Republicans rethink their attacks on AOC

Leaders of the New Democrat Coalition are confident they'll deliver a Democratic House majority. They have no intention of letting a handful of insurgent newcomers call the shots. Then the other stories animating Washington: Operatives aligned with Mary Peltola reportedly recruited a second Dan Sullivan, Flávio Bolsonaro arrives stateside and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker hits Scott Jennings with a $72.5 million defamation lawsuit.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been one of Republicans' favorite political targets. But with days until the midterms, some Republicans are acknowledging that her brand of economic populism might actually be popular. Then the other stories animating Washington: Secretary of State Marco Rubio makes a rare appearance on the campaign trail with Trump and what Israel's election could mean for the US.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Republicans have a big cash advantage heading into the midterms, but much of that money comes from a handful of megadonors, including Elon Musk. Meanwhile Donald Trump remains the party's most powerful fundraising magnet. What happens to the GOP's money machine when Trump is no longer in the White House? Then the other stories animating Washington: Sen. Ruben Gallego is making a last-minute pitch to Latino voters in some of the most competitive races and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul weighs in on AOC's political future.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Democrats have spent over $20 million dollars on Epstein-related ads. Will it be enough to flip the Senate? Then the other stories animating Washington: President Trump boasts about making a fortune on oil while Americans pay more at the pump, Rep. Haley Stevens offers a tepid endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed and Barack Obama delivers a Cheesecake Factory-sized insult to Trump.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Florida Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon joins Dasha for a wide-ranging conversation about her historic campaign and the Democratic Party’s future. Nixon had sharp words for her own party, arguing that Democrats have taken Black voters for granted and the party needs to have a “long conversation” about the state of Black voters in the party, or else it will continue to ‘hemorrhage’ voters.  Nixon also weighs in on why she joined the Democratic Socialists of America, whether she considers Israel an ally, and whether she would support Chuck Schumer for Senate leader. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at a Charlotte diner for a candid conversation about his new book, his decision to leave the Senate and the future of the Republican Party.     Tillis reflects on his votes to confirm President Trump’s Cabinet nominees, argues that the president’s advisers should be replaced and says Republicans need to show more independence from Trump. He also predicts the party could take a “whoop-ass” in November and explains why he thinks Trump’s would-be successors can’t simply imitate him.     Plus, country ham, biscuits and grits at the Carolina Family Restaurant. 

Republicans are drawing an unlikely comparison between Democratic Florida Senate nominee Angie Nixon and President Donald Trump. What does Nixon’s appeal reveal about the state of Florida politics — and the Democratic Party’s struggle to win there? Then the other stories animating Washington: Vivek Ramaswamy’s controversial attack ad keeps making waves, as Trump and JD Vance come to his defense, top MAHA adviser Calley Means quits the administration, and Trump is spotlighting his celebrity boxer supporters along the campaign trail.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

America’s Breadbasket needs bread. Soaring diesel prices and fertilizer costs are putting the squeeze on farmers who voted for President Donald Trump, prompting some to rethink their Republican loyalties. Then the other stories animating Washington: Jon Husted’s backside becomes an unlikely campaign talking point, a potential challenger to Sen. John Fetterman teases a potential Senate bid, and Elon Musk issues an ominous response to POLITICO’s reporting about him.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Vivek Ramaswamy’s new attack ad on Democratic opponent Amy Acton has ignited a firestorm in Ohio. The backlash points to a much bigger problem for Republicans: finding a closing message that connects with voters. Then the other stories animating Washington: President Donald Trump sidesteps questions about endorsing Vice President JD Vance for 2028 and Trump reportedly considers replacing the Brady Press Briefing Room with a swimming pool.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook 

Elon Musk isn’t on the ballot, but he’s once again becoming a central figure in the midterms. Democrats hoping to reclaim the House majority are already signaling that he’ll be a major target of congressional oversight if they win. Then the other stories animating Washington: Sen. Thom Tillis has a countdown clock ticking toward “whoop-ass,” the palace intrigue surrounding Susie Wiles shows no signs of letting up, and an Indiana Democrat admits to a three-beer warmup before her now-infamous interview.  For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Playbook newsletter: politico.com/playbook