The Playbook Podcast

Over the weekend, Tim Scott received the latest in a series of polls that show him in third place in some key early states. The candidate he’s closing the distance with: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade examines how other GOP campaigns are reacting to Sen. Scott’s surge, and what they're doing to stunt his momentum.

The scoop about Kevin McCarthy’s promise to Donald Trump about an impeachment expungement vote continues to rock Capitol Hill. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema may be dashing confirmation hopes for Biden Labor Secretary nominee Julie Su. Plus, Ron DeSantis is pivoting his campaign strategy to stay in the game. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton chats with co-author Rachael Bade about her ongoing reporting.

After Kevin McCarthy suggested that Donald Trump may not be the strongest 2024 candidate, the former president fumed. So the speaker placated him with a promise: the House would vote expunge his impeachments before the August recess. That bill is now coming due, posing a major dilemma for the McCarthy, as many moderate Republicans want nothing to do with such a vote and fear electoral backlash. Plus, Sen. Lindsey Graham may soon have to guard his back against a Norman — Rep. Ralph Norman, that is. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Playbook co-author Rachael Bade dishes on her inside scoops.

Yesterday, Donald Trump announced that he expects to be indicted by special counsel Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 grand jury, citing a new “target letter” he received from investigators. Joining Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss the implications, including when such an indictment may come, is Kyle Cheney, POLITICO’s senior legal affairs and Jan. 6 reporter.

After largely eschewing mainstream media for months, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has a sit-down interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper this afternoon. All that, and everything else you need to know today.

It’s not often that we in Washington obsess over a policy issue that everyday voters are following closely as well. That changes this week, as Congress hits the gas on legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration — Playbook co-author Rachael Bade talks with transportation reporter Alex Daugherty about everything you need to know.

Late last night, in a slight surprise, the House punted on the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual defense policy bill; SAG-AFTRA goes on strike today and Sally Goldenberg previews the Family Leadership Summit, a gathering of evangelical Christians that most of the Republican presidential candidates will be at, except for Donald Trump. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton talks with national political correspondent Sally Goldenberg.

President Biden’s NATO visit is wrapping up on a high note, as Turkey ends its blockade of Sweden’s bid for membership. Meanwhile, Biden has major domestic momentum as new economic numbers put inflation at its lowest rate since March 2021 — igniting hopes that the economy has finally turned the corner. Even so, it may be too soon for him to declare victory. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with White House reporter Adam Cancryn.

For the first time in more than 100 years, the Marine Corps has no Senate-confirmed commandant, thanks to Sen. Tommy Tuberville's blockade of hundreds of senior military appointments. At issue is the Pentagon’s new policy of reimbursing troops and their families should they have to travel to receive an abortion. Joe Gould, anchor of POLITICO’s Morning Defense newsletter, joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss what plays, if any, Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell have available to resolve this standoff. 

The National Defense Authorization Act and its 1,500 amendments are headed to the House Rules Committee today, but Kevin McCarthy can’t exhale just yet. Proposals regarding abortion, diversity and medical treatment for transgender troops are worrying Democrats. Plus, Turkey shocks the world by advancing Sweden’s NATO bid. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with senior defense reporter Connor O’Brien.