The Playbook Podcast

Jordain Carney, a Congress reporter with a keen insight into political dynamics, joins to discuss the high-stakes race for a budget bill as Congress reconvenes. They dive into the visible fractures within the Republican Party, contrasting strategies between the House and Senate. Carney highlights the intense negotiations ahead, focusing on budget cuts and tax disagreements. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how these legislative pressures are shaped by Trump's leadership and the unique challenges of reaching a consensus in the tight timeframe.

The podcast dives into the Democrats' attempt to leverage Elon Musk as a campaign tool in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race. It questions whether this strategy will resonate with voters or leave the party floundering. Discussions also highlight Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's grassroots efforts against the establishment. With critical issues like abortion rights energizing voters, the podcast examines how influential figures are reshaping electoral dynamics in today's political landscape.

President Donald Trump’s multi-front battle on education is in full swing. Today, he’s expected to sign an executive order effectively dismantling the Department of Education; Columbia University faces a deadline to respond to the administration’s demands or else lose $400 million in funding; Penn finds itself under scrutiny as the administration takes issue with its policy on transgender student athletes; and Dartmouth staffs up as it seeks to remain out of the line of fire. POLITICO’s West Wing Playbook author and White House reporter Irie Sentner joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to discuss.

President Donald Trump is no stranger to pushing the limits. And since reentering the Oval Office, he’s put significant energy into pushing the limits of the law — testing the courts and the legal system in ways rarely before seen in this country. What’s behind that effort, and where does it go from here? Senior legal correspondent Josh Gerstein joins Playbook author and managing editor Jack Blanchard to discuss.

Today, President Donald Trump will talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Trump, who told reporters over the weekend that significant progress has already been made in peace negotiations, is expected to make certain concessions for a successful deal. Can the two leaders come up with a plan to end the war — or get close to it? And will that plan sacrifice Ukraine’s own goals for the sake of a deal, whatever the costs? POLITICO national security reporter Eric Bazail-Eimil joins host Steven Overly to talk through what he’s watching. Plus, recent deportation decisions by the Trump administration call into question the limits of the president’s power. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Democrats have been looking inward since November 5, but over the past few days that self-examination has escalated. On Friday, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer led a small group of Senate Democrats to help pass the Republican-backed continuing resolution. In the days since, Schumer has faced frustration from colleagues, with some even calling for his removal. The situation has left those on and off the Hill trying to determine if Democrats can unite around… anything. Congress reporter Jordain Carney joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to discuss. Plus, President Donald Trump defied a federal judge and carried out deportations using a wartime law from 1798. That, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

House Republicans are one step closer to passing their continuing resolution to fund the government, now that they have overcome the roadblock that is Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Last night, Schumer announced that he will reluctantly support the GOP’s CR — preferring it to the alternative of a government shutdown. But that decision has left many Democrats apoplectic. They were spoiling for a fight with Trump and saw this as their moment of maximum leverage; if not now, then when? How will it all shake out, and what will insiders be watching for ahead of the big vote this afternoon? Congress reporter Jordain Carney joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to discuss.

The podcast dives into the buzz surrounding the 2028 presidential race, even with Trump newly in office. Discussions include Pete Buttigieg’s political future and a notable Democrat’s choice against running for Senate or governor. It also highlights the early campaigning strategies of potential candidates like Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom. Additionally, there’s a look at how a key MAGA figure's candidacy could reshape the political landscape, influencing the dynamics of the upcoming election.

Market volatility is the talk of Washington as the White House issues (and, in some cases, walks back) whiplash-inducing tariff threats. And as the economy dominates the discussion, all eyes are on Congress as a government shutdown looms at the end of the week. Yesterday, House Speaker Mike Johnson led House Republicans on a big step forward, passing a seven-month stopgap government funding bill. But it now faces an uncertain path forward in the Senate ahead of the shutdown deadline on Friday evening. What are insiders watching for? POLITICO’s Capitol bureau chief Rachael Bade joins Playbook author Jack Blanchard to talk it through.

What precisely are the limits of free speech in Donald Trump’s America? That question is at the heart of the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University grad student and green card holder whose protests against Israel led to his detention by ICE over the weekend. Administration officials say the move complies with President Trump’s executive order cracking down on anti-semitism on college campuses. But a diverse array of critics argue that it amounts to an unconstitutional attempt to punish Khalil for speech protected by the First Amendment. West Wing Playbook co-author (and former Columbia Spectator editor-in-chief) Irie Sentner walks Steven Overly through the situation. Plus, Republicans aim to bring a continuing resolution to the House floor today, and Elon Musk suggests that entitlements are on the chopping block — despite of Trump’s promises to the contrary.