CNN Political Briefing
793 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★ - 308 ratingsJoin CNN Political Director David Chalian as he guides you through our ever-changing political landscape. Every week, David and a guest take you inside the latest developments with insight and analysis from the key players in politics.
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Episodes
Haley Bets Big on New Hampshire
January 19, 2024 09:00 - 24 minutesFormer 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 h...
The Iowa Caucuses: A Contest of Organization
January 12, 2024 09:00 - 22 minutesWhat 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
How to Protect America's Elections
January 05, 2024 09:00 - 23 minutesIf 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
Are Young Voters Tuning Out 2024?
December 15, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutesWhat 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....
Chris Christie Reveals His Playbook Against Haley
December 08, 2023 17:11 - 24 minutesFormer 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 cnnpolitical...
What Does the Democratic Party Stand For?
December 01, 2023 09:30 - 20 minutesA 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 ab...
Covering Politics with Audie Cornish
November 24, 2023 09:30 - 26 minutesCNN 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
Save the Date for New Hampshire
November 17, 2023 09:45 - 23 minutesThe 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...
Dems Win but Biden Trails
November 10, 2023 09:45 - 24 minutesIt 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 abou...
Drawing the Lines to Political Power
November 03, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutesVoters 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 Politic...
Biden Allies Fear a Third-Party Threat
October 27, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutesThe 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 bee...
Inside the House Speaker Turmoil
October 19, 2023 21:15 - 19 minutesAfter 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 chao...
What’s at Stake in the 2024 Iowa Caucuses
October 13, 2023 08:40 - 22 minutesWe’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 h...
Is Polling a Science or an Art?
October 06, 2023 08:30 - 21 minutesThe 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...
Hutchinson Aggravated by his Debate Absence
September 29, 2023 08:30 - 23 minutesThere 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 f...
An exciting update
September 25, 2023 20:30 - 2 minutesStarting 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 repor...
Lawmakers Head Out of Town Amid Funding Chaos
September 22, 2023 20:55 - 8 minutesThe 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...
Trump Maintains Strong Lead as Race for Second Place Heats up
September 21, 2023 20:49 - 10 minutesFormer 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 GOP Grills AG as Gov’t Shutdown Looms
September 20, 2023 20:52 - 10 minutesHouse 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/pr...
Biden & Trump’s 2024 Strategies on Display
September 19, 2023 20:29 - 10 minutesPresident 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 protec...
A Deal Some House Republicans Can Refuse
September 18, 2023 20:31 - 9 minutesDespite 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 Lear...
President Biden’s Problems Pile Up
September 15, 2023 20:39 - 9 minutesThis 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
Today Previews a Possible Trump v. Biden Rematch
September 14, 2023 20:43 - 9 minutesCriminal 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 differen...
Biden Camp Blasts Impeachment Inquiry
September 13, 2023 20:34 - 9 minutesThe 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/priva...
McCarthy Calls for Impeachment Inquiry into Biden
September 12, 2023 20:50 - 10 minutesHouse 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, vi...
Biden Remembers 9/11 After Asia Trip
September 11, 2023 21:04 - 10 minutesPresident 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,...
Unsealed Report Sheds New Light on Trump GA Case
September 08, 2023 20:40 - 9 minutesWe 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 podcast...
Voters Raise Red Flags for Biden’s 2024 Bid
September 07, 2023 20:40 - 9 minutesA 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
Inside the First Hearing for Trump’s GA Case
September 06, 2023 20:36 - 8 minutesToday, 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, visi...
GOP Voters Broadly Support Donald Trump
September 05, 2023 21:06 - 10 minutesA 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 ...
Trump Distances Himself from Co-Defendants
September 01, 2023 21:00 - 8 minutesFormer 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 p...
McConnell Episode Revives Voters’ Age Old Question
August 31, 2023 20:45 - 10 minutesThe 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 li...
Natural Disasters Test Leaders’ Compassion & Competence
August 30, 2023 20:50 - 11 minutesFlorida 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/pr...
Biden Highlights Efforts to Lower Drug Costs
August 29, 2023 21:19 - 11 minutesToday, 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/pri...
Trump Trial Set for Day Before Super Tuesday
August 28, 2023 20:53 - 10 minutesThere 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 ...
Trump's Mugshot as Political Prop
August 25, 2023 21:07 - 10 minutesAll 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/privac...
Trump Turning Himself in After GOP Rivals Debate
August 24, 2023 20:56 - 12 minutesFormer 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 pr...
GOP Candidates Debate Tonight in WI
August 23, 2023 20:59 - 11 minutesEight 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 podcas...
Trump Co-Conspirators Start to Surrender in GA
August 22, 2023 20:46 - 10 minutesSome 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...
GOP Debate Happening Without a Frontrunner
August 21, 2023 20:53 - 10 minutesSources 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
Trump’s Expected to Skip GOP Debate
August 18, 2023 20:31 - 10 minutesFormer 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
Polls Show 3 Political Realities After Trump Charges
August 17, 2023 20:30 - 8 minutesFormer 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 CN...
The White House is in a Bind
August 16, 2023 20:54 - 9 minutesToday, 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 CN...
Trump Indicted in GA for 2020 Election Efforts
August 15, 2023 20:57 - 11 minutesFormer 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. Visi...
Candidates, Eminem and Pork Chops on a Stick
August 14, 2023 20:27 - 10 minutesRepublican 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. Vis...
GOP Candidates Flock to Iowa State Fair
August 11, 2023 20:47 - 9 minutesThe 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/priva...
Smith Seeks January Trump Trial Date
August 10, 2023 20:43 - 8 minutesFederal 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 ab...
Biden Touts Climate, Economic Record in West
August 09, 2023 20:32 - 9 minutesPresident 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 m...
Ohio Vote Tees Up Abortion Showdown
August 08, 2023 20:25 - 9 minutesOhioans 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
DeSantis: Trump Lost the 2020 Election
August 07, 2023 20:41 - 8 minutesFormer 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 Lea...