POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing - POLITICO

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Iran inflection point Feb 26, 2026

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Negotiations to reach a nuclear deal with Iran have reached a critical moment. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are back in Geneva for another round of talks with Iranian officials. But the buildup of U.S. military forces and steps toward action continue in the region. Whether President Donald Trump moves forward with a military operation still remains to be seen. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the high-stakes talks and what might come next.

Trump's SOTU show Feb 25, 2026

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Over the course of one hour and 47 minutes, President Donald Trump delivered the longest address to Congress in history. This year's State of the Union address, his first official one since returning to office, saw Trump tick through a list of his accomplishments from the past year. But some Republicans are concerned he didn’t lay out enough of a forward-looking policy agenda as the midterms rapidly approach. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns sift through the record-setting speech.

A high-stakes SOTU Feb 24, 2026

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President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first official State of the Union address since returning to office on Tuesday night. But as he heads to the Capitol, he is at odds with nearly every branch of his government — even with members of his own party. Trump has said affordability will be a centerpiece of his speech, but whether he can stick to the script is always a question. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns preview Trump's primetime speech.

Trump's Iran question Feb 23, 2026

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The immense buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East has the world on edge waiting for a decision from President Donald Trump on whether he will take action against Iran. As negotiators discuss a potential nuclear agreement, Trump and his top aides have seemingly set this week as the critical stretch to reach a deal. But the prospect of a limited strike on the country remains. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the latest signs from the White House and what might come next.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on what it'll take to end the war | "The Conversation" Feb 22, 2026

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joins POLITICO’s Dasha Burns to discuss the United States’ role in ending the war, where Europe fits into the equation, and his frank thoughts on Russians living abroad.

Then, CNN’s chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward calls in from Ukraine to discuss the current climate in the country and how the Ukrainian people are doing.

Groundhog Day at the Supreme Court Feb 20, 2026

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The Supreme Court is due for a decision day. Court watchers are waiting on two looming rulings that will have major implications for President Donald Trump's agenda and the midterm elections this fall. At issue is whether the high court will strike down Trump's sweeping tariffs, and whether it will gut the Voting Rights Act and pave the way for more mid-decade redistricting. Playbook's Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the potential fallout. Plus, an extraterrestrial exploration.

War and peace Feb 19, 2026

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President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is convening for its first meeting in D.C. But the countries gathering are doing so against the backdrop of a major buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East, as Trump continues piling pressure on Iran and mulls options in the region that could include a prolonged military entanglement. After the meeting wraps, Trump will shift gears from foreign to domestic policy when he visits Georgia to deliver the White House’s message on affordability to voters. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Megan Messerly discuss the juxtaposition of Trump’s agenda and what could come next.

Texas scold 'em Feb 18, 2026

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The Democratic Senate primary in Texas lit up on the first day of early voting after state Rep. James Talarico's interview on Stephen Colbert's show was pulled at the last minute. The late-night host said the decision was made after pressure was put on by CBS. The result was an explosion of attention for Talarico, as he remains locked in an intense race against Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren discuss what the dramatic episode means for the race ahead of Election Day on March 3.

From Switzerland to Texas Feb 17, 2026

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Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s top peace negotiating team, is in Switzerland today focused on Iran and Ukraine. The two will first speak with Iranian officials as the Trump administration continues to build up a military presence in the region, and the duo is prepared to move on to speak with Russian and Ukrainian officials to seek an end to the war in Ukraine. Back stateside, early voting in Texas begins on Tuesday, as both parties await the results of their respective primaries ahead of Election Day on March 3. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren dig into the state of peace talks and the stakes for each primary.

Where does Fetterman fit among Democrats? | "The Conversation" Feb 15, 2026

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) sat down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns on "The Conversation" for a wide-ranging discussion covering his stance on immigration and ICE, voter ID, Israel and where he sees himself within the Democratic Party.

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