The Playbook Podcast

Republicans are drawing an unlikely comparison between Democratic Florida Senate nominee Angie Nixon and President Donald Trump. What does Nixon’s appeal reveal about the state of Florida politics — and the Democratic Party’s struggle to win there? Then the other stories animating Washington: Vivek Ramaswamy’s controversial attack ad keeps making waves, as Trump and JD Vance come to his defense, top MAHA adviser Calley Means quits the administration, and Trump is spotlighting his celebrity boxer supporters along the campaign trail.

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America’s Breadbasket needs bread. Soaring diesel prices and fertilizer costs are putting the squeeze on farmers who voted for President Donald Trump, prompting some to rethink their Republican loyalties. Then the other stories animating Washington: Jon Husted’s backside becomes an unlikely campaign talking point, a potential challenger to Sen. John Fetterman teases a potential Senate bid, and Elon Musk issues an ominous response to POLITICO’s reporting about him.

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Vivek Ramaswamy’s new attack ad on Democratic opponent Amy Acton has ignited a firestorm in Ohio. The backlash points to a much bigger problem for Republicans: finding a closing message that connects with voters. Then the other stories animating Washington: President Donald Trump sidesteps questions about endorsing Vice President JD Vance for 2028 and Trump reportedly considers replacing the Brady Press Briefing Room with a swimming pool.

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Elon Musk isn’t on the ballot, but he’s once again becoming a central figure in the midterms. Democrats hoping to reclaim the House majority are already signaling that he’ll be a major target of congressional oversight if they win. Then the other stories animating Washington: Sen. Thom Tillis has a countdown clock ticking toward “whoop-ass,” the palace intrigue surrounding Susie Wiles shows no signs of letting up, and an Indiana Democrat admits to a three-beer warmup before her now-infamous interview.

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Ohio could be a bellwether for the future of a GOP-controlled Senate. In the final weeks toward the midterm, can Republicans shore up their red walls in states like Ohio and Iowa before they crumble? Then the other stories animating Washington: Abdul El-Sayed hits back at ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ questions and Hollywood is rolling out the red carpet for James Talarico. Plus, what Playbook is looking out for in the week ahead.

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