State of the Union - podcast cover

State of the Union

Hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, State of the Union features interviews with top newsmakers on politics and policy—covering Washington, the country, and the world.

Episodes

Interviews with: Former Rep. Congresswoman Liz Cheney, Rep. Senator Tim Scott

Today Jake speaks to former Rep. Congresswoman Liz Cheney about the news of Alexey Navalny’s reported death in a Russian prison and then Trumps silence on the issue and Republican opposition to a bill that would send aid to Israel and Ukraine. Then, in a 1-on-1 interview with Rep. Senator Tim Scott talks about Trumps comments about not defending NATO allies and the fall of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka to Russian forces. Plus, Jake and the panel discuss Trumps railing against $355 million dolla...

Feb 19, 202445 min

Interviews with: Rep. Senator Marco Rubio and Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein

First, Jake interviews Senator Marco Rubio asking questions about Trumps statements about NATO and mocking Governor Haley’s husbands absence while he is deployed in Africa, Rubio’s opposition to a bill to help Israel and Ukraine and the choice by Senate GOP to torpedo a bipartisan US border security deal. Then, a one on one interview with Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein discussing President Biden’s not being charged after classified documents probe and statements about the presiden...

Feb 12, 202445 min

Interviews with: US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, GOP Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley, US Congressman James Clyburn

First, after the 3rd straight day of US strikes against Iran-backed militias in the Middle East, can America avoid a wider conflict? US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan joins us to break down the aftermath of this retaliation. Then, with just three weeks until Republicans in South Carolina vote, Donald Trump's team says it's over. But as Nikki Haley ups the ante, what's her end-game? GOP Presidential candidate Nikki Haley is here exclusively. And, President Biden swept South Carolina with...

Feb 04, 202444 min

Interviews with: Sen. Chris Murphy, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Kristi Noem

First, President Biden embraces tougher immigration policies and pushes for Congress to pass a bipartisan border deal. But will Republicans balk amid pressure from Donald Trump? Dana asks key negotiator Sen. Chris Murphy. Then, with both Trump and President Biden looking past the primaries to November, has the general election already begun? Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joins Dana to discuss. And, with tensions high amid a standoff between Republican governors and federal officials at the b...

Jan 28, 202447 min

Interviews with: South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Delaware Sen. Chris Coons

First, with just 2 days before the New Hampshire primary elections, Dana and CNN Political Director David Chalian dive into our brand new CNN poll that shows a clear lead for Donald Trump. As the former President makes his final pitch to primary voters, can anyone stop him? Next, Nikki Haley turns up the heat on Trump, while he tries to undercut Hayley with support from her home state. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott joins Dana exclusively to explain why he backed Doald Trump over his former gover...

Jan 21, 202445 min

Interviews with GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, CNN Senior Political commentator David Axelrod, & former Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan.

First Jake goes one-on-one with GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, who responds to the final Des Moines Register poll showing him trailing significantly behind Trump and Haley ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Jake presses DeSantis on what a third place finish in Iowa would mean for the rest of his campaign and asks DeSantis if he underestimated Trump’s grip on the Republican Party. Next, Jake interviews Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and his pus...

Jan 14, 202448 min

Interviews with: Former Vice President Mike Pence, Rep. Jim Clyburn

First, with just a week to go to the Iowa Caucuses, Donald Trump is dominating the political conversation with wild and outlandish comments. Former Vice President Mike Pence joins Jake to discuss whether he plans to endorse any of Trump's 2024 rivals, the GOP's embrace of January 6 conspiracy theories, and his efforts to rally American support for Israel three months after the October 7 attacks. Then, facing political headwinds, President Biden tries to refocus the race on Donald Trump. As Biden...

Jan 07, 202446 min

Interviews with: Gov. Chris Sununu, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sen. Chris Murphy

First, with two weeks until the first votes of the 2024 election, Nikki Haley is still cleaning up her comments about the cause of the Civil War. How will she fare in New Hampshire? Governor of New Hampshire Chris Sununu, who is backing Nikki Haley, joins Dana exclusively. Then, the special counsel argues that former President Donald Trump does not have immunity as another state attempts to strike him from the ballot. Will the Supreme Court agree with this argument and weigh in to remove Trump f...

