CNN Political Briefing - podcast cover

CNN Political Briefing

CNN Podcastswww.cnn.com
Join CNN Political Director David Chalian as he guided you through an ever-changing political landscape. David and a guest took you inside the latest developments with insight and analysis from the key players in politics.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Lessons Learned from Latest Primaries

Five states held primaries on Tuesday and the results tell us a lot about what issues Republican primary voters care more about. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down results in key states like Colorado and Illinois, where some 2020 election deniers lost, and other Trump-backed candidates won. Plus, incumbent lawmakers went toe-to-toe in new districts in some states, and a prominent member of the January 6th House select committee announced a new Senate primary campaign. To learn more...

Jun 29, 20229 min

Jan. 6 Panel’s Surprise Hearing was Shocking

The January 6 House select committee held an explosive hearing with an ex-Trump White House aide as its star witness, Cassidy Hutchinson. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the most shocking testimony she shared about her former boss – Chief of Staff Mark Meadows – and his former boss – ex-President Donald Trump. Hutchinson shared a lot of previously unknown details, but the committee urges others close to Trump to cooperate with their investigation. To learn more about how CNN pro...

Jun 28, 202216 min

Roe Reversal Reverberates Across the US

As CNN Political Director David Chalian explains, the political fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision to end the federal constitutional right to an abortion continues. CNN spoke to Vice President Kamala Harris exclusively in her first interview since Friday’s decision. Plus, the former president took a victory lap this weekend, while Democratic and Republican lawmakers strategize their next moves on this issue. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Lear...

Jun 27, 202210 min

SCOTUS Has Spoken on Abortion Rights

The Supreme Court overturned nearly five decades of court rulings guaranteeing the constitutional right to an abortion. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how all three branches of government are responding today and what’s likely to come in the ruling’s wake. Democrats in Washington, DC vow the fight isn’t over, while Republicans are mostly celebrating the ruling. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p...

Jun 24, 202213 min

The Supreme Court & Senate Act on Guns

The Supreme Court struck down a New York concealed carry law, while the Senate advanced a bipartisan gun safety reform bill. CNN’s Chris Cillizza breaks down the details of both the ruling and the bill, and why both are monumental. The same day the Senate appears on track to pass its most significant gun safety package in almost 30 years, the high court implements the widest expansion of gun rights in a decade. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn mo...

Jun 23, 20228 min

Jan. 6 Panel Faces Threats After Hearing About Them

In the January 6 House select committee's fourth public hearing, state and local officials detailed the pressure they faced by the former President and his team for not overturning the 2020 election and the threats that followed. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how the lie that the 2020 election was rigged is still fueling harassment and violence that lingers today, even for the lawmakers on the panel. Plus, an investigator is leaving his position on the committee early and hear...

Jun 22, 202210 min

It’s Election Day in AL, VA, GA & DC

Voters in Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, and Washington DC head to the polls today in primary races and runoffs for general elections in November. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the key races to watch, including the GOP Senate runoff in Alabama. How much will former President Donald Trump’s influence matter in these races this time around? Plus, DC’s Democratic mayor is trying to make history tonight. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Lea...

Jun 21, 20229 min

Biden Knows “People are Really Down”

President Joe Biden did a rare interview with the Associated Press in the Oval Office where he got candid about the mood of America. CNN’s David Chalian explains what Biden had to say about inflation, gas prices, and the possibility of a recession. Biden also said he doesn’t regret the US involvement with Ukraine, despite its effect on American households. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...

Jun 17, 20228 min

Pence Chose Democracy Over Trump

Today was the January 6 House Select Committee’s third televised hearing. Through witnesses close to former Vice President Mike Pence, it became clear that Pence never believed he had the power to overturn the 2020 election. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how former president Donald Trump disregarded Pence and tried to pressure his Vice President into doing it anyway. You’ll hear sound from some key testimonies. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/...

Jun 16, 202213 min

Winners & Losers of Last Night’s Elections

Voters in five states have spoken – CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the key takeaways in primary elections from South Carolina to Nevada. It ended up being a pretty good night for former President Donald Trump’s candidates, even in a race where he endorsed the losing candidate. Plus, the Democratic majority in the House just got a bit smaller, thanks to a special election in Texas. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your...

Jun 15, 20229 min

Biden Tries to Reassure Nation About Inflation

With inflation rising, stocks falling, and recession fears growing, President Joe Biden tried to look on the bright side today while recognizing Americans’ price pains. CNN Political Director explains how Biden can blame Russia’s war in Ukraine all he wants – but the squeeze families are feeling in their wallets is still happening under his watch. Will voters see it the same way in November? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad cho...

Jun 14, 20229 min

Jan. 6 Hearing Focused on ‘The Big Lie’

Many people close to former President Donald Trump told him he lost the 2020 election, but he didn’t listen to them. That was the focus of the January 6 House select committee’s second hearing today, as CNN Political Director David Chalian explains. You’ll hear testimony from former Trump campaign aides, former Attorney General Bill Barr and others about what went down after Trump found out he lost. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about you...

Jun 13, 202210 min

Trump “Lit the Flame” for Jan. 6

Last night, the January 6 House select committee gave an overview of their findings so far in their first of many public hearings to come. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the bombshells that came out of it, and what he thinks are the goals for these hearings. Plus, the former President has responded to what his own daughter brought up in her testimony. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...

Jun 10, 202211 min

January 6th Panel’s Primetime Moment

The January 6th House select committee holds its first public hearing tonight after spending 10 months investigating. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what to expect tonight and from hearings to come. Meanwhile, some Republicans close to former President Donald Trump are slamming the hearings before they’ve even started. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 09, 20229 min

Trauma from Mass Shootings Detailed in DC

In the wake of two mass shootings at a school in Texas and a grocery store in upstate New York, those directly affected shared their tragic stories and called for legislative action to a House committee. You’ll hear several heartbreaking testimonies today, as CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the progress made so far by lawmakers on potential gun reform. Some of what you’ll hear is graphic – please listen with discretion and care. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy...

Jun 08, 20229 min

Why Both Parties Are Closely Watching CA

It’s primary day in seven states today and both political parties will be closely watching the elections in California. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why two local races in the Sunshine state will provide critical feedback about how to run campaigns for November and beyond. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 07, 20229 min

Jan. 6 Hearings Coming to Primetime

This is a big week for the January 6th House select committee and former President Donald Trump is gearing up some GOP allies to go on the attack. CNN Political Director David Chalian shares what some committee members are previewing before Thursday’s primetime hearing and what viewers should expect. Will the committee succeed at capturing America’s attention? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...

Jun 06, 20229 min

Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal

This month marks 50 years since the Watergate scandal rocked the Nixon presidency, but many of the scandal’s lessons still seem fresh. We sat down with former Nixon White House aide John Dean, as CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down the Watergate scandal – and what it tells us as the Jan. 6th House select committee prepares for public hearings next week. Don’t miss the “Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal” premiere this Sunday at 9pm and 10pm ET on CNN. To learn more about how CNN protect...

Jun 03, 202211 min

Jan. 6 Texts Bring New Details

Newly-revealed texts to former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows during the Capitol insurrection show GOP lawmakers pleading for former President Donald Trump to intervene. CNN Editor-at-Large Chris Cilizza breaks down who sent the texts, and what’s in them . Plus, what Republican leaders are saying ahead of the Jan. 6th House select committee’s public hearings next month. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p...

Jun 02, 20227 min

A TX Community Mourns & Lawmakers Debate

Lawmakers in both Texas and the nation’s capital are debating legislation in the wake of last week’s shooting in Uvalde. CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes explains the latest with the shooting investigation and what legislators at all levels are saying on both sides of the aisle. Has the time come for meaningful reform in the US? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 01, 20229 min

Biden's Plan to Fight Inflation

President Joe Biden and his administration are kicking off a monthlong focus on the economy this week. CNN's Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny sums up Biden's plans and why it's going to be an uphill battle for him and his party to convince Americans they've got a handle on inflation and the economy. The polls don't paint a pretty picture, and some critics don't have as optimistic of a view on the economy as the President Biden does. To learn more about how CNN protects listener p...

May 31, 20229 min

The “Wrong Decision” was Made in TX

Today, the community of Uvalde, Texas is rattled by the news that law enforcement say they made a mistake by not immediately breaking into the classroom during Tuesday’s shooting that left 21 people dead. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the latest with the investigation and how lawmakers on Capitol Hill are responding. The state is especially on edge with the National Rifle Association kicking off its annual, weekend-long event in Houston. To learn more about how CNN protects li...

May 27, 202210 min

Jan. 6 Cmte Prepares for Public Hearings

Earlier this month, the Jan. 6th House select committee subpoenaed five members of Congress, after they refused to testify voluntarily. At least three have since objected to or contested the subpoenas. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what the House members are telling the committee – and what to look for as the select committee prepares for public hearings in June. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p...

May 26, 20229 min

Politicians Respond Predictably to Texas Shooting

Yesterday, a gunman shot and killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Today, politicians on both sides of the aisle are repeating the same messages they’ve given after other mass shootings. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why little political change is expected after the deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...

May 25, 202211 min

More Primaries Test Trump’s Power

Five states hold primary elections today, but a lot of attention is on Georgia. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why the GOP primary for governor is so important and how a new voting and elections law in the state of Georgia is working out. Plus, votes in Pennsylvania’s GOP Senate primary are still being counted – check CNN.com for the latest on that. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.c...

May 24, 20229 min

GA, AL and AR Hold Primaries Tomorrow

Georgia’s GOP race for governor will end tomorrow – but the likely winner, Gov. Brian Kemp, has already turned his eyes to the general election. There, he’s expected to face off against Democrat Stacey Abrams, who almost beat him four years ago. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what to look for in the races in Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas tomorrow, along with run-offs in Texas. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad ...

May 23, 20229 min

N. Korea Looms Over Biden’s Asia Visit

President Joe Biden kicked off his first trip to Asia as president today, beginning with a stop in South Korea. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what Biden hopes to get out of the visit, and how the administration is preparing for possible security threats from North Korea. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 20, 20228 min

Biden’s Political Headaches

President Joe Biden can’t seem to catch a break. Even though the number of people on unemployment is the lowest it’s been since 1969, inflation remains top of mind for Americans. Plus, CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the crisis surrounding the baby formula shortage in the US – and how lawmakers are responding. A new CNN poll shows a majority of Americans are not happy with how things are going in the country today. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.co...

May 19, 20229 min

PA GOP Senate Primary Still Unresolved

What can we take away from last night’s primary elections? CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down results from key elections across the country, from Pennsylvania to Oregon. The marquee race of the evening – the GOP Senate primary in PA– is neck-and-neck and some Democratic primaries are too close to call at this point too. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 18, 20229 min

Five States Hold Midterm Primaries

States from coast to coast are holding primaries today ahead of the 2022 midterm election. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the races to watch, like Pennsylvania’s contentious Senate and gubernatorial races, and North Carolina’s congressional races. Also, how is this primary election cycle challenging Trump’s influence in the GOP? And what do the Democratic primary frontrunners say about the party’s midterm strategy? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cn...

May 17, 20228 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android