The Playbook Podcast

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.

Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Sen. Susan Collins joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Perry’s Lobster Shack in coastal Maine for a wide-ranging conversation about her reelection fight in the senate, President Trump’s second administration and the future of the Republican Party.



The Maine Republican also discusses Canadian tariffs, immigration enforcement, her independent record and the challenge of appealing to voters in an increasingly nationalized political environment. Collins makes the case for bipartisan governing — and argues that there is still room for a political middle.



Plus, Jonathan and Collins dig into a classic Maine meal of lobster, steamers and clam chowder.

In a Friday roundup, White House reporter Sophia Cai and Playbook’s Ali Bianco unpack three stories animating Washington this morning. They break down what yesterday’s White House press briefing reveals about cracks in Trump’s coalition, the implications of a private phone call between President Donald Trump and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and why Democrats are celebrating two major redistricting rulings. Plus, Washington may be welcoming a new addition to its skyline: a 250-foot monument.

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