The Playbook Podcast

Francesca Hong may be leading the polls, but she's heading into Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary without some of the progressive movement's biggest names at her side. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexendra Ocasio-Cortez, and even far left streamer Hasan Piker won’t be campaigning for Hong today. Then Playbook co-authors Will Steakin and Adam Wren invite Playbook contributor Megan Messerly to discuss Darlene Graham’s bid in South Carolina’s special election, the fallout post Trump’s latest executive order on vaccine schedules, and the legacy of “Woke 1.”

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The movement taking shape around Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Trump defectors is attracting major donors. How viable is a third party and what does this post-MAGA moment mean for the midterms? Then, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin invite Playbook reporter Irie Sentner to discuss Francesca Hong’s final sprint ahead of Tuesday’s Wisconsin primary and Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez take on “Woke 1.”

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Speaker Mike Johnson sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging interview as Republicans fight to hold onto the House majority.

Dasha presses Johnson on why voters remain unhappy with the economy despite Republican promises, whether rising gas prices and the conflict with Iran could derail the GOP's midterm hopes, and why he believes Republicans can overcome decades of history working against the president's party.

Dasha asks Johnson about his relationship with President Trump – questioning whether he ever tells the president "no" and why Senate Majority Leader John Thune appears more willing to publicly push back.

Johnson also addresses the mounting allegations against Rep. Max Miller and weighs in on what Abdul El-Sayed's victory says about the direction of the Democratic Party.

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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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