Politico Playbook Audio Briefing

Just over a year ago, Playbook welcomed readers to the “courtroom campaign” — previewing an election year shaped largely by the legal woes of Donald Trump and Hunter Biden. So much for that. Just consider the news that broke yesterday in California and Washington — and that’s set to happen later today in New York City. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks us through what you need to know about what’s coming and how it’s likely to reverberate politically.

Today, Hunter Biden goes to trial in Los Angeles, the culmination of a six-year federal investigation that resulted in criminal charges over alleged tax evasion. Though the trial is expected to last for about two weeks, its ramifications could have real staying power: The charges are more serious than Biden’s Delaware case, and the issues at hand — including foreign business dealings — have been central to Republican attacks on the president. What are the actual potential repercussions — both for Hunter Biden and for the White House? National correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan guides Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through the situation.

Here’s something that elected Republicans won’t tell you on the record: Some of them don’t want Donald Trump to win in November. And, what’s more, they’re already plotting about what happens to the GOP if he falls short. That reality check comes from politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, who writes that some GOP lawmakers privately believe that losing the White House to Kamala Harris will save the party in the long run. Just how widespread is this outlook? And what would a post-Trump GOP look like? JMart joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to discuss.

There are just 62 days left until the 2024 presidential election, and both candidates are gearing up for the stretch run. VP Kamala Harris is dropping a new ad this morning that tackles middle-class concerns like lowering housing costs and fighting price gouging. Meanwhile, the GOP is trying to keep pace with the Harris campaign’s lofty fundraising totals. Plus, a glimpse into what we know so far about the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza breaks down all of the important news you need to know today.

And that's a wrap from the Democratic National Convention! Playbook's Ryan Lizza, Rachael Bade and Eugene Daniels look back on Kamala Harris' closing speech, the potential landmines her campaign faces in the weeks ahead and whether or not TMZ can ever be trusted again after publishing a rumor that Beyoncé would appear at the convention.

Playbook's Ryan Lizza chats with POLITICO's Jonathan Martin and Zolan Kanno-Youngs from The New York Times to recap day 3 of the Democratic National Convention. Former President Bill Clinton made a pitch for unity, Oprah Winfrey brought the joy, and VP pick Tim Walz focused on the blocking and tackling — among many other football metaphors. Ryan, JMart and Zolano discuss the convention programming’s appeal to middle America and the working class, with an eye toward key swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

Playbook's Rachael Bade joins CNN's David Chalian live from the CNN-POLITICO Grill to recap the second day of the Democratic National Convention. Former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama closed the evening with speeches that struck a notably different tone compared to previous years. Plus, an excerpt from POLITICO's Jonathan Martin discussing the vice presidential vetting process with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.   

Playbook's Eugene Daniels chats with Amy Walter, editor-in-chief of The Cook Political Report, to recap the first day of the Democratic National Convention. While marquee figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Hillary Clinton took the stage, President Joe Biden's symbolic passing of the torch capped the night.

Live from the CNN-POLITICO Grill in Chicago, Playbook's Eugene Daniels chats with Illinois Playbook author Shia Kapos about the key events to watch for on the first day of the Democratic National Convention. Protesters have already hit the streets, reminding some of the 1968 Chicago DNC that was roiled by riots. Eugene and Shia also discuss planned speeches from President Joe Biden and former presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and why this year's convention quickly became a hot ticket once Harris went to the top of the ticket.

Today, Kamala Harris is expected to unveil a range of economic policies taking aim at the cost of living — from groceries to housing to the care economy. While Donald Trump and allies appear poised to assail that agenda as “price controls,” Harris is betting that her proposals will connect with voters’ as inflation and its effects continue to define the 2024 election. Economics correspondent Victoria Guida joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to break it all down.

It’s the question dividing Trump world: Does the former president’s campaign message need a reset? Trump surrogate Vivek Ramaswamy has earned his MAGA bona fides with his boisterous and, at times, pugnacious appearances on the campaign trail. But he’s also among the most strident voices on the right calling for the Trump camp to change course. His unexpected message for both Trump and the GOP writ large? Drop the insults and focus on policy. The race, he believes, depends on it. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade caught up with Ramaswamy to chat about this, and more.

Though President Joe Biden has reportedly come to terms with his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, he’s also said to harbor resentment towards the key members of his own party who effectively pushed him out. Will this change the dynamics of the upcoming Democratic National Convention? White House Bureau Chief Jonathan Lemire joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to break it all down. Plus, where the Teamsters stand on a presidential endorsement, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

If Kamala Harris wins the presidency in November, some progressives hope that the new administration will listen to their concerns about national security. But are their goals realistic? Foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi walks Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels through some of the nuances. Plus, a recap of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s conversation on X Spaces and the rest of the news you need to know today.

A week before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the party has yet to define its priorities should Kamala Harris win the presidency. There is no public 100-day plan, and no explicit plan for what would happen if Democrats flipped the House. As a result, the future of critical actions like the filibuster remains uncertain. However, as Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains, much of the blurriness is intentional.

What do you do when your opponent seems to be getting all the media attention? Hold a press conference, of course. Yesterday, former President Donald Trump did just that, taking questions in Florida. The backdrop is the surging popularity of Vice President Kamala Harris, whose campaign is now leading Trump’s in most national polls —  the result of what Trump suggested is “honeymoon” that is “going to end.” What stood out from the presser? National political reporter Natalie Allison joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to talk about everything from the prospect of Harris-Trump debates to the questions the former president would prefer not to answer.

In the two-plus weeks since she’s emerged as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Kamala Harris has yet to give a sit-down interview or field reporters’ questions — and that’s just the way the Harris campaign wants it. Why? White House reporter and West Wing Playbook author Eli Stokols takes Playbook co-author Rachael Bade inside the Harris’ campaign’s media strategy, and the follow-the-vibes political moment we’re in. That, plus the latest on GOP attacks on Tim Walz’s military record.

Last night, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made their first appearance together as running mates in Philadelphia. National political reporter Holly Otterbein joins Rachael Bade from Philly to talk about the crowd — an enthusiastic 10,000 — and how well Walz went over in the room. Also, Holly breaks down Harris’ decision making process in the last couple days and what led to Walz edging out Shapiro for the spot.

Only one president has ever managed a return to the White House after losing reelection. If Donald Trump wins in November and becomes the second, his time in relative exile in Mar-a-Lago may well be the reason why. That period of time — extending from January 2021 to his entry in the 2024 race — is when the seeds of his campaign strategy were sown, his image burnished and return to the national stage plotted. And that’s the focus of national political correspondent Meridith McGraw’s new book, Trump in Exile, which is out today. She sits down with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss what she uncovered. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris officially clinched the nomination for president for the Democratic party. Next up, she chooses hew own VP.

Vice President Kamala Harris spent the weekend interviewing at least three candidates to be her running mate. Her campaign said a decision will come by Tuesday, when she will also appear publicly with her pick, kicking off a seven state tour. National politics reporter Elena Schneider talks with Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels about the political pros and cons of the options remaining.

In a matter of days, Kamala Harris will officially announce her running mate. But ahead of the unveiling, speculation is rampant in Washington about who she’ll pick and why. National politics correspondent Adam Wren walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through Harris’ VP shortlist and what each of them brings to the table — or not.