Podcast
The Playbook Podcast
Hosted by POLITICO · EN
POLITICO’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns bring their fresh insight, analysis and reporting to the biggest story driving the day in the nation’s capital.
132episodes
Episodes
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Trump raises election doubts, again
3d ago00:12:14Tap to summarizeLast night, President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address focused on newly declassified documents that he argued cast doubt on the integrity of the 2020 election. But the documents don't appear to substantiate his longstanding claims that the election was stolen. So why deliver this speech now, and who was the real audience? Plus, a preview of our conversation with one of Washington's buzziest figures: Abdul El-Sayed. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
Transcribe →What to expect from Trump’s address
4d ago00:17:10Tap to summarizePresident Trump is slated to make a primetime address this evening at 9 pm E.T. He's dropped breadcrumbs all week that he’ll focus on election integrity and the SAVE America Act. But will he actually stick to the script? Meanwhile Republicans grapple with the fallout after two ICE-involved shootings in less than a week. Plus, it’s day two of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing, where we can expect outside testimony from Epstein survivors. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
Transcribe →Todd Blanche faces the Senate Judiciary Committee
5d ago00:15:42Tap to summarizeSenate Republicans face a series of high-stakes decisions that rival last year's One Big Beautiful Bill. At the top of today’s agenda — acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee. We’ll give you a preview of his testimony. Meanwhile President Trump dropped hints about tomorrow's national address, where he’s expected to return to a familiar message on the SAVE America Act. Plus, the latest on the war with no end in sight as Trump ramps up aggression towards Iran. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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Is the Democratic establishment clapping back?
6d ago00:13:37Tap to summarizeThe Michigan primary isn’t for another few weeks, but the Democratic establishment is already putting their thumb on the scale, throwing support behind Rep. Haley Stevens. Her rival, Abdul El-Sayed, is showing strength of his own, reporting more than $4.5 million raised in the second quarter. What does the race say about the Democratic Party's establishment-versus-insurgent divide? Meanwhile, President Trump notified lawmakers that the U.S. is at war with Iran, again. What would the late Sen. Lindsey Graham make of Trump’s increasingly hawkish posture? For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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The succession race after Lindsey Graham’s death
1w ago00:14:56Tap to summarizeSenator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died over the weekend at the age of 71. He served more than three decades on the Hill, was the president’s Senate whisperer, and played a key role on the world stage. So, what happens next with his vacant seat in South Carolina – and how are insiders in Washington responding to this moment? Plus, everything else you need to jump-start your day – from renewed strikes on Iran to Congress’ first day back in session. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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Why NATO’s chief thinks Trump was right (with Mark Rutte) | The Conversation
1w ago00:43:38Tap to summarizeAt the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Secretary General Mark Rutte joins Dasha to discuss NATO's historic defense spending overhaul, Russia's war in Ukraine, Greenland, President Trump's demands of the alliance, and whether NATO can withstand growing questions about America's future role in European security. Plus, POLITICO’s diplomatic correspondent Felicia Schwartz and defense reporter Jack Detsch give their takeaways from the summit. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
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Was the Iran fallout inevitable?
1w ago00:14:50Tap to summarizeThe U.S.-Iran ceasefire is “over.” But how are Republicans responding to these renewed strikes and what does this all mean for the midterms? Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on the bipartisan Housing bill. The question on everyone’s mind: will Trump sign it? Plus, an update on the saga unfolding in Maine as Democrats scramble to find their next Senate nominee. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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Graham Platner is out. What happens next?
2w ago00:16:29Tap to summarizeIn a video statement, Graham Platner announced that he is suspending his campaign for the U.S. Maine Senate race. Since the aftermath of POLITICO’s report on sexual assault allegations against Platner, Maine Democrats tentatively approved a nominating convention to identify their replacement, and a band of hopefuls are already raising their hands. So who is vying for the Democratic nomination, and what does this moment say about the future of the Democratic Party? For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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Dems brace for Maine Senate race as Trump rips NATO allies
2w ago00:16:15Tap to summarizeThe political fallout continues after POLITICO's reporting on sexual assault allegations against Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. On this episode, host Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Myah Ward get into what this means for Democrats as they head into a highly contested seat for the 2026 midterms. Meanwhile, President Trump is still at the NATO summit where he’s been bashing against allies on all fronts. Trump is expected to hold a press conference from Turkey later this morning. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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The allegations against Graham Platner, and what they mean for Maine's Senate race
2w ago00:14:04Tap to summarizeA woman who dated Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner has accused him of sexual assault, in reporting exclusive to POLITICO. Platner denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious, and false." Today on the Playbook Podcast, host Jack Blanchard in conversation with the reporters who broke the allegation explores what this all means for Platner, the Democrats, and the battle for the United State Senate. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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