POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing - POLITICO

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Dems’ ‘silent normie majority’ Aug 13, 2026

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The ideological battle within the Democratic Party is in full swing, and after another round of surprising primary results, key operatives are asking: is the “silent normie majority” gaining steam? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren invite senior White House reporter Megan Messerly to discuss the other big stories circulating Washington: Karoline Leavitt’s exit as White House press secretary and Marco Rubio’s candid conversation with Katie Miller.

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Gavin Newsom’s Michigan fumble Aug 12, 2026

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Social media posts from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s weekend trip to Michigan suggest a tapped in politician, but the reality is a different story – one of internal fumbles and missed opportunities with key Democrats. Does Newsom have the political chops to resonate with the Midwest? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren discuss what the Wisconsin primary results reveal about the future of the Democratic party and Trump’s Air Force Once deception.

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Francesca Hong’s progressive platform test Aug 11, 2026

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Francesca Hong may be leading the polls, but she's heading into Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary without some of the progressive movement's biggest names at her side. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexendra Ocasio-Cortez, and even far left streamer Hasan Piker won’t be campaigning for Hong today. Then Playbook co-authors Will Steakin and Adam Wren invite Playbook contributor Megan Messerly to discuss Darline Graham’s bid in South Carolina’s special election, the fallout post Trump’s latest executive order on vaccine schedules, and the legacy of “Woke 1.”

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Can Tucker Carlson build a third party? Aug 10, 2026

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The movement taking shape around Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Trump defectors is attracting major donors. How viable is a third party and what does this post-MAGA moment mean for the midterms? Then, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin invite Playbook reporter Irie Sentner to discuss Francesca Hong’s final sprint ahead of Tuesday’s Wisconsin primary and Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez take on “Woke 1.”

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Can the GOP ‘defy history’ in the midterms? (with Speaker Mike Johnson) | The Conversation Aug 09, 2026

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Speaker Mike Johnson sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging interview as Republicans fight to hold onto the House majority.

Dasha presses Johnson on why voters remain unhappy with the economy despite Republican promises, whether rising gas prices and the conflict with Iran could derail the GOP's midterm hopes, and why he believes Republicans can overcome decades of history working against the president's party.

Dasha asks Johnson about his relationship with President Trump – questioning whether he ever tells the president "no" and why Senate Majority Leader John Thune appears more willing to publicly push back.

Johnson also addresses the mounting allegations against Rep. Max Miller and weighs in on what Abdul El-Sayed's victory says about the direction of the Democratic Party.

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

Dems descend on Michigan Aug 07, 2026

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Michigan is emerging as the center of gravity for the 2028 Democratic primary. Who are the potential candidates testing their own appeal in the Great Lake state? Then Playbook contributor Megan Messerly joins co-authors Adam Wren and Will Steakin to discuss Sen. Mitch McConnell’s return home, why Rep. Max Miller’s latest moves aren’t surprising, and Sen. John Fetterman’s interview with Jon Stewart. Plus, the inside story of one of the more unexpected political cameos we’ve seen lately: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro appearing in a Meek Mill music video.

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Mike Johnson, the ‘Ambassador of Hope’? Aug 06, 2026

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House Speaker Mike Johnson has a particular campaigning message to reporters and voters alike. But can Republicans rely on last year’s legislative wins to carry them through the midterms? Then, Playbook co-author Dasha Burns, and contributor Megan Messerly invite senior congressional editor Mike DeBonis to discuss Johnson’s relationship with President Trump, Max Miller updates, and a MAGA burrito debate. And finally, Francesca Hong declares that she does not wish to cancel Thanksgiving.

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

Slow burn in the Michigan primary Aug 05, 2026

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In Michigan, progressives didn’t get the showstopping night they were hoping for as tight race ensued between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens. Plus, Playbook’s co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren, and Will Steakin get to the other stories Washington’s talking about: Francesca Hong’s Thanksgiving blunder, and what House Speaker Mike Johnson has to say about Rep. Max Miller’s refusal to step down. And finally, Jeanine Pirro still stands in limbo over her court filing on the Reflecting Pool.

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

Who will take Bernie Sanders’ mantle in 2028? Aug 04, 2026

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The Democratic party’s left wing is celebrating a string of victories this primary season, but who can drive this momentum to the 2028 presidential election? Then, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin sit down with POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney to talk about the stories animating Washington: Todd Blanche’s Senate Judiciary Committee vote, the future U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro, who’s in hot water over her Reflecting Pool filing, and ramped up activity in Cuba. Finally, what does Pete Buttigieg have to say about a Kamala Harris nomination for 2028? Tune in for a preview of POLITICO’s On the Road with Jonathan Martin.

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

MAGA puts Mullin on ice Aug 03, 2026

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MAGA has a new target within the Trump administration: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. So who are immigration hardliners suggesting should take his seat? Plus, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin sit down with POLITICO’s California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason to discuss the questions around Kamala Harris’ 2028 bid, Marjorie Taylor Greeen’s America First who’s who tweet, and a contentious CNN interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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

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