CNN Political Briefing

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

A recent New York Times focus group of 12 Democrats found voters were split on what the party stands for, and who their next leader should be. What is the value of this kind of data? And what do these results tell us about President Biden’s efforts to unify his party behind his reelection campaign? CNN Political Director David Chalian asks Margie Omero, a veteran pollster who moderated the focus group, for her take. Plus, she pulls back the curtain behind how focus groups work.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN Political Briefing is off for Thanksgiving this week, so we are sharing an episode of The Assignment with Audie Cornish. In this episode, David Chalian and Audie Cornish talk about covering this tumultuous political moment, the role of the media as truth tellers, and David’s surprising college major. We’ll be back next week with a new episode. In the meantime, you can find The Assignment wherever you get your podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The date of the New Hampshire primary has been set for January 23, 2024. Former President Donald Trump is still leading by a wide margin among likely Republican primary voters in the Granite State and Nikki Haley has risen into second place. In the Democratic contest, President Biden is not on the ballot, but his allies are mounting a write-in campaign to avoid embarrassment at the polls. CNN Political Director David Chalian talks with former New Hampshire attorney general Republican Tom Rath about how seriously his state takes its role in the primary process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a big week in US politics as voters in some states took to the polls. What do the results mean for Democrats and Republicans? Meanwhile in Miami, five Republican presidential candidates took to the debate stage while the frontrunner held a rally nearby. Do any of them have a shot at beating former president Donald Trump? Washington Post Chief Correspondent Dan Balz joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about the week’s big events, plus some renewed Democratic concerns about President Joe Biden seeking a second term. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voters are supposed to pick their politicians, but thanks to redistricting, some politicians are picking their voters. There are currently almost a dozen states embroiled in legislative fights over what can be a powerful political tool. With up to 18 seats in contention, the results could affect which party controls the House of Representatives next year. Nick Seabrook, author and professor of political science and public administration at the University of North Florida, talks to CNN Political Director David Chalian about who might benefit from which outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The number of third-party candidates in the 2024 presidential election is growing. And while independent candidates traditionally haven’t gained enough votes to win, this year, strategists say they could have significant impact, including siphoning votes in an already tight race. CNN’s Political Director David Chalian talks with Matt Bennett, the executive vice president for public affairs at Third Way, and a vocal opponent of third-party efforts in the 2024 race. Bennet explains why he’s been so outspoken against a nonprofit group called No Labels, which is actively seeking ballot access to potentially run a bipartisan and centrist ticket opposed to both Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After ousting their own majority leader, Republicans in the House of Representatives have been unable to elect a new speaker. This week it was Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan’s turn to try unsuccessfully to rally his party behind him. Meanwhile on the other side of the aisle, Democrats are waiting to see if they’ll be approached for a bipartisan deal. House Democratic campaign chief Congresswoman Suzan DelBene tells CNN Political Director David Chalian that her party plans to make the current House chaos a part of its campaign to win back the majority next year. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re less than 100 days away from one of the first big voting events of the 2024 election: the Iowa caucuses. Election season is in full swing in a state that’s once again set up to be a focal point in the next presidential race. CNN Political Director David Chalian takes us inside what’s happening on the ground in the Hawkeye state with O. Kay Henderson, News Director of Radio Iowa. Henderson explains why seasoned experts and operatives say, this year, the stakes for the caucuses are even higher than normal.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The outcome of a race is ultimately up to voters to decide. And while polls aren’t always perfect, they can be helpful to gauge support for a candidate and inform decisions for a campaign. CNN Political Director David Chalian sits down with prominent Republican pollster Neil Newhouse to discuss the state of the GOP presidential primary, what it’s like to be a lead pollster for a presidential campaign, and how he’s adjusted for challenges the polling industry is facing. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There were fewer Republican presidential candidates on the debate stage this week. The front runner, former President Donald Trump, was noticeably absent, while Governor Asa Hutchinson failed to qualify. CNN Political Director David Chalian asks Hutchinson how he plans to regain ground in the race, what made him run for president, and how his former losses inform his current campaign. Plus, Hutchinson shares what life is like on the campaign trail and when he first met former President (and fellow Arkansan) Bill Clinton. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Starting this week our show will be moving from daily to weekly, with new episodes dropping every Friday. As we gear up for yet another pivotal election cycle, we want to take you beyond the daily headlines to bring you insight, analysis, and expertise from the key players in politics. Join CNN Political Director David Chalian each week as he guides you through our ever-changing political landscape. From conversations with campaign managers, to pollsters, to party leaders, and political reporters on the ground in the key states – we’ll be pulling back the curtain and taking you inside the political arena, as you hear from the people actually living it.  And we want to hear from you! Is there a question about this election cycle that you want answered? Is there a guest you’d want to hear from? Give us a call at 301-842-8338 or send us an email at cnnpoliticalbriefing@gmail.com and you might just be featured in a future episode of the podcast.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House and Senate are out until next Tuesday, as the likelihood of a government shutdown grows by the day. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down where each chamber stands on a bill that would fund the government before it runs out of money on September 30th. Plus, quick reminder: starting next Friday, September 29, our show will be moving from daily to weekly. Join David every Friday as he takes you inside the latest election developments from the people actually living it, from campaign managers to pollsters to local political reporters. Thanks for listening! To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump still has a strong lead in the Republican presidential primary contest, but a new CNN poll shows the race for second place in New Hampshire is tight. CNN Political Director David Chalian checks in on how candidates are faring in early states, and how some view the frontrunner’s first term and his comments on abortion. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Republicans put Attorney General Merrick Garland in the hot seat for how the Justice Department has handled probes into Hunter Biden and former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Garland responded to Republicans’ repeated accusations of political bias. Plus, some lawmakers are working on a potential plan B to fund the government and avoid a shutdown before the end of next week. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden previewed his reelection stump speech while in New York this week, while former President Donald Trump is straddling the primary and the general. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Biden is approaching key challenges in a new way, and what Trump’s plan to skip the next GOP debate says about his 2024 calculus. Plus, evangelical voters in Iowa have mixed feelings towards Trump that could complicate his path to 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

Despite many conservatives speaking out against it, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is not ready to give up on a GOP deal that would fund the government before it runs out of money by the end of the month. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the tricky situation McCarthy is in. Even if this short-term spending bill did pass through the House, it doesn’t include key aspects the White House and Senate want. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week has been a tricky one for President Joe Biden. He’s dealing with a labor crisis, his son’s legal issues, an impeachment inquiry, and the threat of a potential government shutdown. CNN Congressional Correspondent Jessica Dean breaks down each challenge, including one issue voters have with him that he can’t fix. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Criminal charges, an impeachment inquiry, competing visions for America’s future – today’s political headlines give us a taste of what a rematch between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump could look like. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down charges against the President’s son, the latest on the impeachment inquiry into Biden, and where the former president’s legal troubles stand. Both 2024 candidates believe their economic policies are best for the country, despite how different they are. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House goes on offense after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy launched an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the administration’s response so far, and how McCarthy’s justifying the inquiry without a floor vote. Some Republican leaders thought the inquiry would appease House conservatives enough to pass a spending bill, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he’s directing House committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden without uncovering any direct evidence yet of wrongdoing. CNN Political Director breaks down what this move means, how McCarthy arrived here, and why he’s under political pressure to do so. This is happening as lawmakers are trying to pass a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown by the end of the month. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden marked 22 years since the September 11th terror attacks with remarks at a military base in Alaska after his multi-day trip across Asia. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how US leaders are paying their respects, and how President Biden’s trip to India and Vietnam went. Biden’s team believes these types of foreign trips show the president has the stamina for a second term in the face of poor poll numbers. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We now have the Georgia special grand jury’s report on its investigation into former President Donald Trump and his allies’ efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The report helped inform District Attorney Fani Willis’ charging decisions. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the main takeaways from the report, such as key people Willis decided not to charge. 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 CNN poll shows persistent problems for President Joe Biden and his reelection bid. CNN Congressional Correspondent Jessica Dean breaks down how Biden’s numbers are down essentially across the board, and how his son’s legal issues are complicating things. We'll also tell you what polling suggests a Biden-Trump rematch would look like. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, cameras captured the first hearing inside a Georgia courtroom for the state’s election subversion case against former President Donald Trump and 18 other defendants. CNN Congressional Correspondent Jessica Dean breaks down highlights from the hearing, and how long prosecutors think the trial will last. Judges are expected to rule on key questions raised by some co-defendants soon, which could impact the trajectory of the case. 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 CNN/SSRS poll shows former President Donald Trump is in a league of his own for the Republican presidential nomination, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis falling even farther behind him. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Republicans view Trump’s candidacy and legal troubles. Several of Trump’s competitors who are seeking to gain traction in this race hit the campaign trail in New Hampshire this Labor Day week as the contest becomes more engaged. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty in his latest legal case out of Georgia. Meanwhile, Trump is trying to distance himself legally and financially from his 18 co-defendants, some of whom are turning to crowdfunding to pay steep legal bills. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the latest out of Georgia, and what Trump’s fellow Republicans are saying. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The attending physician at the US Capitol said McConnell is “medically clear,” after apparently freezing yesterday in Kentucky. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why this incident may be reinforcing what Americans are already thinking about when it comes to powerful leaders in Washington. President Joe Biden faces similar questions about his age from voters that prompts the White House to push back on the notion he can’t serve a second term. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden have put their political differences and 2024 rivalry aside to address the impact of Hurricane Idalia. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the state and federal responses so far, and explains the twofold mission leaders have in moments like this. Biden also addressed the continued federal response to the Maui wildfires today, after being criticized for it. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, the Biden administration announced the 10 drugs that Medicare will be able to negotiate prices for – a key provision in the Inflation Reduction Act President Joe Biden signed into law last year. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what this process will look like, and why you’ll hear a lot about it on the campaign trail. Plus, a new poll out shows what vulnerabilities both Biden and Donald Trump have. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There were two key hearings today in Washington DC and Atlanta that’ll chart the next phase of the federal and state criminal cases against former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how Trump’s political and legal calendar is getting more complicated. A federal judge set a trial date for the federal 2020 election subversion case, while Trump’s former chief of staff took the stand today in a hearing related to the Georgia case. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All of the 19 defendants have surrendered to the Fulton County jail in Georgia after being booked and charged in the state's 2020 election subversion case, including former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how Trump's 20 minute booking process will go down in history. Plus, a new poll of GOP debate watchers shows which candidates made impressions on them with their performances. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump is turning himself in at the Fulton County jail in Georgia today after being criminally charged in the state’s 2020 election subversion case. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down what to expect, and how he’s reacting to all the charges he faces in four cases. Plus, CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down key highlights from the first Republican presidential primary debate that Trump skipped out on. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eight Republican presidential candidates can take the stage in Milwaukee for the first 2024 primary debate. But frontrunner Donald Trump won’t be there, and an injury almost made Governor Doug Burgum miss it too. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what to look out for tonight, and explains why it’ll be difficult for the candidates to break out in this race. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some of the 19 defendants in the election subversion case in Georgia started to turn themselves in at the Fulton County jail. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down who the first two were, and other developments in this case, including when former President Trump says he plans to surrender. This is happening on the eve of the first Republican presidential primary debate that Trump said he’s skipping. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sources tell CNN former President Donald Trump has already taped the interview with Tucker Carlson that’s expected to be used as counterprogramming for the first Republican primary debate on Wednesday. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why Trump decided to skip the debate, and how the other candidates are reacting to his absence. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump is planning to sit down for an interview instead of showing up to the first Republican presidential primary debate next week. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how the other candidates have been preparing for a debate with – and without – Trump. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump’s legal troubles dominate the 2024 presidential race. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what recent polling says about the American political landscape, as a former president’s been indicted four times and a 2020 rematch is very possible. Plus, he explains the threats a federal judge in DC and Georgia jurors are facing in cases involving Trump, and where Trump and his team stand on his primary debate attendance next week. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, President Joe Biden celebrated the one-year anniversary of signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law and touting it as a key piece to ‘Bidenomics.’ CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the challenges the president has to convince Americans to reelect him for his handling of the economy. President Biden is trying to sell his economic policy agenda, while duty calls in Hawaii and his predecessor’s legal woes take up a lot of oxygen in the 2024 race. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump now faces 91 charges from four separate indictments. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the latest indictment against Trump and others from Fulton County, Georgia for their alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election in the state. Plus, listen to hear how Trump’s current – and former – presidential rivals think of the latest charges. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republican presidential candidates descended on the Iowa State Fair this weekend for stump speeches and fair food. Former Vice President Donald Trump flew over in his private plane while rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was flipping pork chops, and Vivek Ramaswamy rapped a few bars of Eminem. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the highlights from the Iowa State Fair. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Iowa State Fair has kicked off, and Republican candidates are vying for face time with voters in a presidential race dominated by Donald Trump. Former Vice President Mike Pence and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum both played up their Midwestern credentials, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is aiming to stump across all of Iowa’s 99 counties. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what to expect this weekend. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal prosecutors have asked for an early January trial date in one of former President Donald Trump’s legal cases, as a co-defendant pleads not guilty in another. Trump now faces so many current and potential charges, it could make trouble for arranging court dates. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down today’s developments, and what we could see in a potential fourth indictment next week. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden visits Arizona, Utah and New Mexico this week, as the West - and the world - reels from extreme heat. But are voters buying Biden’s climate message? A new poll says otherwise, as the president catches flak for not declaring climate change a national emergency. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down Biden’s latest campaign push, and how younger, climate-minded voters are reacting. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ohioans are headed to the polls today in a special election that has major implications for the state’s abortion rights. And out today, a new national CNN poll shows voters’ feelings haven’t cooled since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade more than a year ago. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the latest numbers. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump and his legal team are trying to stall and discredit his latest legal case, as his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination show they’re more willing to use it to their advantage. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the latest from former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Trump’s own lawyer. Plus, a surprising acknowledgment from DeSantis. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump is complaining about the time and cost of his legal issues, a day after pleading not guilty to charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Republicans are reacting to Trump’s arraignment this week. Plus, a new poll provides some insight on how Americans view the latest charges against the former president. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to four federal charges related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election today. He was arrested in the same courthouse that has hosted court proceedings for more than 1,000 Capitol rioters who have been charged for breaching the Capitol. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the charges against Trump, and how other Republicans are reacting to the arraignment. The judge scheduled the next hearing in the case for August 28th.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow, after being indicted by a grand jury in the special counsel’s investigation into attempts to overturn the 2020 election. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the charges against Trump, and how his legal team is expected to respond. Plus, today former Vice President Mike Pence defended his actions on January 6th after the indictment revealed new details about Trump’s alleged efforts to convince him to reject the election results. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is trailing behind Donald Trump in the polls. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down DeSantis’ latest strategy for dealing with Trump and other obstacles his campaign is facing. On the campaign trail this week, DeSantis unveiled his economic plan for the country and doubled down on Florida's new controversial education standards. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special Counsel Jack Smith has expanded his classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down new developments in the case, as well as where the investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia stands. Plus, new reporting indicates that all of this legal trouble has been pretty pricey for the Trump campaign, but doesn’t seem to be hurting his poll numbers. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump is in Iowa today with other Republican presidential hopefuls, as he faces new charges in special counsel Jack Smith’s classified documents probe. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the superseding indictment, and why his legal troubles don’t stop there. CNN Political Correspondent Sara Murray joins us to discuss what the Fulton County District Attorney could be focused on in her probe into Trump and his allies’ post-election conduct. For more of her reporting, tune in to her episode of “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper” airing this Sunday, July 30 at 8pm eastern on CNN. 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’s legal team met with special counsel Jack Smith today, as the possibility of a third indictment against the former president looms. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down two key meetings that took place today in the special counsel’s election interference probe. Plus, some Republicans weigh in on what a possible third indictment against Trump would mean for him politically. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hunter Biden’s plea deal is on hold after a dramatic court hearing today, while House Republicans ramp up impeachment talk against President Joe Biden. CNN Capitol Hill Reporter Melanie Zanona explains the judge’s reasoning for questioning the plea deal, and how some Republicans feel this gives the probes into Biden and his family some legs. Meanwhile, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is warming up to the idea of launching an impeachment inquiry into the president, but Republicans have failed to provide evidence linked him to any alleged wrongdoing. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices