Where the Democratic Party insurgency is headed

Dems brace for Maine Senate race as Trump rips NATO allies

The political fallout continues after POLITICO's reporting on sexual assault allegations against Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. On this episode, host Jack Blanchard and White House reporter Myah Ward get into what this means for Democrats as they head into a highly contested seat for the 2026 midterms. Meanwhile, President Trump is still at the NATO summit where he’s been bashing against allies on all fronts. Trump is expected to hold a press conference from Turkey later this morning.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook [https://www.politico.com/playbook]

The allegations against Graham Platner, and what they mean for Maine's Senate race

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 "troubling, serious, and false." Today on the Playbook Podcast, host Jack Blanchard in conversation with the reporters who broke the allegation explores what this all means for Platner, the Democrats, and the battle for the United State Senate.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook [https://www.politico.com/playbook]

What to expect from the NATO summit

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 Messerly gives us the rundown on what she’s looking out for this summit.  Plus, the Qatari-gifted jet serving as Air Force One makes its first international trip. And in an extraordinary twist ahead of tonight's World Cup U.S.-Belgium match, FIFA reversed U.S. star Folarin Balogun's suspension after Trump urged the organization to review the decision.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook [https://www.politico.com/playbook]

Can the American experiment survive? (with Ken Burns) | The Conversation

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 wide-ranging interview, Burns discusses what lawmakers misunderstand about the founding of our nation, what George Washington would think of Donald Trump, and whether the American experiment can survive the next chapter. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Steve Bannon sizes up the Democrats

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 strategist Steve Bannon. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release their jobs report this morning. The White House is hoping for a boost in data, but will that matter if the numbers don’t square up with consumer sentiment? Plus, a very special July 4th weekend lies ahead. So how did America 250 get so political?  Follow POLITICO here:     ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ [https://x.com/politico/]  ➤ Instagram:  / politico [https://www.instagram.com/politico/?hl=en]       ➤ Facebook:  / politico [https://www.facebook.com/politico/]    For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook [https://www.politico.com/playbook]