The Playbook Podcast

Michigan is emerging as the center of gravity for the 2028 Democratic primary. Who are the potential candidates testing their own appeal in the Great Lake state? Then Playbook contributor Megan Messerly joins co-authors Adam Wren and Will Steakin to discuss Sen. Mitch McConnell’s return home, why Rep. Max Miller’s latest moves aren’t surprising, and Sen. John Fetterman’s interview with Jon Stewart. Plus, the inside story of one of the more unexpected political cameos we’ve seen lately: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro appearing in a Meek Mill music video.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson has a particular campaigning message to reporters and voters alike. But can Republicans rely on last year’s legislative wins to carry them through the midterms? Then, Playbook co-author Dasha Burns, and contributor Megan Messerly invite senior congressional editor Mike DeBonis to discuss Johnson’s relationship with President Trump, Max Miller updates, and a MAGA burrito debate. And finally, Francesca Hong declares that she does not wish to cancel Thanksgiving.

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In Michigan, progressives didn’t get the showstopping night they were hoping for as tight race ensued between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens. Plus, Playbook’s co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren, and Will Steakin get to the other stories Washington’s talking about: Francesca Hong’s Thanksgiving blunder, and what House Speaker Mike Johnson has to say about Rep. Max Miller’s refusal to step down. And finally, Jeanine Pirro still stands in limbo over her court filing on the Reflecting Pool.

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The Democratic party’s left wing is celebrating a string of victories this primary season, but who can drive this momentum to the 2028 presidential election? Then, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin sit down with POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney to talk about the stories animating Washington: Todd Blanche’s Senate Judiciary Committee vote, the future U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro, who’s in hot water over her Reflecting Pool filing, and ramped up activity in Cuba. Finally, what does Pete Buttigieg have to say about a Kamala Harris nomination for 2028? Tune in for a preview of POLITICO’s On the Road with Jonathan Martin.

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MAGA has a new target within the Trump administration: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. So who are immigration hardliners suggesting should take his seat? Plus, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin sit down with POLITICO’s California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason to discuss the questions around Kamala Harris’ 2028 bid, Marjorie Taylor Greeen’s America First who’s who tweet, and a contentious CNN interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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