Playbook Deep Dive
496 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★ - 1.1K ratingsWelcome to Playbook Deep Dive, the stories behind the power. From Congress and the White House to bar stools and back rooms, POLITICO Playbook’s Ryan Lizza brings you interviews with the most compelling and important figures who explain what’s really going on in Washington.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Will FDR comparisons connect Bernie with older voters?
June 14, 2019 09:00 - 33 minutesThis week on the Nerdcast with host Scott Bland: The president isn't so sure that he would call the FBI if he was approached with information about his competitors from foreign actors. Or maybe he would. A White House reporter explains the president's bizarre statement. Then, a 2020 reporter breaks down why Senator Sanders is doubling down on socialism. Plus, Mitch McConnell may have benefited from his wife Elaine Chao's position as the secretary of transportation. And he's proud of it! The r...
Trick or Trade and the 2020 Electoral Map
June 07, 2019 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MBThis week on the Nerdcast with guest-host Charlie Mahtesian: the minds of POLITICO's White House and trade team to help you understand what’s happening with a looming trade war with Mexico. Also: The president scored surprising wins in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan in 2016. He’s shooting for New Hampshire, New Mexico and Nevada in 2020.
New Dem debate criteria has candidates miffed
May 31, 2019 08:00 - 31 minutesThis week on the Nerdcast with host Scott Bland: A deep dive into Elizabeth Warren’s campaign strategy with a politico reporter who was on the trail with her and the new qualifying rules for the second set of democratic debates are out. And the candidates hate them! We've got some of POLITICO's campaigns reporters coming in to explain what's going on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New Dem debate criteria has candidates miffed
May 31, 2019 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBThis week on the Nerdcast with host Scott Bland: A deep dive into Elizabeth Warren’s campaign strategy with a politico reporter who was on the trail with her and the new qualifying rules for the second set of democratic debates are out. And the candidates hate them! We've got some of POLITICO's campaigns reporters coming in to explain what's going on.
How the 2020 Democratic candidates are preparing for the primaries
May 24, 2019 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBThis week on the Nerdcast with host Scott Bland: a surprising figure has come forward in the impeach trump movement…and no one seems happy about it! Correspondant Tim Alberta joins Scott to talk about it. Plus Scott sits down with some of POLITICO’s national political reporters to talk about 2020 campaign strategies. They’re all over the place. They explain the thinking behind the candidates' decisions.
Democrats want a progressive in the White House. They also want someone who is going to get things done.
May 17, 2019 08:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBIt's time for a new episode of the Nerdcast, with host Scott Bland. This week on the show: Joe Biden has been touting a new plan on the trail this week that pundits have absolutely trashed. But voters might actually love it… we’ll talk about the what the plan is and the why people are loving it (and hating it) with POLITICO reporter Marc Caputo. Plus, Scott sits down with some of POLITICO’s health care reporters to talk about the major anti-abortion bills that are passing in state legislatu...
Democrats want a progressive in the White House. They also want someone who is going to get things done.
May 17, 2019 08:00 - 26 minutesIt's time for a new episode of the Nerdcast, with host Scott Bland. This week on the show: Joe Biden has been touting a new plan on the trail this week that pundits have absolutely trashed. But voters might actually love it… we’ll talk about the what the plan is and the why people are loving it (and hating it) with POLITICO reporter Marc Caputo. Plus, Scott sits down with some of POLITICO’s health care reporters to talk about the major anti-abortion bills that are passing in state legislatur...
'It's definitely causing stress': New DNC debate requirements put the pressure on democratic candidates
May 10, 2019 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBOn the show this week, a packed democratic presidential field makes getting a spot on the debate stage a challenge for candidates, so some of them have completely changed their campaign strategies in hopes of securing a spot. POLITICO national political reporter Elena Schneider joins the show to talk about the requirements for getting onto the stage, and how democratic candidates have reacted. Then, national political reporter Chris Cadelago joins the show to talk about Kamala Harris, who had...
'It's definitely causing stress': New DNC debate requirements put the pressure on democratic candidates
May 10, 2019 08:00 - 33 minutesOn the show this week, a packed democratic presidential field makes getting a spot on the debate stage a challenge for candidates, so some of them have completely changed their campaign strategies in hopes of securing a spot. POLITICO national political reporter Elena Schneider joins the show to talk about the requirements for getting onto the stage, and how democratic candidates have reacted. Then, national political reporter Chris Cadelago joins the show to talk about Kamala Harris, who had...
How Trump warmed up to AG Barr
May 03, 2019 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBOn the show this week, a roundup from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with White House reporters Nancy Cook and Andrew Restuccia. Plus, a look into the relationship between evangelical voters and Trump's inner circle. Then, congressional campaigns reporter James Arkin joins the Nerdcast to talk about a problem for democrats: finding people willing to run for senate.
With 20 candidates 'you're going to have a lot of wreckage when it's done'
April 26, 2019 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBFirst, Scott and POLITICO reporter Marc Caputo talk all things Joe Biden. The former vice president finally announced that he's running for president, becoming the 20th democrat to enter the race. Does Biden stand a chance? Maybe. He could even be a front-runner. Then, Anita Kumar and Sarah Ferris join Scott to talk about a fight between the White House and 12 House committees. Basically, the White House is refusing to give up documents requested by these House committees. It seems like a bi...
The Mueller report lands. Now it's Congress's turn
April 19, 2019 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBIt's an all Mueller edition of the Nerdcast show, with host Scott Bland and reporters Kyle Cheney and Melanie Zanona. The crew unpacks some of the fundamental questions from Thursday’s release of the redacted Mueller report and figures out what’s next -- how will Congress act on this report?
Will the purge at DHS scare people into acting?
April 12, 2019 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.4 MBImmigration hard-liners are ascendant at the White House. What does it mean for people trying to enter the U.S., and for the president politically? Plus, POLITICO Playbook authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman join the Nerdcast to talk about their new book about congress in the Trump era, "The Hill To Die On."
Where do you draw the line between friendly grandpa and creepy uncle?
April 05, 2019 08:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBWhat might have been seen as normal behavior in the past is not welcome in the present. How will Biden handle the change? Plus, how much money do you really need to raise to become president? We discuss.
Where do you draw the line between friendly grandpa and creepy uncle?
April 05, 2019 08:00 - 22 minutesWhat might have been seen as normal behavior in the past is not welcome in the present. How will Biden handle the change? Plus, how much money do you really need to raise to become president? We discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
'It felt really different at the White House this week'
March 29, 2019 09:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBHow have things changed at the White House since the report came out? We go behind the scenes at the White House and on the Hill post-Mueller report. Plus, only three days remain until the end of the weekend, the end of the month, and the end of the first quarter. It matters because that’s when candidates for president have to report to the federal government just how much money they’ve raised so far this year.
Does the 'candidate next door' stand a chance?
March 22, 2019 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBBeto O'Rourke raised $6.1 million in the first 24 hours of his presidential candidacy. That's a huge number. It indicates how the Democrats running for president have already built big national followings before campaign season has really even fully started. We break it down. Plus, 17 House Committees are currently attempting to investigate the Trump White House. Are they going to get anywhere? We talk about why the White House is largely ignoring the requests from those committees.
Beto is in. Now what?
March 15, 2019 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBNo one has successfully gone from U.S. representative to president since James Garfield. Beto O'Rourke thinks he can. Plus, the mishandling of a sexual harassment case that is haunting Kirsten Gillibrand.
Beto is in. Now what?
March 15, 2019 08:00 - 27 minutesNo one has successfully gone from U.S. representative to president since James Garfield. Beto O'Rourke thinks he can. Plus, the mishandling of a sexual harassment case that is haunting Kirsten Gillibrand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the time being, Bernie's got his groove back
March 08, 2019 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBWhite House reporter Nancy Cook and congressional reporter Burgess Everett join the Nerdcast to discuss the tension between President Trump.... and some republicans. Plus, campaign reporter Holly Otterbein joins to explain what's different for presidential hopeful Senator Sanders this time around, and why some former Clinton campaign staffers just can't stand the guy.
Cohen testimony renews impeachment speculation
March 01, 2019 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBPresident Trump's former fixer spent hours fixating the American public. Did his testimony reveal anything new? Plus, Iowa proves to be twice as nice.
Bernie is back — and backed — bigly
February 22, 2019 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBGuess who's back (back back)!? back again (again again)!? Bernie's back (back back) AND..... he's already gotten a ton of donations and is pretty popular so you probably don't need to tell a friend because they probably already know.... We're breaking down Bernie 2020 and a similar candidate from a state very close to Vermont... who will get the progressive vote? Plus, Trump 2020 is looking pretty corporate! A POLITICO national political reporter joins to talk about Rosslyn's hottest campaign...
These are the 2020 Democrats who Trump is worried about
February 15, 2019 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBWith the field of Democrats running for president growing more crowded each week, the Trump re-election effort has started to zero in on three of them. But Joe Biden -- who's yet to decide whether he'll join the field -- is thought to be the candidate the campaign is most worried about in a general election contest. Plus, the unfolding drama over the budget, the president's plan for a wall on the border with Mexico, and a looming shutdown gives us plenty of clues about what to expect in the ...
Even more democrats are diving into the 2020 pool
February 08, 2019 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBThe three top Democrats in Virginia are facing scandals, and it's a story that just keeps getting worse. Campaigns reporter Zach Montellaro joins the Nerdcast to explain. Plus, We've got another two presidential announcements coming up this weekend. Elizabeth Warren will presumably announce that her exploratory committee has ended and she will officially become a presidential candidate, and Amy Klobuchar, the democratic senator from Minnesota will likely announce her run at an event scheduled...
Will 2020 be the battle of the billionaires?
February 01, 2019 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBTrump might not be the only billionaire running for president in 2020. Looks like there’s two other ultra-rich contenders considering a campaign. Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks and Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York, have indicated interest in running. It begs the question: Has Donald Trump set the standard rather than the exception as a wealthy presidential candidate? Plus,
As the shutdown drags on it is 'unclear what will get us out of this'
January 25, 2019 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.6 MBThe White House hasn't been able to strike a deal with Congress to end the shutdown. It may come down to Mitch McConnell getting involved.
Looks like the shutdown could stretch into February
January 18, 2019 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Trump should reschedule the speech if the government is still shut down come January 29. White House reporter Nancy Cook, congressional reporter Sarah Ferris and senior politics editor Charlie Mahtesian join to explain how the move might be less about security concerns and more of a sign of acrimony between president Trump and the democrats. Plus national political reporter Natasha Korecki, who spent some time following Elizabeth Warren around Iowa, joins the N...
Three ways President Trump could get his wall
January 11, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBThere's ways the president could get his wall without congressional approval. But it won't be pretty. POLITICO White House reporter Nancy Cook joins the podcast to give an update on what's happening in the White House during the shut down as federal employees miss their first paychecks. Last week she told us not much was going on, but this week everything has gone into hyper drive. Then POLITICO reporters Elena Schneider and David Siders join to talk about the democrats with big donation poss...
Three ways President Trump could get his wall
January 11, 2019 09:00 - 28 minutesThere's ways the president could get his wall without congressional approval. But it won't be pretty. POLITICO White House reporter Nancy Cook joins the podcast to give an update on what's happening in the White House during the shut down as federal employees miss their first paychecks. Last week she told us not much was going on, but this week everything has gone into hyper drive. Then POLITICO reporters Elena Schneider and David Siders join to talk about the democrats with big donation poss...
Possibility of a shutdown deal is at a 'total impasse'
January 04, 2019 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.8 MBThe president and democrats haven't been able to come to an agreement, and with the new congress sworn in it doesn't look like things are going to get any easier. White House reporter Nancy Cook joins the Nerdcast to discuss if there is an end in sight for the government shutdown. Plus, senior politics editor Charlie Mahtesian breaks down Warren's potential presidential run and politics reporter Alex Isenstadt explains what's going on with Mitt Romney, who, as you may remember, he went on a h...
Unpacking the government shutdown
December 28, 2018 18:34 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBThe government is shutdown…and everyone seems pretty mellow about it. Why aren’t more people freaking out? We’ll dive into what’s going on now that the new Congress is about to take over with POLITICO congress reporters Rachael Bade and Burgess Everett. Dan Diamond guest hosts.
Examining Trump's grip on GOP leaders
December 20, 2018 21:04 - 28 minutes - 26 MBThe president has been able to get once resistant GOP party leaders to fall in line — but how? Plus, how southern democrats manage to exist in a party moving further left with each passing day.
Republicans are in a shutdown pickle
December 14, 2018 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBHope for avoiding shutdown is evaporating; it might be a long few weeks in Washington, with less than happy holidays approaching. We breakdown the republican mood with the shutdown deadline approaching. Then, hear from two White House reporters on the chief of staff search. Nobody wants the job that used to be one of the most sought after in Washington.
The invisible primary becomes visible
December 07, 2018 09:00 - 25 minutesWith Avenatti and Patrick taking a pass on running in 2020, the field is narrowing before the chaos of a long election season even begins. Hear how things that used to happen in private have taken on a new, very public forum. Then, a House race in North Carolina is still undecided, and could lead to a whole special election. Elena joins to explain what's going on in her home state. Plus, Charlie breaks down the last time something like this happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
The invisible primary becomes visible
December 07, 2018 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBWith Avenatti and Patrick taking a pass on running in 2020, the field is narrowing before the chaos of a long election season even begins. Hear how things that used to happen in private have taken on a new, very public forum. Then, a House race in North Carolina is still undecided, and could lead to a whole special election. Elena joins to explain what's going on in her home state. Plus, Charlie breaks down the last time something like this happened.
Connecting the dots of the Mueller investigation
November 30, 2018 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBThis week, as Nancy Pelosi takes a big step toward reclaiming the gavel as Speaker of the House, how did she manage to turn back so many vocal critics in this round of the speakership fight? The Mueller investigation seems to be heating up. The president’s one-time lawyer was back in court, this time admitting he lied to Congress about Donald Trump’s business dealings in Russia.
How pardons hang over the Mueller investigation
November 21, 2018 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBEven though the Founding Fathers were anti-king, there was one king-ly power they really liked: the pardon. Thus the presidential pardon was born. Traditionally, presidents have waited patiently for their lame duck period to pardon controversial people. But president Trump isn't waiting. He's been pardoning the controversial from the beginning. In this episode of the Nerdcast, Scott is joined by presidential historian Jeffrey Engel and Politico senior reporter Darren Samuelsohn in an attempt ...
The precarious power of the progressive left
November 16, 2018 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBEverything seemed fine in the White House during midterms, but now there's the churn and burn. Big staff turnover is expected, and no one is sure who will make the cut. Plus, what's going on with the midterm election races that have yet to be called and how Sinema flipped a long-held Arizona senate seat blue.
Trump comes to grips with divided government
November 09, 2018 10:01 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBIt’s time for a new episode of Nerdcast, POLITICO’s podcast on the White House and politics. Tune in each week to geek out with us as we dive deep into the political landscape and the latest numbers that matter.
How to make sense of the midterm results
November 07, 2018 07:15 - 20 minutesPOLITICO's senior politics editor, Charlie Mahtesian, and campaign reporters Elena Schneider and Steve Shepard explain how Democrats won so much in the House but lost so much in the Senate. Tune in each week to geek out with us as we dive deep into the political landscape and the latest numbers that matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to make sense of the midterm results
November 07, 2018 07:15 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBPOLITICO's senior politics editor, Charlie Mahtesian, and campaign reporters Elena Schneider and Steve Shepard explain how Democrats won so much in the House but lost so much in the Senate. Tune in each week to geek out with us as we dive deep into the political landscape and the latest numbers that matter.
What we're watching for on election night
November 02, 2018 08:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB'Twas the week before midterms and all through the House everyone was stirring and totally freaking out!! This is the week before midterms edition of the Nerdcast. Find out what's happening in congressional districts all across the country as things get down to the wire, who might come out in top in gubernatorial races and if the blue wave is really coming. Plus: Which candidate for U.S. Senate "exudes New Jersey."
We watched every campaign ad so you don't have to
October 26, 2018 09:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBPOLITICO senior politics editor Charlie Mahtesian and White House reporters Nancy Cook and Chris Cadelago discuss President Donald Trump's phantom tax plan. Plus, POLITICO campaign reporter Zach Montellaro has been watching hundreds of political ads — and lived to tell the tale.
All election edition: Live at Politicon
October 21, 2018 09:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBIt’s time for a new episode of Nerdcast, POLITICO’s podcast on the White House and politics. This week, we're live from POLITICON in Los Angeles. Tune in each week to geek out with us as we dive deep into the political landscape and the latest numbers that matter. Subscribe and rate the Nerdcast on Apple Podcasts.
Inside Donald Trump's safe space
October 19, 2018 08:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBThis week is all about the money money money mooooney! First, POLITICO's Elena Schneider explains the bananas amount of money that Democratic candidates have raised compared to Republican incumbents. It's bonkers. Then, White House reporter Andrew Restuccia talks about Donald Trump, insult comic, who is living in a safe space of his own creation.
Whose Kavanaugh vote is going to hurt them the most?
October 12, 2018 08:00 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MBThis week on Nerdcast: The future of senators Murkowski and Collins after they cast controversial Kavanaugh votes, and a Race Ratings and midterm check-in.
The White House's nickname for President Trump
October 05, 2018 08:00 - 28 minutesWhite House staffers have been using an.... interesting nickname for President Trump. Maybe a reference to his love for skyscrapers? Who can say? White House reporter Nancy Cook spills. Then reporter Rachael Bade shares some behind the scenes tape that shows the different sides of vulnerable House republicans. Who they are depends on who is listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The White House's nickname for President Trump
October 05, 2018 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26.6 MBWhite House staffers have been using an.... interesting nickname for President Trump. Maybe a reference to his love for skyscrapers? Who can say? White House reporter Nancy Cook spills. Then reporter Rachael Bade shares some behind the scenes tape that shows the different sides of vulnerable House republicans. Who they are depends on who is listening.
What are the political consequences of Kavanaugh's testimony?
September 28, 2018 09:00 - 31 minutesThe partisan display at Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearing is likely to change the way future nominees are vetted -- and whether people are willing to submit themselves to such scrutiny. Plus, are the coming midterms just one big national election? We parse the map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What are the political consequences of Kavanaugh's testimony?
September 28, 2018 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBThe partisan display at Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearing is likely to change the way future nominees are vetted -- and whether people are willing to submit themselves to such scrutiny. Plus, are the coming midterms just one big national election? We parse the map.