POLITICO’s Dasha Burns bring her fresh insight, analysis and reporting to the stories driving the day in the nation’s capital. She will be joined by her fellow co-authors and journalists from across POLITICO — available, as always, in audio and video formats each morning.
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Sep 29, 2026 · 25:02
The 2018 midterms had the Squad. Now, a new generation of progressive insurgents is already organizing its successor: “the Bloc.” But what happens when they run headlong into…
Sep 28, 2026 · 24:13
"Front Row Joes" were some of President Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters, traveling across the country on his campaign trail. Now some are disillusioned with his presidency.…
Sep 27, 2026 · 47:28
In this special midterms edition of “The Conversation with Dasha Burns,” Gina Hinojosa, the Democrat running for governor of Texas, sits down with Dasha at her campaign…
Sep 26, 2026 · 1:08:04
Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Mosca’s Restaurant for a wide-ranging conversation about President Trump, the future of the Democratic…
Sep 25, 2026 · 24:20
Could the Lone Star State’s Senate race be the tipping point for Democrats? Playbook's Adam Wren and Megan Messerly take a deep dive into Texas politics. Then the other stories…
Sep 24, 2026 · 24:23
Republicans brace themselves for a potential midterm blowout – while Democrats see a clearing in the smoke. One thing for certain, GOP candidates and their teams are forced to…
Sep 23, 2026 · 23:41
President Donald Trump will roll out the literal red carpet this evening for President Xi Jinping, kicking of the Chinese leader’s three-day Washington stint with an…
Sep 22, 2026 · 39:54
This episode was originally published on Sunday, September 20. We re-published due to a platform issue. There are no changes to the content. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who lost…
Sep 22, 2026 · 19:37
Six weeks before Republicans ask voters to reject socialism and communism, President Trump is spending the week embracing socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani and preparing to welcome…
Sep 21, 2026 · 19:20
It’s U.N. General Assembly week and Mike Waltz is in the spotlight again. Is his role as U.S. ambassador a springboard to higher aspirations? POLITICO's senior foreign affairs…
Sep 18, 2026 · 22:30
AI is quickly becoming a 2028 litmus test for Democrats. Playbook spoke with some of the party’s potential presidential contenders grappling with the latest wave of AI doom. Then…
Sep 17, 2026 · 23:21
The debate over AI safety took center stage at POLITICO’s Decoded Summit. Senior technology reporter Brendan Bordelon joins the podcast to unpack where top Trump AI adviser David…
Sep 16, 2026 · 19:47
Most Americans say there is a risk of AI destroying humanity – that's according to a new POLITICO Poll about public perception of AI. What does the data say about AI as a driving…
Sep 15, 2026 · 21:45
Some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names are changing their tune on AI regulation and an unlikely alliance is joining the chorus. Among these strange bedfellows are Sen. Bernie…
Sep 14, 2026 · 24:44
Alarming warnings from the biggest players in artificial intelligence are sending Washington scrambling for answers. Can they catch up to the moment before AI moves to the next?…
Sep 13, 2026 · 49:33
Dasha sits down with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at the Republican midterms convention in Dallas to discuss President Trump’s tariffs, the economy and the GOP’s prospects in…
Sep 12, 2026 · 56:57
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana for a wide-ranging conversation about his new book, “Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an…
Sep 11, 2026 · 28:37
President Donald Trump’s proposed dividend is splitting his own party and setting up an early test for Republicans eyeing 2028. So what’s the response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’…
Sep 10, 2026 · 28:02
The Republican midterm convention in Dallas is a Trump show, but today, all eyes are on Vice President JD Vance as he takes the stage for his keynote address. What will Vance’s…
Sep 9, 2026 · 26:11
POLITICO Politics Bureau Chief Jonathan Martin shares highlights from his candid conversation with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. Then Playbook’s Will Steakin and Irie Sentner unpack…
Sep 8, 2026 · 25:43
Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn slammed President Donald Trump’s border wall after previously signaling support, according to leaked audio of a private meeting…
Sep 6, 2026 · 47:47
Stephen A. Smith is best known for sports commentary. But now, he’s weighing in on the direction of both political parties — and even considering a potential 2028 presidential…
Sep 5, 2026 · 49:41
Sen. Susan Collins joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Perry’s Lobster Shack in coastal Maine for a wide-ranging conversation about her reelection fight in the senate, President…
Sep 4, 2026 · 19:07
In a Friday roundup, White House reporter Sophia Cai and Playbook’s Ali Bianco unpack three stories animating Washington this morning. They break down what yesterday’s White…
Sep 3, 2026 · 27:58
Democrats campaigning in red states are divided on Kamala Harris – some going as far as to reject a Harris endorsement. So,what is the Harris strategy barreling ahead towards the…
Sep 2, 2026 · 23:57
President Donald Trump called data centers the “Golden Goose,” even as they hang like an albatross around the necks of Republicans facing a tough election season. So Playbook's…
Sep 1, 2026 · 24:58
As the deadline for Canada’s retaliatory tariffs approaches, Playbook caught up with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on whether bilateral trade talks are still in the…
Aug 31, 2026 · 34:36
In a Playbook interview, Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks on Abdul El-Sayed's campaign, Hasan Piker and his political legacy. Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren and Will…
Aug 30, 2026 · 33:48
The 2026 midterms are taking shape, and the results could determine the future of both parties. Dasha sits down with her fellow Playbook co-authors Adam Wren and Will Steakin to…
Aug 29, 2026 · 34:31
In an episode from another great Politico show, On the Road, Jonathan Martin sits down with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand at the Iowa State Fair to talk politics over a…
Aug 23, 2026 · 45:28
Social psychologist and “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt helped turn concerns about kids and social media into a global political movement. Now, as Meta faces a…
Aug 22, 2026 · 1:00:23
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin in Traverse City, Michigan, to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and why he believes…
Aug 21, 2026 · 24:40
Two power players land in South Carolina today. President Trump is hitting the trail for Darline Graham after her rocky debate on Tuesday, while Pete Buttigieg stumps for Nancy…
Aug 20, 2026 · 28:17
Is Scott Jennings auditioning for the White House briefing room? The CNN conservative went to the mat defending Trump aide Natalie Harp just as his name is circulating as a…
Aug 19, 2026 · 27:24
Another primary night of surprises — this time in Florida, where a DSA candidate upset the establishment Democrat in the race for U.S. Senate. Florida Playbook author Kimberly…
Aug 18, 2026 · 21:51
The White House is serious about mobilizing Make American Healthy Again – sending RKF Jr. out on the trail in Iowa today. Playbook co-author Dasha Burns shares what Republican…
Aug 17, 2026 · 28:27
Sen. Mark Kelly is raising money, building political chits and showing up in politically significant states. All signs point to a 2028 run, but what is Kelly actually saying?…
Aug 16, 2026 · 31:23
In a live taping of "The Conversation" in Sacramento, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) weighs in on whether insurgent candidates on the left could become a liability for Democrats —…
Aug 14, 2026 · 26:06
Karoline Leavitt’s departure leaves a major hole in the White House communications shop — but Donald Trump appears to be in no rush to replace her. Playbook’s Megan Messerly and…
Aug 13, 2026 · 20:47
The ideological battle within the Democratic Party is in full swing, and after another round of surprising primary results, key operatives are asking: is the “silent normie…
Aug 12, 2026 · 25:13
Social media posts from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s weekend trip to Michigan suggest a tapped in politician, but the reality is a different story – one of internal fumbles and missed…
Aug 11, 2026 · 22:26
Francesca Hong may be leading the polls, but she's heading into Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary without some of the progressive movement's biggest names at her side. Sen.…
Aug 10, 2026 · 27:21
The movement taking shape around Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Trump defectors is attracting major donors. How viable is a third party and what does this…
Aug 9, 2026 · 38:37
Speaker Mike Johnson sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging interview as Republicans fight to hold onto the House majority. Dasha presses Johnson on why voters remain unhappy…
Aug 7, 2026 · 24:08
Michigan is emerging as the center of gravity for the 2028 Democratic primary. Who are the potential candidates testing their own appeal in the Great Lake state? Then Playbook…
Aug 6, 2026 · 26:37
House Speaker Mike Johnson has a particular campaigning message to reporters and voters alike. But can Republicans rely on last year’s legislative wins to carry them through the…
Aug 5, 2026 · 25:41
In Michigan, progressives didn’t get the showstopping night they were hoping for as tight race ensued between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens. Plus, Playbook’s co-authors…
Aug 4, 2026 · 27:14
The Democratic party’s left wing is celebrating a string of victories this primary season, but who can drive this momentum to the 2028 presidential election? Then, Playbook…
Aug 3, 2026 · 27:41
MAGA has a new target within the Trump administration: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. So who are immigration hardliners suggesting should take his…
Aug 2, 2026 · 50:06
