Podcast
The Playbook Podcast
Hosted by POLITICO · EN
POLITICO’s Dasha Burns bring her fresh insight, analysis and reporting to the stories driving the day in the nation’s capital. She will be joined by her fellow co-authors and journalists from across POLITICO — available, as always, in audio and video formats each morning.
151episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Dems descend on Michigan
4d ago00:24:08Tap to summarizeMichigan 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. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
Transcribe →Mike Johnson, the ‘Ambassador of Hope’?
5d ago00:26:37Tap to summarizeHouse Speaker Mike Johnson has a particular campaigning message to reporters and voters alike. But can Republicans rely on last year’s legislative wins to carry them through the midterms? Then, Playbook co-author Dasha Burns, and contributor Megan Messerly invite senior congressional editor Mike DeBonis to discuss Johnson’s relationship with President Trump, Max Miller updates, and a MAGA burrito debate. And finally, Francesca Hong declares that she does not wish to cancel Thanksgiving. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
Transcribe →Slow burn in the Michigan primary
5d ago00:25:41Tap to summarizeIn Michigan, progressives didn’t get the showstopping night they were hoping for as tight race ensued between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens. Plus, Playbook’s co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren, and Will Steakin get to the other stories Washington’s talking about: Francesca Hong’s Thanksgiving blunder, and what House Speaker Mike Johnson has to say about Rep. Max Miller’s refusal to step down. And finally, Jeanine Pirro still stands in limbo over her court filing on the Reflecting Pool. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
Transcribe →Who will take Bernie Sanders’ mantle in 2028?
1w ago00:27:14Tap to summarizeThe Democratic party’s left wing is celebrating a string of victories this primary season, but who can drive this momentum to the 2028 presidential election? Then, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin sit down with POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney to talk about the stories animating Washington: Todd Blanche’s Senate Judiciary Committee vote, the future U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro, who’s in hot water over her Reflecting Pool filing, and ramped up activity in Cuba. Finally, what does Pete Buttigieg have to say about a Kamala Harris nomination for 2028? Tune in for a preview of POLITICO’s On the Road with Jonathan Martin. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
Transcribe →MAGA puts Mullin on ice
1w ago00:27:41Tap to summarizeMAGA has a new target within the Trump administration: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. So who are immigration hardliners suggesting should take his seat? Plus, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin sit down with POLITICO’s California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason to discuss the questions around Kamala Harris’ 2028 bid, Marjorie Taylor Greeen’s America First who’s who tweet, and a contentious CNN interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
Transcribe →‘Broadcast licenses aren't sacred cows’ (with FCC Chair Brendan Carr) | The Conversation
1w ago00:50:06Tap to summarizeFCC chairman Brendan Carr sits down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns for a wide-ranging interview on the growing power of the FCC under President Trump. Dasha presses Carr on his warnings that broadcasters could lose their licenses, accusations that the agency is being used to target the president's critics and concerns that the FCC has become increasingly politicized. Carr also weighs in on what he believes the FCC's role should be in a media landscape increasingly dominated by social media and streaming. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
Transcribe →Rahm Emanuel makes his 2028 pitch over pizza in Chicago | On the Road
1w ago00:57:16Tap to summarizeRahm Emanuel joins POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at Michael's Original Pizzeria on Chicago's North Side for a wide-ranging conversation about his political future, the Democratic Party's identity crisis and why he's seriously considering a run for president in 2028. The former Chicago mayor, Obama chief of staff and U.S. ambassador to Japan reflects on the biggest mistakes of both parties, argues Democrats need to win back the political center, weighs in on Israel, China and Donald Trump, and explains why he believes America is at a political turning point. Plus: Chicago tavern-style pizza, growing up on the North Side and the childhood experience that still drives Emanuel today.
Transcribe →Shapiro shoots his shot
2w ago00:14:23Tap to summarizeLeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers made headlines last week, but behind-the-scenes, Gov. Josh Shapiro lobbied for the deal. Is Shapiro making a political play for male voters disillusioned with the Democratic party? Meanwhile, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out of a crowded Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, so who's leading the charge? And a preview from POLITICO’s podcast, The Conversation, where Dasha Burns sits down with the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
Transcribe →How Michigan is shaping the Democratic Party
2w ago00:13:46Tap to summarizeEstablishment Democrats are wringing their hands as candidates of the insurgent left, like Abdul El-Sayed, take center stage in Michigan. Meanwhile, what we're taking away from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate vote yesterday. And Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general is hanging on by a thread. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
Transcribe →Pulte’s work isn’t done
2w ago00:13:23Tap to summarizeThe Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the next director of national intelligence last night, but current acting director Bill Pulte hopes to delay the hand-off. Either way, expect to see more of Pulte, who has become “bros” with President Trump. Meanwhile, after glowing reports on Trump’s meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Washington is watching for what comes next. And a familiar pandemic-era face returns to the nation's capital today. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook
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