Podcasts about dasha burns

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 possible next press secretary. Playbook's Dasha Burns and Will Steakin unpack what his performance tells us about the job he may want — and new details about another major White House departure. Then, Playbook contributor Megan Messerly joins the panel to talk about what the 2026 primaries tell us about the fading power of the original anti-Trump Resistance, Darline Graham's rough foreign-policy moment shaking up the South Carolina Senate runoff, and Donald Trump unveiling his new White House helipad. Plus, Harry and Meghan may be headed back to Britain — but is America's right wing ready to say goodbye?

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 Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn has to say on the future of the MAHA movement. Then Playbook co-author Will Steakin and POLITICO polling and campaigns reporter Erin Doherty join Dasha to discuss Jon Ossoff's new attack line on President Trump and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's latest vandalism crusade.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren invite POLITICO's Daniel Miller to discuss the “runaway production” crisis in Hollywood and Mayor Karen Bass' pothole pitfall. Plus, to mark the launch of Canberra Playbook, Australia Launch Editor Ryan Heath joins us for a special 200-second interview on what Washington should be watching in Australian politics.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 Will Steakin unpack why, what Leavitt's legacy will be and how Trump's role as his own chief messenger could shape what comes next. Then, Ali Bianco joins with a scorecard of Congress' biggest social media stars, Abdul El-Sayed's Blue's Clues moment draws conservative ire, and the Max Miller controversy spills into a key New York House race. Plus, a preview of Dasha Burns' conversation with Sen. Adam Schiff.

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 majority” gaining steam? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren invite senior White House reporter Megan Messerly to discuss the other big stories circulating Washington: Karoline Leavitt's exit as White House press secretary and Marco Rubio's candid conversation with Katie Miller.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 opportunities with key Democrats. Does Newsom have the political chops to resonate with the Midwest? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren discuss what the Wisconsin primary results reveal about the future of the Democratic party and Trump's Air Force Once deception.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 Dasha Burns, Adam Wren, and Will Steakin get to the other stories Washington's talking about: Francesca Hong's Thanksgiving blunder, and what House Speaker Mike Johnson has to say about Rep. Max Miller's refusal to step down. And finally, Jeanine Pirro still stands in limbo over her court filing on the Reflecting Pool.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin sit down with POLITICO's Kyle Cheney to talk about the stories animating Washington:  Todd Blanche's Senate Judiciary Committee vote, the future U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro, who's in hot water over her Reflecting Pool filing, and ramped up activity in Cuba. Finally, what does Pete Buttigieg have to say about a Kamala Harris nomination for 2028? Tune in for a preview of POLITICO's On the Road with Jonathan Martin.   For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 seat? Plus, Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin sit down with POLITICO's California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason to discuss the questions around Kamala Harris' 2028 bid, Marjorie Taylor Greeen's America First who's who tweet, and a contentious CNN interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 warnings that broadcasters could lose their licenses, accusations that the agency is being used to target the president's critics and concerns that the FCC has become increasingly politicized.  Carr also weighs in on what he believes the FCC's role should be in a media landscape increasingly dominated by social media and streaming. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

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 warnings that broadcasters could lose their licenses, accusations that the agency is being used to target the president's critics and concerns that the FCC has become increasingly politicized.  Carr also weighs in on what he believes the FCC's role should be in a media landscape increasingly dominated by social media and streaming. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

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 voters disillusioned with the Democratic party? Meanwhile, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out of a crowded Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, so who's leading the charge? And a preview from POLITICO's podcast, The Conversation, where Dasha Burns sits down with the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Iowa delivered the biggest surprise of the 2026 primary cycle as a Trump-backed candidate, Randy Feenstra, lost for the first time, while Chuck Schumer's Senate pick, Josh Turek, won comfortably. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns dive into all the results from Iowa and New Jersey, and try to make sense of Bill Pulte's sudden move from housing chief to acting Director of National Intelligence.

Six states vote today, with California's governor's race taking center stage. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns discuss the unexpected rise of Xavier Becerra, whether a Republican makes the final ballot, and why Spencer Pratt is somehow in contention for LA mayor. Plus, Marco Rubio and Acting AG Todd Blanche both face tough questioning on the Hill.

Congress returns from recess with several unresolved items on the agenda. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns walk through the stalled immigration spending bill, an upcoming war powers vote, and the mood among some Republican senators following the Texas primary. Then, a Democratic Senate primary in Iowa tomorrow and what it signals about Chuck Schumer's role as a Democratic leader. Plus: the latest on Iran negotiations, which remain at a standstill.

Every week on this show, Dasha Burns talks to the most compelling and sometimes unexpected power players in Washington and beyond. But for this special first anniversary episode, she turned the microphone over to you … our listeners.  “How do you prepare for high-stakes interviews?”  “Why has Washington left Gen Z behind?” “How has covering politics changed you?”  Dasha answers your burning questions, weighing in on everything from the most interesting under-the-radar character at the White House to why her news diet is a “hot mess.”   Have feedback for “The Conversation?” Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Every week on this show, Dasha Burns talks to the most compelling and sometimes unexpected power players in Washington and beyond. But for this special first anniversary episode, she turned the microphone over to you … our listeners.  “How do you prepare for high-stakes interviews?”  “Why has Washington left Gen Z behind?” “How has covering politics changed you?”  Dasha answers your burning questions, weighing in on everything from the most interesting under-the-radar character at the White House to why her news diet is a “hot mess.”   Have feedback for “The Conversation?” Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Divisions inside the White House over AI regulation explain why Trump pulled a major executive order at the last minute. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns talk about the competing factions and what comes next. Plus, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent takes his turn at the briefing room podium as new inflation data arrives. And Jill Biden's memoir is already stirring up Democratic frustration ahead of its release next week.

Primary runoff day in Texas is here.  Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns discuss what Trump's last-minute endorsement of Ken Paxton means for John Cornyn — and for the Senate's already fragile Republican majority. Plus: the U.S. launches fresh strikes in the Strait of Hormuz while insisting the ceasefire holds, and NASA announces plans for a moon base by 2028.

Ukraine's ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna joins Dasha Burns on “The Conversation” to discuss whether the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran could pull American attention and weapons away from Kyiv, the state of Ukraine-Russia peace talks and why President Trump and Volodmyr Zelenskyy's once-rocky relationship has become “iconic.” Have feedback for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Ukraine's ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna joins Dasha Burns on “The Conversation” to discuss whether the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran could pull American attention and weapons away from Kyiv, the state of Ukraine-Russia peace talks and why President Trump and Volodmyr Zelenskyy's once-rocky relationship has become “iconic.” Have feedback for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The DNC's nearly 200-page 2024 campaign autopsy is out — and Democrats are more upset about what's missing than what's in it. Playbook's Dasha Burns and Adam Wren get into it all. Plus, Congress fled town without finishing reconciliation. Then Dasha shares highlights from her interview with Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna on the state of the war and what Ukraine needs from Washington.

Vote-a-rama could get underway in the Senate today on the Republicans' second reconciliation bill. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns dig into Republican anxiety over Trump's ballroom, the $1.7B "weaponization" fund, the Iran war's rising costs, and what the CIA director's Havana trip really means. And how the Democrats could use all this for their midterm messaging. 

Playbook's Dasha Burns shares highlights from her one-on-one interview with James Blair, the head of the Republican midterm strategy, for a look at how the White House sees the road to November. Plus, the strangest Nebraska Senate primary result and what it means for Democrats in other races. Then Trump lands in Beijing with a delegation of American CEOs for his summit with Xi Jinping.

It's primary day in Nebraska, and this might be one of the strangest senate races we've seen in a while. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns also unpack the Republican redistricting wave gaining momentum in South Carolina and Alabama. Plus, Pete Hegseth heads back to Capitol Hill for more tough questions on the war. And Dasha's dog Heli makes a very rambunctious appearance!

President Trump heads to Beijing for his first visit since 2017, but the shadow of Iran looms large over his talks with Xi Jinping. Playbook's Jack Blanhard and Dasha Burns discuss what's really on the table — from Taiwan to whether Trump might ask China with Iran. Plus, with the Strait of Hormuz still choked and gas prices climbing past $4.50, Republicans are finding an unlikely reason to smile: a redistricting blitz that could hand them a dozen seats before a single vote is cast in the midterm

Leon Panetta, former Defense Secretary and CIA director under President Obama, joins Dasha Burns to assess the U.S. conflict with Iran, warning that unclear objectives, a closed Strait of Hormuz and uncertain nuclear negotiations could leave the U.S. stuck in a prolonged war. Plus, Panetta defends President Biden's handling of the Israel/Gaza conflict but says Biden “should have been much tougher” in providing weapons for Ukraine. Leave us a voicemail or shoot us a text with your questions for our first anniversary special: 202-643-1536.

