In an unexpected turn of events, Rep. Jim Jordan has become the favorite to claim the Speaker’s gavel after an unprecedented number of initial detractors say they will flip their votes in favor of the Ohio Republican. A final vote for the new Speaker is expected Wednesday. Plus, President Biden will make a rare wartime visit to Israel to show support as the county prepares a ground invasion of Gaza. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down the news you need to know today.

October 17, 2023: It is Jim Jordan’s gavel to lose

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

News

Politics

For the first time since 2008, the president of Kenya will make a visit this today, where he is set to receive the whole nine yards of special treatment. There are a few reasons for this: Kenya is celebrating 50 years of independence, and it has become an emerging tech hub. But there is also the fact that President Biden promised to visit the country and has yet to stay true to his word. Will that cast a certain light on the whole event? Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels joins Playbook editor Mike DeBonis to weigh in. Plus, the Trump defense team rested their case yesterday, but it looks like court won’t adjourn by the end of the week after all. All that, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

May 22, 2024: Inside Biden's big plans for President Ruto's visit

It is primary day in various states around the country. But if you ask senior political columnist and politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, it is the race involving the Portland, Oregon, District Attorney that is the most interesting and perhaps important. In one of the most left-leaning cities in the country, the progressive DA is at risk of losing his seat amid widespread frustration over lax drug laws. Can this tell us anything about the challenges Biden will face come November? Martin walks Playbook co-author Rachael Bade through some possibilities.
Plus, lawmakers on the Hill are in a frenzy over the International Criminal Court’s warrant request for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. All of that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

May 21, 2024: What can the Portland DA election tell us about November?

After roughly a month of testimony and 19 witnesses, the end of the Trump hush money trial may draw to a close by the end of this week. The former president and current GOP frontrunner will either be charged or acquitted of falsifying business records. This week, the jury takes center stage. Plus, could Trump himself still take the stand? Legal affairs reporter Erica Orden, who has been present in the courtroom throughout the trial, walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through that possibility and what else to expect this week. That, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

May 20, 2024: The final week of the Trump hush money trial?

During the last presidential election cycle, Donald Trump said he would never return to Minnesota should he lose. He is slated to break that promise when he keynotes the Lincoln-Reagan dinner this evening. Moreover, Trump’s fixation on the gopher state seems not to have abated but has intensified since 2020. Does he stand any chance of winning a state with a Democratic trifecta? National political correspondent Adam Wren walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through the situation. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

May 17, 2024: Is Trump obsessed with Minnesota?

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.

October 17, 2023: It is Jim Jordan’s gavel to lose

Download our free app to listen on your phone