May 10, 2024: The paradox of Mike Johnson

Jury deliberations in Trump's hush money case started yesterday, and already there have been a number of interesting developments. Twice during the day, jurors sent notes to the judge. The first asked to review segments of testimony that came out during the trial; the second asked the judge to rehash jury instructions. What, if anything, can this tell us about a possible verdict? Legal editor James Romoser offers Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels some insight. Plus, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris make a rare double-appearance in Philadelphia to emphasize the importance of the Black vote, and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s flag fiasco is only getting more complicated. All of that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Jury deliberations for former President Donald Trump's hush money case begin today. Yesterday, attorneys on both sides laid out their closing arguments in what was a nearly 12-hour day in court. But New York isn’t the only place Trump is making legal headlines. In Florida, yet another snafu involving Judge Aileen Cannon is making the likelihood of that trial taking place before the election slimmer and slimmer. Senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney joins Playbook co-author Rachael Bade to recount what he saw in the courthouse Tuesday and what to expect in the coming days.

As the end of former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial looms, his future has come into question. Should a jury decide to convict Trump, there are a number of different punishment options on the table. He could, of course, be sentenced to jail time. But, what would that look like? And what else could Judge Juan Merchan have the former president and presumptive GOP nominee do? National correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to offer some insight. Plus, some Democrats are voicing fears about the Biden campaign’s approach to the 2024 election, and how will President Biden respond to Israel’s deadly attack on a refugee camp in Rafah? All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Donald Trump held a large rally in the South Bronx in New York City last night, attended by a diverse array of people — a far cry from the typical MAGA rally crowd. National politics correspondent Meridith McGraw, who was present at the rally, tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza about how Trump tailored his message to the Big Apple audience. And just as interesting, she explains, is what he left unsaid. Plus, inside the U.S.’s plan for a “prominent post-war” role in Gaza, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Today’s legislative theme is voter fraud — or “fraud,” as the case may be. The GOP House majority is gearing up for two votes today aimed at blocking non-citizens from voting — with one vote centering on the District of Columbia and the other taking effect nationwide. Democrats are steamed, both because it’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, and because they see in this effort the groundwork for a 2024 reprise of Trump’s “Stop the Steal” push to sow doubt about the rightful outcomes of elections. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade explains it all. Plus, what’s driving Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to enter the fray and put himself forward as the next GOP leader? All that, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

For the first time since 2008, the president of Kenya will make a visit today, where he is set to receive the whole nine yards of special treatment. There are a few reasons for this: Kenya is celebrating 50 years of independence, and it has become an emerging tech hub. But there is also the fact that President Biden promised to visit the country and has yet to stay true to his word. Will that cast a certain light on the whole event? Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels joins Playbook editor Mike DeBonis to weigh in. Plus, the Trump defense team rested their case yesterday, but it looks like court won’t adjourn by the end of the week after all. All that, plus the rest of the news you need to know today.

It is primary day in various states around the country. But if you ask senior political columnist and politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, it is the race involving the Portland, Oregon, District Attorney that is the most interesting and perhaps important. In one of the most  left-leaning cities in the country, the progressive DA is at risk of losing his seat amid widespread frustration over lax drug laws. Can this tell us anything about the challenges Biden will face come November? Martin walks Playbook co-author Rachael Bade through some possibilities. Plus, lawmakers on the Hill are in a frenzy over the International Criminal Court’s warrant request for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. All of that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

After roughly a month of testimony and 19 witnesses, the end of the Trump hush money trial may draw to a close by the end of this week. The former president and current GOP frontrunner will either be charged or acquitted of falsifying business records. This week, the jury takes center stage. Plus, could Trump himself still take the stand? Legal affairs reporter Erica Orden, who has been present in the courtroom throughout the trial, walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through that possibility and what else to expect this week. That, plus the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews legal affairs reporter Erica Orden.

During the last presidential election cycle, Donald Trump said he would never return to Minnesota should he lose. He is slated to break that promise when he keynotes the Lincoln-Reagan dinner this evening. Moreover, Trump’s fixation on the gopher state seems not to have abated but has intensified since 2020. Does he stand any chance of winning a state with a Democratic trifecta? National political correspondent Adam Wren walks Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through the situation. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews national political correspondent Adam Wren.

In a dizzying turn of events yesterday, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump agreed to two debates well before the election this November — one on CNN in June, and one on ABC in September. Did Democrats box Trump in, or Biden walk right into a carefully laid trap? White House bureau chief Jonathan Lemire offers Playbook co-author Rachael Bade some insights.