The Playbook Podcast

In this special episode taped live at the B20 Summit, Playbook's Dasha Burns, Will Steakin and Megan Messerly unpack how Washington's power players are preparing for a new Democratic Congress. What does the shifting political landscape mean for business leaders like Palantir CEO Alex Karp? Then the other stories animating Washington: congressional leadership shake-ups are underway as lawmakers choose their party leaders and former President Joe Biden's memoir reveals an unusually cordial letter from President Donald Trump.

For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

The 2028 hopefuls are already courting the winners of last week's Democratic wave. Who’s making calls, who’s picking up and how could the party’s newest powerbrokers shape the next presidential race? Then the other stories animating Washington: Trump tries to recruit a new press secretary, defends Pete Hegseth against impeachment, and weighs in on a Chinese spy scandal involving NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.

For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

The Congressional Progressive Caucus welcomed its largest incoming class in a generation. While their priority list is long, there’s one looming question: Will they support Hakeem Jeffries? Then the other stories animating Washington: President Trump admits his deportation crackdown may have gone too far and opens the door to an immigration deal with Democrats. And a gaggle of potential Democratic 2028 contenders descended on Crooked Con, where a straw poll produced some surprising winners.

For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

In an exclusive interview with Dasha Burns, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) gives his first reaction to Democrats’ historic midterm wins, reveals which potential 2028 candidates have already called him up, and explains why he thinks the path to the White House in 2028 runs through the South.

Have thoughts for The Conversation? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

President Donald Trump is shaking up the White House after Republicans’ humiliating midterm defeat, ousting chief of staff Susie Wiles and replacing her with Stephen Miller. But Miller’s rise didn’t happen overnight.

New reporting from POLITICO’s Dasha Burns and Will Steakin reveals how Miller’s wife, Katie, spent weeks lobbying Trump allies to help secure the job for her husband. In a special weekend edition of the Playbook Podcast, Dasha and Megan Messerly unpack the West Wing power struggle, Wiles’ downfall and what Miller’s promotion means for the next two years of Trump’s presidency.