POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing - POLITICO

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It's WHCD weekend! Parties, politics and Trump’s big debut Apr 24, 2026

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All of D.C. is gearing up for the White House Correspondents Dinner weekend. It will be President Trump’s first time attending the event ever as president. Dasha Burns and Adam Wren share what Trump’s speech might look like which may include some jokes written by comedians. Plus, there are the parties: the before parties, the after parties, and brunch parties! Dasha and Adam dive into which ones are the most buzzworthy and more.

A warning to Cabinet officials and pressure from Senate GOP Apr 23, 2026

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More Cabinet news this week—White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is tightening the reins on international travel for all Cabinet members, urging officials to focus on promoting the administration's domestic agenda. Playbook's Megan Messerly and Adam Wren dive into the administration's strategy ahead of a challenging midterm cycle. And Senate Republicans are warning anyone in Trump’s Cabinet to quit now especially before November, and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend officially kicks off today.

Maps, midterms and another Trump plan for Iran Apr 22, 2026

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Democrats score a major redistricting win in Virginia that could flip four House seats blue. Jack and Dasha break down what it means for the midterms, why Republicans are getting uneasy and what’s next in Florida. Plus, Trump delays Iran peace talks again as top officials head to Capitol Hill to face questions on rising gas prices and the economic impact of the war.

A cabinet exit, a Fed fight, and a big Virginia vote Apr 21, 2026

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Trump’s cabinet shakeup continues, with Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer out — the third high-level exit in just weeks. Dasha and Jack break down what’s driving the firings, why allies are getting nervous, and who could be next. Plus, Trump’s pick for Fed chair faces a high-stakes confirmation hearing under intense scrutiny, and voters in Virginia head to the polls in a closely watched redistricting fight that could shape the midterms.

GOP scrambles for a midterm strategy as Iran talks teeter Apr 20, 2026

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JD Vance returns to Pakistan for another round of Iran talks as a fragile ceasefire nears its deadline. Gas prices may have peaked — but relief isn’t coming anytime soon. And in Washington, top GOP operatives are huddling to prepare for a challenging midterm map.

Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down the key developments driving the day.

Can the GOP pull off a California upset? (with Steve Hilton) | The Conversation Apr 19, 2026

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California’s governor's race just got a major shakeup.

Democrat Eric Swalwell dropped out amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations, and now the field is wide open ahead of the June 2 primary. So where does that leave Republican candidate and former Fox News host Steve Hilton – backed by Trump and rising in the polls? Does the GOP have a shot at turning California red?

Dasha Burns sat down with Hilton to talk about the state of the race, the impact of Trump's endorsement, and where he thinks Democratic leadership is coming up short.

Trump's big economic swing out West Apr 17, 2026

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President Donald Trump’s push to promote his affordability agenda is colliding with economic anxiety at home and a war abroad that’s driving up costs. Meanwhile, Trump heads to Arizona to rally younger supporters amid growing skepticism over the Iran conflict. POLITICO's Megan Messerly and Eli Stokols break down the messaging challenge, the political stakes ahead of the midterms and what to watch next.

Politics, polling, and more RFK Jr. animal lore Apr 16, 2026

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Trump heads to Las Vegas to sell his tax agenda, but Republicans worry his message isn’t breaking through — and that could spell trouble for the midterms. Meanwhile, a striking Senate vote and a New Jersey special election underscore a major shift inside the Democratic Party on Israel, especially among younger voters. RFK Jr. returns to Capitol Hill for a marathon stretch of hearings as speculation swirls about his political future. And yes — there’s a bizarre new chapter in RFK Jr. lore that has everyone talking.

Can Republicans cash in on Tax Day? Apr 15, 2026

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On today’s Playbook Podcast, Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down Republicans’ Tax Day push to sell Trump’s tax cuts and ask whether voters are actually feeling the benefits. They also dig into Trump’s latest comments on Iran, the political risks of rising gas prices, and the fallout on Capitol Hill from two high-profile resignations.

Swalwell fallout scrambles California governor’s race Apr 14, 2026

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Playbook’s Jack Blanchard is joined by POLITICO California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason for a deep dive into the resignation of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). Once a rising Democratic star and gubernatorial contender, Swalwell’s career unraveled after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Mason breaks down the long-circulated private warnings about the lawmaker, how his political allies are responding and what comes next in the California governor’s race.

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