CNN Political Briefing

Donald Trump reversed course on the Epstein files to get right with his party in what proved to be a rare crack in the strong bond the president has with his MAGA base. In addition to the Epstein matter, President Trump has come in for some criticism from supporters over his messaging and focus (or lack thereof) on prices and affordability and his penchant for putting foreign affairs front and center. Jonathan Martin of POLITICO is here to assess whether this is the beginning of Trump's lame duck period and who, or what, comes next. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the wake of big electoral victories, Democrats are at odds over how and why they just ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Visiting the studio today is a man who has certainly navigated moments of intra-party tension. Terry McAuliffe was the 72nd Governor of Virginia, he led the Democratic National Committee from 2001-2005, and he was Chair of Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. He’s here with an assessment of the Democrats’ shutdown strategy and a prescription for winning the 2026 midterms.  Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Producer: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once a little-known state assemblyman, Zohran Mamdani catapulted himself to victory in New York City’s mayoral race, earning a prominent place in the national conversation to go with it. Errol Louis is the Political Anchor of Spectrum News NY1, and he’s here to tell David Chalian how Zohran Mamdani rewrote the political playbook in Gotham. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As election season 2025 enters its final stretch, candidates in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia sprint to the finish line. CNN Correspondents Jeff Zeleny and Eva McKend have been all over the trail, and they’re here to spill out their notebooks and tell David Chalian what they’ve learned during the campaign.  Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Running to be mayor of New York City is a tall order for any Republican given Democratic voters outnumber Republican voters by six to one.  Curtis Sliwa is once again the GOP's standard bearer in America's largest city after losing to Eric Adams four years ago, but this time he is competing against a rising progressive star in the Democratic Party in Zohran Mamdani and the former governor Andrew Cuomo who left office in disgrace four years ago.  And he's doing so while facing enormous pressure to drop out of the race. As the campaign reaches its home stretch, Sliwa tells David Chalian what he’s learned from a lifetime in New York and his two runs for mayor. Producers: Dan Bloom & Sofía Sanchez Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the government shutdown in its third week, we call in Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California who hails from the progressive wing of his party. Rep. Khanna tells David Chalian what’s negotiable for Democrats, what’s off the table, and how he thinks this standoff will eventually come to an end. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The prosecution of former FBI director James Comey is an extraordinary chapter in the history of American justice. Former federal and state prosecutor Elie Honig has a new book, When You Come at the King: Inside DOJ's Pursuit of the President, From Nixon to Trump, and he tells David Chalian how to place Comey’s case in a historical context. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical director: Dan Dzula Executive producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With a government shutdown now reality, the blame game between Republicans and Democrats is at a fever pitch.  Congressman Mike Lawler is from a battleground district and one of three Republicans in the House who represent a district won by Kamala Harris last year.  He tells David Chalian why he thinks Democrats have just committed a critical error in their shutdown calculus. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Washington bracing for a government shutdown, Democrats and Republicans are already trying to pin the blame on each other. As Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA) is laser-focused on re-capturing the House in 2026. She tells David Chalian how Democrats can put themselves on a path to winning the majority.  Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2025 campaign season is heating up, and the race for New Jersey governor could be the sleeper contest of the year. Democratic candidate Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill will face Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman, in their first debate on Sunday. While Sherrill currently leads in polling, Ciattarelli hopes to stage another come-from-behind surprise with President Trump's backing. New Jersey Globe editor-in-chief David Wildstein gives David Chalian an insider's perspective on the race. Producer: Paola Ortiz Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shocked American politics. Michigan Senate Majority Whip Mallory McMorrow is now running for U.S. Senate, and she joins us to explore her path forward in a competitive swing state and address the urgent question of how America can break the its pattern of political violence. Producer: Sofía Sánchez Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After federal forces rolled through Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Ilinois officials are taking President Trump’s threats to Chicago very seriously, none more so than Governor J.B. Pritzker. Eric Bradner is National Political Reporter for CNN and he’s here to discuss the political calculations behind Governor Pritzker's recent moves countering the president. Producer: Kyra Dahring Senior Producers: Faiz Jamil, Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump has spent much of August exerting his power and sparking challenges to its limits. He has upended the traditional independence of the Federal Reserve, launched investigations and searches on his political opponents, and threatened to expand his command of policing America's cities beyond the nation's capital. How should Democrats respond to this shifting political landscape in America? CNN Chief Political Analyst David Axelrod takes us inside the party's internal debates to produce an answer to that critical question. Producer: Kyra Dahring Senior Producers: Faiz Jamil, Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Daley, author of Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count, breaks down the gerrymandering arms race sparked by the redistricting push in Texas—how we got here, what comes next and whether there’s a way to cool this war down. This episode was Produced by Emily Williams. Senior Producer: Faiz JamilTechnical Director: Dan Dzula   Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former national intelligence officer and Russia expert Angela Stent breaks down what President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin want out of their summit—and why it's about more than Ukraine. Plus, she shares why she’s unsure whether Trump will be able to parse Putin’s true intentions after the meeting.  This episode was Produced by Emily Williams. Senior Producer: Faiz JamilTechnical Director: Dan Dzula   Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Texas state Rep. James Talarico, along with dozens of his Democratic colleagues, captured the nation’s attention this week when they fled their state to try to block a Republican gerrymandering effort. He shares why they walked out, what he thinks it can accomplish and how his faith informs his approach to politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Balz is something of a legend in Washington media. He retired this week from full-time reporting after 47 years at the Washington Post. He shares his insights on the first six months of this second Trump administration and gives some of his best advice for political reporters in an increasingly competitive, rapid-fire industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeffrey Epstein talk took over Capitol Hill this week. And while President Donald Trump seems eager to change the subject, some of his closest allies in Congress are calling for answers. Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes and Congressional Correspondent Lauren Fox discuss how this drama played out among House GOP members and why a summer break may not be enough to cool this issue down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump is facing serious backlash from the MAGA world over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. CNN senior correspondent Donie O’Sullivan explains why Epstein looms so large in the MAGA-verse—and why this controversy isn’t likely to die down soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Investigative reporter Josh Dawsey is co-author of a new deep dive into last year’s historic election, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America. He shares some of the most striking moments in the book — from Trump’s trip to the Fulton County Jail to take his mugshot to the buzzing scene at Mar-a-Lago days before his inauguration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rahm Emanuel isn't shy about criticizing his own party. He also isn’t shy about his potential political ambitions. He’s made it clear he’s considering a potential 2028 presidential run. He shares how he’ll make that decision, what he brings to the growing field of potential candidates and why he thinks Dems shouldn’t talk about democracy without also talking about affordability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zohran Mamdani pulled off a major political upset over Andrew Cuomo in this week’s New York mayoral primary. CNN senior reporter and New York City native Edward-Isaac Dovere explains how Mamdani was able to secure the victory and what Democrats more broadly can learn from his surprise success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The killings and attempted killings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses are raising alarms about an apparent uptick in political violence in America. Robert Pape, the director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, has studied political violence for 30 years, and he argues the country is in the midst of what he calls an “era of violent populism.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions over President Trump’s immigration enforcement reached a boiling point this week. CNN correspondent Priscilla Alvarez explains how Los Angeles became a political flashpoint and why the administration’s move to call in the National Guard and the Marines to respond to anti-ICE protests there was a long time in the making—and could be a playbook repeated in other cities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From China talks to “TACO,” CNN’s Chief Domestic Correspondent Phil Mattingly helps navigate the latest twists and turns of President Trump’s tariffs and explains why we may be in the “eye of the hurricane” of this trade war. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ongoing feud between President Trump and Harvard University is heating up as the White House attempts to ban the university from enrolling international students. Harvard President Emeritus Larry Summers shares his insights on the clash and explains why the White House’s actions could hinder efforts to reform Harvard’s flaws. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House GOP delivered President Trump a major win this week by passing his so-called “big, beautiful bill.” CNN congressional correspondent Lauren Fox breaks down what happened behind the scenes in the hours before it was passed, how Speaker Mike Johnson swayed the holdouts and the biggest questions surrounding the bill as it makes its way to the Senate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump completed a whirlwind tour of the Middle East this week, making deals—and multiple headlines—along the way. Axios reporter, Middle East expert and CNN political and global affairs analyst Barak Ravid breaks down the major moments from the week, from a historic handshake between Trump and the Syrian president to Qatar’s unusual gift of a luxury jet. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Getting President Trump's so-called “big, beautiful bill” past the finish line could be an ugly process for Congressional Republicans. CNN Anchor and Chief Congressional Correspondent Manu Raju breaks down what’s going into this sweeping bill and explains why some GOP members can’t seem to agree on key parts of the legislation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conspiracy theories are not new. They’re as old as time itself. But if you feel like they’re everywhere right now, you’re not alone. So, what do you do when somebody you love has fallen down a rabbit hole? CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan has been covering the world of misinformation for more than a decade, but now he's less interested in what people believe than why they believe it. So, he’s trying to find out. Listen to Persuadable here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can politicians reach Americans who have tuned out politics? That’s something Rob Flaherty, a former deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential run, argues Republicans have been doing successfully while Democrats have failed. He explains why he thinks Dems became the “party of the system” and why that’s kept them from reaching voters who believe the system is broken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next week marks 100 days since President Trump was sworn in for his second term. CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins and Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny share their behind-the-scenes insights from the last few months and explain why attitudes at the White House have recently shifted. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Judicial showdowns over a pair of major deportation-related cases have ratcheted up tensions between Trump and the courts this week. University of Michigan law professor, author and podcast host Leah Litman weighs in on whether these and other clashes between Trump and the judiciary have pushed the country into a constitutional crisis. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump’s 90-day pause on most new tariffs triggered a market rally, but economic uncertainty persists as existing tariffs are still in place and a trade war with China intensifies. Trade economist and historian Doug Irwin knows how tariffs have affected Americans and American companies in the past. So, what can that tell us about what could happen to the US economy next? Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats celebrated a victory in a Wisconsin state supreme court race while Republicans secured two wins in special elections in Florida this week. The races were a window into how voters are feeling a few months into Trump's second term. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler explains why his state saw a surge in voter turnout, while Florida Republican Party Chair Ben Power shares his take on GOP margins shrinking since November. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration is still under fire after plans for a military strike on Yemen were leaked via a group chat that mistakenly included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Olivia Troye was a former national security official during the first Trump administration. She shares her take on the potential dangers of what happened here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Democratic Party's approval rating has dropped to a record low. So, why is the party so unpopular right now? And what can Democrats do to revive their reputation? Howard Dean is a former chair of the DNC, a onetime presidential candidate and the former governor of Vermont. He argues the Democrats’ brand right now is “what the Republicans say it is.” And he shares some ideas for reclaiming his party’s brand. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elon Musk is new to Washington, but what can we learn about his tactics at DOGE from how he’s run his companies? Kate Conger, co-author of the book “Character Limit,” an account of Musk’s takeover of Twitter, says Musk has been pulling from the same playbook since taking on his role in the Trump administration. Plus, she explains Musk’s affinity for recreating memes in real life. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was tariff whiplash in North America this week when President Trump imposed new tariffs on Mexico and Canada, only to announce a one-month reprieve a couple days later. What’s the end goal for Trump’s tariff strategy? And how is the US economy doing so far under Trump 2.0? CNN global economic analyst Rana Foroohar shares what she thinks is the biggest takeaway from the tariff drama and explains why the US economy could be due for a slowdown. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As he pushes for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, President Trump has repeated Russian talking points about the war—like falsely blaming Ukraine for starting the conflict and calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator.” New Yorker staff writer Susan Glasser says this pro-Putin turn has sent a "shock wave” through Europe. And she argues there hasn’t just been a change in American foreign policy. She’s also seeing what she’s calling a “Putinization of America” by Trump. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turmoil hit the Justice Department last week when prosecutors were directed to dismiss the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The move sparked a flurry of resignations and accusations of a quid pro quo between Adams and the Trump administration. CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig joins Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director David Chalian to explain this shakeup at the DOJ and why this case is about much more than Eric Adams. Plus, they take a look at the broader legal landscape under Trump 2.0 and why this could be a “pivotal moment” for the country’s legal history. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With President Trump back in office, Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY) has been thinking a lot about how his party can better meet Americans in this populist moment. He joins CNN Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director David Chalian to discuss where he thinks Democrats have missed the mark with their messaging and how the party can recast the “heroes” and “villains” in America’s story. Plus, what resonated with the voters in his battleground district who cast ballots for both him and Trump. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Time is ticking for congressional Republicans to get the ball rolling on President Trump’s big legislative agenda. But, so far, House and Senate Republicans can’t seem to agree on a strategy. CNN’s Chief Congressional Correspondent and Inside Politics Sunday anchor Manu Raju joins Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director David Chalian to preview the path forward for GOP legislators. Plus, are House Republicans or Senate Republicans more likely to get their way? What questions do you have about the new Trump administration? Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A nearly constant stream of news has been coming from the White House since Donald Trump moved back in. CNN’s Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny has been there to cover it all. He joins CNN Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director David Chalian to sort through some of the major moments of these first days—including a press conference where President Trump suggested, without evidence, that diversity initiatives could have played a role in the tragic midair collision near Washington, DC. Plus, how Trump’s “executive flex of power” ran into some roadblocks this week.  What questions do you have about the new Trump administration? Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his first hours in office, President Donald Trump signed a slate of executive orders related to immigration. So, what have been the immediate impacts, and what could come next? CNN Correspondent Priscilla Alvarez sits down with CNN Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director David Chalian to break it all down. Plus, what makes Trump’s actions on immigration now different from his last time in the White House. What questions do you have about the new Trump administration? Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden’s more than 50-year political career will come to an end Monday when he turns over the Oval Office back to Donald Trump. USA TODAY’s Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page had the rare opportunity to do an exit interview with Biden during the last days of his presidency. She joins CNN Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director David Chalian to share her insights from that conversation, including an “extraordinary” admission by the president. Plus, why Biden’s farewell address wasn’t what either of them expected. What questions do you have about the new Trump administration? Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week marked a rare meeting of the so-called presidents club—the elite, unofficial club of living US presidents. It’s a complicated moment for the former commanders in chief, as they say goodbye to one member and prepare for Donald Trump to make the historic transition from ex-president to current president. CNN’s presidential historian, Tim Naftali, joins Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director David Chalian to discuss this “club,” its past, its purpose and Trump’s strained relationship to it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a month, President Joe Biden will hand the keys of the White House back to his political rival, Donald Trump. Franklin Foer is a staff writer for The Atlantic, and he closely observed the first two years of Biden’s presidency to write his book, "The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden's White House and the Struggle for America's Future.” He joins CNN Political Director and Washington Bureau Chief David Chalian to discuss what Biden’s legacy will be and whether the accomplishments of his presidency will be reduced to an “asterisk” in the shadow of Trump’s win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN senior political analyst and editor for The Atlantic Ron Brownstein joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to break down how Vice President Kamala Harris’s top campaign leaders are explaining their loss. They discuss whether it was a winnable race for Harris and why the most shocking thing about this election may just be how normal it was. Plus, the moment Harris’s campaign leaders were most defensive about and the exit poll insight that gets at the heart of the results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump wants to replace the current FBI director with firebrand Kash Patel—a fierce Trump loyalist who promises to root out the “deep state” and make radical changes to the agency. CNN National Security Reporter Zachary Cohen joins CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes to break down this controversial pick and what it reveals about Trump’s approach to his second term. They share what they’re hearing about Patel from sources in law enforcement and Trump’s inner circle. Plus, they discuss Trump’s distrust of the FBI and what makes this an unprecedented pick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a familiar feeling if you spend enough time on the internet: you talk about something in the real world, and then you see that same thing advertised to you online. This uncanny experience has led many people to wonder: are our devices listening to us? And is that how online advertisers are able to serve such specific ads? David Choffnes, associate professor at Northeastern University, says it’s not that simple. You can read the full study David discussed in this episode here. Follow Terms of Service here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Young voters—especially first-time young voters—helped deliver President-elect Donald Trump his victory this month. The 18-to-29-year-old set tends to vote Democratic, and most of them did. But Trump made significant inroads with young people. This week, John Della Volpe, the director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, joins Political Director and Washington Bureau Chief David Chalian to discuss what happened with the youth vote and where the Democrats went wrong with this age group. They also break down three things Gen Z Trump voters expect from a second Trump term and explain why some young voters feel left behind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preparations for President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House are well underway and CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes is following the transition closely. She joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to break down what we know so far about Trump’s mindset, his staffing choices and the mandate he believes he has from American voters. They discuss Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks so far and what they reveal about how he’s approaching his second term. Plus, Kristen describes a typical night at Mar-a-Lago.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America was loud and clear in its decision this week, delivering President-elect Donald Trump a decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Now, with Trump heading back to the White House, what’s next? CNN’s Chief National Affairs Correspondent, Jeff Zeleny, joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to break down America's decision. He shares what he learned from one Wisconsin voter that helps explain Trump’s win and lays out what we know so far about what a second Trump term will look like. Plus, they discuss two big surprises from the results.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Polls show the divide in how American men and women vote could be bigger than ever this year—and longtime Democratic strategist and pollster Celinda Lake thinks the outcome of this race will be up to the women. She joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to discuss what she calls this election’s “gender chasm” that’s given former President Donald Trump the edge with men and Vice President Kamala Harris the advantage with women. They discuss why the gender gap exists—and if it’s here to stay. She also explains how Democrats are reaching women who might be interested in voting for Harris but are hesitant to vote differently from their Trump-supporting husbands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The days before an election always bring uncertainty, but that’s especially true this year, with polls showing a near deadlock between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This week, Republican pollster and CNN Political Commentator Kristen Soltis Anderson joins CNN Political Director David Chalian. They discuss the ever-changing electorate, what makes this year’s polling unique and why she thinks it’s “irresponsible” to make any predictions right now about what will happen on Election Day. Plus, she explains the two X-factors pollsters could have miscalculated this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Early in-person voting started this week in Georgia and North Carolina, and it won’t be long until voters nationwide are lining up at polling places on November 5. So, do election officials feel ready? CNN Political Correspondent Sara Murray has been reporting on how communities across the country are preparing for Election Day. She joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to discuss what election officials are doing to combat disinformation and avoid repeating problems from 2020. They also discuss the “neighborhood fights” playing out in Wisconsin over ballot drop boxes and why you shouldn’t be surprised if tallying votes in Pennsylvania takes a long time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Election Day is just a little over three weeks away, and there’s still no clear leader in this race. With Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump still neck-and-neck, all eyes are on the battleground states. Doug Sosnik is a longtime Democratic strategist who’s known for his deep-dive political memos. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to share his insights on the current state of play and why he thinks the next 25 days are all about Harris’ ability to close the deal with voters who may not feel naturally aligned with her. He also explains why this election could yield the biggest gender gap in American political history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This could be a historic election when it comes to the gender gap. Women have strongly supported Vice President Kamala Harris while former President Donald Trump holds a significant advantage with men. And while women’s rights have been front-and-center in this election, the race has also raised questions about masculinity and male voters. Richard Reeves is the founding president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, a think tank that does non-partisan research on the wellbeing of boys and men in the US.  He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to discuss the different models of American manhood on display in the race and why he thinks some male voters are feeling “politically homeless” during this election.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this year, enthusiasm for a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was low with Gen Z voters. It looked unlikely young voters would repeat their record turnout from 2020. But, there are signs of renewed excitement amongst the 18-to-29-year-old set with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket. A new Harvard Youth Poll this week showed that shift, with Harris commanding a 31-point lead among likely voters under 30. John Della Volpe is the director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about Gen Z voters. They discuss the enthusiasm gap between young Democrats and young Republicans, how memes influenced Gen Z’s perceptions of Harris and a somewhat surprising issue that polls well with young voters.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This was a pivotal week for the US economy. The Fed announced its first interest rate cut since the pandemic — and it was a big one. Voters say they're thinking a lot about the economy during this election. In poll after poll, issues related to the economy rank at the top of voters’ priority lists. Catherine Rampell is an opinion columnist for the Washington Post and an economic and political commentator for CNN. She joined CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about this week’s Fed decision, how Americans are feeling about their finances and what economists have to say about the presidential candidates’ plans for the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off on the debate stage for the first time this week. Harris landed jabs, and Trump struggled to stay on-message. But will their performances move the needle in this extremely tight race? And what should Harris’ and Trump’s campaigns focus on now with the big debate behind them? Karen Finney is a CNN political commentator and was senior spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Doug Heye is a Republican strategist who served as deputy chief of staff to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. They join CNN Political Director David Chalian to share their takes on the debate, the candidates’ paths to 270 and how the campaigns could reach on-the-fence voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2024 presidential race has reached a key turning point. Labor Day has passed, Election Day is just over eight weeks away, and the presidential nominees are set to face off on the debate stage in just a few days. New battleground state polls by CNN this week showed a very tight race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Stuart Stevens is a former Republican consultant who worked on George W. Bush and Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns. He’s now an author and an advisor to the Lincoln Project — a group opposed to Donald Trump’s candidacy. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to discuss the state of the race. They talk potential strategies for next week’s debate, the sprint to Election Day and why Stevens thinks this race won’t be as close as many people predict.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote in the 2024 election, and both Democrats and Republicans are competing fiercely to win their votes. Earlier this summer, polls showed former President Donald Trump could build significantly on gains he made with Latino voters in 2020. But, with Vice President Kamala Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket, those numbers could be shifting. Mark Hugo Lopez is the director of race and ethnicity research at Pew Research Center. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to take a closer look at this critical voting bloc and how the political views of Latino voters have changed in recent years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris has officially accepted her party’s nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention—just a month after President Joe Biden stepped aside and gave her his endorsement. After joining the show for the Republican convention last month, POLITICO’s Ryan Lizza is back to talk all things DNC with CNN Political Director David Chalian. They met at the CNN-POLITICO Grill, steps from the convention floor inside Chicago’s United Center, and broke down what the first three nights of the convention revealed about how the Democrats’ strategy has shifted since Harris took Biden’s place at the top of the ticket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since Vice President Kamala Harris went from running mate to top of the ticket, her campaign has been light on details about her policy positions. She’s expected to start rolling out her economic agenda this week. Jasmine Wright is a political reporter for NOTUS, and she’s covered Kamala Harris since her 2019 run for the White House. She joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to break down how Harris is approaching issues like healthcare, the economy, and immigration this time around — and how Harris the candidate has changed since her last presidential campaign.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris made headlines when she chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate this week. CNN's Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny joins CNN Political Director David Chalian from the campaign trail to explain what went into the ‘vibes’-based decision, and the Midwestern Democrat’s ascent from history teacher to vice presidential hopeful.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In just a few years, Ohio Senator JD Vance has gone from author and conservative commentator to President Donald Trump’s running mate. Ohio Capital Journal reporter Nick Evans has been reporting on Vance’s career evolution since he ran for Senate. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about how Vance is performing on the national stage.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democratic party leaders and donors are rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris as their presumptive presidential nominee. Harris finds herself in her second campaign for the presidency, but this one is in an entirely new context. So how did we get here? Astead Herndon is a national politics reporter for the New York Times and the host of the politics podcast, The Run Up. He previously covered Kamala Harris’ 2019 presidential campaign. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to explain how Harris meets this moment and what to expect in the next hundred days of her campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While former President Donald Trump received a hero’s welcome at the Republican National Convention, President Joe Biden is facing mounting pressure to drop out of the race. On the ground at the RNC, CNN’s Political Director David Chalian sits down with Ryan Lizza, POLITICO's Chief Washington Correspondent and host of the podcast “Playbook Deep Dive”. They talk about Biden’s candidacy teetering on possible collapse and how an assassination attempt on Trump’s life reshaped his convention.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden remains in the race for president, for now. But Democrats are divided over whether he should remain their nominee. CNN political commentator Karen Finney joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to explain how we got here and how the party moves forward from here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden's performance on the debate stage last night created a panic in many corners of the Democratic party. CNN's Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny joins David Chalian to talk about where both campaigns go from here, and what he considers “perhaps the story of our lifetimes.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden has announced an amnesty program for some undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens. It’s one of the biggest protections for undocumented immigrants since President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. This comes after the President aimed to limit protections for asylum-seekers who cross the border illegally, earlier in June. CNN senior White House reporter Kevin Liptak joins David Chalian to explain the President’s policy whiplash, break down the new amnesty program, and discuss the response from Republicans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, a federal jury found President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, guilty on three federal felony gun charges. Will this impact Biden’s 2024 campaign? And how does this case compare, if at all, to the Trump trials? CNN Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent Paula Reid joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to unpack this historic week few weeks of legal news.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump is now the first presumptive presidential nominee to run with a felony conviction. CNN historian Timothy Naftali joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to unpack this unprecedented moment and reflect on how history will remember Donald Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Manhattan jury reached a historic verdict today, finding former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 counts felony charges of his hush money case. The unprecedented verdict makes Trump the first former president in US history to be convicted of a felony. CNN legal analyst Norm Eisen was in the courtroom as the verdict was read. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to share what he saw, and where we go from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inflation is at the top of the list of Americans’ election concerns, but how is the economy actually doing? It depends on who you ask - Republicans are hammering President Joe Biden over inflation rates, while Democrats point to low jobless rates and strong wage growth. CNN economics reporter Elisabeth Buchwald joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to explain Americans’ views of the economy versus reality, and how all of this will impact both Biden and former President Trump’s election efforts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week a group of Donald Trump’s allies flocked to the Manhattan courthouse for the former president’s criminal hush money trial. It’s become a way for North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, and others to ‘audition’ for the role of vice president. Elaine Godfrey is covering this year’s ‘Veepstakes’ for the Atlantic. She joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to explain why she says Trump’s search is different this time around.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Johnson evaded another threat to his position as leader of the House this week. On Wednesday, Georgia GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene made a motion to oust Speaker Johnson, after threatening to do so for several weeks. The House voted swiftly in favor of Johnson by a tally of 359 to 43, so Speaker Johnson will keep his job, for now. But how long will this last? And how might this impact the presidential election? On this special edition of CNN Political Briefing, CNN Anchor and Chief Congressional Correspondent Manu Raju and Capitol Hill Reporter Melanie Zanona discuss the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s Pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University led to more than 100 arrests after students barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall. This happened in the exact same building where anti-war student protestors demonstrated 56 years ago to the day, according to Columbia’s student newspaper. Mark Naison, a Fordham University professor of history, was part of the 1968 protests. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to explain why he says this week’s protests feel like ‘déjà vu,’ and why he supports today’s demonstrations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in former president Donald Trump’s historic immunity case. Trump’s attorneys say he should be granted sweeping immunity in a federal election subversion case because he was acting “officially” as president. Now all eyes turn to how the court decides -- and whether or not this is sent back to lower courts for further adjudication -- with this November’s election potentially hanging in the balance. University of Michigan Law professor Leah Litman and CNN Political Director David Chalian break down the foundations of the case and talk about what’s at stake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the first of four expected criminal trials involving former President Donald Trump began in Manhattan. And for the first time in United States history, a former president is now a defendant in a criminal trial. CNN legal analyst Norm Eisen was in the courtroom. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to share his analysis of not only this case, but also this week’s Supreme Court oral arguments on the January 6 obstruction charges, which could have potential legal implications for Trump as well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both President Biden and former President Trump have recently raised mammoth amounts of money at two individual fundraising events. And while Biden is still the fundraising frontrunner, Trump’s team reports he raised a record-breaking $50 million at a single fundraiser in Palm Beach last weekend. Could Trump regain the lead in the race for campaign cash? And how much does money matter? CNN Politics national writer Fredreka Schouten joins CNN Political Director David Chalian for a breakdown of the latest numbers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Abortion remains one of the most contentious and polarizing 2024 election issues – and will likely play a critical role in the outcome in November. But can it be the silver bullet Democrats are hoping to make it? Mary Ziegler is one of the world's leading historians of the abortion debate, and has written several books, including ‘After Roe, The Lost History of the Abortion Debate.’ She joins CNN Political Director David Chalian for a deep dive into the history of abortion as an election issue and the future of abortion in the U.S.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This year’s presidential election may be a rematch, but President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump aren’t the only options. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is running as an independent, and just this week announced his pick for vice president. Kennedy has never held public office before, and yet, his message seems to appeal to an unexpectedly large audience. Lee Drutman, senior fellow in the political reform program at New American, joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about Kennedy’s campaign and how he and other third-party candidates influence American politics.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who would have thought that TikTok could quickly become an election issue? Last week, the U.S. House voted with bipartisan support in favor of a bill that could ban the popular app. The White House says President Joe Biden is prepared to sign it, but some strategists worry the move could alienate young voters. “This is one of the most scrambled, political situations that I think we have seen this cycle. It's truly bizarre,” says Forbes technology reporter Emily Baker-White. She joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to explain why lawmakers want to crack down on TikTok, and how the app is shaping this election cycle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disinformation is one the biggest challenges of modern politics – especially in campaigning. How can candidates spread their message if almost anyone can distort it? Journalist Sasha Issenberg’s new book “The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age” dives deep into this topic. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to discuss what he's learned about the people fighting fake news, and whether there are ways of preventing it. Find our new CNN Politics super-feed, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Super Tuesday brought some excitement to this year’s election cycle, with a lot of consequential downballot races. House Republicans are hoping to keep their slight margin, where Democrats only need a net gain of four seats to regain control of the chamber. Senate Democrats, however, are facing an extremely tough map, with Republicans well positioned to win the majority.    Cook Political Report’s Erin Covey and Jess Taylor cover House and Senate campaigns, respectively, and join CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about what’s heating up in this year’s Congressional races. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden won big at their respective Michigan primaries, as predicted. But the key swing state had some surprises in store, with about 100,000 people casting protest votes over Biden’s policies on the Israel/Gaza war. Michigan is a hub of Arab and Muslim Americans and could be crucial to winning the presidency. Ashely Allison, CEO of the Turner Conoly Group and former White House senior policy adviser, joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about what the Biden campaign can do to keep these voters on his side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe is a major democratic fundraiser and a top cheerleader for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign. He says support will coalesce around Biden once Trump is officially the nominee. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about selling voters on Biden and what it’s like inside the Democratic party right now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been a huge week for immigration politics with the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Tom Suozzi’s special election win, and the failure of a big border bill. What does it all mean, both for voters and for the presidential candidates? CNN White House reporter Priscilla Alvarez and CNN Political Director David Chalian untangle the meaning and impact of recent events on today’s episode of the podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Supreme Court heard a landmark case about whether former president and current Republican front-runner Donald Trump should be allowed on the ballot this year. The state of Colorado argued that his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection makes him ineligible, but Trump’s lawyers attempted to convince the court that one state cannot disqualify a presidential candidate under the 14th amendment to the Constitution. CNN Senior Supreme Court analyst Joan Biskupic untangles this complicated legal issue with CNN Political Director David Chalian.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's hard to know who to trust in politics these days. Can we even trust ourselves? Artificial intelligence has already made its presence felt in this year’s election, from AI-generated ads to fake Biden robocalls, and it can be very hard to tell what’s real. Nicole Gill founded Accountable Tech four years ago to monitor AI’s increasing impact on politics. She talks to CNN Political Director David Chalian about the biggest threats it presents, and how lawmakers are responding in real time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden has been the likely Democratic presidential nominee since he announced his decision to run for reelection. So why are Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and spiritual leader Marianne Williamson running against him? Has a challenger ever beaten an incumbent? Writer and political scientist Walter Shapiro joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about historical similarities, and how quickly this election became a Trump vs. Biden rematch.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley is hoping for a big momentum boost in New Hampshire after placing third in Iowa. Former President Donald Trump is turning up the intensity of his attacks on Haley in hopes of countering the momentum she seeks. Can Haley slow Trump’s roll to the nomination? Post and Courier senior politics reporter Caitlin Byrd talks to CNN Political Director David Chalian about how Haley’s background influenced the candidate she is today, and what might be next for her campaign.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it take to organize the Iowa caucuses? Could former president Donald Trump achieve a record-breaking win? Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann has been doing this for over a decade and knows to prepare for every possibility. He talks to CNN Political Director David Chalian about training thousands of volunteers for Monday’s big event and how there can be “no questioning of these results.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If election workers find their system has been hacked, what happens next? What does it mean to cure a ballot? And how will a crop of newcomers to the administration of elections handle this contentious election season? Jessica Huseman is editorial director of Votebeat and she’s here to discuss the efforts underway to protect the 2024 election and some of the new tools that will help this cycle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What will it take to win the youth vote in 2024? John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, recently led a survey of voters between the ages of 18 and 29. He discovered that fewer of them are planning on voting this time than in the last election cycle. CNN Political Director David Chalian talks to him about other surprising finds, and how this year’s candidates might persuade young people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie isn’t sure if he’d be running for president if it weren’t for Donald Trump’s attempt to win back the White House. He says he is the only candidate who can beat Trump because he is the only candidate trying to do so. Christie joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to analyze the 2024 state of play and lay out his strategy for victory. Is there a guest you really want to hear from? Give us a call at (301) 842-8338 or send us an email at cnnpoliticalbriefing@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices