AI alarm bells are ringing. How will Washington respond?

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 force in 2028? Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns and Adam Wren digest the other news animating Washington: President Trump’s Kennedy Center meltdown, why bestiality became a major focus of a Senate hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel and a preview of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate announcement. Plus, a first-in-Playbook look at a new campaign ad in New Hampshire from Senate Majority PAC.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 Sanders and Steve Bannon, who are both set to speak at a “pro-human” AI event today. POLITICO Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to unpack this surprising cohort of AI critics and what it could mean for 2028. Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Will Steakin break down two viral videos from potential 2028 contenders: California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Vice President JD Vance.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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? Then Playbook’s Dasha Burns, Will Steakin and Ali Bianco dive into the other stories animating Washington: a packed legislative agenda as Congress returns, Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s celebration of a controversial R&B artist and response to vandalism on the new Charlie Kirk statue.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 November. Cruz explains why Trump “changed” his views on trade, responds to the president’s proposed $5,000 dividend for American adults, and weighs in on Tucker Carlson and concerns over AI’s threat to humanity — including why he says he’d prefer “American killer robots” to Chinese ones.  Plus, Cruz warns that Republicans face a defining debate over the party’s future and begins to make his 2028 case ahead of a possible presidential bid.  Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

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 Age of Contempt,” and the forces driving America’s political divide.  The Republican governor discusses political violence, social media’s role in fueling polarization, his relationship with President Trump and why he says he is not running for president. He also weighs in on the Republican Party’s future, immigration reform and what it will take to rebuild trust and community in American life.

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’ latest play? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren speak with former POLITICO Magazine editor Garrett M. Graff on how September 11th transformed the U.S. government.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 speech tell us about a potential 2028 bid? Plus, an exclusive interview with Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno. Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns and Adam Wren unpack Trump’s escalating tariff fight with Canada and Washington’s response to new warnings about the dangers of AI.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 Republican jitters over the GOP midterm convention, why political polling keeps missing the mark and an AI-generated ad from Ken Paxton.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 obtained by Playbook. What do Osborn’s remarks reveal about his strategy to appeal to voters across the political spectrum? Then Playbook co-authors Dasha Burns, Adam Wren and Will Steakin unpack the takeaways from Playbook’s on-the-ground reporting with California Gov. Gavin Newsom during his southern-state swing and discuss the lore behind an AI-generated video of Trump moonlighting as the Green Lantern.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

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 run. In a wide-ranging conversation with Dasha, the outspoken analyst explains why he believes he could win the presidency but won’t give up his career to campaign. He also discusses what he thinks is wrong with today’s political class, his criticism of the direction of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump’s appeal to voters, his interviews with controversial figures and the 2028 contenders he’s watching — including a MAGA Republican he could consider voting for. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.