Episodes

  • Trump is 3-for-3 on his GOP revenge tour

    Trump is 3-for-3 on his GOP revenge tour
    May 20 2026
    Thomas Massie is ousted in Kentucky, and more Trump-backed candidates from Alabama to Georgia take the win. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren discuss whether Trump’s grip can last through the midterms Plus, Democrats had a big night in Pennsylvania — and somehow, everyone in DC is already talking about 2028.
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Super Primary Tuesday, Todd Blanche, and Rubio vs. Vance

    Super Primary Tuesday, Todd Blanche, and Rubio vs. Vance
    May 19 2026
    It's primary day across six states. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Megan Messerly dive into everything to watch — from a potential runoff in Alabama to the Republican scramble to take on Jon Ossoff in Georgia. Plus, acting AG Todd Blanche heads to the Hill to defend the DOJ's controversial new "anti-weaponization" fund, and JD Vance steps into the White House briefing room with big shoes to fill after Marco Rubio's press debut. And a sneak peek of Megan’s reporting on Rubio versus Vance.
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Massie vs. Trump, Cuba, and 2028 already?

    Massie vs. Trump, Cuba, and 2028 already?
    May 18 2026
    It's the final day of campaigning in Kentucky's primary, where more than $30 million has been spent. Thomas Massie is trying to keep his seat but will his outspokeness about Trump hurt him? Then, Cuba could be next on Trump’s foreign policy list. And 2028 is so far yet so close, as J.D. Vance is in Kansas City for more than just midterm campaigning.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Iran’s exiled crown prince criticizes Trump’s ‘half-baked’ Iran strategy (with Reza Pahlavi) | The Conversation

    Iran’s exiled crown prince criticizes Trump’s ‘half-baked’ Iran strategy (with Reza Pahlavi) | The Conversation
    May 17 2026
    Dasha sits down with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince of Iran, for a live taping of “The Conversation” at POLITICO’s Security Summit. In a wide-ranging interview, Pahlavi discusses the latest on the war in Iran, whether diplomacy with Tehran is possible and the future of the Iranian opposition movement. Have a question for our anniversary special? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Gloves off: Map wars and where’s the beef?

    Gloves off: Map wars and where’s the beef?
    May 15 2026
    New polling shows voters actually want the gerrymandering wars — and it has big implications for 2026. Plus, ground beef is nearing $7 a pound and the White House just quietly shelved its plan to fix it. And Trump comes back from China — so why did Taiwan vanish from the official summit readout?
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Trump in China: Pageantry and high-stakes meetings

    Trump in China: Pageantry and high-stakes meetings
    May 14 2026
    POLITICO White House reporter Alex Gangitano joins the Playbook Podcast from Beijing, where she’s traveling with Donald Trump during his first state visit to China in nearly a decade. With host Jack Blanchard and China correspondent Phelim Kine, the team unpacks a day of closed-door meetings, carefully choreographed optics and mounting tension between the world’s two biggest powers. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spent more than two hours discussing Taiwan, trade, Iran, fentanyl and the broader future of US-China relations. The team digs into the very different messages coming out of Washington and Beijing, the business heavyweights brought into the talks — including Elon Musk and Tim Cook — and what Trump needs to bring home politically from one of the most closely watched summits of his presidency.
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • James Blair and the Nebraska Dem who may drop out

    James Blair and the Nebraska Dem who may drop out
    May 13 2026
    Playbook’s Dasha Burns shares highlights from her one-on-one interview with James Blair, the head of the Republican midterm strategy, for a look at how the White House sees the road to November. Plus, the strangest Nebraska Senate primary result and what it means for Democrats in other races. Then Trump lands in Beijing with a delegation of American CEOs for his summit with Xi Jinping.
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Nebraska’s strangest race and another new map

    Nebraska’s strangest race and another new map
    May 12 2026
    It's primary day in Nebraska, and this might be one of the strangest senate races we’ve seen in a while. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns also unpack the Republican redistricting wave gaining momentum in South Carolina and Alabama. Plus, Pete Hegseth heads back to Capitol Hill for more tough questions on the war. And Dasha's dog Helly makes a very rambunctious appearance!
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins