The Playbook Podcast

President Donald Trump called data centers the “Golden Goose,” even as they hang like an albatross around the necks of Republicans facing a tough election season. So Playbook's Megan Messerly found out why. Later, Dasha Burns joins alongside JMart to discuss his latest excursion to Vacationland for a sit-down with Sen. Susan Collins, before digging into the moderate Democrats clapping back at Sen. Bernie Sanders. Plus, Playbook looks ahead to the first ever Republican Midterm Convention.

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As the deadline for Canada’s retaliatory tariffs approaches, Playbook caught up with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on whether bilateral trade talks are still in the cards. Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns, Will Steakin and Megan Messerly dig into JD Vance’s take on data center expansion, Trump’s ambivalent response to a potential Hegseth 2028 run and why the betting platform Kalshi is banning politicians. Plus, reactions to Ken Paxton's new $15 million ad campaign targeting a Senate seat in Texas. 

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In a Playbook interview, Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks on Abdul El-Sayed's campaign, Hasan Piker and his political legacy. Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren and Will Steakin unpack what Sanders’ comments reveal about the midterms, the Democratic establishment and the road to 2028. Then the trio turn to the other stories animating Washington: some (literal) political football in Michigan and an NBC anchor who's the latest name in President Donald Trump's burn book. 

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The 2026 midterms are taking shape, and the results could determine the future of both parties. 

Dasha sits down with her fellow Playbook co-authors Adam Wren and Will Steakin to examine what the primaries have revealed about Trump’s influence, the Republican coalition and the Democratic Party’s identity crisis.

They discuss Trump’s $400 million MAGA Inc. war chest, the power of online politics, progressive upsets and moderate wins, and the three key states they think will be the best test of the national political environment in November. 

Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

In an episode from another great Politico show, On the Road, Jonathan Martin sits down with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand at the Iowa State Fair to talk politics over a pork tenderloin and a deep-fried Twinkie.

Sand, a Democrat running in a state that has shifted sharply to the right, makes the case that Iowa voters are fed up with one-party control, corruption and politics as usual. He discusses why Democrats have lost ground in rural America, whether the party has become too focused on insiders and national politics, and how he would govern with a Republican legislature.

Sand also weighs in on the future of the Democratic Party, his unlikely friendships with Republican governors — and his brief career as a model.

Social psychologist and “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt helped turn concerns about kids and social media into a global political movement. Now, as Meta faces a consequential trial over youth safety and addiction, Haidt tells Dasha why he believes the courts may succeed where Congress has failed — and why the fight is only getting bigger.

Haidt also sounds the alarm on AI, warning that the threats to children could go “far beyond” social media and arguing that policymakers can’t afford to give AI companies the same free pass. And with restrictions on social media gaining bipartisan support, he weighs whether protecting kids from Big Tech could become a winning issue at the ballot box.

Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin in Traverse City, Michigan, to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and why he believes Democrats can't simply campaign on a return to the pre-Trump status quo.

Buttigieg argues the party needs to "build what's next," weighs in on the Michigan Senate race, reflects on his time in the Biden administration, and shares his vision for institutional reform, AI, economic inequality and the road to 2028. Plus, he gives Jonathan a tour of his adopted hometown—including a stop for Traverse City's famous cherry ice cream. 

Two power players land in South Carolina today. President Trump is hitting the trail for Darline Graham after her rocky debate on Tuesday, while Pete Buttigieg stumps for Nancy Lacore. What are the larger picture stakes of these visits ahead of the midterms and leading into 2028? Then Playbook’s Adam Wren and Megan Messerly invite POLITICO Albany bureau chief Nick Reisman to discuss other stories animating Washington: how the Knicks owner became a GOP power player, why puppies are now a campaign strategy, and Trump’s latest side gig – IndyCar opening act. 

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Is Scott Jennings auditioning for the White House briefing room? The CNN conservative went to the mat defending Trump aide Natalie Harp just as his name is circulating as a possible next press secretary. Playbook’s Dasha Burns and Will Steakin unpack what his performance tells us about the job he may want — and new details about another major White House departure. Then, Playbook contributor Megan Messerly joins the panel to talk about what the 2026 primaries tell us about the fading power of the original anti-Trump Resistance, Darline Graham’s rough foreign-policy moment shaking up the South Carolina Senate runoff, and Donald Trump unveiling his new White House helipad. Plus, Harry and Meghan may be headed back to Britain — but is America’s right wing ready to say goodbye?

Another primary night of surprises — this time in Florida, where a DSA candidate upset the establishment Democrat in the race for U.S. Senate. Florida Playbook author Kimberly Leonard joins Megan Messerly and Will Steakin to discuss. Then we dig into the data center dominance this midterm, more from Jon Ossoff's attack on Trump, and an essay from The Atlantic with a surprising revelation about Mike Pence. 

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