Presented by Meadow.

Hey, good morning, Playbookers. I'm Raguamunovall, and it's Tuesday. Today's show,

Inside the Democratic Divisions, when it comes to Ukraine diplomacy. It's your Politico Playbook

Daily Briefing.

As Gideon Rockman, the chief foreign affairs columnist for the Financial Times, noted last week,

for some of Ukraine's most ardent backers, even talking about diplomacy, amounts to appeasement.

30 House Democrats, led by Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair, Pramilla Jaiapal,

learned this lesson the hard way on Monday.

After they sent President Joe Biden, what they believed was a nuanced

and carefully worded letter endorsing direct diplomacy with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

They condemned Russia's outrageous and illegal invasion of Ukraine reiterated their support for

a free and independent Ukraine, and they were clear that American military and economic support

should continue.

Unlike House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, they did not hint at voting against future aid packages.

But their use of the D word precipitated a torrent of criticism, mostly from fellow Democrats

that had some of them backtracking within hours.

In one notable example, former CBC co-chair Mark Pocan told a constituent

the missive was written back in July, adding, I have no idea why it went out now. Bad timing.

The latter suggestion that Biden ought to engage in direct talks with Russia and pursue a new

European security arrangement acceptable for all, crossed into ideological territory that remains

outside of the Washington foreign policy establishments over 10 window.

And the reaction was swift.

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