Podcast CNN Political

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 O…

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. …

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 camp…

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 Chie…

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 nex…

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 e…

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 D…

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 He…

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 l…

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 forme…

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 guide…

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 mo…

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. …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 whe…

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…

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 a…

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 …

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 …

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…

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 ques…

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 g…