POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing - POLITICO

Latest Episodes:

Texas runoff day, more Iran strikes, and a moon base May 26, 2026

Show notes

Primary runoff day in Texas is here. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns discuss what Trump's last-minute endorsement of Ken Paxton means for John Cornyn — and for the Senate's already fragile Republican majority. Plus: the U.S. launches fresh strikes in the Strait of Hormuz while insisting the ceasefire holds, and NASA announces plans for a moon base by 2028.

How Ukraine became essential to America’s security (with Olga Stefanishyna) May 24, 2026

Show notes

Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna joins Dasha Burns on “The Conversation” to discuss whether the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran could pull American attention and weapons away from Kyiv, the state of Ukraine-Russia peace talks and why President Trump and Volodmyr Zelenskyy’s once-rocky relationship has become “iconic.”

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

Wes Moore gets blunt about 2028: I'm hungry, not thirsty | On The Road May 23, 2026

Show notes

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Baltimore’s iconic Koco's Pub for a wide-ranging conversation about redistricting, the future of the Democratic party and how his military service shaped his views on patriotism, race and America’s role in the world.

Moore also opens up about Donald Trump, Joe Biden’s decision to stay in the presidential race too long, Kamala Harris’ future and why Democrats can’t spend years “studying” voters’ frustrations instead of fixing them.

‘Shameful’ and ‘stupid’: Democrats react to autopsy report May 22, 2026

Show notes

The DNC's nearly 200-page 2024 campaign autopsy is out — and Democrats are more upset about what's missing than what's in it. Playbook's Dasha Burns and Adam Wren get into it all. Plus, Congress fled town without finishing reconciliation. Then Dasha shares highlights from her interview with Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna on the state of the war and what Ukraine needs from Washington.

Trump's agenda vs. The GOP's agenda May 21, 2026

Show notes

Vote-a-rama could get underway in the Senate today on the Republicans’ second reconciliation bill. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns dig into Republican anxiety over Trump's ballroom, the $1.7B "weaponization" fund, the Iran war's rising costs, and what the CIA director's Havana trip really means. And how the Democrats could use all this for their midterm messaging.

Trump is 3-for-3 on his GOP revenge tour May 20, 2026

Show notes

Thomas Massie is ousted in Kentucky, and more Trump-backed candidates from Alabama to Georgia take the win. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren discuss whether Trump’s grip can last through the midterms

Plus, Democrats had a big night in Pennsylvania — and somehow, everyone in DC is already talking about 2028.

Super Primary Tuesday, Todd Blanche, and Rubio vs. Vance May 19, 2026

Show notes

It's primary day across six states. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Megan Messerly dive into everything to watch — from a potential runoff in Alabama to the Republican scramble to take on Jon Ossoff in Georgia. Plus, acting AG Todd Blanche heads to the Hill to defend the DOJ's controversial new "anti-weaponization" fund, and JD Vance steps into the White House briefing room with big shoes to fill after Marco Rubio's press debut. And a sneak peek of Megan’s reporting on Rubio versus Vance.

Massie vs. Trump, Cuba, and 2028 already? May 18, 2026

Show notes

It's the final day of campaigning in Kentucky's primary, where more than $30 million has been spent. Thomas Massie is trying to keep his seat but will his outspokeness about Trump hurt him? Then, Cuba could be next on Trump’s foreign policy list. And 2028 is so far yet so close, as J.D. Vance is in Kansas City for more than just midterm campaigning.

Iran’s exiled crown prince criticizes Trump’s ‘half-baked’ Iran strategy (with Reza Pahlavi) | The Conversation May 17, 2026

Show notes

Dasha sits down with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince of Iran, for a live taping of “The Conversation” at POLITICO’s Security Summit.

In a wide-ranging interview, Pahlavi discusses the latest on the war in Iran, whether diplomacy with Tehran is possible and the future of the Iranian opposition movement.

Have a question for our anniversary special? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Gloves off: Map wars and where’s the beef? May 15, 2026

Show notes

New polling shows voters actually want the gerrymandering wars — and it has big implications for 2026. Plus, ground beef is nearing $7 a pound and the White House just quietly shelved its plan to fix it. And Trump comes back from China — so why did Taiwan vanish from the official summit readout?

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing – POLITICO

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected