The center of the political universe today is on Long Island, where voters in Queens and Nassau County will decide whether Democrat Tom Suozzi or Republican Mazi Pilip will replace George Santos, the fabulist who was expelled from Congress. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza calls up Politico editor Steve Shepard — a fellow Long Island native — to discuss. Plus, the latest on the Senate's supplemental bill and the changes former President Donald Trump is pushing at the Republican National Committee.

February 13, 2024: Election Day for George Santos' seat

POLITICO Playbook's must-listen briefing on what's driving the day in Washington.

News

Politics

Former President Donald Trump had a huge day in two different courtrooms on Thursday, but was only present for the one in Manhattan. David Pecker took the stand as a key witness in the case, and he alleged Trump was not the only prominent political figure for whom he caught and killed stories. Legal reporter Ben Feuerherd takes Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through what it was like in the courtroom. All that, and everything else you need to know today.

April 26, 2024: What we learned from David Pecker’s testimony

Even by modern standards, this is a dizzying day of Trump legal news. Today, he’ll return to a Manhattan court room where Judge Juan Merchan could rule over whether he violated a gag order and former National Enquirer chief David Pecker will resume his testimony in Trump’s criminal trial. Meanwhile, in Washington, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over Trump’s claims of presidential immunity from prosecution related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. POLITICO Magazine staff writer Ankush Khardori joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to walk through what to expect.

April 25, 2024: Unpacking Trump’s dizzying day at the courts

Late Tuesday evening, the Senate finally passed the long-awaited foreign aid bill that also moves to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill in the coming days. So, what does this mean for the popular social networking app, and can anything save it? Tech policy reporter Rebecca Kern walks Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels through some of the possibilities.

April 24, 2024: Has the clock run out on TikTok?

Can Joe Biden win Florida come November? It's unlikely, but the Sunshine State might still loom large in Biden's campaign -- serving as perfect fodder for why he needs to be reelected. When Biden travels there today, he will denounce its red-tinged policies, especially the six-week abortion ban set to take effect next week. Deputy national editor Zach Montellaro joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to talk through it all. Plus, Trump faces accusations he violated the gag order, and how the chaos at Columbia University is affecting Capitol Hill.

April 23, 2024: The strategy behind Biden’s Florida gambit

After every day last week was devoted to assembling a jury, the trial involving allegations that Trump paid hush money to two women with whom he was having affairs will begin today in Manhattan. Senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein chats with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza about what’s on his radar and District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s attempt to “rebrand” the case.

February 13, 2024: Election Day for George Santos' seat

Download our free app to listen on your phone