The Playbook Podcast

3.9 (698)
Politics
Updated Daily

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.

20h ago

What to expect from Trump’s address

President 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
1d ago

Todd Blanche faces the Senate Judiciary Committee

Senate 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
2d ago

Is the Democratic establishment clapping back?

The 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
3d ago

The succession race after Lindsey Graham’s death

Senator 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
4d ago

Why NATO’s chief thinks Trump was right (with Mark Rutte) | The Conversation

At 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.
6d ago

Was the Iran fallout inevitable?

The 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
Jul 9

Graham Platner is out. What happens next?

In 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
Jul 8

Dems brace for Maine Senate race as Trump rips NATO allies

The 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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Trailer

New from Politico: The Conversation, Season 2

The Conversation with Dasha Burns is back! In Season 1, Burns sat down with some of the most powerful players in Washington to get their perspectives on what’s really going on inside The White House. Join The Conversation again as Burns continues to explore how President Trump and his team are fundamentally reshaping the country, and how Democrats are tackling this new era of American politics. Full episodes will now air every Friday, starting Sept. 12.

3.9

out of 5

698 Ratings

Pro-Vaping ads?

May 19

KatyIlm

I generally enjoy this show, but the pro-vaping ads at the beginning are super distracting. I’m a mom to a teenager, and I can tell you that if vaping in teens is at an all-time low, that’s news to me. So many of my 9th grader’s peers love their vape pens. Starting a news show with pro-vaping propaganda is distracting, disturbing and bad form.
Mixed bag

Apr 15

Capitol Bill

Solid enough when we don’t have to listen to Dasha parrot lines from her White House sources (Miller? Seems like Miller). Jack corrals it a bit, but Dasha seems to be actually mimicking Trump’s speaking style: a mix of vapid cliches and vague statements lacking any clear examples. As if designed to avoid risking her access.
Megan > Dasha

May 14

28thHeavy

Can we please have Megan Masserly full-time? I cannot listen when Dasha is on; she is insufferable with her bias.
Blackrock, really??

Mar 19

kjegghead

I find the advertisers for this podcast to be a real turn off in listening to the show. The last draw was when Black Rock was selling its image to the American people through advertising on this podcast. Other advertisers have included Bayer and healthcare lobbies. How can POLITICO support independent, journalism and democracy when it takes money from some of the largest most powerful corporate leaders?

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.