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.
129episodes
Episodes
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Is the Democratic establishment clapping back?
4d 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
5d 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
6d 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?
1w 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
1w 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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What to expect from the NATO summit
2w ago00:13:06Tap to summarizeDonald Trump heads to Turkey for the NATO summit, where there’s plenty of questions about defense spend, Ukraine, and the future of Greenland. POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly gives us the rundown on what she’s looking out for this summit. Plus, the Qatari-gifted jet serving as Air Force One makes its first international trip. And in an extraordinary twist ahead of tonight's World Cup U.S.-Belgium match, FIFA reversed U.S. star Folarin Balogun's suspension after Trump urged the organization to review the decision. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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Can the American experiment survive? (with Ken Burns) | The Conversation
2w ago00:46:11Tap to summarizeAs America marks 250 years since its founding, award-winning documentarian Ken Burns joins Dasha to reflect on what history can teach us about this political moment. In this wide-ranging interview, Burns discusses what lawmakers misunderstand about the founding of our nation, what George Washington would think of Donald Trump, and whether the American experiment can survive the next chapter. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
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Steve Bannon sizes up the Democrats
2w ago00:13:50Tap to summarizeWhat does MAGA make of the Democratic Party's insurgent wing? POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly shares insights from her interview with former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release their jobs report this morning. The White House is hoping for a boost in data, but will that matter if the numbers don’t square up with consumer sentiment? Plus, a very special July 4th weekend lies ahead. So how did America 250 get so political? Follow POLITICO here: ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram: / politico ➤ Facebook: / politico For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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