The Playbook Podcast

After every day last week was devoted to assembling a jury, the trial involving allegations that Trump paid hush money to two women with whom he was having affairs will begin today in Manhattan. Senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein chats with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza about what’s on his radar and District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s attempt to “rebrand” the case.Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews Senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.

Mike Johnson is close to notching a major legislative victory that may come at an extremely high cost: His job as speaker of the House. The foreign aid supplemental that’s been roiling the House GOP comes up for a procedural vote today where it’ll need Democratic support to pass — and if that vote on the rule passes, the underlying legislation will also need Democratic votes to get through. That’s good news for Ukraine and Israel. But for Johnson, the picture is decidedly less clear. Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade and Ryan Lizza game it all out.

After two days, the jury for Donald Trump’s criminal prosecution for business fraud in New York is taking starting to take shape — and the legal world is surprised by what it sees. Of the seven jurors impaneled so far, two have something very important in common: They are lawyers. That is deeply unusual, legal correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan tells Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels, and it could have interesting implications for the entire case.Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews legal correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan.

Playbook co-authors Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels discuss Rep. Thomas Massie's support for a motion- to-vacate against Speaker Mike Johnson over the foreign aid package tensions. They also touch on the Trump hush money trial and the potential for the shortest impeachment trial in history for Alejandro Mayorkas.

Playbook co-author Rachael Bade analyzes Speaker Johnson's intricate plan for aid to Ukraine, including turning aid into loans and a TikTok ban. The discussion delves into the reactions of Republicans and Democrats towards the plan, highlighting the muted resistance and complexities in gaining bipartisan support.

Legal editor James Romoser joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss the two-tiered justice system favoring Trump. They delve into Trump's hush money trial, Harris' aggressive stance on abortion rights, and Michael Cohen's interview with Ryan Lizza in this thought-provoking episode.

Explore the potential ousting of Speaker Johnson as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's motion gains momentum. Dive into the intricate dynamics of the Republican party and the strategic challenges faced amid internal struggles. Uncover the tense meeting between Speaker Johnson and Marjorie Taylor Greene, along with the unresolved house drama.

DC-based China correspondent Phelim Kine discusses Japanese PM Kishida's visit to the US, focusing on countering China's influence in the region. Topics include Kishida's economic achievements, US-Japan relations, potential technological partnerships, and geopolitical shifts amid rising tensions with China.

The podcast discusses Trump's conflicting stance on abortion as he tries to appeal to both sides, highlighting the political implications for his image and potential 2024 campaign. Insights are provided into internal party divisions, Trump's strategy on abortion, and the implications for the Republican Party and candidates in future elections.

The podcast discusses the upcoming reauthorization of the FISA law in Congress, highlighting Republican infighting, privacy concerns, and national security issues. Controversial amendments on data gathering and alliances between privacy hawks and security-minded members add complexity to the debate.