The Playbook Podcast

As President Joe Biden fetes Indian PM Narendra Modi in D.C., he faces uncomfortable questions about his rhetoric putting idealism at the heart of American foreign policy — and what happens when that approach runs head-on into the buzzsaw of realpolitik.

Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with national security reporter Alex Ward.

Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, struck a plea bargain with the Department of Justice over a five-year investigation into tax fraud and illegal firearms possession. It’s a relief for President Biden, but still an event that’s been used politically by his opponents. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with White House reporter Eli Stokols.

All eyes are on the 2024 presidential election, but Congress is heating up as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy contends with a growing conservative uprising and tough times for moderates. Meanwhile, Democrats are analyzing and looking to capitalize on the situation. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

Yesterday the Republican presidential primary got a new contender: the 45-year-old mayor of Miami: Francis Suarez. Hear excerpts of Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza's interview with him as he tries to make his case.

The Supreme Court still has yet to release decisions for a whopping 21 cases, ranging from affirmative action to student loans. But beyond the decisions themselves, what remains to be seen is how the conservative majority drives those rulings — and how they’re received by the overall public. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with Senior Legal Affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Donald Trump had his day in court — again. All that, and everything else you need to know today.

Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with Senior Legal Affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Unpacking the schedule of today's arraignment and what to look out for. Plus, Josh Gerstein tells Ryan about why Donald Trump seemed to win the judicial lottery when his case landed before U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, who ruled deferentially for Trump last summer.

Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with Senior Legal Affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Former President Donald Trump gets arraigned in Miami Tuesday. House conservatives are still unhappy with Speaker Kevin McCarthy and are talking about possibly tanking more GOP legislation. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. 

Playbook co-author Rachael Bade breaks down her reporting.

Here’s what we know right now about the legal and political implications of the federal indictment filed against former President Donald Trump connected to his handling of classified national security records.

Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels talks with national correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan.

Unpacking the revolt against Kevin McCarthy, and what special counsel Jack Smith's target letter against Donald Trump means. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with senior congressional reporter Sarah Ferris and senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney.