The Playbook Podcast

President Donald Trump’s proposed dividend is splitting his own party and setting up an early test for Republicans eyeing 2028. So what’s the response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest play? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren speak with former POLITICO Magazine editor Garrett M. Graff on how September 11th transformed the U.S. government.

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The Republican midterm convention in Dallas is a Trump show, but today, all eyes are on Vice President JD Vance as he takes the stage for his keynote address. What will Vance’s speech tell us about a potential 2028 bid? Plus, an exclusive interview with Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno. Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren unpack Trump’s escalating tariff fight with Canada and Washington’s response to new warnings about the dangers of AI.

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POLITICO Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin shares highlights from his candid conversation with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. Then Playbook’s Will Steakin and Irie Sentner unpack Republican jitters over the GOP midterm convention, why political polling keeps missing the mark and an AI-generated ad from Ken Paxton.

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Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn slammed President Donald Trump’s border wall after previously signaling support, according to leaked audio of a private meeting obtained by Playbook. What do Osborn’s remarks reveal about his strategy to appeal to voters across the political spectrum? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren and Will Steakin unpack the takeaways from Playbook’s on-the-ground reporting with California Gov. Gavin Newsom during his southern-state swing and discuss the lore behind an AI-generated video of Trump moonlighting as the Green Lantern.

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Stephen A. Smith is best known for sports commentary. But now, he’s weighing in on the direction of both political parties — and even considering a potential 2028 presidential run.

In a wide-ranging conversation with Dasha, the outspoken analyst explains why he believes he could win the presidency but won’t give up his career to campaign. He also discusses what he thinks is wrong with today’s political class, his criticism of the direction of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump’s appeal to voters, his interviews with controversial figures and the 2028 contenders he’s watching — including a MAGA Republican he could consider voting for.

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