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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.
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Episodes

US Shot Down Chinese Spy Balloon: Now What?

The US may have shot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon over the weekend, but the fallout continues in Washington. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what the administration is saying about the incident, and summarizes how Democrats and Republicans view President Joe Biden’s decision. Plus, the Biden administration says this isn’t the first time Chinese balloons flew over the US. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad ...

Feb 06, 202310 min

Economy Adds Stunning Number of Jobs

The latest jobs report showed a surprising number of jobs were added last month – something President Joe Biden praised today. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the data and explains why it might complicate the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation. Will this good news translate to better approval ratings for President Biden? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 03, 202310 min

GOP Votes Rep. Omar Off of Committee

House Republicans voted to remove Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs committee. Across the Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell pulled Republicans off a committee they previously served on. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the politics behind both moves. Plus, President Joe Biden was on Capitol Hill this morning with lawmakers from both parties for the annual National Prayer Breakfast. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/p...

Feb 02, 202310 min

McCarthy Wants Cuts & Biden Wants a Budget

Today, President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy met for the first time since Republicans took the House majority with the debt ceiling on the agenda. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why this will likely be first of many meetings to come on this issue, and where both Republicans and Democrats stand. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 01, 202310 min

Rep. Santos Steps Down from Committees

Embattled GOP Congressman George Santos said he decided to recuse himself temporarily from his two committee assignments. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the political factors at play, as the New York congressman faces questions about his finances, resume, and background. Plus, a new poll shows most of Santos’ constituents think he should resign. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...

Jan 31, 202310 min

Trump Hits the 2024 Campaign Trail

Former President Donald Trump kicked off his third run for the White House this weekend in two early voting states. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the context around the start of his campaign, and who might run against him in the GOP primary. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis hasn’t officially announced a bid, but Trump has already started attacks against him. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch...

Jan 30, 202310 min

Biden Touts Economy in Possible 2024 Preview

As relatively positive data about the economy was released this week, President Biden touted the good news. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Biden contrasted his economic policies with Republican policies, which could be a preview of his possible reelection campaign message. Plus, we’ll tell you about the President’s new White House chief of staff. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices....

Jan 27, 202311 min

House GOP Early Report Card

How do Americans think House GOP leadership is doing so far this year? CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down a new CNN poll that answers that question and what issues matter most to people. Plus, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy denied two Democrats seats on the House Intelligence committee – one of them is running for Senate in 2024. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 26, 202310 min

Congress Raises Questions about Classified Doc Cases

There’s bipartisan concern on Capitol Hill over how the executive branch handles classified material. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why teams for President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump view former Vice President Mike Pence’s discovery as helpful for them. Plus, how do the American people feel about Biden and Trump’s cases? Do any other former presidents have classified documents? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn mor...

Jan 25, 202310 min

Pence Joins Biden & Trump in having Classified Docs

What do the former president, the current president and now the former vice president all have in common? They all had classified documents in places they shouldn’t have been. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what we know about this discovery at Mike Pence’s home, and how it fairs politically with Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s cases. Both parties think these three instances show a systemic problem. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn mor...

Jan 24, 202311 min

More Classified Docs Found in Biden’s Home

The FBI searched President Joe Biden’s Delaware home last Friday and found more classified documents. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why the political fallout from these discoveries is getting worse for the White House. As the administration deals with this, House Republicans are conducting their own investigation into the matter. Plus, a new White House Chief of Staff is taking over soon. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more abou...

Jan 23, 202310 min

This Year’s ‘March for Life’ in a Post-Roe World

This weekend would have been the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. Since the constitutional right to abortion was overturned in June, today’s March for Life in DC made clear the anti-abortion movement isn't done fighting. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down their new goals, and what both parties are doing post-Roe. Plus, the Supreme Court says it still doesn’t know who leaked the draft Dobbs opinion. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, ...

Jan 20, 202313 min

Debt Limit Tees Up a Political Showdown

The Treasury Department says the US hit the debt ceiling today, setting up a showdown in Washington to either raise it or risk economic turmoil. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why raising the government’s borrowing cap is being politicized. House Republicans want concessions in exchange for raising the debt limit, while the White House isn’t willing to negotiate. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...

Jan 19, 202310 min

House GOP Probe Biden Docs, Family & Admin

House Republicans are moving forward with their investigations into President Joe Biden, his administration, and his family. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what they’re investigating, the information they want, and how the parties involved are responding. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 18, 202311 min

Santos Saga Puts GOP in Tough Spot

House Republicans are trying to figure out a committee assignment for embattled GOP Congressman George Santos, while calls for his resignation grow for lying about his resume and background. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how House GOP leadership sees the situation. Plus, Santos’ ex-roommate reveals he was suspicious about him when they lived together in 2013. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

Jan 17, 202312 min

Biden Says "Let's be Guided by MLK's Light"

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President Joe Biden gave the keynote address at the National Action Network’s annual MLK Day breakfast in DC. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down Biden’s speech, where he highlighted his administration’s efforts aimed at ensuring racial equality. Plus, Dr. King’s oldest son gave his thoughts on how the US is delivering on his dad’s dream. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Jan 16, 20239 min

Two Presidential Probes into Classified Docs

President Joe Biden and his predecessor are under investigation for potentially mishandling classified documents. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the latest updates with both special counsel probes. While key questions remain unanswered with Biden’s cases, we’re learning more about where the investigation into Trump stands. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 13, 202310 min

Special Counsel Appointed in Biden Docs Probe

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to look to take over the investigation into Obama-era classified documents found at President Joe Biden’s home and former private office. CNN's Kristen Holmes explains new details about the timeline of the initial investigation and both discoveries. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 12, 20238 min

Another Batch of Gov't Records Found By Biden Team

Sources briefed on the matter say President Joe Biden's legal team found another batch of government records, as House Republicans promise to investigate the issue. CNN's Kristen Holmes breaks down Biden's response to the first batch found in a private office he used, and how lawmakers of both parties are reacting to Biden and his predecessor's handling of classified documents after leaving public office. Plus, embattled New York Republican Congressman George Santos says he won't resign after hi...

Jan 11, 202310 min

Biden’s Classified Documents Discovery

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have at least one thing in common – they both are dealing with fallout from keeping classified documents. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the distinctions between the two cases. Some Democrats say Biden did what he was supposed to do, while some Republicans claim Trump was treated unfairly. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...

Jan 10, 202311 min

Speaker McCarthy Faces His First Test

Now that House Republicans have elected Kevin McCarthy as speaker, the next order of business for them is to vote on a rules package. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how some of the rules have changed since hard right conservatives got their way in the speaker fight, and why it’s giving some members some pause. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 09, 20239 min

Speaker’s Gavel in Sight for McCarthy

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has flipped 15 previous holdouts, making the speaker’s gavel within reach. CNN's Political Director David Chalian explains why McCarthy is confident he’ll cross the finish line when the House reconvenes tonight. Plus, President Joe Biden commemorated the two year anniversary of the Capitol riot. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 06, 202312 min

House Speaker Chaos Continues

The current bid for House leadership is now the longest speaker contest in 164 years. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why private deal-making talks aren’t translating to public support for GOP leader Kevin McCarthy. The conservative hardliners seem to be doubling down, while McCarthy allies are starting to draw lines in the sand. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 05, 202310 min

McCarthy Fails to Get the Gavel (Again)

The House is still without a speaker, after GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy failed to secure the gavel six times. CNN's Political Director David Chalian explains the warning signs for McCarthy that emerged today. Plus, it seems former President Donald Trump isn’t even able to move the needle for the small, but determined, group of Republicans who oppose McCarthy. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...

Jan 04, 202310 min

GOP Battle Over the Gavel

House Republicans are at an impasse over who to elect as speaker, after GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy failed to secure enough votes at least twice so far today. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how the first two ballots went, and what’s at the core of the party’s stalemate. A historic third speaker vote is underway , but it’s unclear if it’ll turn out any better for McCarthy. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices...

Jan 03, 202311 min

President Biden’s Annual Report Card

President Biden’s second year in office is coming to a close. In today’s special episode, CNN’s Abby Phillip tackles the highs and lows of Biden’s 2022 – from inflation to Roe v. Wade to the midterm elections. You’ll hear from the president and some of the year’s key players. Plus, what will 2023 look like? Will Biden be announcing a second presidential run? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Dec 29, 202217 min

Mark Meadows Burned Documents

The January 6th committee released another batch of witness transcripts from its investigation. CNN’s Abby Phillip explains new details about how Donald Trump’s associates tried to conceal information before and after the insurrection. Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson added even more fuel to the fire in the newly released interviews, testifying that she watched Trump's chief of staff burn documents in his office fireplace. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cn...

Dec 28, 20229 min

Title 42 will Remain in Effect

Today the Supreme Court said the Trump-era immigration policy Title 42 will remain in effect while legal challenges play out. CNN’s Abby Phillip explains the measure and what’s happening at the border. Plus, Texas Governor Greg Abbott defends his move to send more migrants to the Vice President’s home. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 27, 202210 min

Congress Down to the Wire

The government funding bill made it through a key hurdle today, as Democrats try to push through the last pieces of their agenda before the GOP take over the House. We’re also listening to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech to Congress, and taking a closer look at what the Jan. 6 House Select Committee has shared – so far. CNN’s Zachary Wolf breaks down the latest from Capitol Hill, and how both sides of the aisle are handling the transition of power. To learn more about how CNN pro...

Dec 22, 20228 min

Zelensky’s Visit, Trump’s Tax Returns & More

As the year winds down, it’s as busy as ever in Washington DC with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky making a surprise visit and Congress working to wrap up its to-do list. CNN’s Zachary Wolf breaks down everything from the latest on the omnibus, to former President Donald Trump’s tax returns. One thing lawmakers failed to do was address immigration, as the fate of a controversial border policy lies with the Supreme Court. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com...

Dec 21, 202213 min
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