The Playbook Podcast

The White House is serious about mobilizing Make American Healthy Again – sending RKF Jr. out on the trail in Iowa today. Playbook co-author Dasha Burns shares what Republican Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn has to say on the future of the MAHA movement. Then Playbook co-author Will Steakin and POLITICO polling and campaigns reporter Erin Doherty join Dasha to discuss Jon Ossoff’s new attack line on President Trump and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's latest vandalism crusade. 

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Sen. Mark Kelly is raising money, building political chits and showing up in politically significant states. All signs point to a 2028 run, but what is Kelly actually saying? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren invite POLITICO’s Daniel Miller to discuss the “runaway production” crisis in Hollywood and Mayor Karen Bass’ pothole pitfall. Plus, to mark the launch of Canberra Playbook, Australia Launch Editor Ryan Heath joins us for a special 200-second interview on what Washington should be watching in Australian politics. 

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In a live taping of "The Conversation" in Sacramento, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) weighs in on whether insurgent candidates on the left could become a liability for Democrats — and on how the party should reckon with its past embrace of “woke” politics. 

Dasha also presses Schiff on where he stands on California’s proposed billionaire tax, his opposition to recent arms sales to Israel, and whether he’ll continue accepting support from AIPAC. 

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

Karoline Leavitt’s departure leaves a major hole in the White House communications shop — but Donald Trump appears to be in no rush to replace her. Playbook’s Megan Messerly and Will Steakin unpack why, what Leavitt’s legacy will be and how Trump’s role as his own chief messenger could shape what comes next. Then, Ali Bianco joins with a scorecard of Congress’ biggest social media stars, Abdul El-Sayed’s Blue’s Clues moment draws conservative ire, and the Max Miller controversy spills into a key New York House race. Plus, a preview of Dasha Burns’ conversation with Sen. Adam Schiff.

The ideological battle within the Democratic Party is in full swing, and after another round of surprising primary results, key operatives are asking: is the “silent normie majority” gaining steam? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren invite senior White House reporter Megan Messerly to discuss the other big stories circulating Washington: Karoline Leavitt’s exit as White House press secretary and Marco Rubio’s candid conversation with Katie Miller. 

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Social media posts from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s weekend trip to Michigan suggest a tapped in politician, but the reality is a different story – one of internal fumbles and missed opportunities with key Democrats. Does Newsom have the political chops to resonate with the Midwest? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren discuss what the Wisconsin primary results reveal about the future of the Democratic party and Trump’s Air Force Once deception. 

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Francesca Hong may be leading the polls, but she's heading into Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary without some of the progressive movement's biggest names at her side. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexendra Ocasio-Cortez, and even far left streamer Hasan Piker won’t be campaigning for Hong today. Then Playbook co-authors Will Steakin and Adam Wren invite Playbook contributor Megan Messerly to discuss Darline Graham’s bid in South Carolina’s special election, the fallout post Trump’s latest executive order on vaccine schedules, and the legacy of “Woke 1.”   

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The movement taking shape around Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Trump defectors is attracting major donors. How viable is a third party and what does this post-MAGA moment mean for the midterms? Then, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin invite Playbook reporter Irie Sentner to discuss Francesca Hong’s final sprint ahead of Tuesday’s Wisconsin primary and Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez take on “Woke 1.” 

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Speaker Mike Johnson sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging interview as Republicans fight to hold onto the House majority.

Dasha presses Johnson on why voters remain unhappy with the economy despite Republican promises, whether rising gas prices and the conflict with Iran could derail the GOP's midterm hopes, and why he believes Republicans can overcome decades of history working against the president's party.

Dasha asks Johnson about his relationship with President Trump – questioning whether he ever tells the president "no" and why Senate Majority Leader John Thune appears more willing to publicly push back.

Johnson also addresses the mounting allegations against Rep. Max Miller and weighs in on what Abdul El-Sayed's victory says about the direction of the Democratic Party.

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

Michigan is emerging as the center of gravity for the 2028 Democratic primary. Who are the potential candidates testing their own appeal in the Great Lake state? Then Playbook contributor Megan Messerly joins co-authors Adam Wren and Will Steakin to discuss  Sen. Mitch McConnell’s return home, why Rep. Max Miller’s latest moves aren’t surprising, and Sen. John Fetterman’s interview with Jon Stewart. Plus, the inside story of one of the more unexpected political cameos we’ve seen lately: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro appearing in a Meek Mill music video. 

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