Leon Panetta, former Defense Secretary and CIA director under President Obama, joins Dasha Burns to assess the U.S. conflict with Iran, warning that unclear objectives, a closed Strait of Hormuz and uncertain nuclear negotiations could leave the U.S. stuck in a prolonged war. Plus, Panetta defends President Biden's handling of the Israel/Gaza conflict but says Biden “should have been much tougher” in providing weapons for Ukraine. Leave us a voicemail or shoot us a text with your questions for our first anniversary special: 202-643-1536. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Rubio is at the Vatican to smooth things over with Pope Leo XIV after weeks of tension with the White House. Playbook's Dasha Burns and Jack Blanchard discuss the political importance of this meeting and what is really at stake. Meanwhile, Trump hosts Brazilian President Lula, who has been very critical of the Iran War, at the Oval Office. And Republicans are back to redrawing maps—this time in Tennessee—where they are threatening the state's lone Democratic House seat. 

Playbook heads to the Midwest. All eyes are on Indiana as voters hit the polls for the primary. It will be Trump's big first test to see if his power still holds with the Republican Party. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down this unusual state senate race. And staying in the Midwest, a well-known ICE official is gunning for a House seat in Ohio—will it work for the Republicans? Plus, the Strait of Hormuz is back in the news. 

With six months to go until the midterm elections, the political picture is sharpening — and it's a tough one for Republicans. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns run through six reasons each party can find a glimmer of hope, even as gas prices climb, Trump's economic numbers slip and tensions with Iran add fresh uncertainty to the race for November.

David Sacks has played a key role in shaping AI policy for the Trump administration. He was formerly the White House AI and crypto czar. Now, he's the co-chair of the President's Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.  Sacks approaches the issue with a “let them cook” philosophy. Meaning, he thinks the way for the United States to win the global AI race is to move fast with minimally disruptive regulation. But with that comes a lot of questions about AI disruption to the workforce, who should be held responsible for harm caused by AI platforms, and the fear and division within America over the future of the technology.  Sacks joins Dasha Burns in a wide-ranging interview to discuss it all.

David Sacks has played a key role in shaping AI policy for the Trump administration. He was formerly the White House AI and crypto czar. Now, he's the co-chair of the President's Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.  Sacks approaches the issue with a “let them cook” philosophy. Meaning, he thinks the way for the United States to win the global AI race is to move fast with minimally disruptive regulation. But with that comes a lot of questions about AI disruption to the workforce, who should be held responsible for harm caused by AI platforms, and the fear and division within America over the future of the technology.  Sacks joins Dasha Burns in a wide-ranging interview to discuss it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After gunfire disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Playbook goes live in a breaking Sunday edition to process what happened. Adam Wren and Dasha Burns share their firsthand experience inside the ballroom, the latest confirmed details, and the broader questions about political violence, security, and a country on edge.

Go behind the scenes of White House Correspondents' Dinner weekend with Tammy Haddad, a veteran TV executive and one of DC's ultimate social connectors.  POLITICO's Dasha Burns and Tammy unpack why this dinner — which brings together the president, journalists and celebrities all in one room — is so important in Washington, and what really happens when the cameras are down.  Tammy also shares insider stories from years past involving Barbra Streisand, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson, and more.

Go behind the scenes of White House Correspondents' Dinner weekend with Tammy Haddad, a veteran TV executive and one of DC's ultimate social connectors.  POLITICO's Dasha Burns and Tammy unpack why this dinner — which brings together the president, journalists and celebrities all in one room — is so important in Washington, and what really happens when the cameras are down.  Tammy also shares insider stories from years past involving Barbra Streisand, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All of D.C. is gearing up for the White House Correspondents Dinner weekend. It will be President Trump's first time attending the event ever as president. Dasha Burns and Adam Wren share what Trump's speech might look like which may include some jokes written by comedians. Plus, there are the parties: the before parties, the after parties, and brunch parties! Dasha and Adam dive into which ones are the most buzzworthy and more. 

JD Vance returns to Pakistan for another round of Iran talks as a fragile ceasefire nears its deadline. Gas prices may have peaked — but relief isn't coming anytime soon. And in Washington, top GOP operatives are huddling to prepare for a challenging midterm map. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down the key developments driving the day.

California's governor's race just got a major shakeup. Democrat Eric Swalwell dropped out amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations, and now the field is wide open ahead of the June 2 primary. So where does that leave Republican candidate and former Fox News host Steve Hilton – backed by Trump and rising in the polls? Does the GOP have a shot at turning California red? Dasha Burns sat down with Hilton to talk about the state of the race, the impact of Trump's endorsement, and where he thinks Democratic leadership is coming up short.

California's governor's race just got a major shakeup. Democrat Eric Swalwell dropped out amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations, and now the field is wide open ahead of the June 2 primary. So where does that leave Republican candidate and former Fox News host Steve Hilton – backed by Trump and rising in the polls? Does the GOP have a shot at turning California red? Dasha Burns sat down with Hilton to talk about the state of the race, the impact of Trump's endorsement, and where he thinks Democratic leadership is coming up short. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Playbook Podcast, Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down Republicans' Tax Day push to sell Trump's tax cuts and ask whether voters are actually feeling the benefits. They also dig into Trump's latest comments on Iran, the political risks of rising gas prices, and the fallout on Capitol Hill from two high-profile resignations.

Artemis II has launched around the moon. Now, NASA has its sights set on Mars. NASA administrator and billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman sat down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns at Kennedy Space Center to talk about NASA's ambitious plans to build a moon base, sending humans to Mars, his relationship with Elon Musk and why we could all have 3D-printed spare livers in our fridge someday.

Artemis II has launched around the moon. Now, NASA has its sights set on Mars. NASA administrator and billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman sat down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns at Kennedy Space Center to talk about NASA's ambitious plans to build a moon base, sending humans to Mars, his relationship with Elon Musk and why we could all have 3D-printed spare livers in our fridge someday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, kicking off what sources say could be a broader round of cabinet shakeups as frustration builds inside the White House. Dasha Burns reports on who could be next. She also shares insights from her sit-down with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and his aggressive new moon-to-Mars push. Co-host Adam Wren previews a key gathering of 2028 Democratic hopefuls in New York.

President Trump gave a primetime address on Iran to the nation on Wednesday night. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break down the rhetoric, the unclear endgame, and what Trump's “two to three weeks” timeline really means for the conflict, global oil markets, and America's allies. Plus, one year after Liberation Day, how Trump's tariff agenda has actually played out, and a surprising twist in the long-running DHS shutdown fight that could hand Democrats the upper hand.

It's a busy start to April for Donald Trump. The president heads to the Supreme Court for a test of his effort to end birthright citizenship, a long-shot legal fight with big political stakes for the base and his broader coalition. Tonight, he'll address the nation on the war in Iran as tensions with European allies simmer. And in between, all eyes turn to Florida, where NASA is set to launch Artemis II — sending humans farther into space than ever before and kicking off a new era in the global space race. Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break it all down.

We're a quarter of the way through 2026, and the Trump administration is facing challenges at home and abroad. The president is at a critical moment on Iran as military pressure ramps up and the effect of diplomatic efforts remains murky. Meanwhile, the DHS shutdown drags into record territory with no clear end in sight. And a wave of Republican primaries could test just how strong Trump's grip on the party really is. Dasha Burns and Jack Blanchard break down the big inflection points to watch.

When Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) won his Senate seat in 2024, he outperformed Kamala Harris in one of the closest battleground states in the country.  Now that he's in Washington, Gallego's background is particularly relevant at this moment in politics. With the Iran War intensifying, Gallego offers his perspective as an Iraq War veteran on Trump's military operation.  And as a Latino Democratic senator of a border state, Gallego has a distinctive outlook on immigration, with criticism for his own party as well as the GOP.  Sen. Gallego sat down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns on “The Conversation” to talk about voter ID, the 2028 election, and if he thinks Democrats can become the “fun” party again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're bringing you an episode from POLITICO's latest show, On The Road with Jonathan Martin. In episode one, JMart sits down with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for a lively conversation about politics, leadership and life growing up in a political family. From her time as White House Press Secretary to leading Arkansas today, Sanders shares insights on the Republican Party, U.S.-Israel security and the memories that shaped her journey—all while enjoying some of the state's best barbecue.  You can find more episodes of On The Road on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.com/Politico. The Conversation with Dasha Burns will be back soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) is a young rising star in the Republican Party. She sits down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns to talk about how the war against Iran could affect Americans at home and the urgency of the midterm elections for the Republican Party. Britt also gets candid about her unique relationship with the White House and what it was like having Scarlett Johansson play her on SNL. And later on the show, Dasha breaks down the exciting Texas primary elections with a panel of journalists. Elaine Godrey of “The Atlantic,” Gabby Birenbaum of “The Texas Tribune” and POLITICO's Adam Wren share their takeaways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices