Episodes

  • 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
  • Beijing, Iran and GOP's 12 seats

    Beijing, Iran and GOP's 12 seats
    May 11 2026
    President Trump heads to Beijing for his first visit since 2017, but the shadow of Iran looms large over his talks with Xi Jinping. Playbook's Jack Blanhard and Dasha Burns discuss what's really on the table — from Taiwan to whether Trump might ask China with Iran. Plus, with the Strait of Hormuz still choked and gas prices climbing past $4.50, Republicans are finding an unlikely reason to smile: a redistricting blitz that could hand them a dozen seats before a single vote is cast in the midterm
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Trump is ‘stuck in a stalemate’ in Iran (with Leon Panetta) | The Conversation

    Trump is ‘stuck in a stalemate’ in Iran (with Leon Panetta) | The Conversation
    May 10 2026
    Leon Panetta, former Defense Secretary and CIA director under President Obama, joins Dasha Burns to assess the U.S. conflict with Iran, warning that unclear objectives, a closed Strait of Hormuz and uncertain nuclear negotiations could leave the U.S. stuck in a prolonged war. Plus, Panetta defends President Biden’s handling of the Israel/Gaza conflict but says Biden “should have been much tougher” in providing weapons for Ukraine. Leave us a voicemail or shoot us a text with your questions for our first anniversary special: 202-643-1536.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Can JB Pritzker be the Democrats’ anti-Trump in 2028? | On The Road

    Can JB Pritzker be the Democrats’ anti-Trump in 2028? | On The Road
    May 9 2026
    Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.) sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Chicago’s iconic Manny’s Deli for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the Democratic Party -- and his own. Plus: a look at Chicago’s political culture, Pritzker’s rise from donor to power broker, and why Manny’s remains a must-stop on the campaign trail.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The message-less White House, immigration tensions, and Iran

    The message-less White House, immigration tensions, and Iran
    May 8 2026
    The White House claims it has a midterm message — but nobody seems to know what it is. Adam Wren dives into the GOP's messaging confusion. Then Megan Messerly discusses the tension between immigration headliners and the Trump administration's promises on mass deportations. And more on Iran.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • From Rome to the Oval Office to Tennessee

    From Rome to the Oval Office to Tennessee
    May 7 2026
    Marc Rubio is at the Vatican to smooth things over with Pope Leo XIV after weeks of tension with the White House. Playbook’s Dasha Burns and Jack Blanchard discuss the political importance of this meeting and what is really at stake. Meanwhile, Trump hosts Brazilian President Lula, who has been very critical of the Iran War, at the Oval Office. And Republicans are back to redrawing maps—this time in Tennessee—where they are threatening the state’s lone Democratic House seat.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • MAGA retakes Indiana

    MAGA retakes Indiana
    May 6 2026
    In Indiana, most of President Trump's endorsed primary opponents beat GOP state legislators. Playbook's Adam Wren tells Jack Blanchard what all of this means, including the future of the nationwide redistricting war and the division in the Republican Party. Then, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faces questioning over Jeffrey Epstein. And Marco Rubio is headed to Rome to meet Pope Leo XIV after holding a White House press briefing before Operation Freedom was paused.
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins