Welcome to Playbook Deep Dive, the stories behind the power. From Congress and the White House to bar stools and back rooms, POLITICO's top reporters and Playbook authors bring you the most compelling and confounding stories that explain what’s really going on in Washington.
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Playbook Deep Dive
50 Subscribers
Reviews
3dd
3 out of 5 stars
Please learn the art of audio interviewing
Trying to listen to these “conversations” is frustrating. Everyone involved is smart and has interesting stories to tell and points to make, but they all talk at once, talk too fast, and all I can hear is a mumbled mess. The hosts and producers need coaching.
statedept1515
1 out of 5 stars
Too little pushback to extreme ideas
A lot of silly things are said that aren’t responded to in substantive ways. Maybe the format is to blame if there’s not enough time to dive deep(er)
jaymarcnorthamerica
4 out of 5 stars
Summers?
Just listened to a podcast giving summers credit for predicting inflation. He sounds like a neoliberal. How would things have been different if we hadn’t given out money? Weren’t we fighting a recession by ensuring jobs and providing basic needs for many. How much of inflation is due to the huge corporate welfare or the much smaller money sent to the people?
Elzie D
1 out of 5 stars
Episode 367
First episode I’ve listened too and I am extremely frustrated by the hosts interview approach. Let your guest speak! Quit talking and listen. The filmmaker was about to share his thoughts on Trump and you took over and offered your own. Maddening.
ark7788
5 out of 5 stars
Ryan Lizza, great interview with Steve Schmidt.
Great interview. Just wish it had been longer.
iWatchApple
5 out of 5 stars
Love it!
Episode 360, 'He absolutely betrayed me,’ was very riveting and surprising. Thank you for showcasing the different voices and points of views that make up the political system. Great content. I will 100% keep listening to this podcast.
tvg64
3 out of 5 stars
Steven Schmidt interview
Not worth airing at all, what a moron that guy was and never gave us any actual information about Meghan’s behavior or what the McCains did to him. He also called it a “geo-blastoma” while claiming the cancer runs in his family which tells me he’s not very bright and by extension that must apply to everyone running this country.
ArcherNova
2 out of 5 stars
Disappointed with juvenile attacks
An attempt at an NPR-level reporting but keeps failing with snarky anti-trump rhetoric. We want mature conversations. Not teenagery and snarkiness from the host. See, e.g., cast 252. I’m a wide-consumer of podcasts and this keeps happening on this podcast, temporary host or not. I do NOT care for it. *****Stop being part of what is wrong with today’s news media.***** Stop juvenile attacks. You say you don’t like it? Then show us. Don’t do it. To be respected you act respectful. Be professional. A screeching bomb goes off when you don’t. Do better.
DKRies
5 out of 5 stars
Always rewarding
No matter the topic of the week, this podcast is always worth a listen. Even when you feel like an issue has dominated the cycle and been reported/discussed ad nauseum, this podcast finds a fresh presentation. I mourned the loss of Ryan Lizza from the New Yorker’s Political Scene podcast, but he’s leveled up. h/t the production team - there are many political talking-head podcasts, so instead this show takes listeners into the field to give texture to interviews, even if ‘the field’ is just a phone and the texture is simply banter between reporter and subject before the formal questions begin. (One caveat - maybe no one should be interviewed while they chew their breakfast?). Bravo and thank you for your work.
fhdgsvac
3 out of 5 stars
Why are you eating while you record?
Listening to the 1/14 episode and the guy being interviewed is chewing/eating into the mic for over 30 minutes. Absolutely disgusting 😵💫
TJ Shadwell
4 out of 5 stars
About As Non-Partisan As Mainstream Can Be
Politico has gotten a bit of a reputation as a left-leaning medium and their website deserves that. But, as a Libertarian often looking for non-partisan reporting, I have to say these podcasts seem to stick mostly to just reporting w/o extolling. Sure there was an episode that seemed Biden friendly, but there was also another that benefited the win of GOP Governor-elect Youngkin. It’s tough to avoid a partisan slant in reporting these days but I feel this podcast walks the line about as well as can be expected.
Stephen Deb.
2 out of 5 stars
Ben White is the Physical Embodiment of the Twitter Problem
Most shows are pretty good. But every time Ben White gets on the show, regardless of the host, things get wildly more partisan, filled with more one-side arguments, and filled with more wild conjecture and hyperbole. It cannot be that hard to report the news, inform people of the information they need to know to make informed decisions, and keep your personal opinions out of it. But every time Ben gets on the podcast, it’s an echo chamber of Ben’s partisanship where the host feels the freedom to hype up Ben’s conclusory ideas of “Republicans = mean-spirited hypocrites, Democrats = do-no-wrong, pure-hearted actors.” Mitch McConnell is doing the same thing now with the debt ceiling the Dems did 4 years ago, and now they have switched places. But only McConnell gets called a hypocrite. This is trash journalism.
Junkys200
1 out of 5 stars
No longer journalism
Once they brought it Eugene Daniels it was over.
kirstigatorgirl
3 out of 5 stars
Why old the background music???!!!
I listen to podcasts to hear people talk, the background music is TOO MUCH.
9988773
1 out of 5 stars
It’s honestly a thing anymore?
I’m not really seeing how the host is coming at current issues with any honesty? I like to hear arguments from both sides, but this host and the guests that I have listened to so far don’t really use any real arguments, and they claim that the other side is spreading miss-information while they present “arguments“ (more like a quasi rebuttal opinion with next to no evidence to back their claims). Why aren’t there any honest left-wing new sources…?
your skinny penis
1 out of 5 stars
Bias
This company is definitely very bias to the left
midwestBlue
5 out of 5 stars
june 4th show
good show. Historical guilt, all white americans need to have a helping of that. i am an old white woman so when i hear things i should have been taught in public school regarding hideous horrible things whites have done that i didn’t know about. it makes me angry that we weren’t taught truthful history.
Thisislopez
2 out of 5 stars
Distracting
Specifically about ep 309 ... the “ummmm,” and “hmmmms” and the “okayyyys” by the male host distracts the wonderful thoughts and insights of the female guests. Why not just let the women speak without taking away the spotlight?
kdaddy95
5 out of 5 stars
Burgess is the man
The episode with Manchin and Murkowski was fantastic. More Burgess please!
Crose2010
5 out of 5 stars
Love the music
And a great conversation!! This is exactly the content I have been wanting. A Real conversation with real members. Excited to hear more.
fuzzystarcloud
5 out of 5 stars
good stuff
I enjoy the non inflammatory info in this show. Thank you wonderful nerds 💐 (the vaccine episode was really good. Eugene Daniels is a great guest host)
Reticeny
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast
Informative, pithy - no wasted words.
Nesorneb
1 out of 5 stars
Skewed Episode 288
Episode 288 is a one dimensional perspective lacking any depth & infused with bias. The implications of anti racist and critical theory are foundational to this episode. These are ideologies that are solely a Progressive perspective and only marginally a Black community perspective. This is disappointing coming from Politico.
John_F_
3 out of 5 stars
Mediocre
An overproduced repetitive podcast that takes some interesting issues but fails to develop them. It doesn’t help to repeat one idea over and over using different voices. It is close to being shallow and sensationalist. But there is hope - the podcast could develop the ideas a lot more and seek out more points of view.
Mushi67
2 out of 5 stars
Stop with the overproduction
Don’t need sound effects. Don’t need musical cues. What the heck happened to this show? It went from serious and interesting to... whatever it is now. Change it back please.
Kekleblahsat123456
4 out of 5 stars
Great podcast
Great podcast. Informative with great guests. Not a fan of music in background. It distracts from guest interviews otherwise so grateful for these topics!
we are the neighbors
1 out of 5 stars
Stop the sound effects
I listen every week, but after a minute or two I had to turn it off on Friday. Please stop the weird distracting sound effects.
Lee & Lynda
5 out of 5 stars
TikTok
Why won’t people point out that TikTok users embarrassed trump. This is a part of the Storey no one discusses. Disappointing.
wulmabutfit
2 out of 5 stars
Episode 269 had jarring background noises
I listened to your podcast as I took my morning walk around town. Not only was the odd jarring background music behind the speakers way too much for early morning I g exercise but startled me in several places as I crossed streets and intersections. It was so out of place that I worried that the sounds were around me in the street or construction nearby. Almost impossible to focus on the speakers when random sounds squawk through the headphones. Completely unnecessary to the absorption of the podcast - is it compensation for a lack of quality or a final swan song of a summer intern trying to impress someone?
Claudz1973
2 out of 5 stars
4.5 star show, but never make an episode like #267 ever again.
Wow episode 267 was the most irritating episode to sit through. Usually great informative content, but the constant dropping out of audio and connection mishaps— it’s cute and gets the point across about how gosh, life sure is challenging in a pandemic! But yeah, that’s a 20 second gag, not a “let’s not edit out the garbage and audio drop outs for the entire show” kind of gag. Not sure if you meant this to be entertaining but dude, your white color WFH audience experiences this zoom-meeting irritation daily in real life, please don’t subject them to a podcast of this.
MCC in Houston
4 out of 5 stars
Episode 256 needed a misophonia trigger warning
Notification sounds can be very anxiety provoking. Particularly door ringing, door knocking, phone ringing, message pinging... and the first few minutes of this episode has incessant door knocking sounds! It was just filler content that made me want to throw my phone at the wall.
Tron0760
1 out of 5 stars
Need a swallow button
I couldn’t make it through. Every few seconds, someone is struggling to swallow or smacking their lips. Too distracting to listen.
Aec6
4 out of 5 stars
I wish Eugene Daniels was the permanent host
Good review of timely topics but I think Eugene has a voice better suited to podcasts and kept the conversation moving more seamlessly
eagrassi
2 out of 5 stars
Bad journalism
Over use of identity politics and sensationalism. Innuendos does not equate to facts.
Devin Hammer
3 out of 5 stars
5/1 Episode a little too partisan
I get the feeling that Ben White has a hard time hiding his partisan feelings towards Trump. I’m no fan, but I would hope for this news podcast to try to play the middle as closely as it can. Disappointing episode, and I hope we get better in the future.
Happy tot
5 out of 5 stars
Re 252
It was sooo Sadz when u had the hope conversation! And kinda lol. Don’t worry, there is hope - you just gotta have a dark sense of humor and watch the current moment as an OMG / head smack. Stay safe and distanced. Decent humans will win
ClaudiaCincinnati
5 out of 5 stars
Informative and Lively Reporters
I really enjoy listening to this. My favorite podcasts are Nerdcast, Politico’s Dispatch, The Daily, Pod Save America, and Hacks on Tap. I’m always excited when you have a new podcast out. It’s especially fun as your reporters discuss little details about broadcasting from home such as sitting under a blanket or having a baby monitor in the room. Thanks for helping to keep us all dane during our new shut-in lives! Great producer in Irene Nagouchi(sp?) I think she produces Dispatch also — terrific.
saxboychair1
5 out of 5 stars
Love it especially the theme music
The theme of this show is so good it’s reason enough to listen. Just a perfect song to encapsulate the political circus but gets me pumped to listen to all the shenanigans happening in DC!
Edwardsae1
5 out of 5 stars
Informative
I love the behind the curtain aspect of this show. I’m a political conservative but I like to consume media from a wide variety of perspectives. This show is always at the top of me my feed.
Just a dodo bird
1 out of 5 stars
Your house is on fire, but cheer up, these guys brought bottled water
The nicest thing I can say about this podcast is that it's bland, mechanical, and no matter how many pundits participate, seems to be delivered in the same monotone. Very focussed on small process questions and when they do attempt a larger context, it seems to be a Reagan/GHWB/Bill Clinton context that's inappropriate for the times or a sports-ish context b/c most of these guys (and it's usually guys) sound like they really would prefer sports reporting. There's no sense that politics might be more important than Double A baseball or college basketball. By the time it's released on Friday, most of what they've said and attempted to analyze, is usually obsolete, which is fine b/c it wasn't all that interesting or helpful to begin with. And they never supplement it based on crucial news. Usually, by about 10 minutes into the podcast, it feels like they're just trying to get it done so they can pick their kids up from daycare. (Hope they made it on time!) I keep listening wondering when the sense of urgency or history will kick in, but it doesn't and I'll give up soon.
Travis.192985
5 out of 5 stars
Love the show, the name needs work.
I started with “love the show” for a reason; you guys do an awesome job but I think the name Nerdcast is probably misleading for and unattractive to prospective new listeners! If my girlfriend hadn’t recommended the cast, I really doubt I would have started listening because of the name. Tbh I don’t really see what’s nerdy about it either 🤔. That being said, keep it up! Y’all are killing it with content. Would love to see the show move to a daily schedule too.
Two docks floating
5 out of 5 stars
Politico’s Nerdcast
Outstanding reporting. Highly recommended.
Falsedragon
2 out of 5 stars
Vocal Fry
I enjoy the podcast but you should keep this Ben guy off the show. Holy vocal fry. Hard to listen to. I had to turn this one off.
StoneyTownes
2 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly bad
Thought it would be better. Basically they tell the news that was told yesterday by everyone else without any creativity nor wit. A corporate democrat viewpoint.
Lec4q
1 out of 5 stars
Shame on you
How many episodes have you don’t about a man getting angry about something? Fewer I bet than the one you did about a female politician crying. Shameful and sexist.
Lance McJones
3 out of 5 stars
Lacks historical context
The analysis is reasonable, but rarely resulting in an “ah-ha” moment. Lack of diversity in age does adversely impact the podcast. All of the podcasters should listen to either Mark Shields, David Brooks, or David Gergen to get more historical context. For example bringing up impeachment as an issue. The election eliminates the relevance of impeachment and it becomes a non-issue. Democrats and Pelosi are only using impeachment hearings to put dents in Trump’s armor. Real impeachment voting will never occur this close to an election.
Lovelyspectre
1 out of 5 stars
Listened to the Iowa state fair/ Trump tests evangelicals
Didn’t mention Bernie. They talked completely around him. Didn’t see the bias until now.
Jonathan Reynolds
2 out of 5 stars
Not bad. Left leaning.
Not bad. Left leaning. Probably a little over rated IMHO.
BuyNothing
1 out of 5 stars
Political analysis Lite
Do you like reporting on the whims of the donor class and campaign money chase? Do you like the pronouncements by East coast accented young folks with little sense of American history about minority and working class voters? They love all sides equally because the whipping up the horserace is what brings in the green, right Politico?
Junkie born before 1980
3 out of 5 stars
Team is ok
This podcast has fallen on my list of listening items. While I think the moderator does a good job, the reporters lack an understand of political history beyond 4 years ago. They often sound like they are debating in the high school poli-sci club. Politico should hire some folks over 30.
AZ-CPA
1 out of 5 stars
Something else than 2020 would be nice
There is a lot more content you could be discussing besides an election more than a year away
123436632
3 out of 5 stars
It's OK
It's fallen on my list of political podcasts. It's informational, but doesn't have the personality of other similar podcasts or the unique point of view. Also, I don't get the datapoints. They seem arbitrary and really pointless towards the discussion. Good reporting, just not engaging enough.
k15_jku
5 out of 5 stars
Informative Podcast
Well organized and your topics are relevant. jeepsjku #RoadToPhd
Happygoddess
5 out of 5 stars
Definitely NOT Nerdy
This podcast is well hosted and very informative. I was able to get a lot of info very quickly—— without getting overwhelmed. It’s become a “ must listen”for me. I get a few chuckles along the way while listening, so that’s very enjoyable
Tom Barnhill
3 out of 5 stars
Fine, not nerdy
This is perfectly fine albeit lightweight discussion from reporters. Not sure why it's called "Nerd Cast". The host says "data points" a lot, but this isn't a wonky podcast. It's just like any headline regurgitating panel discussion you would hear on CNN or Meet the Press. If you're looking for that, this is a mediocre but acceptable example. If you're looking for something like The Weeds or FiveThirtyEight, this will be a disappointment.
Knyvett
5 out of 5 stars
Deep and small
I like the way they take one subject and focus deeply on it, often rounding up lots of tidbits from not so recent past, creating a broader understanding of the matter.
Yerfpuppy
4 out of 5 stars
One of my weekly routines
A coworker recommended this to me. I’m glad he did. I look forward to hearing their feedback. Seems the reporters do know how to get close to the newsmakers in order to provide some firsthand reaction. My primary annoyance (why 4-stars rather than 5) is with some of the production and post-production quality. I personally loath Skype reporting and unbalanced recording volume. Sure, I understand Skype reporting and why it is used. There is little excuse though for unbalanced recording volume. Overall production is sufficient enough. What is it though about ‘Thursday’ for weekly podcasts? I end up having to take a long walk or drive just to hear them all. No regrets. Just wondering why not Friday?
Ken Ringo
1 out of 5 stars
Poor attempt
Pathetic reporting, reflecting horrific bias.Your coverage on B. Sanders.
frankie2266
3 out of 5 stars
Control the saliva on your commentary
Guys the guest today could barely control his saliva. Anything you can do to spare us his swallowing?
Jen LH
5 out of 5 stars
Nice change - solid news
This pod gets straight to the point. I don’t have time for the giggles, in-jokes and snide remarks that take up space in so many podcasts. This host doesn’t go on and on, or constantly interrupt the guests. He gets to the news fast - that’s what I want. Also some really good, knowledgeable guests.
psmillett
4 out of 5 stars
Was great
Now is only good. Becoming increasing biased against Trump. Host and male guests, can't remember their names, seem smug sometimes.
amagnacarta
5 out of 5 stars
Smart funny satisfying
I look forward to it every week
Pttbs
5 out of 5 stars
Technical Issue
The content is great but the disparity in voice level makes it difficult to listen to at times.
patriciaes
5 out of 5 stars
My favorite
I look forward to each episode. I always learn something new.
David M Gibson
5 out of 5 stars
Remember Carly Simon?
“Nobody does it better” than the weekly insights by the Politico group. Thank you for feeding my thirst for the happenings in politics.
mokwella
4 out of 5 stars
Bounced Back
After a rough patch, this Podcast has bounced back and is interesting again! The August 24 cast was fantastic with a fascinating pre-recorded piece in the middle about a day in the life of a reporter covering the President when scandal breaks.
ChefTheron
4 out of 5 stars
Informative & Objective
One of my favorite political podcasts.
JoshBabb
1 out of 5 stars
Honestly
Pretty mediocre, listened since 2016. Not super engaging.
CathPCath
3 out of 5 stars
Vocal Fry
Guys!! This vocal fry situation is spinning out of control. PLEASE pour yourself some tea w/ honey or something. Other contributors are 100% fantastic. Just one vocal fry contributor/guest can ruin the whole show for me.
polysar789
3 out of 5 stars
Would be really great
This show would be SO great, but one of the ladies in this says “sort of” and “like” so much it’s hard to keep listening to it. Otherwise it would be one of my go to shows.
Pamularia
1 out of 5 stars
Intelligence in a Podcast
I always learn something from Nerdcast. It’s timely, topical, and the hosts are engaging, smart, and personable.
J Dutch VFU
5 out of 5 stars
Good
If you like this podcast, then you will probably be a very big fan of these as well: Dumb All Over EchoPlex Media Alternative Facts Chi Voice from the Underground
RiskyScheme
5 out of 5 stars
I never miss an episode
Unlike some political podcasts, which seem to belabor the obvious, I often learn something I did not already know from the data driven portions of the program or hear perspectives that are more interesting and enlightening than other shows.
PerryBorenstein
5 out of 5 stars
It’s good
There are so many aspects of current politics that need to be covered. This is one of the important ones that can help us understand current events.
