The Playbook Podcast

The immense buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East has the world on edge waiting for a decision from President Donald Trump on whether he will take action against Iran. As negotiators discuss a potential nuclear agreement, Trump and his top aides have seemingly set this week as the critical stretch to reach a deal. But the prospect of a limited strike on the country remains. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the latest signs from the White House and what might come next.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joins POLITICO’s Dasha Burns to discuss the United States’ role in ending the war, where Europe fits into the equation, and his frank thoughts on Russians living abroad.

Then, CNN’s chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward calls in from Ukraine to discuss the current climate in the country and how the Ukrainian people are doing.

The Supreme Court is due for a decision day. Court watchers are waiting on two looming rulings that will have major implications for President Donald Trump's agenda and the midterm elections this fall. At issue is whether the high court will strike down Trump's sweeping tariffs, and whether it will gut the Voting Rights Act and pave the way for more mid-decade redistricting. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the potential fallout. Plus, an extraterrestrial exploration.

President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is convening for its first meeting in D.C. But the countries gathering are doing so against the backdrop of a major buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East, as Trump continues piling pressure on Iran and mulls options in the region that could include a prolonged military entanglement. After the meeting wraps, Trump will shift gears from foreign to domestic policy when he visits Georgia to deliver the White House’s message on affordability to voters. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the juxtaposition of Trump’s agenda and what could come next.

The Democratic Senate primary in Texas lit up on the first day of early voting after state Rep. James Talarico's interview on Stephen Colbert's show was pulled at the last minute. The late-night host said the decision was made after pressure was put on by CBS. The result was an explosion of attention for Talarico, as he remains locked in an intense race against Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren discuss what the dramatic episode means for the race ahead of Election Day on March 3.