The Playbook Podcast

Rahm Emanuel joins POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at Michael's Original Pizzeria on Chicago's North Side for a wide-ranging conversation about his political future, the Democratic Party's identity crisis and why he's seriously considering a run for president in 2028.



The former Chicago mayor, Obama chief of staff and U.S. ambassador to Japan reflects on the biggest mistakes of both parties, argues Democrats need to win back the political center, weighs in on Israel, China and Donald Trump, and explains why he believes America is at a political turning point.



Plus: Chicago tavern-style pizza, growing up on the North Side and the childhood experience that still drives Emanuel today.

LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers made headlines last week, but behind-the-scenes, Gov. Josh Shapiro lobbied for the deal. Is Shapiro making a political play for male voters disillusioned with the Democratic party? Meanwhile, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out of a crowded Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, so who's leading the charge? And a preview from POLITICO’s podcast, The Conversation, where Dasha Burns sits down with the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr.

For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

Establishment Democrats are wringing their hands as candidates of the insurgent left, like Abdul El-Sayed, take center stage in Michigan. Meanwhile, what we're taking away from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate vote yesterday. And Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general is hanging on by a thread.

For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the next director of national intelligence last night, but current acting director Bill Pulte hopes to delay the hand-off. Either way, expect to see more of Pulte, who has become “bros” with President Trump. Meanwhile, after glowing reports on Trump’s meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Washington is watching for what comes next. And a familiar pandemic-era face returns to the nation's capital today.

For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook

Power players convene today in the nation’s capital to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Attendees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who both will be meeting with Trump. Meanwhile, Laura Loomer is on a mission to dig up dirt on fellow conservative influencers, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman makes his way to the White House to discuss Trump’s June AI executive order.

For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook