POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing POLITICO

The struggle is real. Ever since Kamala Harris emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee, Donald Trump’s allies have struggled to land on a consistent line of attack against the VP. The result? A gusher of insults aimed at Harris’ identity rather than her policies. Can the rhetoric be reined in? Breaking news reporter Irie Sentner joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to explore. Plus, Harris receives an official endorsement from the Obamas, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Last night, President Joe Biden gave a rare Oval Office speech to mark an even more rare occurrence: A president who is eligible for another term choosing not to run for reelection. While at times forward-looking — as when he reiterated his support for VP Kamala Harris — the address was, on its face, an attempt at legacy building. Biden checked off a list of his accomplishments, and framed his overall decision as being taken in the defense of democracy — which, he said, was “more important than any title.” But his remarks also provided a reminder of the same performance concerns that led to calls for him to step aside. What comes next? White House correspondent Eli Stokols joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to unpack it all.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday afternoon. However, the recent shakeup in the presidential race has overshadowed what would normally be Washington's biggest story. A vocal few lawmakers have stated that they will not attend the address, and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris will also not attend due to a prior commitment. So what should we expect from the speech, and from the Prime Minister's meetings with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump later in the week? National Security Daily author Matt Berg joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to offer some insight. Plus, what we know about Biden's Oval Office address this evening. That, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

Kamala Harris has received enough commitments to move closer to clinching the Democratic presidential nomination. When Harris previously ran for the Democratic nomination, her record was criticized for being insufficiently progressive. But this time around, that characterization could actually give her an advantage. Former prosecutor and current senior writer for Politico Magazine, Ankush Khardori, joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss. Plus, the latest on who will attend the meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

For the first time in over 50 years, a sitting president eligible for a second term has opted to forgo reelection. After weeks of speculation, the president announced on Sunday that he would withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. According to reports, the decision caught not only Democratic politicians off guard, but also members of Biden's campaign and White House staff. And with less than a month until the Democratic National Convention, many details must be worked out as the dust settles. Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade, Eugene Daniels, and Ryan Lizza break it all down.

On Thursday night, Donald Trump gave the longest televised acceptance speech ever, and while the crowd was initially locked in, it later grew restless. The news elephant in the room for many reporters was actually President Biden, as speculation continues to increase about when — and if — he steps down from the ticket. Playbook co-authors Ryan Lizza, Eugene Daniels, and Rachael Bade share their takes after the speech, what they're hearing about Biden from sources, and try to go find steak.