The Playbook Podcast

It’s been one year since Hamas’ attack in Israel that killed 1,200 people. Since then, Israel's ensuing war has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths and now, has extended into Lebanon. The conflict has strained U.S.-Israel relations, particularly with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. National security reporter Robbie Gramer joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss the implications for U.S. foreign relations amid the ongoing war.

Yesterday, the International Association of Fire Fighters announced that they will not endorse a candidate for president — a blow to Kamala Harris, especially as the group traditionally backs Democratic presidential candidates. Coming on the heels of the Teamsters’ non-endorsement, what exactly is the status of organized labor’s relationship with the Democratic Party? Labor and immigration reporter Nick Niedzwiadek joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to discuss what it all means. That, plus big news about former President Barack Obama’s return to the presidential campaign trail.

If you thought there wasn’t anything new you could learn about Donald Trump on January 6, special counsel Jack Smith has news for you. Yesterday, a federal judge unsealed a 165-page legal brief by Smith with new details of Trump’s attempt to overturn the election results in 2020. The questions now: Will this matter in the 2024 election, and how will it affect Trump’s legal jeopardy? Senior legal reporter Kyle Cheney joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to break it down. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns today with former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.). That, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

Those who predicted a slugfest were sadly disappointed. In Tuesday night's VP debate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance had a debate that was light on body blows and heavy on policy. Playbook co-authors Eugene Daniels and Rachael Bade break down the highs, the lows, and, unrelated but importantly: why it's time for you to put your Halloween decorations up.

Expect jabs over military service and who’s ‘weird’ from JD Vance and Tim Walz during the first — and only — vice presidential debate in 2024. With just over one month until Election Day and a tight race, the stakes couldn’t get any higher. Reporters Meredith Lee Hill and Mia McCarthy join Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to walk through what they’re watching for during tonight’s showdown.

After Hurricane Helene devastated cities across the Southeast this past weekend, political finger-pointing has sprung over how to best respond to disaster-torn communities. At a campaign rally, former President Donald Trump accused President Joe Biden of neglecting disaster areas while vacationing, and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for fundraising over the weekend. Later today, Trump plans to visit Valdosta, Georgia for a briefing on the disaster, and President Joe Biden plans to visit disaster-impacted areas later this week. But, North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards told Playbook's Rachael Bade that his constituents need water, food, and federal disaster assistance, not political photo opps. That, plus, everything else you need to know today.

Mitch McConnell’s remaining time as head of the Senate GOP may be limited, but he still has plenty to say — if you get the chance to talk with him. We did. And we asked him about the future of the filibuster, the upcoming election and some of the most controversial campaign remarks from Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance. Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels talk through what we learned — and the one topic on which he’s remaining mum.

Just weeks before an election in which they hope to regain a majority, Senate Republicans are singing from the same hymnal in public. But behind the scenes, there are real divisions as jockeying heats up to replace Mitch McConnell and become the next GOP leader. Frontrunners John Thune (S.D.) and John Cornyn (Texas) are appealing to supporters and — who else — former President Donald Trump. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through it all. Plus, what we know about New York Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

That smell coming off Capitol Hill today? Jet fumes, as members prepare to get out of dodge. The House of Representatives is expected to vote this evening on a continuing resolution that will fund the government until December. According to Playbook editor Mike DeBonis, what happens next is heavily influenced by the outcome of the election. He breaks it all down with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels. Plus, formal charges from the Department of Justice for would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

President Joe Biden will address the United Nations General Assembly this afternoon in what is expected to be one of the most important appearances in the final months of his presidency. Aides to the president say Biden has two goals: to burnish his own foreign policy legacy and to bolster Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. White House Bureau Chief Jonathan Lemire joins Playbook editor Mike DeBonis to walk through what else we know. Plus, another possible scandal for a New York Republican representative, and all the rest of the news you need to know today.