
GOP scrambles for a midterm strategy as Iran talks teeter
From The Playbook Podcast by POLITICO
April 20, 2026 · 12 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the GOP's preparations for the midterm elections amidst ongoing Iran talks and fluctuating gas prices.
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.
People in this episode
Hosts: Jack Blanchard, Dasha Burns
Topics covered
- GOP strategy
- Iran talks
- midterm elections
- gas prices
- Washington politics
Keywords
- JD Vance
- ceasefire
- GOP operatives
- midterm map
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Iran, Pakistan, Washington
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