The Playbook Podcast

Voters in Maine have decided: controversy-plagued Democrat Graham Platner will face Sen. Susan Collins in the fall. Meanwhile in South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham defeated MAGA challenger Mark Lynch, avoiding a runoff election. And with a key inflation report due later this morning, Morning Money newsletter author Sam Sutton joins the Playbook Podcast to preview the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers and what they could mean for voters. 

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Voters head to the polls in Maine's primary, where Democrats are watching to see whether controversies surrounding Graham Platner will derail his political future. In South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial race, it’s another test of Trump’s influence in a crowded field. Will Trump-endorsed Lt. Governor Pamela Evette cross the finish line? Plus, First Lady Melania Trump welcomes student finalists to the White House for the Presidential AI Challenge.

Sunday marked 100 days of the Iran war with no deal reached. Iran launched a new wave of missiles at Israel overnight and then Israel struck back. Trump is pressing both sides toward negotiations. Plus, the Senate's FISA renewal is at risk after Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence — the act expires Friday. And Maine's primary is Tuesday, with Democrat senate candidate Graham Platner facing controversy heading into the vote.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of crypto, the growing political influence of the industry, and his vision for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. 

Plus, he responds to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s recent attack, after Dimon called him “full of s--t,” and explains why he’s still “a little perplexed” by the personal animosity.

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The Bidens are back in the spotlight after tensions briefly flared between loyalist Andrew Bates and Jill Biden over her new  memoir. Out west, California's primary results are rolling in, revealing a trademark California story: Democrat-on-Democrat showdowns. And with another round of allegations surrounding Graham Platner, do personal scandals still have political consequences?