The Playbook Podcast

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  Is this the Democrat who could win back the South? | On the Road 26.09.2026 1t 8min

  Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Mosca’s Restaurant for a wide-ranging conversation about President Trump, the future of the Democratic Party and whether he might run for president in 2028. Landrieu discusses why he believes Joe Biden should not have sought reelection, how Democrats lost working-class voters, the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America and what it would take to rebuild trust in American institutions.     He also reflects on post-Katrina New Orleans and the lessons Louisiana politics offers the rest of the country. Landrieu previously served as the White House’s infrastructure coordinator after two terms as New Orleans mayor.     Plus: Jonathan and Landrieu dig into Mosca’s chicken à la grande, oysters Mosca and other Italian-Creole specialties. 
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  Are Dems Choosin’ Texas? 25.09.2026 24min

  Could the Lone Star State’s Senate race be the tipping point for Democrats? Playbook's Adam Wren and Megan Messerly take a deep dive into Texas politics. Then the other stories animating Washington: a new U.S. government-funded Trump TV ad is on the DC airwaves and Abdul El-Sayed signals a female nominee for 2028. Plus a 200 second interview with political communications consultant, Andrew Mamo.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  Republicans grab the fire extinguisher 24.09.2026 24min

  Republicans brace themselves for a potential midterm blowout – while Democrats see a clearing in the smoke. One thing for certain, GOP candidates and their teams are forced to make some tough choices given the bleak road ahead. Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns, Will Steakin and Megan Messerly unpack Sen. Bernie Sanders’ new AI ban, why Angela Paxton broke her silence on the Texas Senate race and how a viral story about a lesbian bar in Western Massachusetts made its way to Washington.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  Xi gets the red carpet 23.09.2026 23min

  President Donald Trump will roll out the literal red carpet this evening for President Xi Jinping, kicking of the Chinese leader’s three-day Washington stint with an AI-star-studded dinner. But what progress can the two world leaders actually make on AI? Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns, Megan Messerly and Ali Bianco unpack Sen. Jon Husted’s recent remarks on the Iran war and this week’s round of 2028 potentials, including Chris Christie.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  The GOP senator breaking with Trump on vaccines and AI (with Sen. Bill Cassidy) | The Conversation 22.09.2026 39min

  This episode was originally published on Sunday, September 20. We re-published due to a platform issue. There are no changes to the content. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who lost his reelection bid to a Trump-endorsed challenger, joined Dasha to discuss the future of the Republican Party and reflect on how to make Congress more effective as he enters his final months in office. Cassidy, a physician and chair of the Senate Health Committee, also addresses his vote to confirm HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the measles outbreak and vaccine policy, the influence of the MAHA movement, Social Security’s looming funding crisis and the need for congressional guardrails on artificial intelligence. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
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  Trump scraps the GOP script 22.09.2026 19min

  Six weeks before Republicans ask voters to reject socialism and communism, President Trump is spending the week embracing socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani and preparing to welcome China’s communist leader, Xi Jinping. Playbook’s Dasha Burns and Will Steakin break down the Republican reaction. Plus Playbook unpacks Mike Rogers recent ad denouncing the Iran war, what new polling says about Kamala Harris’ favorability and a Marco Rubio name drop by a covert rap group.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  Mike Waltz’s next moves 21.09.2026 19min

  It’s U.N. General Assembly week and Mike Waltz is in the spotlight again. Is his role as U.S. ambassador a springboard to higher aspirations? POLITICO's senior foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi joins to discuss. Plus a source in the intelligence community is calling one of Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s senior advisors a “walking counterintelligence red flag” after a wedding mishap, Trump preps for two headline-making meetings, and the president continues his battle against the media.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  Democrats’ P(doom) 18.09.2026 22min

  AI is quickly becoming a 2028 litmus test for Democrats. Playbook spoke with some of the party’s potential presidential contenders grappling with the latest wave of AI doom. Then the other stories animating Washington: Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar sends a message to President Donald Trump and Sen. Bill Cassidy gets candid about RFK Jr. Plus Democratic strategist Rob Flaherty joins Playbook for a 200-second interview on the politics behind AI.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  Decoding Decoded 17.09.2026 23min

  The debate over AI safety took center stage at POLITICO’s Decoded Summit. Senior technology reporter Brendan Bordelon joins the podcast to unpack where top Trump AI adviser David Sacks draws the line on safety measures and how the tech industry is responding to Washington’s growing appetite for guardrails. Then a breakdown of the other stories animating Washington: Gov. Josh Shapiro sends some 2028 signals with a new slate of AI announcements, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman weighs in on a potential Kamala Harris comeback and Hasan Piker gets airtime on a major cable network.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  A turning point on AI 16.09.2026 19min

  Most Americans say there is a risk of AI destroying humanity – that's according to a new POLITICO Poll about public perception of AI. What does the data say about AI as a driving force in 2028? Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns and Adam Wren digest the other news animating Washington: President Trump’s Kennedy Center meltdown, why bestiality became a major focus of a Senate hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel and a preview of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate announcement. Plus, a first-in-Playbook look at a new campaign ad in New Hampshire from Senate Majority PAC.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  AI regulation’s strange bedfellows 15.09.2026 21min

  Some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names are changing their tune on AI regulation and an unlikely alliance is joining the chorus. Among these strange bedfellows are Sen. Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon, who are both set to speak at a “pro-human” AI event today. POLITICO Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to unpack this surprising cohort of AI critics and what it could mean for 2028. Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin break down two viral videos from potential 2028 contenders: California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Vice President JD Vance.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  AI alarm bells are ringing. How will Washington respond? 14.09.2026 24min

  Alarming warnings from the biggest players in artificial intelligence are sending Washington scrambling for answers. Can they catch up to the moment before AI moves to the next? Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns, Will Steakin and Ali Bianco dive into the other stories animating Washington: a packed legislative agenda as Congress returns, Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s celebration of a controversial R&B artist and response to vandalism on the new Charlie Kirk statue.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  ‘I'd rather they be American killer robots’ (with Sen. Ted Cruz) | The Conversation 13.09.2026 49min

  Dasha sits down with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at the Republican midterms convention in Dallas to discuss President Trump’s tariffs, the economy and the GOP’s prospects in November. Cruz explains why Trump “changed” his views on trade, responds to the president’s proposed $5,000 dividend for American adults, and weighs in on Tucker Carlson and concerns over AI’s threat to humanity — including why he says he’d prefer “American killer robots” to Chinese ones.  Plus, Cruz warns that Republicans face a defining debate over the party’s future and begins to make his 2028 case ahead of a possible presidential bid.  Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
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  Spencer Cox on why Trump is the result — not the cause — of America’s crisis 12.09.2026 56min

  Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana for a wide-ranging conversation about his new book, “Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt,” and the forces driving America’s political divide.  The Republican governor discusses political violence, social media’s role in fueling polarization, his relationship with President Trump and why he says he is not running for president. He also weighs in on the Republican Party’s future, immigration reform and what it will take to rebuild trust and community in American life.
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  Trump divides on dividends 11.09.2026 28min

  President Donald Trump’s proposed dividend is splitting his own party and setting up an early test for Republicans eyeing 2028. So what’s the response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest play? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren speak with former POLITICO Magazine editor Garrett M. Graff on how September 11th transformed the U.S. government.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  Trump’s Convention, Vance’s Moment 10.09.2026 28min

  The Republican midterm convention in Dallas is a Trump show, but today, all eyes are on Vice President JD Vance as he takes the stage for his keynote address. What will Vance’s speech tell us about a potential 2028 bid? Plus, an exclusive interview with Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno. Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren unpack Trump’s escalating tariff fight with Canada and Washington’s response to new warnings about the dangers of AI.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  Can Trump’s convention kickoff compete with the NFL? 09.09.2026 26min

  POLITICO Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin shares highlights from his candid conversation with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. Then Playbook’s Will Steakin and Irie Sentner unpack Republican jitters over the GOP midterm convention, why political polling keeps missing the mark and an AI-generated ad from Ken Paxton.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  Why a Nebraska Senate candidate flipped on Trump’s border wall 08.09.2026 25min

  Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn slammed President Donald Trump’s border wall after previously signaling support, according to leaked audio of a private meeting obtained by Playbook. What do Osborn’s remarks reveal about his strategy to appeal to voters across the political spectrum? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren and Will Steakin unpack the takeaways from Playbook’s on-the-ground reporting with California Gov. Gavin Newsom during his southern-state swing and discuss the lore behind an AI-generated video of Trump moonlighting as the Green Lantern.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 
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  ‘What the hell is going on with the Democratic Party?’ (with Stephen A. Smith) | The Conversation 06.09.2026 47min

  Stephen A. Smith is best known for sports commentary. But now, he’s weighing in on the direction of both political parties — and even considering a potential 2028 presidential run. In a wide-ranging conversation with Dasha, the outspoken analyst explains why he believes he could win the presidency but won’t give up his career to campaign. He also discusses what he thinks is wrong with today’s political class, his criticism of the direction of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump’s appeal to voters, his interviews with controversial figures and the 2028 contenders he’s watching — including a MAGA Republican he could consider voting for. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
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  Susan Collins on her high-wire act in Trump’s GOP | On the Road 05.09.2026 49min

  Sen. Susan Collins joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Perry’s Lobster Shack in coastal Maine for a wide-ranging conversation about her reelection fight in the senate, President Trump’s second administration and the future of the Republican Party.     The Maine Republican also discusses Canadian tariffs, immigration enforcement, her independent record and the challenge of appealing to voters in an increasingly nationalized political environment. Collins makes the case for bipartisan governing — and argues that there is still room for a political middle.     Plus, Jonathan and Collins dig into a classic Maine meal of lobster, steamers and clam chowder.