Mommt590
5 out of 5 stars
Lisa Howard
Just listened to your bonus podcast about Lisa Howard. Fascinating! Thank you!
he's the one
2 out of 5 stars
Subject matter = promising
But the vocal fry is repulsive, rendering it as unlistenable as The Weeds.
rauljcern
5 out of 5 stars
Deer Hunter
So Ms Elena Schneider is seriously mistaken about this Miami, FL listener. I’m with you Charlie! Deer Hunter is an amazing American Classic! I’ve been unable to watch This Is Us because it’s way too “soap opera-y” for my taste. My wife, however, loves the show. Keep up the great work with the pod, the data points are always great. I look forward to hearing Elena’s synopsis of Deer Hunter. I suspect she’ll be surprised. -Raul Cernuda, Miami, FL
‘like'
5 out of 5 stars
love nerdcast but volume is too low!
Love the show but its audio volume is way below that of comparable podcasts; NPR, etc. Especially the March 16th episode. When you have any ambient noise at all, it's hard to hear. Please fix.
wobconnolly
5 out of 5 stars
Great show, great insight! Terrific reporters...
keep up the good work!
Mattmortensenphotography
5 out of 5 stars
Great for wonks!
This podcast is fantastic for those who want to go deeper into policy discussions than other formats allow. The moderators and guests are always fantastic, although nobody tops the amazing wit, charm and snark of Eliana Johnson!
cmsnpaul
5 out of 5 stars
Really Great Podcast
This is one of those podcasts that helps me better understand politics by providing some of the “backstory” that puts the issues of the day in a broader context. Nicely done.
C-R-3
5 out of 5 stars
Solid
Asked solid, objective questions without any political agenda. Keep the quality guests coming, and I’ll keep listening.
Jk6980
4 out of 5 stars
Great perspective
Really like this show for its centrist and real time take of the intricacies of modern politics
Ratatask
5 out of 5 stars
The best show
Amazing "in the weeds" discussion. My No. 1 go-to political podcast. Obvs miss Ken Vogel's cool voice, but Eliana Johnson has an equally cool one, so heck yeah!
msf86
1 out of 5 stars
Eliana is a tool
I find other podcasts (Crooked Media) are better informed and more entertaining. I also think Eliana is a tool - she adds very little value and is incredibly annoying.
JardinCook
4 out of 5 stars
A solid 4.
As others have pointed out there just isn’t much more in this show than you’ll get elsewhere. I do like that they often present Republican counterpoints fairly and accurately (I think) as a bit of insight never hurts.
Amar Kelkar
4 out of 5 stars
Good analysis
It's part of my weekly political news rotation, but not quite the must-listen FiveThirtyEight politics podcast.
Doc Hollli$ay
5 out of 5 stars
Great!
!!
DEllington77
1 out of 5 stars
Where have you gone Kristin Roberts, Politico turns its biased eyes to you
During the election, this podcast was a fantastic source without pushing an agenda. Kristin Roberts led this group in a way that informed and gave both sides to an issue. Since her departure, the group likes to present their opinions of stories a lot more than reporting them. In the most recent episode, they dismiss tax reform discussion early in the podcast stating that in light of Hurricane Harvey the the optics of talking about tax reform was bad, then came back later to say why isn't anyone talking about tax reform. Also? They spent way too much time defending their reasons for writing about shoes, stating that it doesn't really matter, but we wrote about it anyway. Clearly they have found an agenda they want to push, and are full steam ahead.
Jon Carr from SJ
5 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable- spot on
Very enjoyable- spot on. Love the numbers format - definitely provides a useful focus/lens to the myriad of data points available this election season.
Jpd423
5 out of 5 stars
Very reasoned.
This is an excellent podcast. The reporters and reporting are very balanced.
Michigan8
5 out of 5 stars
Improved - interesting and thoughtful
Much better with newer host - not snippy/snarky, good drill-down questions, thoughtful discussion.
Dradjazz
5 out of 5 stars
Good
Sound and sober but fun.
GStrout
5 out of 5 stars
Full of information
I look forward to this podcast every week.
Gadamer's ghost
1 out of 5 stars
Boo this podcast
The number of inaccuracies and generally shallow engagement with the issues associated with white nationalist (nazi scum) and charolettesville was shameful.
CNC, Boston
5 out of 5 stars
Fine brief summary and discussion
This is one of those valuable podcasts that covers much ground in a short time. Unlike some panel discussions that can give one a foretaste of the awful nature of eternity, this one lets you know what happened succinctly, but still with a personal touch. Thanks, Nerdcasters!
Tttia75
5 out of 5 stars
One of the best political podcasts
I am a political junkie and subscribe to all the top politics/ news podcasts and this is one of my favorites. It's smart and unbiased and critical of all sides. It's actually based on evidence and it's analysis is non ideological , no agenda. Keep up the good work!
Bill Leader
5 out of 5 stars
Nerdcast is great.
Nerdcast is one of the most objective political podcasts aired. Keep it up.
BGazard
3 out of 5 stars
It's Alright, Better Out There
This podcast is alright but it lacks the personality of other podcasts such as the FiveThirtyEight Politics Podcast.
CGM95
5 out of 5 stars
Great analysis
Compared to other politics podcasts, the Nerdcast brings a fresh analysis to politics. Also, there's no partisanship so anyone can listen.
Albert Hertz
5 out of 5 stars
Well done
Insightful and focused commentary. Helpful particularly in analysis of polling results.
One button man
4 out of 5 stars
One of the better political podcasts
I listen every week. This isn't so much an editorial podcast with the hosts opinions but more an analysis of what is going on in Congress and the White House. But if you are political nerd like me it should be right up your alley.
Nostalgic Trainer
4 out of 5 stars
Smart but Long-Winded
I like this podcast a lot – they do a great job of getting into the details of policy and national discussions. I do think the hosts can at times be long-winded on less important matters, but overall a great listen!
Jim411
5 out of 5 stars
Informative
Information is clear and the presenters are very knowledgeable. Thanks!
chs1111
2 out of 5 stars
White political podcasts
Have been searching for a podcast with a journalist perspective that also offers a respect and recognition for cultural and gender diversity and I thought I found it in this podcast but after a month I'm unsubscribing. A bit too smug and their banter feels increasingly privileged. You need to add people of color voices
@Phillies_Fever
5 out of 5 stars
Pertinent, on point, thought provoking
One of the best political podcasts I've found. POLITICO is a well-respected publication, and that same attention to facts and presentation is reflected in their podcast. Commentators focus on the political issues I'm interested in, not obscure situations that, while they may be important, have little interest to me. Best of all, Nerdcast is presented with a minimum of the yukkety yuk, artificial humor that seems to pervade so many podcasts of every genre. I want facts and analysis, not cutesy banter among the commentators.
RichardSPasadena
5 out of 5 stars
Great people very down to Earth
Ken Vogel was just hired by NYT and his and the teams relaxed banter as well as great info makes this cast great to listen to.
theswooner
5 out of 5 stars
I'm here to express my disappointment about Ken Vogel going to NYT
I listen to lots of political podcasts. Pretty much all of them, to be honest. And I can say unequivocally that the Politcal Nerdcast is the most unbiased of them all. The reporters present relevant points of view from both sides of the argument and unlike basically all other podcasts, they do not advocate and are not smug. I just learned that Ken Vogel, my favorite member of the podcast, is leaving for NYT. He regularly provided analysis that I simply could not hear on any other podcast or news program. I came here today to leave a 5-star review while I still can, because I know that the podcast will never be the same. I am extremely disappointed that he is going to an organization that will in no way provide him with a platform to openly express his unbiased coverage. But I am more disappointed for the future of the podcast.
N.g.m.1
1 out of 5 stars
Trite and tedious
I normally really like politico, but this podcast is awful. The show provides bland political commentary, delivered by a panel utterly lacking in charisma or chemistry. If you're missing a weekly dose of uninformative punditry, touched off with a heavy side of smugness, this is the podcast for you.
Devil Dinosaur
5 out of 5 stars
Good data, minimum opinions
This is one of the podcasts I listen to for Trump hell-scape coverage. I like that they don't hyperventilate or get worked up over the dumb stuff. You have to have a slightly higher than average IQ to enjoy this cast.
bodhigrrrl
3 out of 5 stars
A must-listen pod but could be more intellectually honest
I *get* why nerdcast tries so hard to be "equally critical" of democrats but lately it's really detracted from otherwise stellar reporting & analysis. I encourage nerdcast to stick with intellectually honest perspectives during these months of Trump turmoil. Sometimes stuff just is what it is & no honest person is going to fault you guys (cough, "Ken") for an appearance of picking sides. I promise. Democrats will screw up plenty on their own, have no fear. There will always be plenty of valid reasons to criticize their mistakes. No honest listener in the world thinks for a minute that they are being hypocritical about being alarmed by the reasons & manner in which Comey was fired. That's lazy & inaccurate analysis on your part & you guys are supposed to be the best in this game.
brownlinesoxfan
1 out of 5 stars
Blech
Unsubscribed. Not worth the space on my phone.
PackJT
5 out of 5 stars
Nerdcast
Excellent and well informed politico podcast.
Adding Fool
5 out of 5 stars
Refreshing
This program allows the listener to take in the information that each panelist presents. I was not overwhelmed with rhetoric or histrionics after the first time listening.
Ccleis
2 out of 5 stars
Eh, it's okay
In general I find the discussion elementary--I am a retired healthcare consultant and I judge whether something is worth my time by considering whether I heard anything I couldn't have said myself at the mythical cocktail party. I have yet to hear anything penetrating or illuminating. These commentators are unsophisticated, shallow, and pretty boring. I conclude that the title "Politico" means everything that happens in the government is to be judged solely on how it plays politically, not whether it makes any sense or how it would affect, you know, Americans. If that's what they intend, I guess it is okay in that regard. From the ten or so episodes I've listened to, I don't think it's worth the time. I gave it my best shot!
Nerdcast junkie
5 out of 5 stars
Nerdcast Nation!!
Excellent recap of the key issues of each week. Scott Bland does a terrific job moderating!
Mrs. Cassio?
5 out of 5 stars
Charming and Insightful
I have enjoyed this podcast since August, and have continued to listen after the election. Surprised to see negative reviews here, as I find the insights provided here valuable and informative. Yes, there are many similar podcasts, but I particularly enjoy this one for it's fair approach to conservatives and liberals alike. As a senior double major in political science and communications, I have used this podcast to stay up to date on the field and acquire in depth real time information. The hosts are entertaining, and in my opinion have great chemistry. Scott Bland is my favorite contributor though, love his enthusiasm. Thank you for a wonderful podcast!
shai_domin8
5 out of 5 stars
Fun!
Informative and despite a bit of spin (let's be honest) super interesting and fun podcast covering political news of the day.
socaljujujules
1 out of 5 stars
Condescending much?
This podcast has the possibility of providing so much information and insight but then in the next moment discussion turns to something like "how much transparency does the average American really want? Not much because they turn around and vote for people who aren't very transparent." Yes, podcast listeners love it when they are talked down to and talked about like a mass mindless herd of sheep. Pro tip: you're a human just like your listeners. Maybe talk to them like a human.
Political podcat junkie
5 out of 5 stars
An election podcast that has evolved fantastically
Started listening to this podcast right at the end of the election to try to make sense of what was going on. Have stuck with it because it does a great job of analyzing the numbers in a succinct, knowledgeable way. Keep up the good work!
Seh Hey Kid
5 out of 5 stars
Top Notch!
Politico Nerdcast is Top Notch! Very informative! Incredibly insightful! Wonderfully timely! Diverse! Thoughtful!
devinwangler
4 out of 5 stars
Solid podcast
I'm a big fan of the show, and listen weekly. They explain politics in a way that's easily understood without being too watered down. They give great statistics (which I appreciate as an accountant--numbers are beautiful), and provide a great analysis of the news. They are all pretty objective or at least try to be. Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a way to stay current on political news.
Aleron132
5 out of 5 stars
Great analysis!!!!
I love this pod! Give it a try if you like a more detailed view of US politics
Lena & C
5 out of 5 stars
P Junkie
Great!
KellyAnn_Mc
1 out of 5 stars
Misleading
Why in the world this podcast is presented as if it were somehow data-related is beyond me. It incorporates no data at all. The 'data points' at the start of the show resemble much more so the 'number of the day' on Sesame Street than anything data-related. Misleading, unsubscribed.
Jayceeparis
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic show
I just love this podcast, you will too!
LuciaMiranda
5 out of 5 stars
Smart, pithy analysis -- and fun
Love this podcast. Smart people, interesting analyses of current political news.
Burck88
5 out of 5 stars
Smart people talking to a smart audience.
The Nerdcast is a great example of debate and analysis that is fun to listen to. As a "non-wonk" I was initially reticent to start listen but I have learned a ton while being thoroughly entertained. I appreciate how the discussion, while focused on national topics, dives into the deeper realms of state and local policy, following stories to a deeper level to understand the impacts of our politician's actions. An indispensable resource and I only wish that the gang was gathered around my water cooler.
Daltonlives
5 out of 5 stars
One of the Best
I really enjoy the nerdcast. It's right up there with the Political gabfest for me. One of the best political podcasts available.
Alibi209
5 out of 5 stars
I like the detail
It's a good pod if you want to get dr rep into an issue.
Atticus73
5 out of 5 stars
Well done
Always well put together, informative, and non biased. It's one of my "go-to's" for news updates.
cb_abq
5 out of 5 stars
Informational and somewhat balanced
Politico is far from non-biased, but this podcast is reasonably balanced and the hosts are well researched.
ex-washingtonian
5 out of 5 stars
Time well spent
Informative, civilized, useful conversation...try it!
Suneeltx
5 out of 5 stars
Great for political junkies!
Great podcast; lives up to its name! Geeks out on nerdy political news from D.C.!
Gillianromero
5 out of 5 stars
Refreshing and Informative
Balanced, curated and thoughtful commentary on current political events without the post-Trump liberal hysteria.
Bibliozombie
2 out of 5 stars
Illegal
Reminder to the nerd cast staff that the AP stylebook stated in 2013 that they no longer sanction the term illegal to refer to describe a person. You might want to review this with your co-hosts that using the term in this way is unprofessional and inappropriate.
AfolabiS
5 out of 5 stars
Great encapsulated weekly review
I play it on my way to class and on the way back
bobfet1
5 out of 5 stars
Required listening
This is one of the best politics podcasts, if not the best. They bring a lot of different perspectives, and discuss things in a lot more nuance than most. I like the more traditional, historical journalist analytical perspective they bring. It's a good way to balance out something like the 538 podcast (which is good too).
tweetylover
5 out of 5 stars
Interesting and substantive
As an avid political podcast listener, I'm really impressed with the substance and tone of the podcast. Not too jokey and not boring. Highly recommend! 👏🏽👏🏽
Happy commuter123
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast
Good opportunity to hear reporters in the thick of political reporting discussing current events. Scott Bland is a good replacement host finding his footing. I am always happy to see it in my feed.
TDunlop
4 out of 5 stars
Solid.
Balanced and intelligent, articulate, thoughtful, expert.
Phillienuts
5 out of 5 stars
Highly informative and entertaining
For a person like myself that wants to stay current with politics but doesn't spend my whole day thinking about it this is a good podcast to keep you up to speed.
teensyalmond
5 out of 5 stars
Improved!
Hate to say it, but the new host is much more enjoyable to listen to than the previous host. More chill, less awkward conversation now. I almost gave up on this podcast but I'm glad I'm still subscribed. Yes, they regurgitate a lot of what other political podcasts say, but they keep it very real and balanced. Often they do provide insights I haven't heard elsewhere. I'm not a fan of the name or the numbers-oriented format (the numbers are a rather meaningless conceit for a nuanced political discussion), but the conversation is well-paced and consistently interesting.
CeeGeeBex
4 out of 5 stars
Worth a listen
Started listening in mid-2016 and haven't missed an episode since.
DudeData
5 out of 5 stars
Smart
The framework for this show is simple and delivered straightforward. They crew gives 4-5 data points and analyses them individually and with little appetite for 'alternate facts'. New host, same great analysis.
Notdrwatson88
5 out of 5 stars
Nerd-ish but poignant!!
Excellent, timely, and concise. Love this podcast most weeks, and those that I don't are still informative! Check it out if you like politics.
Swimmer_guy101
5 out of 5 stars
THIS GOT ME THROUGH 2016
Thank you everyone who contributed to this podcast! The objectiveness and relatable humor was exactly what I wanted this year. It motivated me to pay attention.
Sethymo
4 out of 5 stars
A little promotional but worthwhile.
The reporters are knowledgeable and speak to the issues. I've only been listening less than a couple weeks but I will continue.
Stephen McNamara
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast for the Left and the Right
I must commend Politico for this podcast, where they mostly stick to the sheer facts and try to represent all sides involved. One of my favore political podcast because they leave out the vulgar partisan ship and emotions while trying to stick to the facts.
Woundedbadgers
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
cant wait for every next episode.
Jrgsxhh
5 out of 5 stars
Outstanding coverage
I've really enjoyed this podcast throughout the election season. It's a perfect blend of analysis and forecasting. The panel each week is staffed by respected journalists that I think highly of. Really hoping they find a way to keep this up past November!
Daniel_27_
5 out of 5 stars
Pretty great podcast
The members of the cast usually do a good job of explaining the current state of the election, they sometimes do have odd points of view but they atleast back them up with well though out arguments.
KS Murray
2 out of 5 stars
PLEASE train Katie Glueck to speak for broadcast/podcast
The last episode contained the usual high-quality content, except… Katie Glueck's rapid-fire, "you-know-you-know" infused squeak seemed to represent a millennial failure to link something of a point of view (if often poorly thought through and usually based on weak anecdote) with an unprofessional cobble of unlistenable vocalizations. She's just not ready for appearing with the other people on the show. Maybe in a while, when she slows down, gathers data more responsibly and stops the "you know" ineptitude. Is she someone's intern or something?
Odiefurious
5 out of 5 stars
Love it!
You guys are great, thank you!
Neil Gussman
5 out of 5 stars
The Political Podcast for Numbers Lovers
This podcast begins with numbers and explains those numbers in an entertaining way. Each week I look forward to which numbers will open the podcast. Lots of fun.
Ecis5FU
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic podcast
I love hearing these guys talk about the campaigns, they have great perspective, sharp analysis, and they're funny! How the heck isn't the average rating 5 stars?? This is a 5/5 podcast, I listen to it as soon as it comes out each week and wish there were more.
Maytal1980
1 out of 5 stars
The worst kind of horse race cynicism
I listen to a ton of politics podcasts. More of them than I'd admit to anyone, in fact. I've never left a review w / fewer than 4 stars (if you don't have anything nice to say...). The hosts of this show foster the damaging notion that all politicians are BS artists, playing the game. The exaggerated above-it-all cool kid tone they affect reminds me of high school. Perpetually bored Haddas Gold, especially, makes sure the focus stays just on optics, "balancing" her nearly-as-insufferable co-hosts w/ the the kind of false equivalency rubbish from which many other news organizations have finally, thankfully, moved on. I've listened to many episodes. I am unsubscribing. Public service is (most) often a noble pursuit. Please consider making a career of it.
newslandwarzone
2 out of 5 stars
Conflict is the only thing that makes a story?
I unsubscribed when they did the weekly listener question, where they have someone personally phone in and ask their question. He asked why Clinton's disability policy speech went uncovered and the podcaster answered "well, she was talking about stuff people agree on, so it's boring and there's no story." I'm not exaggerating. He said without conflict, there is no story, and he complained about how boring the event was. But of course, Trump can do literally anything in front of a camera and it will be broadcast. Dear media: If you are committed to writing about nothing but conflict, don't be surprised when the only people who read what you're selling are people fighting each other.
Pat114155
1 out of 5 stars
The woman who lowers her voices sounds obnoxious
The woman who lowers her voices sounds obnoxious
Spazlec
1 out of 5 stars
What was that?
I'm unsubscribing. It was never a great podcast to begin with, but giving 15 solid minutes of commercial time for those seeking to take away women's reproductive rights was a bridge too far. Goodbye.
Luxcrete
5 out of 5 stars
Great content...
...but the recording setup could be a lot better! Maybe invest in some pop filters and don't record in a closet? I appreciate the long episodes. A week is a long time in politics, as they say, and I like how the podcast takes enough time to cover it in depth.
idaho sheila
5 out of 5 stars
good podcast
I look forward to this podcast and find the moderators informative and entertaining
Falsaf
5 out of 5 stars
Great show
Good, fact-based political discourse. Covers some areas and angles that others do not. Worth adding to your line up.
Wildcat3514
4 out of 5 stars
Informative and entertaining
I enjoy the subjects discussed as well as the panel participants.
CM Harrison
1 out of 5 stars
The worst of the bunch
If you love fake scandals and the worst sort of DC punditry, you'll love this. If you're looking for thoughtful analysis, look elsewhere.
Auguste West
1 out of 5 stars
Regurgitated Conventional Wisdom
Pretends to be cutting edge analysis with a quantitative focus. Actually is C-grade conventional analysis by reporters who are way too assured of their own infallibility. Compare to Mark Halperin's half-bright cousin (with a grating nasal voice).
A Conservative Democrat
5 out of 5 stars
Love It
I appreciate the balance of humor and seriousness this podcast offers. I appreciate the unbiased presentation of fact with very few opinions but with serious analysis. I find that a lot of political podcasts do not quite get the balance or difference between analysis and opinion. Thank you for the analysis.
Liz McCoy Chester
5 out of 5 stars
Interesting & Informative
Great podcast about the 2016 presidential campaign, with interesting facts & discussion.
BakersfieldDiva
5 out of 5 stars
This unapologetic progressive
Who has cut all ties with Main Stream Media for political news loves this show. The moderators are intelligent, well versed and seasoned politicos. I'm not hearing spin. I'm not hearing rationalizations and fake outrage. Thank you for giving me hope that the term 'intelligent political discourse' is NOT an oxymoron.
Jenspetal
3 out of 5 stars
C-
I will continue to listen just because everyone watches a train wreck. The unapologetic bias for the ivory tower darling Queen Hillary is hilarious. I give it a C- because there's something there if you want scathing rhetoric talking points with no basis in policy. I look forward to the freak out when the Queen's political life officially passes bye bye.
concreteprincess
1 out of 5 stars
Biased
I thought this might give me insights. I gave it several tries. Kristin is so biased for Donald Trump and the Republicans. She cannot hide it! If you're a fan of the right, by all means listen. Otherwise check out another political podcast.
RunningMan216
5 out of 5 stars
Very informative
This is a really great political podcast. Politico's articles have always been fantastic so it's great to see this quality continued in their podcast. Great for political wonks!
Dog11223344
5 out of 5 stars
Entertaining, unless..
Unless you dislike civic discourse and prefer emotional arguments based on hatred and/or loose relationship with, puh, facts.
bjennifer
5 out of 5 stars
Really terrific
I like the numbers, I hear stuff on this podcast that I do not see or hear anywhere else.
DaveP123481
1 out of 5 stars
Not good
Subpar
A whole lot of nope
2 out of 5 stars
Grow up
Started off a fan but became incredibly turned off when they decided to beat up Nate Silver for no apparent reason. It was petty, mean spirited, and totally unrelated to the discussion of politics. This happened while at the same time the other politico pod cast, off message, had Nate silver on. Grow up and get your house in order. Unsubscribing for the five thirty eight podcast.
Mikey11332244
2 out of 5 stars
A little catty
Not a bad podcast. It was interesting and informative. They just seem to try hard to prove their worth by bashing others. Not really something I'm interested in. Otherwise a good podcast-interesting and informative- just not for me.
phoenixfox
3 out of 5 stars
Bashing Nate Silver to your liberal audience...not smart
As if this woman's nasally voice wasn't bad enough, the latest episode bashes Nate Silver as if he's some hack flash-in-the-pan. Deleting this podcast. Very bad people. Not good.
Political_Nerd
2 out of 5 stars
Not worth your time
One of the least insightful political podcasts out there.
Ashah717
5 out of 5 stars
Good political analysis
Pretty good analysis from Politico. Takes you behind the scenes of the campaigns.
Mrpbn7
3 out of 5 stars
Not in my top 3 elections podcasts
I occasionally like this podcast, but the contributors spout off political myths a bit too often for my taste. For example, there is little empirical evidence to suggest the VP pick has much of an effect on vote, yet they discuss as if these picks will be game-changers. They also talk about hypothetical head-to-head match-up polls as if those are meaningful at this point, which is disingenuous. Crap like that casts doubt on the quality of their political insight. I prefer Keepin it 1600, Ken Rudin, and FiveThirtyEight.
NicoPDX
1 out of 5 stars
Who's your audience?
Why are these people so snotty to Bernie and his supporters?
GramMN
4 out of 5 stars
Analysis of Election Strategy
This panel does a pretty great job at looking at what candidates and other political actors need or may try in the ongoing election. The analysts are great until Kristin swoops in with hot takes instead of analysis and breaks up the flow. I can feel the palpable frustration with the analysts that have done research and thought out their positions, and that's kind of fun.
Rutherford Beehave
2 out of 5 stars
Forced chemistry
I wanted to like this show, but it feels like a knock-off. It's not as fun as Slate Gabfest, it's not as "nerdy" as 538 Elections, and it's not as in depth as Vox's Weeds, to name a few. Plus the analysts don't always work well together. There are so many political roundtable podcasts now and I can't figure out the reason to listen to this one.
Bradfordkin
5 out of 5 stars
2016 NERDCAST
This is a great weekly podcast! If you're a politics junkie like me and crave the news behind the news, want to know the strategies behind the political maneuvering, and the successes or resulting firestorms they created, this is a really good place to look. Very entertaining and informative!
_Gerry_
5 out of 5 stars
Great series
I like this crew. They talk about the current state in a way that doesn't sound partisan and doesn't try to spin it, and certainly doesn't try and sensationalize what is already a very interesting election. For those of you who don't like hearing about numbers, maybe a podcast with "nerd" in the title isn't for you.
Data-Driven Reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Not Afraid To Get Specific
What distinguishes this podcast from all others is that the hosts are not afraid to discuss the details and numbers behind each topic in depth. They're deeply knowledgeable about politics and you can definitely hear it. Ken Vogel, in particular, is a master of campaign finance and how money affects our political system. His commentary alone is worth subscribing to this podcast for. If you're someone who loves astute analysis based on facts and statistics and not opinions, listen to this. But it might be "too in the weeds" if you're looking for a podcast that's just an audio version of cable news punditry.
Cecilyhahn
1 out of 5 stars
I just can't take it anymore....
Every week I tell myself I will give them another week to get better and after this week I just couldn't take it anymore. I am someone who listens to a lot of political podcasts and these guys just aren't up to par. Their coverage is bias and just doesn't add anything to the conversation. They are either Bernie supports or are scared about retaliation from Bernie Bros. If you want good political podcasts, check out NPR's Politics Podcast or Fivethirtyeight's Election Podcast.
SingItBack
1 out of 5 stars
Nothing new
There are 2 dozen other podcasts that do exactly what this one does- except much better. The hosts are vanilla, lack any chemistry and just repeat the same talking points a million other pundits bring up. No intelligent analysis or originality and nothing here to recommend. I'd skip this one and look elsewhere for roundtable discussion. Even if you only listen to one political podcast, you can find much better.
Geoffnyc
1 out of 5 stars
Fantasy ruins potential
So far the worst of the politics podcasts I've subscribed to. This week they build a case for Sanders somehow being the nominee. Since the only possible reason to spew such bs is to get positive reviews from tech savvy Bernie acolytes, I thought I would leave a more realistic one. To the members of the cast, you all have potential, but please give realistic analysis instead of pipe dreams, until you do it makes it hard to trust anything you say and it can actively mislead people about the politics you're covering and play into conspiracy theories that the party is stealing the election. Hoping that I can change my ranking in the future.
Stick Stunt
2 out of 5 stars
They should know better
Obviously well informed political commentators acting as if the fundamentals of elections change with every news cycle. If you want to use the election as a daily adrenalin and anxiety rush, this is your podcast. If you actually want to understand what's going on, there are more clear headed and sober analysis out there.
J sci
1 out of 5 stars
Doesn't add much
In an already crowded field of political podcasts, this show doesn't add much that isn't covered more adeptly elsewhere. The panelists seem to try to thread the needle between actually discussing political developments, and tossing read meat to the certain supporters by way of repeating headlines and making the argument for every silly perspective. Perhaps with less cheerleading and more realistic discussions this pod could turn into something. In its current state it isn't worth listening to.
Gblancag
1 out of 5 stars
Don't bother
Poorly reported. They seem more interested in manufacturing sensationalism than accurately giving facts.
claytron5000
2 out of 5 stars
Contemptuous Gasbagging
Reporters that have been inside Washington too long. Podcasts are supposed to be engaging and desirable listening. These folks sound like they'd rather be doing anything else than other than having a recorded conversation. It's tonally hard to listen to their voices. This is compounded by utter and complete apathy when discussing the issues. I'm not accusing anyone of bias one way or another because they seem to just be dissecting candidates and the electorate like dead frog in a biology class. Totally clinical, zero passion or interest. Literally sounds like a bunch of coworkers who are forced to participate in a team-building of exercise. It's clear they're all very experienced reporters and writers but good lord, the energy is lower than Jeb Bush campaign speech. Using the term "nerds" to describe these grizzled veterans of the beltway is insulting. Nerds are at least excited about the subjects that they obsess over.
Jtn2
5 out of 5 stars
Great and
I am hooked already after only one episode
Workout reviewer
1 out of 5 stars
Crap podcast
It's pretty awful keeping it 1600 a lot better. At least I now understand the politico jokes they were putting out now
MartinBishop
1 out of 5 stars
Yet another empty Trump podcast
It's as though journalists and podcasters have decided to replace doing any actual work with just rehashing the days news about Trump and making the same analysis you can hear from everyone else or make more predictions after proving they have less accuracy than a magic eight ball. I just finished listening to four political podcasts and not one of them provided anything meaningful. I mean, why turn on the mic at all?
SlimCed
1 out of 5 stars
It's a democrat podcast
This is a podcast for liberals and dems only. Your not going to find subjective opinion here. Dems will like it; moderates/conservatives will not.
PodcastDespiser
1 out of 5 stars
The usual
Another typical milqutoast show hosted by nasally elite pundits that autistically love talking about poll numbers. There are like 8 other podcasts from mainstream news sites exactly like this already so this show is painfully superfluous.
Wtw2027
5 out of 5 stars
Very interesting
Good listen, hope there are more
Smajdoendow
5 out of 5 stars
Great Show!
Only listened to the first episode, but I'm already hooked. Moves fast and discusses the tough issues facing these candidates.
GMKBDC
5 out of 5 stars
Great listen!
Very informative and fun!
Podcast information
- Amount of episodes
- 410
- Subscribers
- 50
- Verified
- No
- Website
- Explicit content
- No
- Episode type
- episodic
- Podcast link
- https://podvine.com/link/..
- Last upload date
- June 1, 2023
- Last fetch date
- June 8, 2023 9:14 AM
- Upload range
- WEEKLY
- Author
- POLITICO
- Copyright
- All rights reserved
susbcribers
- Inside the debt ceiling vote with GOP Whip Tom EmmerIn this episode of Deep Dive, Playbook co-author Rachael Bade joins House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) and Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.) just hours before final passage of the debt ceiling bill they shepherded through the House. This is the behind the scenes story from inside the Republican whip's office of how Kevin McCarthy's leadership team convinced House Republicans to raise the debt ceiling for two years and embrace his agreement with Joe Biden, which many on the right decried as a betrayal of the base. It's a story of how Emmer and Reschenthaler pulled together a divided and fractious conference, dodging a ballooning effort to oust McCarthy from the gavel, and ultimately putting the ball back in the Democrats' court. Rachael Bade is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Tom Emmer is the House Majority Whip and the representative for Minnesota's 6th district. Guy Reschenthaler is the House Republican Chief Deputy Whip and the representative for Pennsylvania's 14th district. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- How Ron DeSantis went from GOP prom queen to MAGA wallflowerThis week, the rumors became reality as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott announced their long-awaited presidential campaigns. The contrast between the two events foreshadowed all of the big questions for next year’s Republican primaries. Tim Scott, who is a favorite among his senate colleagues — but who is mostly unknown outside of his home state and the Washington, D.C., fundraising circuit — preached optimism and unity while sharing the stage with his mother. Ron DeSantis, on the other hand, did something a little different. He announced his campaign on Twitter Spaces with Elon Musk. But for many, the event’s glitchy start was more memorable than DeSantis’s stern message to fellow Republicans. It was the perfect setup for the choice Republicans will have to make in Iowa, New Hampshire, and beyond: Do they want a president who follows in Ronald Reagan’s footsteps – one who is optimistic and driven by ideas – who shakes hands and kisses babies? Or do they want someone like Trump: a leader who uses the Internet to press the attack on the cultural issues that have divided the country. Now, Scott and DeSantis join a crowded GOP field that includes former governors Nikki Haley and Asa Hutchinson; entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy; and of course, the dominant frontrunner, Donald Trump. This week on Playbook Deep Dive, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks about Scott, DeSantis, and all things 2024 with Jonathan Martin, POLITICO’s Politics Bureau Chief; and co-author of the best-seller, This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for America’s Future. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Jonathan Martin is politics bureau chief for POLITICO. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Playbook Deep Dive May 19 · 35m AOC’s advice to Joe Biden on the debt limit showdownIn the last year, a lot has changed in Washington for progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). In 2021 and 2022, with Democrats controlling the House, she and her allies could block any piece of legislation if they held together. Their big fights were with moderate Democrats over how many trillions of dollars to spend on President Joe Biden’s agenda. And they had easy access to the White House with Ron Klain as Biden’s chief of staff. Now they are in the minority and far from the negotiating room where Joe Biden is trying to make a budget deal with Kevin McCarthy to get him to raise the debt ceiling. Their main fight is trying to stop the president from caving to McCarthy on what they view as draconian budget cuts and policies that would weaken the social safety net. And over at the White House, it’s not really clear who they should call anymore. AOC is keenly aware of these changed circumstances. She’s been carefully watching the debt limit debate play out and she has a clear view of what it’s all about: power, not policy. In this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez tells host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza how House progressives can flex their muscles right now; and how she’s learned to use her unique influence to affect legislation, even when she’s not at the table. Finally, she has some advice – and a warning – for Joe Biden as we approach the endgame of the debt limit. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the representative for New York's 14th district. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Moderate Dem says Title 42 was Biden’s border blunderThis week, after years of criticism from immigration rights activists and many progressive Democrats, President Joe Biden has ended the use of Title 42. That’s the public health law that Donald Trump first used during the pandemic to expel millions of asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. Biden’s decision has drawn predictable outrage from Republicans. But perhaps more worrisome to the president is the growing list of critics from within the Democratic Party who are concerned that Biden’s border policies could trigger a humanitarian crisis and perhaps an electoral backlash. Rep. Henry Cuellar is one of those Democrats. And he’s this week’s guest on Playbook Deep Dive. Cuellar knows the issue of immigration better than most of his fellow Democrats. He was born to immigrant farm workers in Laredo, Texas, went to college and law school, and eventually jumped into Texas politics, and then the U.S. Congress, where he’s served since 2005 representing Texas’s 28th Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio to Laredo and includes 200 miles of the southern border. The left does not like him. He received a lot of attention in the last two election cycles when he was targeted by national progressives and barely survived two primary challenges. One reason for those challenges: immigration, where Cuellar is well-known for being to the right of many of his Democratic colleagues. On the other hand, he voted against the border security bill that House Republicans put on the floor this week. Cuellar is a lonely centrist on an issue that has become much more polarized over the last decade. And, as he tells Playbook co-author and Deep Dive host Ryan Lizza, he thinks Joe Biden should join him in the middle and stop taking advice from the left, as the president prepares for the coming aftershocks of his Title 42 decision. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Henry Cuellar is the representative for Texas's 28th district. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Why Asa Hutchinson isn’t scared of Trump, Biden, or impossible oddsIf you talk to Democratic strategists about the 2024 presidential election, there is a certain type of Republican nominee who they fear: Someone who knows how to speak in the language of inclusion; who can discuss abortion and guns without alienating suburban voters; who stands up to the GOP on some of the most fraught issues of the culture wars; who can argue that he or she has almost as much government experience as Joe Biden himself, but is still younger; who handled the pandemic in their state in a way that avoided some of the most unpopular decisions of both Democrats and Republicans; and who spends a lot of their time explaining to Republicans why they should leave Donald Trump in the past. Asa Hutchinson — who sounds an awful lot like that imaginary candidate that Democrats fear — is here on Playbook Deep Dive this week to tell us why you shouldn’t count him out. Hutchinson got his start in politics as a U.S. attorney during the Reagan Revolution, when his home state of Arkansas was still run by Democrats. He served two terms as governor and shortly after stepping down this year, he announced he’s running for president. If there’s one thing that makes him stand out so far, it’s that he’s willing to say things about Trump that other Republicans aren’t. Hutchinson recently wrote that the former President “has led us astray,” “undermined the fabric of our democracy,” and is emblematic of bad leaders who are, “focused only on themselves or on settling scores with political opponents.” In this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, host Ryan Lizza speaks with the former Arkansas governor after his first official trip to Iowa. He opens up about why he’s running, how he thinks he can take down Trump, and why his record – which is among the most conservative in America – is full of surprises. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Asa Hutchinson is the former governor of Arkansas and a GOP presidential candidate. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Bonus: Live from the White House Correspondents’ DinnerThis past week, luminaries from politics, media, and Hollywood came together for the annual White House Correspondents' dinner in Washington. Playbook co-author and Deep Dive host Ryan Lizza joined forces with Major Garrett, CBS News’s Washington correspondent and host of the popular podcast, The Takeout, at the POLITICO-CBS News reception to bring you this very special live show. The show features guests such as Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.); Asa Hutchinson, the GOP presidential candidate and former Arkansas governor; comedian Roy Wood, Jr., who provided the entertainment at the dinner; and many other big names in the world of politics and media. This originally aired live on SiriusXM, but it’s just so good that we had to put it out here for all of you to enjoy. Follow The Takeout with Major Garrett wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen ad-free on the Amazon Music or Wondery app. Visit the The Takeout’s page here: https://link.chtbl.com/CBSNewsTheTakeout0 comments0
- Why this week’s media meltdown was years in the making – and what comes nextThis week in Washington – more so than anytime in Joe Biden’s presidency – the news has been all about… the news. To start, it’s the weekend of the White House Correspondents Association Dinner. But outside of the brunches and parties, a different type of media intrigue has been dominating politics. BuzzFeed News, the colossus of yesteryear’s viral reporting and the entity that published the infamous Steele Dossier about Donald Trump, announced that it was shutting down for good. On Monday, Fox News fired Tucker Carlson, their top-rated host. Within an hour, Don Lemon announced he was parting ways with CNN, where he had worked for 17 years. On Thursday, Vice News, another struggling pioneer of 21st century digital news, became the latest media company to lay off some of its best known reporters. These are all isolated events with circumstances specific to each newsroom. But in an excellent new book called Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral, Ben Smith argues that we are indeed at the end of an era in media, but that the next one might be something to look forward to. That’s a forceful prediction coming from Ben, who was a longtime reporter at POLITICO, the top editor at BuzzFeed News, a New York Times media columnist, and now is the editor-in-chief of Semafor. He’s also this week’s Playbook Deep Dive guest. Ben’s book and this interview with Deep Dive Host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza do their best to answer the questions we all have about why our political culture is so fragmented, and whether there is any hope that we can return to a place where Americans agree on simple things — like facts. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Ben Smith is the editor-in-chief of Semafor. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- White House PlumbersOn May 1, the hotly-anticipated HBO series White House Plumbers will premiere. The 5-episode series takes viewers along on a darkly funny ride with the fumbling ex-spooks and misguided “patriots.” E. Howard Hunt, played by Woody Harrelson and G. Gordon Liddy, played by Justin Theroux. The duo — along with some helpers — use any means necessary to secure the 1972 re-election of Richard Nixon, including breaking into the Democratic National Committee's headquarters at the Watergate Office Building. Of course instead of saving Nixon, Liddy and Hunt end up destroying his presidency. The show is a warped version of a buddy comedy that explores one of the most relevant issues in politics: what happens when true believers lose their integrity and moral compass in pursuit of their cause. David Mandel, the director of White House Plumbers, is a man who knows more about the intersection of Hollywood and Washington than just about anyone. Mandel has had a storied career as a comedy writer and producer. He’s a veteran of Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He went on to lead production of Veep — one of the funniest and most accurate shows ever made about Washington — for its final three seasons. On this week’s episode of Playbook Deep Dive, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talks with Mandel about lessons he’s learned translating Washington for Hollywood, first with Veep and now with White House Plumbers — and how a certain president elected in between these two shows changed everything about what makes politics funny. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. David Mandel is the director of White House Plumbers. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Playbook Deep Dive Apr 14 · 42m DeSantis & his speaker are just getting started. Here’s what’s next.This week, Florida’s statehouse cleared the way for Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign a six-week abortion ban. The man who shepherded the bill, House Speaker Paul Renner, joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza for this episode of Playbook Deep Dive. You might not know Renner’s name – but you definitely know his work: - A bill to ban surgeries and prescription treatments for transgender minors, which has passed the state Senate and Renner will soon push through the House - One of the most comprehensive new school voucher laws in the country - Legislation removing books with sexual content from Florida public schools - A major tort reform bill, big tax cuts - And if he gets around to it this session: a bill aimed at over-turning the 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan decision, the most important First Amendment ruling of the last century All of this is aimed at Renner’s other project: helping Gov. Ron DeSantis build a record of accomplishments in Florida on which he can base his presidential campaign. While Republicans have created a legislative assembly line that is spitting out laws to change seemingly every aspect of life in Florida, a big question suddenly hangs over their project: Are they building a record of accomplishments that can launch the DeSantis rocket to the White House? Or are they weighing down the governor with so much right-wing baggage that he crashes upon liftoff? Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Paul Renner is the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- How Vivek Ramaswamy thinks he’s got Trump & DeSantis beatThe 2024 Republican presidential primary is off to a bit of a slow start. Donald Trump and former governors Nikki Haley and Asa Hutchinson have entered the race, but other likely candidates, such as Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence, are still sitting on the sidelines. Almost every Republican senator who flirted with the idea seems likely to pass, with the notable exception of Tim Scott, who’s been making stops in Iowa and New Hampshire. Into this vacuum has come Vivek Ramaswamy, who stated his intentions in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. He declared that he was running to forge “an inspiring national identity that dilutes the woke agenda to irrelevance.” In a subsequent interview with POLITICO’s Daniel Lippman, Vivek added that, “The GOP has a historic opportunity to answer the question of what it means to be an American.” You probably don’t know much about Vivek Ramaswamy – he’s a young entrepreneur from Ohio who’s never run for anything. But there are a few reasons to keep an eye on him: 1. He says he’s willing to spend millions of dollars of an estimated half-billion dollar fortune on the race 2. He’s a regular presence on the Fox News Channel, which is the top information source for Republican primary voters 3. And he seems to be putting together a serious campaign made up of political pros Vivek swears he has a plan to break out of the single digits and take down Donald Trump. On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza joins Vivek at the restaurant Art & Soul to learn whether he is completely delusional — or whether he just might be onto something. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Vivek Ramaswamy is a biotech entrepreneur and Republican presidential contender. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- 'The vast majority of them [Republicans] are not going to shed any tears tonight'Deep Dive host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza gathers three of the best journalists in the POLITICO’s newsroom to break down the immediate questions of what Trump's indictment means. Joining him is Jonathan Martin, POLITICO’s Politics Bureau Chief; Meridith McGraw, who covers Trump for POLITICO; and Erica Orden, who is new to POLITICO and is one of the best legal reporters out there. All three have been breaking news on this story – and they’re on deadline. These are their thoughts about what has led to this moment and what will occur because of it. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Erica Orden is a legal reporter for POLITICO. Meridith McGraw is a national political correspondent for POLITICO. Jonathan Martin is politics bureau chief for POLITICO. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Porn stars, felons, and spin doctors: Who will jurors believe in Trump’s case?Lanny Davis long ago established himself as the go-to operative in Washington when you’re in the middle of a PR crisis. He was famously the public face defending Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal in 1998. But today, 25 years later, he’s on the other side of a presidential sex scandal representing Michael Cohen, Trump’s longtime lawyer and self-described “fixer,” who went to jail for a number of offenses, including his role in paying Stormy Daniels $130,000 in exchange for her not telling the media her account of an alleged affair with Donald Trump. Cohen is now a central witness in the Manhattan DA’s case against Trump, one that could send the former president to jail. It’s a case that has died and been resurrected so many times that prosecutors have nicknamed it the “zombie” case. And a major obstacle that prosecutors face is whether or not jurors will believe that Cohen, who lied for Trump for over a decade, is telling the truth. On this episode of Deep Dive, host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza catches up with Davis at his office in Washington, D.C., to hear the story of how the Trump “zombie” case came back from the dead and why he insists jurors should believe his client. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Lanny Davis is the lawyer and spokesperson for former Trump fixer Michael Cohen. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Bush NSA: If Biden rescinds Iraq war AUMF, he better replace itOn Thursday, the Senate began to re-evaluate one of the most controversial episodes in American history: the Iraq war. After a generation of use and abuse, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling a vote to repeal the Iraq AUMF, or authorization for the use of military force, which has been a key underpinning for America’s so-called “forever wars” in the Middle East. But Stephen Hadley, the man who was the architect of many of the national security policies that the Iraq AUMF enabled, has something to say before Congress votes. Hadley was President George W. Bush’s national security advisor from 2005 to 2009 and was Dick Cheney’s guy at the negotiating table with Russia during the George H.W. Bush administration. Now, he has just published a book called Hand-Off: The Foreign Policy George W. Bush Passed to Barack Obama that chronicles 20 years of war and politics in America. On this week’s episode of Playbook Deep Dive, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza speaks with the former Bush adviser about what we stand to lose if Congress is sloppy about repealing the Iraq war AUMF, what Bush got right and wrong on China, how Joe Biden’s foreign policy echoes Bush’s Freedom Agenda, and how President Biden can learn from Bush’s successes and failures dealing with Vladimir Putin. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Stephen Hadley is the former National Security Advisor for President George W. Bush. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- AI is advancing faster than Congress. Here’s why that’s a bugLast November, when the artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT launched, an old science fiction question suddenly became very real: How long until the machines are smarter than the humans? It marked the beginning of a new era in technology – one that has enormous implications for the economy and the nation’s politics. On the Hill, members of Congress suddenly needed answers about the coming disruption. The expert they turned to for those was a video game developer from Southern California, Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.). Obernolte is, according to his peers, the guy you need to know on AI. He has a masters in the field and owns a very successful video game company. On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, he tells Playbook’s Ryan Lizza the truth about this powerful new technology and what it means to Washington, D.C.; from AI’s regulatory forecast to what – if anything – Congress can do to soften a potential white collar job apocalypse that its widespread adoption might bring. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Rep. Jay Obernolte is the congressman for California's 23rd district. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Playbook Deep Dive Mar 3 · 35m Finnish Ambassador: Here’s the right way to poke the Russian bearThe war in Ukraine is just over one year old. There is widespread talk of a major spring offensive from both sides. War in Europe, once unthinkable, is now the new normal. But for one nation on Russia’s northern border, this feels like deja vu. Like Ukraine, Finland knows what it’s like to share a long border with Russia. The Finns have had Vladimir Putin as a neighbor, and they’ve been performing the same delicate dance of decoupling under his very watchful eye. Before his posting to Washington, Mikko Hautala was Finland’s ambassador to Russia, where he met Vladimir Putin more times than he can count. Hautala occupied his post in Moscow during the critical years following Putin’s first invasion of Ukraine. Since the war began, he’s become well known as the person to talk to to understand Putin, Russia and the conflict in Ukraine. On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, host Ryan Lizza talks with Hautala about what Americans don’t understand about the Russian leader, the implications of the growing alliance between China and Russia, Finland’s accession to NATO, and why he believes the West needs to massively ramp up its industrial capability if it wants Ukraine to survive. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Mikko Hautala is Finland's ambassador to the U.S. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Brook Hayes is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- How to investigate the president, his predecessor & keep your jobUntil last month, Anthony Coley was Director of Public Affairs at the Justice Department and a Senior Adviser to Attorney General Merrick Garland. Coley was in the middle of some of the most extraordinary episodes at DOJ over the last two years: The appointment of two special counsels investigating one current and one former president. Responding to the drama around the investigation of the president’s son. Taking incoming from right-wing pundits saying Garland was protecting President Biden and left-wing pundits saying the attorney general was protecting former president Trump. And occasionally grappling with perhaps the most difficult dilemma that any government official faces: what do you do when you disagree with the boss? In his first interview since leaving Merrick Garland’s side, Coley joins Playbook Deep Dive host Ryan Lizza from his home on Capitol Hill to discuss how the Justice Department separates law from politics, why two special counsels might just take the pressure off Garland, and much, much more. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Anthony Coley is the former director of public affairs at the Department of Justice Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Brook Hayes is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- What experts get wrong about Nikki Haley’s runNikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, and President Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations, is running for president. But not everyone on the right is impressed. In a brutal Valentine’s Day editorial, The Wall Street Journal said that there is “no clear rationale for her candidacy.” Over at The New York Times, the paper assembled 10 pundits to assess Haley’s candidacy, and the majority opinion was that she shouldn’t be taken very seriously. On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, Rob Godfrey, a senior aide and spokesman for Haley when she was governor, and a longtime ally to her successor, Henry McMaster, shares why the critics may be wrong. Godfrey discusses Haley’s career of defying expectations, her record as governor, South Carolina’s uniquely influential role in American politics, and invites host Ryan Lizza to come visit. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Rob Godfrey is the former senior aide to Nikki Haley. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Brook Hayes is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Have China hawks flown the coop?In Washington, there is now a bipartisan consensus around being tough on China. This was happening even before the Chinese sent a spy balloon drifting across the United States. Last month, by a vote of 365-65, the House created a new “Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.” And with China hawks now dominating the thinking of both parties when it comes to Sino-U.S. relations, Deep Dive host Ryan Lizza decided to check in with Max Baucus, who is one of the leading voices warning that the hawks have things dangerously wrong. Baucus was the U.S. ambassador to China from 2014 to 2017. Before that he was, depending on the year, the chairman or ranking member of the very powerful Senate Finance Committee. And in this fascinating interview, he’s surprisingly critical of Republicans and Democrats alike for muddling the U.S. relationship with China in order to score political points at home. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Max Baucus is the former U.S. Ambassador to China. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Brook Hayes is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Why Kevin McCarthy thinks he’s already wonA small group of longtime Kevin McCarthy aides who decamped downtown to lobby are suddenly some of the most influential and sought-after people in Washington. They remain intensely loyal to the new speaker and serve as crucial sources of insight into his thinking and strategy. Ben Howard, now at the Duberstein Group, was McCarthy’s floor director. He was with him through all of the fraught moments of the John Boehner era, including in 2015 when Boehner retired and McCarthy lost out on securing his job. Howard saw up close how driven McCarthy was to get a second shot at becoming speaker. “I used to sit in the office with Kevin,” Howard told Ryan Lizza, host of Playbook Deep Dive. “We would dream about this day. We would dream about it.” But Howard has a bone to pick. He doesn’t like the way that everyone is talking about his old boss. The conventional wisdom about the new speaker is that he gave up everything to secure the job and that he’s one misstep away from losing it if he angers his restive Freedom Caucus colleagues. According to Howard, that bit of Washington C.W. is wrong. For this week’s episode of the Playbook Deep Dive podcast, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza talked to Howard in his Penn Quarter office to understand the view from McCarthy world. They had a wide-ranging conversation about the state of the House GOP, the impact of the rules changes McCarthy agreed to in order to win the gavel, the debt limit faceoff, and McCarthy’s relationship with President Biden. Oh, and also about that time Howard was chewed out by GOP members for ruining the most famous episode of Game of Thrones. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Ben Howard is a Partner for the Duberstein Group. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Brook Hayes is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Behind the RNC's anti-Trump revoltAfter losing both chambers of Congress during Trump’s presidency and after waging a disappointing campaign to recapture them in 2022, the Republican Party is having a lot of intra-party feuds. This week, the post-election search for new leadership moved to the Republican National Committee. Right now, there’s no agreed-upon leader of the party, so like the recent battles in the Senate and the House, the RNC election has turned into a fight to define the GOP’s future. And once again, Donald Trump is at the center of the debate. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade flew to Orange County, California, to watch the fireworks at the RNC’s winter meeting, where the three-time incumbent chair Ronna McDaniel faced a challenge from conservative lawyer Harmeet Dhillon. To understand what this fight is all about, Rachael had breakfast with Bill Palatucci, a longtime party member who is also a close ally of Chris Christie’s and a loud critic of Donald Trump. In this week’s episode, Palatucci explains how the Dhillon-McDaniel contest isn’t just about the RNC chairmanship – it's about who will lead the Republican Party into 2024 — and beyond — and why the GOP could languish for a very long time depending on the outcome. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Bill Palatucci is an RNC national committee man for New Jersey. Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Brook Hayes is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- Playbook Deep Dive Jan 20 · 52m The people of New Hampshire vs. Joe BidenWhat do you do when you are one of the guardians of your state’s most precious political and cultural institution — the very thing that defines New Hampshire — and the president you love and the party you’ve served your whole life, tells you to destroy it? To find out, we spoke to Ray Buckley. Buckley has served as the chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party since 2007 and he was involved in every New Hampshire presidential primary campaign since he was an organizer for Jimmy Carter. A big part of his job is protecting the status of the New Hampshire primary, which by state law is required to be the first in the nation. Any Democrat who wants to be president makes a point of becoming Ray Buckley’s friend. When Buckley got a call in December from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the worst part was that it was Joe Biden who had screwed him. Biden had decided to end New Hampshire’s decades-long reign by hosting the first presidential primary — at least for the Democrats. In its place: South Carolina, the state that resurrected Biden’s candidacy in 2020. On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza speaks to Buckley about New Hampshire’s fight to preserve their first-in-the-nation primary. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Ray Buckley is the chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party Afra Abdullah is associate producer for POLITICO audio. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Brook Hayes is senior editor for POLITICO audio. Adam Allington is senior producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is executive producer for POLITICO audio.0 comments0
- The strategist who didn't believe in the red waveIn off-the-record conversations and private emails, AFL-CIO political director Michael Podhorzer argued that the pundits focusing exclusively on the fundamentals of the race — Biden’s approval rating and the dismal economic indicators — were missing the bigger picture. Yes, presidents usually lose an average of some two dozen House seats in similar circumstances, but that wasn’t the whole story. While many analysts argued that inflation would be more important than the diffuse issue of democracy, Podhorzer said that was myopic. He was much more right than wrong. Podhorzer has now left the AFL-CIO after 25 years and is able to speak freely. On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, host Ryan Lizza sits down with him in his kitchen for his first wide-ranging interview. They talk about what everyone got wrong about 2022, his critiques of the media’s coverage of the right, his ongoing battles with the so-called popularists in the Democratic Party, and why Podhorzer already thinks the presidential election of 2024 is headed for a dangerous endgame.0 comments0
- The unauthorized history of the House Freedom CaucusIn 2015, Rep. John Fleming (R-La.) was traveling back to Louisiana with his wife when he had an idea: a plan to empower arch-conservatives to push back against their Leadership, led by then-Speaker of the House John Boehner. Soon after, he and eight Republican colleagues founded the House Freedom Caucus – the same group that is determined to deny Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Ca.) the speaker’s gavel. If you want to understand the roots of this week’s far-right rebellion, then you have to understand the roots of the House Freedom Caucus. And while not every member of the HFC opposes McCarthy – and not every opponent is a member of the HFC – most of them are. On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, former Rep. John Fleming (R-La.), a Freedom Caucus Founder, unspools something that we could all use right now to understand the current crisis and what it portends for the future of Republican politics: an unauthorized history of the House Freedom Caucus.0 comments0
- The anti-McCarthy faction teases a shadow speakerRep. Bob Good (R-Va.) and his allies are trying to end Kevin McCarthy’s reign as leader of the House Republicans. Good is one of five Republicans in the far-right Freedom Caucus vowing to block McCarthy’s path to the 218 votes needed to become Speaker of the House. The two have a history. In 2020, Good was running for Congress to represent Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. Incidentally, also home to the race between James Madison and James Monroe to be the district’s first representative in Congress. Madison won. While Good was running for Congress, Kevin McCarthy tried to consolidate power in the Republican House conference on his way to becoming Speaker. During his campaign, Good knocked out one of McCarthy’s loyal member’s at the GOP nominating convention. At a private meeting recently, Good and McCarthy had a heated exchange about events at the time. On this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, Playbook co-author Rachael Bade went to the Hill to meet Good at his office and dig for details on the history of his relationship with McCarthy and whom Good and his allies intended to support for Speaker instead.0 comments0
- Will the fusion breakthrough ignite a Congressional chain reaction?Department of Energy announced a breakthrough in the decades-long quest to recreate on Earth the process that powers the Sun: nuclear fusion. To simplify slightly, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California recently fired a bunch of lasers at a piece of hydrogen. The lasers used 2.05 megajoules of energy to hit the hydrogen. The resulting reaction produced 3 megajoules of energy. For the first time in the history of fusion research, scientists achieved ignition — more energy was produced by the reaction than was used to create it. Here in Washington, and the world of politics, no elected official was as excited about these results as Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.). Beyer is the former lieutenant governor of Virginia and was an ambassador in the Obama administration. A few years ago, Beyer became consumed with the promise of fusion. How it could become a cheap and plentiful alternative to fossil fuels. How it could solve the climate crisis. In this episode of Playbook Deep Dive, host Ryan Lizza joins Congressman Beyer to explore the policy and politics of this big scientific breakthrough. Is it the turning point we’ve been promised for decades, or will it once again lead to the same dashed expectations that has long-characterized the history of fusion research?0 comments0
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