CNN Political Briefing
793 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 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
New Details on What Happened Jan. 6th
January 03, 2022 21:36 - 8 minutesThis week marks the one-year anniversary of the Capitol insurrection on January 6th. The House committee investigating the attack says it has firsthand knowledge from multiple sources about the former President’s actions on that day. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what we know so far about those firsthand accounts. Plus, some new polling suggests the number of people who think the violence that occurred that day was justified is growing... To learn more about how CNN protects l...
Key Elections to Watch in 2022
December 31, 2021 21:30 - 14 minutes2022 starts tomorrow, and so does the start of an election year. In a special episode, CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the political climate of the midterm elections and key races to watch. As Republicans try to take control of the House and the Senate, Democrats will try to hold on to their razor-thin majority. Plus, this election year will test President Joe Biden’s approval among voters and former President Donald Trump’s control over Republicans. To learn more about how C...
Pres. Biden’s First Year in Review
December 23, 2021 21:30 - 17 minutesIn President Joe Biden’s inauguration speech almost a year ago, he laid out his goals for the nation. In a special episode, CNN Political Director David Chalian reviews how the President handled the ongoing pandemic, record levels of inflation, legislative obstacles, foreign affairs and the continued attack on democracy during his first year in office. Plus, has Biden helped unite the country and heal the divisiveness in politics... or has the problem only worsened under his administration? T...
Introducing Margins of Error
December 22, 2021 21:30 - 25 minutesWhile our team takes a quick holiday break, we are excited to share a new podcast with you called “Margins of Error”. A surprising percentage of people today, including CNN resident numbers guy Harry Enten, hate making and receiving phone calls. Our reluctance to dial in, is affecting everything from national polling to workplace relationships to our levels of anxiety. Harry asks why we’re avoiding phone calls and whether we can be coached through our telephone-related nerves. To learn more a...
Biden: Christmas is a Go for Vaccinated
December 21, 2021 22:43 - 9 minutesThe US is heading into another Covid Christmas. As circumstances quickly change with the virus, the Biden administration’s plans are also adapting to address the new Omicron variant. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down Biden’s two-pronged message to Americans today on Covid. Plus, former President Donald Trump boasts about his booster shot? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...
Manchin Sinks Build Back Better
December 20, 2021 21:33 - 8 minutesPresident Joe Biden just got coal for Christmas... not from Santa, but from West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how and why Manchin blew up Biden’s Build Back Better. Some Democrats are frustrated while others are trying to push for progress on it in 2022. What will get Build Back Better back on track? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dems Punt BBB & Pivot to Voting Rights
December 17, 2021 21:27 - 7 minutesWith Build Back Better on the backburner for now, Democrats are pushing for progress on voting rights legislation. CNN Congressional Correspondent Ryan Nobles breaks down the stalemate in Congress over two voting rights bills and why Democrats believe they are important to pass. It isn’t the first time this year that the party’s priorities are held up in Congress because of two Democratic Senators... To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about...
Meadows Charge Referred & Lawmaker Named
December 16, 2021 21:30 - 7 minutesThe decision of whether to prosecute former Trump administration Chief of Staff Mark Meadows for contempt of Congress is in the hands of the Justice Department now. CNN Congressional Correspondent Ryan Nobles explains where the House select committee’s work stands. Plus, one of the unnamed lawmakers that sent texts to Meadows the day before the January 6th insurrection has now been identified. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your a...
Another Poll & Another Low Score for Biden
December 15, 2021 21:30 - 7 minutesPresident Joe Biden joked last week that he doesn’t pay attention to approval ratings unless they’re in his favor. By that logic, he’s probably not paying attention to the findings from the new CNN/SSRS poll... CNN Political Director shares key findings from the poll and explains why Biden should be worried. A majority of Americans are feeling sour on the economy and think the government is doing far too little to address it. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.co...
Jan. 6th: Trump & His Allies Knew All Along
December 14, 2021 21:43 - 8 minutesThe House is voting tonight on whether to refer Mark Meadows to the Justice Department for a contempt of congress charge, after the House Jan. 6th committee recommended it last night. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the committee’s findings and what could be in store for Meadows. You’ll hear about some text messages Meadows provided to the committee that reveal many of Trump’s allies knew the insurrection was wrong, but still chose to downplay it for months after. To learn mo...
Two Joes Discuss Build Back Better
December 13, 2021 21:30 - 7 minutesOne Senator is still not on board for President Joe Biden’s sweeping economic and climate bill and that’s Joe Manchin of West Virginia. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what Manchin’s concerns are and why some bad economic news recently has not alleviated them. The two Joes are discussing this on a call today–will there be enough movement from Manchin to pass the bill this calendar year? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about...
Bob Dole: A Different Political Era
December 10, 2021 21:37 - 8 minutesToday President Biden and other lawmakers attended the funeral service of the late Senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole. CNN Political Director David Chalian reflects on how politics has changed since Dole was in office. You’ll hear words the life-long Republican wrote and words he has said that represented his patriotism and love for this country. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...
Democracy in Peril at Home & Abroad
December 09, 2021 21:49 - 8 minutesPresident Joe Biden hosted the first “Summit for Democracy” today where he highlighted the importance of democracy worldwide. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains examples of how democracy is under threat right here at home. Between the January 6th investigation and Republicans pushing the big lie, the US continues to struggle to restore faith in its democratic institutions. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices....
Biden Declares “Infrastructure Decade”
December 08, 2021 22:00 - 6 minutesPresident Joe Biden hit the road today to sell his economic agenda with new branding around his infrastructure law. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down positive economic indicators that the White House hopes will boost the President’s political standing. Plus, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says Build Back Better is on track to pass by Christmas. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...
Three Key Players for Jan. 6 Committee
December 07, 2021 21:39 - 7 minutesThe House committee investigating January 6th says they will move forward with a scheduled deposition of Mark Meadows tomorrow after his attorney said he no longer plans to cooperate. CNN Political Director David Chalian summarizes Meadows’ reason for his about-face and the latest with Steve Bannon’s upcoming criminal contempt trial. Plus, the Capitol Police Inspector General says the department still has a lot of work to do almost a year after the insurrection... To learn more about how CNN ...
Pelosi Could Act on Boebert This Week
December 06, 2021 21:39 - 8 minutesTo punish or not punish Rep. Lauren Boebert? Dem. Rep. Ilhan Omar says she’s "very confident" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will punish Boebert this week for her racist and anti-muslim comments. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why it’s up to Pelosi to do something about Boebert’s racist comments and not House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Will Democrats continue the pattern of holding Republicans accountable for their unacceptable behavior? To learn more about how CNN protects li...
Abrams vs. Kemp: Round 2 in GA?
December 03, 2021 21:30 - 7 minutesThis week democrat Stacey Abrams announced her bid for Georgia Governor, meaning she could face current Gov. Brian Kemp in a long-anticipated rematch next year. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down key questions Abrams answered this week. Plus, former President Trump’s determination to get revenge on Kemp might mean trouble for the governor in the primaries. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast...
Biden’s Winter Covid Plan
December 02, 2021 21:42 - 7 minutesAs Covid cases rise and concerns over the new variant continue, President Biden outlined his plan to combat the virus in the winter. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains that Biden’s taking a slightly different approach than he did over the summer. He’s no longer touting that the virus is almost behind us and acknowledging how politicized the pandemic’s become. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast...
SCOTUS Hears Landmark Abortion Case
December 01, 2021 21:30 - 7 minutes50 years' worth of fierce pro-life & pro-choice debate made its way to the Supreme Court today as justices heard a Mississippi case that could end Roe v. Wade. CNN Political Director David Chalian recaps the highlights from the oral arguments and explains where the judges might stand on abortion rights. You’ll even hear some of the justices themselves. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
December Laundry List for Lawmakers
November 30, 2021 21:32 - 7 minutesLawmakers have a long to-do list before they can head home for the holidays. CNN Political Director David Chalian summarizes the priorities for the month ahead on Capitol Hill and the obstacles that may arise. From passing Build Back Better to funding the government before Friday’s deadline, Congress’ December sprint is ambitious to say the least. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Biden’s Covid Conundrum
November 29, 2021 21:32 - 7 minutesPresident Joe Biden says the new Omicron coronavirus variant is “a cause for concern, not a cause for panic,” as the US braces for cases. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the political reality Biden is facing brought about by the potential threat of Omicron. Will the way Biden handles it be a factor in upcoming elections... or are Americans too Covid-fatigued to care? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
Abortion Rights: Looking Back & Looking Ahead
November 24, 2021 21:35 - 12 minutesShould Roe v. Wade be overruled? Do states have the right to outlaw most abortions? To pack or not to pack the court? These are all questions the justices and legal experts are facing. CNN Legal Analyst Joan Biskupic details the two state laws that are forcing the court to address abortion yet again. The court’s decisions on these cases will certainty drive voters to the polls in 2022 and beyond, one way or the other. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/priva...
Biden Tackles Inflation Pre-Turkey Day
November 23, 2021 21:41 - 7 minutesAmericans won’t just be discussing how their Thanksgiving meals taste–they’ll also likely discuss how much it cost to make it... CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why President Biden spoke on the economy and inflation today before the holiday. Plus, you’ll hear what the White House plans to do to address the high gas prices. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Powell Tapped for Second Term at Fed
November 22, 2021 21:31 - 7 minutesPresident Joe Biden chose continuity above all else by nominating Jerome Powell to stay as the Chair of the Federal Reserve. CNN Political Director explains the economic and political calculus behind Biden’s decision. Despite the bipartisan support for Powell’s nomination on Capitol Hill, some progressives aren’t happy with it. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Biden’s Build Back Better Passes House
November 19, 2021 21:34 - 7 minutesSome thought the day may never come, but the House finally passed President Biden’s Build Back Better social spending bill this morning. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the reactions from both excited Democrats and bitter Republicans. Democrats may be taking a victory lap now, but it’s going to take some time before Biden’s able to sign it into law... To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...
Cheney’s Minority Views in the GOP
November 18, 2021 21:42 - 7 minutesWY Rep. Liz Cheney was one of only two House Republicans that voted to censure Rep. Paul Gosar. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why Cheney’s position in the GOP is a lonely place to be–both on Capitol Hill and back at home. Does an anti-Trump Republican like Cheney stand a chance in 2022... or 2024? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
House Censures Gosar for Violent Video
November 17, 2021 21:46 - 7 minutesThe House voted to censure Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar today after he tweeted a violent anime video that depicted the killing of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what this incident says about the state of politics today. You’ll hear from lawmakers directly debating the resolution on the House floor, including Gosar himself. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...
Biden’s Infrastructure Sales Pitch
November 16, 2021 21:30 - 6 minutesNow that the bipartisan infrastructure bill is officially law, President Joe Biden and his administration are traveling around the country to sell its benefits to the American people. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why these trips are important for Biden politically, especially with the ongoing social spending bill negotiations. First stop: New Hampshire. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast...
“We’re Taking Down the Biden Regime”
November 15, 2021 21:32 - 7 minutesAfter defying subpoenas from the House January 6th committee, Steve Bannon had some choice words for his supporters before he turned himself in this morning. By this afternoon, he was out of custody pending trial on criminal contempt charges, vowing to “go on offense.” CNN Congressional Correspondent Ryan Nobles explains the charges and what the committee could do next. Could this be the first of many indictments? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Le...
Trump Ally Indicted as Another Obstructs
November 12, 2021 22:17 - 7 minutesA federal grand jury has indicted former Trump adviser Steve Bannon on two counts of contempt of Congress after he defied a congressional subpoena issued by the House January 6th committee. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what this might mean for Trump's former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Plus, a new recording from ABC This Week shows where Trump’s head was at just months after the insurrection. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com...
Biden Admin Misread Inflation
November 11, 2021 21:30 - 7 minutesThe economy is trending upwards in some respects, but Americans are feeling the squeeze of higher prices and think otherwise. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how the White House dropped the ball on inflation. Biden maintains his policies are just the prescriptions needed to alleviate this inflationary pressure, but will his legislation provide relief soon enough for many frustrated Americans? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more...
Trump Suffers Legal Blow in Jan. 6th Case
November 10, 2021 21:30 - 7 minutesA judge ruled former President Donald Trump cannot assert executive privilege to withhold documents from the House select committee investigating the January 6th insurrection. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what the committee’s latest moves have been and how Trump plans to respond. Plus, some Republicans are trying to move forward, while others believe those responsible should be held accountable. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Lear...
GOP Extremism Overshadows Bipartisanship
November 09, 2021 21:35 - 7 minutesLast week, 13 House Republicans voted with almost all the Democrats to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Unfortunately, that bipartisanship isn’t celebrated by everyone in the GOP. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what a disturbing voicemail left for a Michigan congressman and a violent video posted by an Arizona congressman reveals about the GOP. Warning: some of what you hear may be disturbing. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy ...
CNN Poll: Biden’s Numbers Plummet
November 08, 2021 21:30 - 6 minutesWith the midterm elections exactly one year away, a new CNN poll released today shows President Joe Biden is not in good standing with the American people. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how Americans think Biden is handling their top-of-mind issues. What does this mean for Democrats in 2022? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jobs Report Brings Good News for Biden
November 05, 2021 20:30 - 7 minutesPresident Joe Biden wanted the American people to know that October’s increase in jobs did not happen by chance. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Biden took credit for the nation’s economic recovery today and connected it to his own policies. Plus, the President made another pitch for his two big bills that have struggled to pass through the House. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...
Does Pelosi Finally Have the Votes?
November 04, 2021 20:30 - 6 minutesHere we go again... House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the House could vote on the Build Back Better act as early as tonight, and the bipartisan infrastructure bill tomorrow. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains where the reconciliation bill stands today and why Democrats are eager to deliver on their promises. Meanwhile, Republicans continue to stay unanimously opposed to the bill and have virtually nothing to do with it. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn...
GOP’s Big Wins & Dems are Nervous
November 03, 2021 20:30 - 8 minutesThe first big election night since 2020 ended with some key victories for Republicans, including the governor’s race in Virginia. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains where Democrats went wrong and what both parties can learn from the election results. Meanwhile, the gubernatorial race in New Jersey is dangerously close for Democrats who thought they had it in the bag. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
What to Watch on Election Day
November 02, 2021 20:30 - 6 minutesPeople are voting all over the country today in races where the results could signal what 2022 could be like, especially with the governor’s race in VA. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how the gubernatorial candidates there spent their final days on the campaign trail. Voters will also decide on some other historic elections today... from replacing the Minneapolis police department to a socialist candidate for mayor. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visi...
Where Manchin Stands on Build Back Better
November 01, 2021 20:35 - 8 minutesModerate Senator Joe Manchin gave President Biden and Democrats a huge reality check today on the Build Back Better agenda. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what his announcement could mean for the passage of both the social spending bill and the bipartisan infrastructure package. However, Progressive Democrats seem to still have faith in the President to secure the votes. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choice...
High Turnout, Tight Race in VA
October 29, 2021 20:34 - 7 minutesThe Virginia gubernatorial election is in its final days... and it’s still anyone’s race. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin are spending these critical moments leading up to voting day. Plus, both candidates released their closing campaign ads today. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Build Back Better Has a Framework
October 28, 2021 20:31 - 7 minutesPresident Joe Biden unveiled the framework for the Build Back Better Act, followed by Congress releasing the legislative text. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why all of these developments don’t necessarily mean the entire party is on board. Will Democrats finally be able to pass Build Back Better and the bipartisan infrastructure bill? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Price & Policy Tiffs Hold Up Biden’s Agenda
October 27, 2021 20:30 - 7 minutesThe phrase “time is money” has a whole new meaning on Capitol Hill today... CNN Political Director David Chalian explains time is running out for Democrats to reach a deal on the social spending bill and money is one of the main reasons why. At the same time, the House still has to vote on the bipartisan bill soon and the President leaves for Europe tomorrow. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...
Final Countdown: VA Gov. Race
October 26, 2021 20:31 - 8 minutesWe’re exactly one week away from the highly-anticipated gubernatorial race in Virginia. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what both candidates are doing in their final days to get voters to the polls. What will the results of this race tell us about the political landscape going into 2022? Chalian has a bold prediction... To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Another Critical Week for Biden
October 25, 2021 20:30 - 6 minutesIt’s been talked about for months. But this week, President Joe Biden’s economic agenda might become a reality. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why Democrats are optimistic and what they’re still stuck on for the social spending bill. Will a framework be agreed upon? Will the bipartisan bill pass? These are all questions left unanswered days before Biden leaves for Europe... To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad cho...
CNN Town Hall: Biden Talks Nitty Gritties
October 22, 2021 20:49 - 7 minutesIn a CNN Town Hall last night, President Biden actually spoke candidly about some key issues in Washington right now. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down Biden’s updates and insight on what’s in and what’s out of his social spending bill, including where the two Senators holding it up stand. Plus, Biden offered a new perspective on the future of the filibuster. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...
Trump Ally Held in Criminal Contempt
October 21, 2021 20:30 - 6 minutesBreaking news: the House just voted to approve the January 6th committee’s recommendation to hold Steve Bannon for criminal contempt of Congress. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the Attorney General, who testified before another House committee today, is faced with a tough decision. Plus, the former president is doing all he can to keep his records away from the committee. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choic...
Homestretch for Biden's Big Bill
October 20, 2021 20:31 - 7 minutesPresident Biden is making clear this week what he wants included in the social spending bill. Now it’s up to Democrats to get on the same page by the end of the week. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what’s likely to be in the final package and what might not make the cut. Will Progressives and Moderates actually be able to strike a deal that everyone would support? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
VA Gov. Campaign Ads Heat Up
October 19, 2021 20:35 - 7 minutesTwo weeks away from Election Day in Virginia and the race between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin is heating up. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down both campaigns’ strategies. The ads being released in the final days of the race tell an interesting story -- Youngkin is trying to entice frustrated Democrats in the state, while McAuliffe is trying to tie Youngkin to former President Donald Trump. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit c...
Colin Powell: The Soldier & Statesman
October 18, 2021 20:44 - 9 minutesColin Powell, the first Black man to hold many key positions in Washington, has died from Covid-19 complications. CNN Political Director David Chalian reflects on how Powell–a longtime Republican–often put his country over party. From why he decided not to run for president in the ‘90s to why he endorsed every Democrat since Barack Obama in 2008, you’ll hear from Powell himself speaking on major political moments throughout his decades-long career. To learn more about how CNN protects listene...
Commission is Split on SCOTUS
October 15, 2021 20:30 - 7 minutesMany have questions and qualms with how the Supreme Court operates. President Joe Biden put together a commission of diverse experts to tackle these tough issues, like court-packing, term limits, etc. CNN National Correspondent Kristen Holmes shares the highlights from the commission’s draft report and why it’s findings so far are frustrating to some... To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...