The Daily DC

Another day, another set of revelations emerging from closed-door Congressional depositions as two active State Department officials shed light on Rudy Giuliani's shadow diplomacy with Ukraine. Where is Mike Pompeo as his staffers speak out? Meanwhile, new details emerge about Lt. Colonel Vindman's testimony, including his attempt to have the Trump-Zelensky rough transcript edited. Guest host Marshall Cohen, a CNN reporter and producer, talks through the latest impeachment inquiry developments with CNN national security reporter Kylie Atwood and Rear Admiral John Kirby, USN (ret), a CNN military and diplomatic analyst.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress hasn't heard from anyone on the July 25th phone call between Presidents Trump and Zelensky - until now. Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman testifies to investigators on the Hill as a GOP member attacks the Purple Heart recipient's patriotism. Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi finally decides to hold a vote formalizing the impeachment inquiry. What are the political implications? CNN political director David Chalian examines the latest developments with CNN reporter/producer Marshall Cohen. Plus, impeachment expert Ross Garber speculates on President Trump's potential impeachment trial defense.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the wake of two dozen Republicans disrupting the latest impeachment testimony, Sen. Lindsey Graham introduced a resolution condemning the House impeachment process. This resolution, co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, was announced before two OMB and State department officials were issued subpoenas. CNN political director David Chalian is joined by CNN national security analyst Jeremy Herb to discuss the latest impeachment headlines, while Republican strategist and CNN political commentator Alice Stewart explains how she thinks the White House should be handling the investigation.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chaos has overcome the impeachment inquiry. Hours after two dozen Republicans disrupted the latest testimony, a GOP congressman vowed to continue a 'proactive' defense of the president. Will the aggressive strategy pay off or will it ostracize voters? Plus, CNN legal analyst Elie Honig explains that President Trump's Ukraine dealings may exceed impeachable acts - he may have committed crimes. CNN national correspondent Athena Jones guest hosts with analysis from Harry Enten, senior writer and analyst for CNN Politics.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The top American diplomat in Ukraine dropped a bombshell in Congress yesterday. Bill Taylor's revelatory testimony about the Trump administration's "highly irregular" policy-making apparatus had the GOP scrambling - so much so that CNN political contributor Matt Lewis now thinks the Senate might convict Trump on impeachment charges. Lewis joins CNN political director David Chalian and CNN political correspondent Sara Murray to discuss a chaotic 24 hours in Washington, D.C.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Americans are split on impeachment. The overwhelming majority of Democrats want Trump removed from office, while the vast majority of Republicans are standing by the president. How will this partisan divide impact the 2020 election? And if Democrats overplay their hand, will they turn off moderates and independents? CNN political director David Chalian gets a GOP point of view from former Republican National Committee Chief of Staff Mike Shields. Plus, CNN senior Washington correspondent Jeff Zeleny talks through the impeachment headlines of the day, including the testimony of the acting Ambassador to Ukraine, Bill Taylor.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Taylor was worried about a quid pro quo. Now, the career diplomat is set to testify in front of Congress. What might he reveal about the Trump administration's dealings in Ukraine? Plus, as the scope of the impeachment inquiry keeps growing, the timeline becomes ever murkier. CNN political director David Chalian talks through the latest impeachment developments - including Rudy Giuliani's role at the center of it all - with CNN senior writer Zach Wolf and Washington Post reporter Shane Harris.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump says the whistleblower has been discredited, but the facts tell a different story. Facts also oppose the conspiracy theory floated by Mick Mulvaney yesterday, and his comments provoked a rare rebuke from the Department of Justice. Guest host and CNN Senior Political Reporter Nia-Malika Henderson talk through the latest impeachment developments with CNN's senior justice correspondent Evan Perez and CNN reporter Daniel Dale.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Gordon Sondland a Trump loyalist or an independent thinker? Sondland, the US ambassador to the E.U., took to Capitol Hill today and seemed to defy GOP talking points. Meanwhile, over at the White House, Mick Mulvaney denied that the suspension of Ukrainian aid had anything to do with Biden. Instead, he claimed the aid was tied to Ukrainian help with a Department of Justice investigation into 2016 election interference. And for now, Nancy Pelosi resists setting an impeachment timeline. CNN political director David Chalian is joined by CNN reporter and producer Marshall Cohen and CNN justice correspondent Jessica Schneider.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The GOP is largely sticking by Trump, but they're calling him out on the withdrawal of troops in Syria. Meanwhile, Joe Biden is calling for Trump's impeachment and two Giuliani associates have been arrested for their roles in the Ukraine scandal. CNN political director David Chalian talks over the latest impeachment developments with CNN's chief political correspondent, Dana Bash. Dan Caldwell, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Pepperdine University, provides historical perspective and explains how the impeachment inquiry impacts international relations.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will a White House insider turn on Trump? Special guest and former Nixon White House counsel John Dean thinks so as he compares the current impeachment drama to the Watergate era. CNN's law enforcement analyst Josh Campbell fills in as guest host. He's joined by Dean and CNN's senior political reporter Nia-Malika Henderson to talk through the impeachment headlines of the day, including new public polling, a high-profile addition to the Trump defense team, and the White House's scathing letter declaring it won't cooperate with the inquiry.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration says it's done playing nice. On Tuesday morning, the State Department blocked the congressional testimony of Gordon Sondland, the US Ambassador to the E.U. and a key figure in relations with Ukraine. Democrats say the move to silence Sondland amounts to evidence of obstruction. Meanwhile, according to a new poll, the majority of Americans support the impeachment inquiry. CNN political director David Chalian and CNN law enforcement analyst Josh Campbell talk through the impeachment headlines of the day and how the political sands have shifted.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump may soon have a new antagonist: a second whistleblower with direct knowledge of the administration's Ukrainian dealings. Meanwhile, cracks emerge in the president's GOP support. CNN political director David Chalian and national correspondent Athena Jones are joined by national security analyst Sam Vinograd to talk through the latest headlines and examine if Trump put America at risk.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first deposition of the impeachment inquiry, former United States Special Envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker handed over text messages that revealed extensive coordination between Trump administration officials and the president's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate the genesis of the 2016 hack into the DNC and an energy company that employed Joe Biden's son. CNN Political Director David Chalian is joined by Athena Jones and Maggie Haberman.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump once again invites a foreign country, this time China in addition to Ukraine, to investigate the Biden family. CNN's David Chalian analyses Trump's strategy in doing so, and the impact this could have on his efforts to defend himself against a potential impeachment.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After refusing to reveal all he knew about the July 25 phone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo now unequivocally admits to not only being aware of phone call, but to having been on it himself. CNN's David Chalian analyses what these new developments mean for both the House Democrats pursuing impeachment and President Trump as he mounts his defense.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amidst the iterative headlines and all the partisan noise surrounding the impeachment inquiry, CNN's David Chalian explains how the most potentially damaging information against the president is already in the public domain - because he and his team released it for all to see. President Trump explicitly asked a foreign leader to investigate a political opponent of his in the current presidential campaign. Everything else is window dressing.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the impeachment process unfolds, will Donald Trump find his footing as he tries to fight back? How might this affect vulnerable members of Congress as they consider their constituents at home? CNN's David Chalian analyzes where the political chips may fall.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we get closer to seeing third quarter fundraising numbers and the fourth debate, CNN's David Chalian analyzes the shifts in strategy employed by the various candidates, and what it means for the various campaigns moving forward in the battle for the democratic nomination.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With a debate around the corner, CNN's David Chalian dives into a new CNN poll that shows Joe Biden continuing to hold his place in the lead, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders in a heated battle for second place as Warren makes gains on electability.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voters in North Carolina's 9th District head to the polls today to re-do their 2018 midterm vote after voting fraud caused that election to never be certified. CNN's Political Director David Chalian offers insight on what to look for in this closely watched and hotly contested special election in a district that Trump won in 2016.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With a bevy of new polls, both national and from early states, on the 2020 Democratic presidential race, CNN's Political Director David Chalian dives into the numbers and provides an update on themes of the race, including the continuing steady rise of Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden's strong hold on the electability question.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After one night of 10 different 2020 Democratic candidates and seven hours worth of town hall events on the climate crisis, CNN's Political Director David Chalian revisits the groundbreaking evening and discusses some of the night's most memorable and most important moments.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Labor Day in the rearview, the 2020 Democratic candidates turn to the fall campaign as the Iowa Caucus draws ever closer. CNN's Political Director David Chalian gives an update on the race, with former Vice President Joe Biden maintaining his steady lead despite a new gaffe, and reminds listeners to pay closer attention to developments in Iowa, rather than the national horse race polling.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN's Political Director David Chalian checks in from San Francisco where the DNC is hosting their summer meeting. He highlights the remarks of Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton, who is bowing out of the Democratic presidential campaign, and fellow presidential candidate Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, who strongly criticized the DNC's debate qualifications.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the third Democratic primary debate approaching, and only 10 candidates qualified so far, the large field has started to shrink in the past few days. CNN's Political Director David Chalian addresses Washington State Governor Jay Inslee's withdrawal from the race and today's announcement from the recently withdrawn candidate former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper that he plans to run for Senate for a chance to flip a crucial seat from red to blue.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN's Political Director David Chalian discusses the head-spinning past 24 hours as President Trump has doubled down on anti-Semitic language, disparaged the prime minister of Greenland and showed a growing concern over the economy and how that may impact his own reelection prospects.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Former Vice President Biden's campaign rolls out an ad touting his ability to beat President Trump, his wife, Jill, makes the case that he is the most electable candidate. CNN's Political Director David Chalian analyzes the Biden campaign's argument and how it may be helping his standing in the race including in a new CNN national poll showing the former vice president with a double-digit lead over his closest competitors for the nomination.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since her entry into the political arena in 2012, Sen. Elizabeth Warren has been followed by her decision to have claimed Native American ancestry, leading to attacks from President Trump and the poorly-received release of her DNA test. CNN's Political Director David Chalian discusses her recent public apology at a Native American forum and her other attempts to move past the controversy.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As presidential campaigns enter the summer doldrums of late August, CNN's Political Director David Chalian provides an update on the 2020 Democratic primary. He discusses Mayor Pete Buttigieg addressing the potential reluctance of some religiously conservative African American Democrats towards his sexual orientation and looks at a new Fox News national poll showing a rising Sen. Elizabeth Warren.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the news cycle begins to move on from the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, 2020 Democratic candidates are working to keep the issues of gun control and combating hate in the spotlight. CNN's Political Director David Chalian looks at what some of the candidates are doing, including Sen. Kamala Harris' new gun control proposals and a Julian Castro tv ad targeted directly at President Trump.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After spending four days in Iowa, a crucial proving ground for the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, CNN's Political Director David Chalian shares his takeaways on the state of the race, how Democrats perceive who is most electable, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren's extensive Iowa operation. He also spoke with Iowa politics power couple Sue and Bob Dvorsky, who recently endorsed Sen. Kamala Harris' presidential bid.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 2020 Democratic candidates flocking the Iowa State Fair this week, the race for the first-in-the-nation caucuses is on. CNN's Political Director David Chalian analyzes the state of play for the Democrats in Iowa, focusing on Sen. Kamala Harris' recent TV ad buy and the new Monmouth Poll showing Biden holding his lead in the state.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As 2020 presidential candidates respond to the fallout of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, CNN's Political Director David Chalian looks especially at how President Trump's behavior and rhetoric may be a boost for Joe Biden's candidacy.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN's Political Director David Chalian reviews the second night of Democratic primary debates last night in Detroit and takes a look at the attacks launched between the candidates, particularly towards the frontrunner Joe Biden.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Detroit, CNN's Political Director David Chalian reviews the clashes between progressive and moderate candidates in the first night of debates, and previews CNN's second night of debates tonight at 8 p.m. EST.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN Political Director David Chalian is in Detroit for CNN's Democratic Presidential Debates. He previews the matchups he's most looking forward to watching during the first debate this evening at 8 p.m. EST.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Vice President Joe Biden unveiled an expansive criminal justice platform today just one week before the second presidential debates. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses Biden's history on the issue, his new plan and the criticism he faces on criminal justice from fellow 2020 contenders Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Kamala Harris.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Robert Mueller's Russia investigation is set to take center stage in Washington again, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is advising her Democratic members to not be distracted by President Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian looks at the challenge for Democrats, both in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail, to break through these Trump-driven summer news cycles.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After last night's primetime Draw event, the stages are determined for CNN's two-night Democratic Debates in Detroit on July 30th and 31st. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the debate lineups for each night and shares what matchups he's looking forward to watching.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump attempted to back away from a racist chant directed at Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar that occurred at his rally on Wednesday night. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how the president unsuccessfully tried to distance himself from language that he first used and looks at how Democratic front-runner former Vice President Joe Biden has weighed in.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Biden, Sen. Kamala Harris, and Sen. Bernie Sanders are in a three-way battle over the future of healthcare for Americans and who foots the bill. CNN Political Director David Chalian examines the latest lines of attack and defense.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the new polls showing the Former Vice President still holding on to a solid lead, CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what the results mean on the race.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thursday, Former Vice President Joe Biden gave a speech outlining what his foreign policy would be as president. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the speech and Biden's strategy as frontrunner.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the candidacy and chances of prominent billionaire and Democratic mega-donor Tom Steyer in his quest for the 2020 Democratic nomination.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the immediate fallout of the first debate in the rear view mirror, CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses how the 2020 race for the Democratic presidential nomination hits a summer reset.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking CNN poll numbers show that the 2020 democratic presidential nomination race has dramatically shifted. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down these poll numbers and highlights the key changes that might affect the future of the race.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The second night of the first Democratic debate could make a big splash on the history books of the 2020 presidential campaign. CNN Political Director David Chalian reviews the moment when Senator Kamala Harris and former Vice President Joe Biden went head to head and discusses some of the other key take aways that could have implications for the future trajectory of the 2020 race.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first round of Democratic presidential debates begins tonight in Miami, Florida. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses what to watch for as the first 10 candidates take the stage.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Biden campaign is entering day two of the fallout from the former Vice President's comments about working with two segregationist senators, even though he had different opinions than them, during his time in the Senate. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses the response from one of Biden's 2020 rivals, Senator Cory Booker, and the continued reaction from the Biden campaign.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight Donald Trump will hold his official campaign reelection launch rally in Orlando, Florida. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses Trump's actions going into this rally and analyses the president's strategy as he gears up to focus more effort on a bid for reelection.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The candidate lineups for the two nights of the first 2020 Democratic presidential debate was announced today. CNN Political Director David Chalian is joined in studio with CNN Political Reporter Dan Merica to discuss the lineups and what this breakdown may mean for candidates individual strategies going into the first debate.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After two years of claiming "no collusion," Trump essentially said he was ready and willing to collude with foreign actors in an interview with George Stephanopoulus yesterday on ABC News. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses Trump's unprecedented comments and the responses, or lack there of, from other political leaders.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today while announcing his proposal for a 21st Century economic bill of rights, Bernie Sanders continued his push for the political philosophy that has driven his public career. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses Sanders' remarks and analyses the political strategy behind this push.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A brand new CNN/SSRS national poll covering the president's standing, impeachment, Robert Mueller, and more has been released. CNN Political Director David Chalian reviews these numbers and discusses what they say about America's current political climate.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is the most avid media consumer that has ever occupied the White House and it is clear that he is upset with the statement Mueller made yesterday regarding the Russia probe. CNN Political Director David Chalian compares statements from Trump and Mueller and discusses how Trump is lying to the American public about the findings of the Russia investigation.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The DNC has released its new set of rules and thresholds that Democratic candidates must meet to participate in the third and fourth debates of the DNC's 12 presidential debates series. CNN Political Director David Chalian examines these rules and discusses how they are aimed at significantly winnowing the field as the debate season moves forward.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his first month out campaigning, Joe Biden has been the clear front runner in the polls, securing endorsements from many Democratic office holders, and solidifying support with key constituencies across the party. CNN Political Director David Chalian reflects on one gnawing question that continues to surround his candidacy. Is Biden's frontrunner status rock solid or is there a soft underbelly to it that makes it truly vulnerable to a credible challenger?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is using the president as a tool to unify her caucus as she demonstrated today in comments she made to the press on the topic of impeachment. CNN Political Director David Chalian reviews these comments and analysis the political strategy behind Speaker Pelosi's message.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a speech in Philadelphia on Saturday Joe Biden showed that he has a fundamental difference from some of the other candidate about what he believes Democratic voters want. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses Biden's comments and looks at how this sets him apart from other candidates.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden is finishing up his extended campaign rollout and Bill de Blasio and Steve Bullock officially joining the race, while the rest of the field is battling to climb up the polls. CNN Political Director David Chalian and CNN Senior Political Reporter Nia-Malika Henderson take stock of this new phase of the 2020 campaign. Plus, they look at how new anti-abortion laws in Georgia and Alabama will shape the Democrats' campaign strategy going forward.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This morning Bill De Blasio, the mayor of New York City, entered the Democratic presidential nomination race bringing the Democratic candidate count up to 23. CNN Political Director David Chalian looks into the newest candidate and discusses the considerable size of the Democratic field.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Kamala Harris gave the clearest sign yet that the 2020 race is entering into a new season when responding to questions about the Democratic front runner, Joe Biden. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses Harris's comments and looks at how the politics of the Democratic presidential field may be changing.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris is still trying to clarify and move past an answer on health care she gave at a CNN town hall with Jake Tapper in January. Yesterday in a new interview with Jake Tapper, Harris offered a different interpretation of what her town hall answer meant. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses both of Harris's comments and reflects on how this may be impacting her campaign.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Nadler have said that America is in a constitutional crisis because President Trump does not seem to be upholding the presidential oath of office. CNN Political Director David Chalian reflects on comments made by Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Nadler and discusses the politics of what could happen next.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Elizabeth Warren have divergent views about how to approach the issue of presidential impeachment. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses comments that these two women made today on this topic and the political strategies in place.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A substantial portion of the Democratic nominating electorate is African American and support from this community can be critically important in a presidential race. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses how several candidates are appealing to African American communities and what effect this is having on their campaigns.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attorney General Barr became a political lightning rod this week after his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee and his refusal to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee. CNN Political Director David Chalian is joined by CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent Manu Raju for a recap of what happened and what political points were scored.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new poll from CNN/SSRS shows that Donald Trump is at a record high when it comes to his approval rating on the economy but upside down in other areas. CNN Political Director David Chalian reviews these new poll numbers and discusses what they could suggest about the upcoming election season.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Attorney General William Barr testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in his first public testimony since the release of the redacted Mueller report. CNN Political Director David Chalian reflects on Barr's testimony and discusses the political implications it could have on the 2020 presidential race.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN and SSRS have just released the first national poll numbers since Joe Biden officially entered the 2020 race. CNN Political Director David Chalian reviews the highlights and discusses what can be learned from the new polling.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump seems to have singled former Vice President Joe Biden as his Democratic rival for 2020. CNN Political Director David Chalian reviews Trump's latest tweets about Biden and discusses how the rivalry between these two candidates is unfolding.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden has dominated the news cycle for the past 24 hours since announcing yesterday that he is officially joining the 2020 race. CNN Political Director David Chailan is joined by CNN Washington Correspondent Jeff Zeleny to discuss how Biden changes the field, the strengths he brings to the race, and some of the initial obstacles he faces.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night CNN hosted five back to back presidential town halls with Senators Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Mayor Pete Buttigieg. CNN Political Director David Chalian reviews some of the highlights from the town halls and looks at what these key takeaways could mean for the candidates moving forward towards the presidential debates.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Senator Elizabeth Warren unveiled a new education policy hours before she is scheduled to participate in one of CNN's five back to back presidential town halls. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses the strategy of this move before Warren takes the stage tonight among her Democratic competitors Klobuchar, Sanders, Harris, and Buttigieg.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The much anticipated redacted Mueller report was released to the public and Congress just a few hours ago. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses the new information learned from the report and what might be expected from Congress going forward.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bernie Sanders appeared in a town hall on Fox News and Donald Trump seems to have been displeased by this move from his favored news network. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses Trump's reaction tweets and looks into the two candidates Trump singled out as his main opponents across the aisle.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As of midnight last night all of the first quarter 2020 candidates fundraising numbers have been filed with the FEC. CNN Political Director David Chalian looks at what new information can be learned from these numbers and discusses what a candidate's fundraising could suggest about their future in the presidential race.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Eric Swalwell became the eighteenth Democratic presidential candidate to enter the 2020 race. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses the expanding 2020 field and what Swalwell is bringing into the race.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Even though he has not yet officially entered the presidential race, Joe Biden made major headlines this week. CNN Political Director David Chalian and CNN Political Reporter Arlette Saenz review these recent events and discuss what they could mean for Biden's political future.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris made history this week as the first woman of color to join a major party presidential ticket just as the nation commemorates the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. The centennial is yet another example of this nation’s complicated and often messy history. Black women who fought for the right to vote found themselves sidelined in the face of racism and political calculations. In our very first episode, CNN Political Director David Chalian and CNN Senior Political Reporter Nia-Malika Henderson examine the role of diversity and inclusivity in the major messaging of the Democratic Party, while sharing the often overlooked stories of the Black women who paved the way for a new generation of leaders To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A night of powerful women and big names are set to speak at the DNC, including Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. Join CNN Political Director David Chalian for his insights on what you can expect from the third night of the convention. Plus, after months of undermining voting by mail, the president’s trying to save face with his most recent message about mail-in ballots to his supporters and a new bipartisan Senate report says 2016 Russian election interference was not a hoax. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is trying to use the same attack he used on Obama against Kamala Harris: Questioning where she was born and claiming that she may not be eligible for the role of Vice President. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks this down, as well as the growing concerns about the post office and mail-in voting. Plus, Jared Kushner's meeting with Kanye West to discuss policy.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote, we are sharing the stories of women who broke barriers in politics. In today’s episode we look back on the life and legacy of Shirley Chisholm – the first elected Black Congresswoman and first Black woman to run for president as a major party candidate. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New comments in President Trump’s ongoing war with mail-in voting fuels allegations that he is trying to manipulate the postal system for political gain. CNN Correspondent, Kristen Holmes discusses that, plus Trump’s attacks against presumptive Vice Presidential nominee, Kamala Harris. And a new government plan to allow more water through shower heads seems aimed at pleasing one person, and one person only. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why did Biden pick Kamala Harris? Why is she a historic pick? What role will she play during the campaign? CNN Political Director, David Chalian answers those questions and discusses how the Trump campaign is dealing with the new addition to the Biden campaign. Then, Biden and Harris make their first appearance together in the backdrop of a global pandemic. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The wait is over! Biden picks Kamala Harris as his running mate, the first black woman ever to be chosen for that role. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses why Harris was the Biden’s campaign's choice. He also discusses how the Trump and Biden teams are framing the battle over Social Security to their own advantage, plus why this year’s Democratic Convention is so unconventional. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump signs four executive orders for COVID economic relief, attempting to bypass Congress after he doesn’t get a deal. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses why those executive orders fall short of what the President promised, and why he likely won’t be immortalized on Mount Rushmore.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden walks back, yet again, controversial remarks about African-Americans. Plus, CNN Political Director David Chalian, discusses a contender reemerging in Biden’s Vice Presidential search and Senate Republican’s increasingly difficult battle for the majority. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote, we are sharing the stories of women who broke barriers in politics. In today’s episode we look back on the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth – a former slave who fought for abolition and women’s suffrage, without being able to read or write. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump campaign calls for a fourth, earlier, presidential debate, citing an increase in early voting. CNN Political Director David Chalian, breaks down why Trump and his team are lobbying for that change. Plus, he digs into how Vice President Pence is putting the Court on the ballot and Michelle Obama’s new revelation that she's suffering from 'low-grade depression’. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden’s campaign pulls the plug on the Milwaukee Convention as the DNC goes entirely virtual. CNN Political Director David Chalian discusses the calculus behind that choice and takes a look at Trump's mail-in-voting flip flops and Kanye West's GOP help.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For nearly 40 minutes, President Trump sits down with Axios reporter Jonathan Swan for an interview that reveals Trump's inability to fully grasp the coronavirus situation on his hands. With election day fast approaching, today CNN Political Director David Chalian explores the disconnect between Trump's reality and the pandemic facts of the matter. Plus, President Trump reverses his messaging on mail-in voting, and Chalian gives us a taste of what it would look like getting to 270 electoral votes. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump campaign's new strategy to take on Joe Biden is the same as there old strategy: Painting him as a radical left puppet. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the new ads the Trump campaign has released, plus one of Biden's potential VP picks in trouble already and Congress at a standstill.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The extra $600 a month in federal unemployment benefits authorized by Congress expire at midnight, and a deal is nowhere in sight. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down why both parties could pay the political cost of failing to reach a deal. Plus, the fight over mail in voting is politicizing the postal service and trouble in Kansas for the Republican Party.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump tweets about delaying the election, something he doesn't have the power to do. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how that controversial distraction is overshadowing the President's efforts to delegitimize voting by mail and the symbolism of these attacks on the day that voting rights champion John Lewis is laid to rest. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump refuses to press Putin about Russia’s alleged involvement in bounties placed on service member’s heads, even during their most recent call. CNN Political Director David Chalian explores that and the implications of Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert not being able to travel with the president after he tests positive for Coronavirus. Also, presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden is close to announcing his VP pick... but did a photographer capture a clue? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's new "tone" regarding his pandemic efforts didn't last very long and ended with a spate of retweets meant to undermine Dr. Fauci. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks that down, and discusses the many ways in which this pandemic is changing the way we approach major political events this election cycle. Plus, Biden's campaign new ban on staffers using TikTok. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest polls from battleground states, President Trump is losing to Biden in every match-up. With only 99 days to election day, CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down Trump's uphill battle. Plus details on the GOP's trillion dollar economic relief plan, and the passing of civil rights icon John Lewis, as he laid in the Capitol today.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices