In a dizzying turn of events yesterday, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump agreed to two debates well before the election this November — one on CNN in June, and one on ABC in September. Did Democrats box Trump in, or Biden walk right into a carefully laid trap? White House bureau chief Jonathan Lemire offers Playbook co-author Rachael Bade some insights.

May 16, 2024: Who took the debate bait: Trump or Biden?

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In the week since former President Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felonies, his campaign has been flooded with a jaw-dropping amount of cash. Aiming to keep up that momentum, Trump is currently in California for a $500,000-per-couple fundraiser with some of the nation’s wealthiest donors. Will it be enough to overtake the Biden campaign’s much touted cash advantage? National politics correspondent Meridith McGraw joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to discuss. Plus, what you need to know about President Joe Biden’s meeting today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and why Kyiv met Biden’s D-Day speech with skepticism.

June 7, 2024: Could Trump erase Biden’s cash advantage?

Black voters have long been the backbone of the Democratic Party. But this year, MAGA is betting it can win over enough Black voters to make a real difference in November. As prominent Black Republicans including Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) make entreaties to Black voters in key states, political correspondent Brakkton Booker joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade break down the nuances of this mission — and where it might come up short.

June 6, 2024: How serious is the GOP’s push for Black voters?

Hunter Biden’s trial over an unlawful gun purchase is underway in Wilmington, Delaware. The jury (and four alternates) was assembled quickly, and the president’s son is already facing the heat. POLITICO Magazine opinion columnist and former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori was in the courthouse Tuesday. He tells Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels that the scene has already been defined by the government’s key witness: Hunter’s own words from his memoir. Plus, Democrats are butting heads over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's forthcoming visit to Washington, even though it doesn't have a set date yet. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

June 5, 2024: Inside the first days of Hunter Biden's trial

President Joe Biden is expected to sign a long-awaited executive order today that would allow him to halt crossings at the border after a certain threshold of people is reached. But will the move actually do anything to resolve the crisis at the border? Some immigration policy experts say no. White House reporter Myah Ward joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to talk it through.Plus, Attorney General Merrick Garland will testify before the House Judiciary Committee this morning in what is expected to be a fiery encounter. All that and the rest of the news you need to know today.

June 4, 2024: Biden’s bold border move

The trial of President Joe Biden’s son Hunter over an unlawful gun purchase begins today in Wilmington. The event won’t just shine a light on the younger Biden’s tumultuous relationship with the law, but on the perhaps even more complicated structures of the Biden family. Both Hunter’s ex-wife and the widow of his brother Beau—with whom he had a relationship after Beau’s death—could be called to the witness stand.Plus, lawmakers on Capitol Hill and the campaign trail are reacting to former President Donald Trump’s 34 felony convictions and a big shakeup at the Washington Post. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

May 16, 2024: Who took the debate bait: Trump or Biden?

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