Playbook Deep Dive

4.7 (78)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Playbook Deep Dive, the stories behind the power. From Congress and the White House to bar stools and back rooms, POLITICO Playbook’s Ryan Lizza brings you interviews with the most compelling and important figures who explain what’s really going on in Washington.

18 APR

Democrats’ new path to power | Doug Sosnik

Longtime Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik joins Deep Dive host Dasha Burns to discuss the current identity crisis within the Democratic Party. Sosnik discusses insights from a presentation he’s shared exclusively with Playbook that details the path forward for the Democrats, including how to connect with voters, elevate the right new leaders, and whether or not to oppose Trump or work with him. Dasha Burns is the White House Bureau Chief at POLITICO Doug Sosnik is a former Clinton adviser and political strategist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

36 min
11 APR

Tariffs activated the conservative old guard. Here’s what one of their top thinkers sees coming.

Robert Doar, the President of the American Enterprise Institute, joins host Rachael Bade to discuss how an institution long dedicated to promoting ideas such as free trade and strong American global leadership, is asserting itself in a Trump administration that often does not prioritize those views. In this episode, they discuss who in the White House is receptive to these values; how AEI is trying to influence an administration that’s fixated on podcasters and TikTokers — not conventional policy papers; who the emerging leaders are on Capitol Hill that are carrying this message; and why Doar is so much more optimistic about the future than your average cable TV host. Rachael Bade is Capitol Bureau Chief and Senior Washington Correspondent for POLITICO. Robert Doar is the president of the American Enterprise Institute Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

36 min
4 APR

Inside RFK Jr.’s MAHA agenda | Calley Means

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is making some big shakeups at the Department of Health and Human Services — and Calley Means is one of his key strategists. In this episode, POLITICO White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns sits down with Means to break down the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, and how Secretary Kennedy is planning to channel its energy into policy goals. Dasha Burns is the White House Bureau Chief for POLITICO. Calley Means is special government employee at the Department of Health and Human Services. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

39 min
28 MAR

Who will be Trump’s fall guy for Signalgate? | John Bolton

Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton joins POLITICO's Rachael Bade to discuss the Signalgate controversy and the broader battle over who will define Donald Trump’s foreign policy — Reagan-era hawks or America First types and isolationists — and who might take the fall for this national security scandal. Rachael Bade is Capitol Bureau Chief and Senior Washington Correspondent for POLITICO. John Bolton is a former Trump White House national security adviser. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 min
22 MAR

The Trump White House’s “Oracle” speaks | James Blair

White House deputy chief of staff James Blair is one of the most important people in politics you’ve never heard of — yet. On this week’s episode of Deep Dive, he talks with POLITICO Capitol Bureau Chief and Senior Washington Columnist Rachael Bade to pull back the curtain on how Trump 2.0 has managed to do so much in just two months; Susie Wiles’s style as chief of staff; the White House reaction to the latest Democratic dysfunction on Capitol Hill; the administration’s hope to ease tariff concerns and the president’s true strategy behind threatening judges with impeachment. Rachael Bade is Capitol Bureau Chief and Senior Washington Correspondent for POLITICO. James Blair is a White House deputy chief of staff. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

42 min
22 MAR

Inside Trump’s “swift kick in the ass” to the world│Chris LaCivita

Chris LaCivita co-managed Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. On this episode of Deep Dive, he’s sharing some of his secrets about Trump’s inner circle, as well as where he thinks Trump’s presidency is headed next. He joins POLITICO White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns to discuss the truths about Project 2025 and Donald Trump; what actual power Elon Musk has; some spicy tidbits about Trump’s plans to redevelop Gaza and who he thinks will be the heir to the MAGA movement. Dasha Burns is the White House Bureau Chief for POLITICO. Chris LaCivita is a Republican strategist. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

35 min
7 MAR

Shutdown, DOGE, and trans athletes | Rep. Brendan Boyle

House Budget Committee ranking member Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) joins the show to discuss how his Democratic colleagues should respond to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent pivot on trans athletes in sports, President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress, the looming government shutdown and the GOP’s possible cuts to Medicaid in reconciliation. Rachael Bade is Capitol Bureau Chief and Senior Washington Correspondent for POLITICO. Brendan Boyle is the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

43 min
28 FEB

Are Trump and Republicans already baiting a backlash?

Trump’s rapid-fire approach to governing is shaking up Washington. But is he moving too fast for his own good? In this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, host Eugene Daniels talks with POLITICO’s senior Congress editor Mike DeBonis and West Wing Playbook co-author Sophia Cai to break down the risks of Trump’s high-speed strategy and what it means for the weeks ahead. Eugene Daniels is the Chief Playbook Correspondent for POLITICO. Mike DeBonis is the senior Congress editor for POLITICO. Sophia Cai is a West Wing Playbook author and White House reporter for POLITICO. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 min

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Ryan Lizza

Host

4.7

out of 5

78 Ratings

Iowa

13/08/2023

Crimebrook

Terrific pod with really engaging Republican official and so smart of Ryan to delve deep and also let the conversation travel to areas such as caucus and legislative politics. As a Brit this type of insight to the US political scene is invaluable. Thank you ans Well Done 👍
Karen Pierce, British Ambassador to the US.

10/07/2023

@RBW

Excellent episode. How refreshing to listen to a consummate professional without an agenda. Comment regarding diplomats being allowed to complete negotiations unencumbered by politicians (I’m paraphrasing) so telling!
Fascinating and accessible

05/06/2021

Chris78hull

Really enjoyable and interesting podcast. The reporting is well done and offers a thorough insight into a topic each week. Keep up the hard work all you dedicated journalists at Politico - a UK listener. :)
Accessible, erudite and often funny

23/10/2020

KiwiTyke

As a keen observer of US politics from the UK, I consider Politico's Nerdcast one of my indispensable weekly podcasts. It provides both detail and a broad understanding of what's happening and why. Along with the 538 politics podcast this is essential listening for me. Just please stop laying music in behind the words; it’s annoying and unnecessary!
Essential listening

15/05/2020

BobInHamilton

This podcast is the quintessential listen for anyone outside the States with an interest in US politics.
Listener in London

25/04/2020

Fran_UK

The Nerdcast is great if you’re trying to keep up with American politics from abroad. It’s always hugely informative, interesting and entertaining. It gives you perspectives and insight you won’t get from reading news reports of what’s happening.
Handwringer cast

08/05/2020

Larry321321

More often than not liberal hand wringing with fine people on both sides.
Smart journalism

04/03/2019

bundies1

Interesting, well informed. Great podcast.
Informative

01/02/2019

Chezzbob

Clear, impartial and informative
A Breath of Fresh Air...

04/05/2018

Lee Broderick

As a Brit living in Bristol UK, I’m something of a Luddite when it comes to the inner machinations of US politics, so this podcast has been a wonderful find. It’s a fascinating deep dive into the swirling currents of Washington politics, provided by a group of refreshingly impartial reporters whose passion for the subject matter is totally infectious. Can’t recommend it enough!