FCC chairman Brendan Carr sits down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns for a wide-ranging interview on the growing power of the FCC under President Trump. Dasha presses Carr on his…
Aug 1, 2026 · 57:16
Rahm Emanuel joins POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at Michael's Original Pizzeria on Chicago's North Side for a wide-ranging conversation about his political future, the Democratic…
Jul 31, 2026 · 14:23
LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers made headlines last week, but behind-the-scenes, Gov. Josh Shapiro lobbied for the deal. Is Shapiro making a political play for male…
Jul 30, 2026 · 13:46
Establishment Democrats are wringing their hands as candidates of the insurgent left, like Abdul El-Sayed, take center stage in Michigan. Meanwhile, what we're taking away from…
Jul 29, 2026 · 13:23
The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the next director of national intelligence last night, but current acting director Bill Pulte hopes to delay the hand-off. Either way, expect…
Jul 28, 2026 · 14:15
Power players convene today in the nation’s capital to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Attendees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister…
Jul 27, 2026 · 15:20
President Donald Trump is pushing for polarizing legislation to be folded into a budget resolution. But will Senate Majority Leader John Thune even bring the resolution to the…
Jul 26, 2026 · 42:35
California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins Dasha to explain why he’s trying to block Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, and defends California’s antitrust…
Jul 24, 2026 · 11:24
This weekend kicks off with take-two of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, but this time around expect higher tensions and fewer attendees in the room. Meanwhile, the…
Jul 23, 2026 · 14:27
As Congress races toward the August recess, one bipartisan bill is glaringly missing from the House agenda. The Defiance Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,…
Jul 22, 2026 · 15:34
Anxiety over the war in Iran ripples across Trump’s orbit as some GOP operatives warn that the White House is caught in an “escalation trap” ahead of the midterms. Meanwhile,…
Jul 21, 2026 · 13:48
It’s kitchen sink week on Capitol Hill as House Speaker Mike Johnson rushes to schedule votes on key issues like a CR and the NDAA before lawmakers leave for August recess. But…
Jul 20, 2026 · 12:53
AOC hit the campaign trail in Michigan over the weekend alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders. She’s rallying for Abdul El-Sayed in his race against Congresswoman Haley Stevens, but is…
Jul 19, 2026 · 44:25
Abdul El-Sayed – the progressive former public health official running for the Democratic nomination in Michigan's open Senate seat – joins Dasha to explain why he believes "both…
Jul 18, 2026 · 54:39
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Gov. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) join POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at the Little Missouri Saloon in Medora for a…
Jul 17, 2026 · 12:14
Last night, President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address focused on newly declassified documents that he argued cast doubt on the integrity of the 2020 election. But the…
Jul 16, 2026 · 17:10
President Trump is slated to make a primetime address this evening at 9 pm E.T. He's dropped breadcrumbs all week that he’ll focus on election integrity and the SAVE America Act.…
Jul 15, 2026 · 15:42
Senate Republicans face a series of high-stakes decisions that rival last year's One Big Beautiful Bill. At the top of today’s agenda — acting Attorney General Todd Blanche…
Jul 14, 2026 · 13:37
The Michigan primary isn’t for another few weeks, but the Democratic establishment is already putting their thumb on the scale, throwing support behind Rep. Haley Stevens. Her…
Jul 13, 2026 · 14:56
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died over the weekend at the age of 71. He served more than three decades on the Hill, was the president’s Senate whisperer, and played a…
Jul 12, 2026 · 43:38
At the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Secretary General Mark Rutte joins Dasha to discuss NATO's historic defense spending overhaul, Russia's war in Ukraine, Greenland, President…
Jul 10, 2026 · 14:50
The U.S.-Iran ceasefire is “over.” But how are Republicans responding to these renewed strikes and what does this all mean for the midterms? Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on…
Jul 9, 2026 · 16:29
In a video statement, Graham Platner announced that he is suspending his campaign for the U.S. Maine Senate race. Since the aftermath of POLITICO’s report on sexual assault…
Jul 8, 2026 · 16:15
The political fallout continues after POLITICO's reporting on sexual assault allegations against Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. On this episode, host Jack…
Jul 7, 2026 · 14:04
A woman who dated Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner has accused him of sexual assault, in reporting exclusive to POLITICO. Platner denied the allegations, calling them…
Jul 6, 2026 · 13:06
Donald Trump heads to Turkey for the NATO summit, where there’s plenty of questions about defense spend, Ukraine, and the future of Greenland. POLITICO White House reporter Megan…
Jul 5, 2026 · 46:11
As America marks 250 years since its founding, award-winning documentarian Ken Burns joins Dasha to reflect on what history can teach us about this political moment. In this…
Jul 2, 2026 · 13:50
What does MAGA make of the Democratic Party's insurgent wing? POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly shares insights from her interview with former White House chief…
Jul 1, 2026 · 17:21
Results from the Rockies have rolled in, and it’s another big night for the insurgent Democratic candidates. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court wrapped up its term with major rulings,…
Jun 30, 2026 · 13:50
The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver end-of-term decisions for several high-profile cases including birthright citizenship, state bans on transgender athletes in women's…
Jun 29, 2026 · 13:59
Colorado voters head to the Primary polls on Tuesday. And there's one big question Democrats are wondering nationally: what's next for insurgent candidates? Meanwhile, the U.S.…
Jun 28, 2026 · 34:23
Dasha sits down with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki for a wide-ranging conversation on NATO, Russia's war in Ukraine, Iran and the future of America's…
Jun 26, 2026 · 12:14
House Speaker Mike Johnson patches things up with Trump after the president canceled the signing of a bipartisan housing bill on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Democrats of all ilk…
Jun 25, 2026 · 15:27
Is the roof collapsing on the Democratic Party? The New York primaries are fueling questions around where the party is headed as insurgent candidates gain ground. Meanwhile,…
Jun 24, 2026 · 13:39
Playbook Podcast host Jack Blanchard and POLITICO White House reporter Megan Messerly sit down for a primary postmortem. It’s a big win for Democratic Socialists – so what do New…
Jun 23, 2026 · 15:05
It’s primary day, again. On this episode of the Playbook Podcast host Jack Blanchard sits down with POLITICO Albany bureau chief Nick Riesman to get the scoop on what’s moving in…
Jun 22, 2026 · 15:39
NATO Chief Mark Rutte heads to Washington to meet with President Trump as tensions simmer over defense spending. Meanwhile, Iran negotiations had a shaky start on Sunday after…
Jun 21, 2026 · 39:42
Jack Schlossberg joins Dasha to talk about his campaign for New York’s 12th congressional district, his viral online persona and why he thinks Democrats need to be more…
Jun 18, 2026 · 18:04
The G7 summit has wrapped and Trump signed the Iran MOU at the Palace of Versailles — yes, that Versailles. Politico’s Myah Ward was on the ground at the G7 all week and shares…
Jun 17, 2026 · 15:53
President Donald Trump is expected to speak later this morning, likely touting the Iran agreement. This comes after Bloomberg published an unconfirmed draft of the memorandum…
Jun 16, 2026 · 12:24
In Georgia’s Republican primary runoff, will Trump’s endorsement of Rep. Mike Collins secure his GOP nomination in a high-stakes bid to unseat Sen. Jon Ossoff? Meanwhile, Gov.…
Jun 15, 2026 · 15:47
President Donald Trump heads to the G7 Summit in France today after reaching a peace agreement with Iran last night. But what is in the deal, and is it worth the paper it's…
Jun 14, 2026 · 43:02
At POLITICO’s Energy Summit, Dasha presses EPA administrator Lee Zeldin on rising gas prices, the war in Iran, Trump’s energy dominance agenda, coal, AI data centers, and whether…
Jun 12, 2026 · 15:02
TACOs are back. President Trump announced yesterday that he will nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, to be the next director of national intelligence. This…
Jun 11, 2026 · 14:23
Tumult stirs in the White House as an increasingly frustrated President Trump tightens his inner circle. Abroad, another night of U.S. strikes on Iran is testing whether Trump's…
Jun 10, 2026 · 14:47
Voters in Maine have decided: controversy-plagued Democrat Graham Platner will face Sen. Susan Collins in the fall. Meanwhile in South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham defeated MAGA…
Jun 9, 2026 · 14:52
Voters head to the polls in Maine's primary, where Democrats are watching to see whether controversies surrounding Graham Platner will derail his political future. In South…
Jun 8, 2026 · 15:22
Sunday marked 100 days of the Iran war with no deal reached. Iran launched a new wave of missiles at Israel overnight and then Israel struck back. Trump is pressing both sides…
Jun 7, 2026 · 33:53
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of crypto, the growing political influence of the industry, and his vision for a…
Jun 5, 2026 · 11:25
The Bidens are back in the spotlight after tensions briefly flared between loyalist Andrew Bates and Jill Biden over her new memoir. Out west, California's primary results are…
Jun 4, 2026 · 10:13
Trump nominates Todd Blanche as attorney general—but can he actually get confirmed? Plus, oil industry executives are warning the White House of a potential energy price spike in…
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