The Playbook Podcast

AI regulation’s strange bedfellows

Some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names are changing their tune on AI regulation and an unlikely alliance is joining the chorus. Among these strange bedfellows are Sen. Be

AI alarm bells are ringing. How will Washington respond?

Alarming warnings from the biggest players in artificial intelligence are sending Washington scrambling for answers. Can they catch up to the moment before AI moves to th

‘I'd rather they be American killer robots’ (with Sen. Ted Cruz) | The Conversation

Dasha sits down with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at the Republican midterms convention in Dallas to discuss President Trump’s tariffs, the economy and the GOP’s prospects in

Spencer Cox on why Trump is the result — not the cause — of America’s crisis

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana for a wide-ranging conversation about his new book, “Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemake

Trump divides on dividends

President Donald Trump’s proposed dividend is splitting his own party and setting up an early test for Republicans eyeing 2028. So what’s the response to Gov. Ron DeSanti

Trump’s Convention, Vance’s Moment

The Republican midterm convention in Dallas is a Trump show, but today, all eyes are on Vice President JD Vance as he takes the stage for his keynote address. What will V

Can Trump’s convention kickoff compete with the NFL?

POLITICO Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin shares highlights from his candid conversation with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. Then Playbook’s Will Steakin and Irie Sentner un

Why a Nebraska Senate candidate flipped on Trump’s border wall

Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn slammed President Donald Trump’s border wall after previously signaling support, according to leaked audio of a private m

‘What the hell is going on with the Democratic Party?’ (with Stephen A. Smith) | The Conversation

Stephen A. Smith is best known for sports commentary. But now, he’s weighing in on the direction of both political parties — and even considering a potential 2028 preside

Susan Collins on her high-wire act in Trump’s GOP | On the Road

Sen. Susan Collins joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Perry’s Lobster Shack in coastal Maine for a wide-ranging conversation about her reelection fight in the senate, Pr

The GOP’s fifth stage of grief

In a Friday roundup, White House reporter Sophia Cai and Playbook’s Ali Bianco unpack three stories animating Washington this morning. They break down what yesterday’s Wh

Harris’ red state blues

Democrats campaigning in red states are divided on Kamala Harris – some going as far as to reject a Harris endorsement. So,what is the Harris strategy barreling ahead tow

Trump’s data center defense

President Donald Trump called data centers the “Golden Goose,” even as they hang like an albatross around the necks of Republicans facing a tough election season. So Play

Canada trade talks went cold. What happens next?

As the deadline for Canada’s retaliatory tariffs approaches, Playbook caught up with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on whether bilateral trade talks are still i

Bernie Sanders on what's next for Democrats

In a Playbook interview, Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks on Abdul El-Sayed's campaign, Hasan Piker and his political legacy. Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren and Wil

The lesson Democrats could learn from MAGA | The Conversation

The 2026 midterms are taking shape, and the results could determine the future of both parties.  Dasha sits down with her fellow Playbook co-authors Adam Wren and Will S

An outsider Democrat taking on both parties in Iowa | On the Road

In an episode from another great Politico show, On the Road, Jonathan Martin sits down with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand at the Iowa State Fair to talk politics

He went after social media. AI is next. (with Jonathan Haidt) | The Conversation

Social psychologist and “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt helped turn concerns about kids and social media into a global political movement. Now, as Meta fac

Pete Buttigieg has a theory for how Democrats can win | On the Road

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin in Traverse City, Michigan, to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and why he belie

Trump tests endorsement in South Carolina

Two power players land in South Carolina today. President Trump is hitting the trail for Darline Graham after her rocky debate on Tuesday, while Pete Buttigieg stumps for