin' feed wherev
It's WHCD weekend! Parties, politics and Trump’s big debut
All of D.C. is gearing up for the White House Correspondents Dinner weekend. It will be President Trump’s first time attending the event ever as president. Dasha Burns and Adam Wren share what Trump’s speech might look like which may include some jokes written by comedians. Plus, there are the parties: the before parties, the after parties, and brunch parties! Dasha and Adam dive into which ones a
A warning to Cabinet officials and pressure from Senate GOP
More Cabinet news this week—White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is tightening the reins on international travel for all Cabinet members, urging officials to focus on promoting the administration's domestic agenda. Playbook's Megan Messerly and Adam Wren dive into the administration's strategy ahead of a challenging midterm cycle. And Senate Republicans are warning anyone in Trump’s Cabinet to q
Maps, midterms and another Trump plan for Iran
Democrats score a major redistricting win in Virginia that could flip four House seats blue. Jack and Dasha break down what it means for the midterms, why Republicans are getting uneasy and what’s next in Florida. Plus, Trump delays Iran peace talks again as top officials head to Capitol Hill to face questions on rising gas prices and the economic impact of the war.
A cabinet exit, a Fed fight, and a big Virginia vote
Trump’s cabinet shakeup continues, with Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer out — the third high-level exit in just weeks. Dasha and Jack break down what’s driving the firings, why allies are getting nervous, and who could be next. Plus, Trump’s pick for Fed chair faces a high-stakes confirmation hearing under intense scrutiny, and voters in Virginia head to the polls in a closely watched redistri
GOP scrambles for a midterm strategy as Iran talks teeter
JD Vance returns to Pakistan for another round of Iran talks as a fragile ceasefire nears its deadline. Gas prices may have peaked — but relief isn’t coming anytime soon. And in Washington, top GOP operatives are huddling to prepare for a challenging midterm map.
Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down the key developments driving the day.
Can the GOP pull off a California upset? (with Steve Hilton) | The Conversation
California’s governor's race just got a major shakeup.
Democrat Eric Swalwell dropped out amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations, and now the field is wide open ahead of the June 2 primary. So where does that leave Republican candidate and former Fox News host Steve Hilton – backed by Trump and rising in the polls? Does the GOP have a shot at turning California red?
Dasha Burns sat down
Trump's big economic swing out West
President Donald Trump’s push to promote his affordability agenda is colliding with economic anxiety at home and a war abroad that’s driving up costs. Meanwhile, Trump heads to Arizona to rally younger supporters amid growing skepticism over the Iran conflict. POLITICO's Megan Messerly and Eli Stokols break down the messaging challenge, the political stakes ahead of the midterms and what to watch
Politics, polling, and more RFK Jr. animal lore
Trump heads to Las Vegas to sell his tax agenda, but Republicans worry his message isn’t breaking through — and that could spell trouble for the midterms. Meanwhile, a striking Senate vote and a New Jersey special election underscore a major shift inside the Democratic Party on Israel, especially among younger voters. RFK Jr. returns to Capitol Hill for a marathon stretch of hearings as speculatio
Can Republicans cash in on Tax Day?
On today’s Playbook Podcast, Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down Republicans’ Tax Day push to sell Trump’s tax cuts and ask whether voters are actually feeling the benefits. They also dig into Trump’s latest comments on Iran, the political risks of rising gas prices, and the fallout on Capitol Hill from two high-profile resignations.
Swalwell fallout scrambles California governor’s race
Playbook’s Jack Blanchard is joined by POLITICO California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason for a deep dive into the resignation of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). Once a rising Democratic star and gubernatorial contender, Swalwell’s career unraveled after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Mason breaks down the long-circulated private warnings about the lawmaker, how his political allies a
All eyes on Hormuz
President Donald Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz begins at 10 a.m. after talks with Iran collapsed, Hungary’s Prime Minister and MAGA favorite Viktor Orbán conceded defeat following a landslide loss and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) suspended his gubernatorial campaign amid sexual misconduct allegations. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the ris
Inside the war on Trump’s new MAGA (with Marjorie Taylor Greene) | The Conversation
Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) – the MAGA acolyte-turned-antagonist who resigned from Congress after a public and messy fight with Donald Trump – joins “The Conversation” to talk about the war in Iran, why she thinks the GOP will be “slaughtered” in the midterms and her desire to build a new political coalition in America.
Harris vs. Buttigieg, again
Today Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg take the stage in New York City, offering an early glimpse at a possible 2028 clash. Meanwhile, a fragile Iran ceasefire is raising fresh questions abroad, and Senate Republicans head to the White House to talk reconciliation. POITICO’s Megan Messerly and Adam Wren break down the early 2028 dynamics, the foreign policy tensions and what comes next.
Trump escalates attacks on NATO
President Donald Trump’s fresh barrage of attacks on NATO is raising new questions about America’s commitment to the alliance. Meanwhile, confusion around the U.S.-Iran ceasefire continues to cloud the global picture. And Democrats weigh whether the moment presents a political opening. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren break down the NATO fallout, the state of the ceasefire and what to watch
Day 1 of Trump’s ceasefire in Iran
President Donald Trump’s sudden move to step back from the brink and agree to a two-week ceasefire with Iran is raising questions about what comes next. Meanwhile, NATO’s secretary general arrives in Washington today amid growing strain on the alliance. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the ceasefire, the political fallout and what to watch next.
Clock ticks on Trump's deadline
President Donald Trump has given Iran until 8 p.m. tonight to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — or face a potentially devastating military escalation. Meanwhile, in Georgia, polls will be closing in the special congressional runoff to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene just as Trump’s deadline looms. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the stakes and p
Trump’s new threat to Iran
President Donald Trump is set to hold a press conference following the successful rescue of an American airman in Iran over the weekend. But it comes amid escalating tensions, after Trump issued a profane and jarring Sunday morning post threatening strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the stakes — and the striking
NASA’s chief on how we beat China to the moon and beyond | The Conversation
Artemis II has launched around the moon. Now, NASA has its sights set on Mars. NASA administrator and billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman sat down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns at Kennedy Space Center to talk about NASA’s ambitious plans to build a moon base, sending humans to Mars, his relationship with Elon Musk and why we could all have 3D-printed spare livers in our fridge someday.
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