Dec 31, 202348 min

Interviews with: Chief Climate Scientist Katharine Hayhoe, Former Vice President Al Gore, Ray Dalio

First, wildfires, hurricanes, extreme heat, 2023 was the year the world woke up to the climate change threat. What have we learned and what will next year look like? Chief Scientist Katharine Hayhoe joins Jake on the show to discuss our options. Next, World leaders agree to transition away from fossil fuels, the chief driver of the climate crisis. But with loopholes in the agreement, is it enough? Former Vice President Al Gore is ahead. Then, as Governments around the world struggle to combat cl...

Dec 24, 202343 min

Interviews with: Former Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Joe Manchin

First, with just a month until the Iowa caucuses, Donald Trump is quoting dictators such as Vladimir Putin and attacking immigrants. Will any of that matter, or will he still be his party's de facto nominee in a month's time? Jake asks Republican Presidential candidate Chris Christie. Then, polls flash more warning signs for President Biden as he makes his case for re-election. Could a potential new compromise in Congress hurt him and his party even more? Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who is c...

Dec 17, 202343 min

Interviews with: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Republican Senator J.D. Vance, Former US Vice President Al Gore

First, a split over foreign aid divides Congress as world pressure grows over the civilian death toll in Gaza. Does the Biden administration have any conditions in its support for Israel in the war? US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is next. Next, President Joe Biden takes the fight directly to Donald Trump. Trump looks to cement his hold on the GOP. What would a second Trump term look like? Top Trump ally Republican Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio is ahead. Plus, world leaders meet to confront th...

Dec 10, 202347 min

Interviews with: US Senator Lindsey Graham, Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal

First, after Hamas breaks the 7 day truce, Israel steps up attacks on Southern Gaza. The US responds with a careful warning but how will Israel respond? South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham joins Dana to discuss. Then, as progressives split with President Biden concerning the war and other priorities, how might this impact Biden's re-election effort? Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal joins Dana exclusively. Plus, with the Iowa Caucuses only 6 weeks away, Donald Trump aims to flip...

Dec 03, 202343 min

Interviews with: US Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog, US Senator Chris Murphy, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Presidential Candidate Chris Christie

First, Dana is joined by US Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog amid questions about the remaining hostages and the future of the temporary truce between Hamas and Israel. Then, with some hostages finally being released and able to reunite with their loved ones, Dana is joined by the family of some hostages who were freed this as part of the deal between Israel and Hamas. Then, more Israeli hostages are set to come home if the shaky pause in the Israel-Hamas war holds another day. What are we lear...

Nov 26, 20231 hr 2 min

Interviews with: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer

First, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer joins Jake to discuss the state of negotiations to free hostages being held by Hamas. Next, with just 2 months until voters weigh-in, a new Iowa rivalry heats up. Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis is all in on Iowa, but will it pay off? Then, Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin talks to Jake about growing calls from Democrats for a ceasefire in Gaza. They also discuss a Colorado judge's ruling that former President Trump "engaged in insurrection" on Janua...

Nov 19, 202348 min

Interviews with: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel

First, Dana talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his first CNN interview since the Israel-Hamas war began. Dana presses him on growing pressure for Israel to limit civilian casualties, the effort to free the hostages being held by Hamas, and his refusal to take responsibility for the October 7 attacks. Then, with US President Joe Biden expressing frustration at Israel’s reluctance to implementing humanitarian pauses inside Gaza and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying m...

Nov 12, 202350 min

Interviews with: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Israeli UN Amb. Gilad Erdan

First, Dana speaks with CNN’s Jeremy Diamond about what he saw inside Gaza embedded with Israeli forces. Then, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders joins Dana to discuss calls by some Democrats for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as a video by progressive Rep. Rashida Tlaib accusing President Biden of supporting genocide. Next, Dana speaks with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal about calls for a humanitarian pause in Gaza and their fears that Iran could seek ...

Nov 05, 202346 min

Interviews with: US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Intelligence Committee Republican Sen. James Lankford, GOP Candidate Chris Christie

Israel is extending its ground operations in Gaza. What will this mean for the region's future and the well-being of those held hostage by Hamas? Joining us on the show we have US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and insights from Intelligence Committee Republican Sen. James Lankford. A blackout occurred as Israel's barrage intensified, causing communication services in Gaza to be disrupted. With communication now getting restored, we provide an update on the latest developments from insi...

Oct 29, 202343 min

Interviews with: House Intelligence Chairman Rep. Mike Turner, Former GOP Congresswoman Liz Cheney

First, Israel escalates Gaza airstrikes ahead of a likely invasion as fear grows that the region could be drawn into the conflict. What is Israel's plan? President Biden cautions Israel to not be blinded by rage. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner joins us. And, more humanitarian trucks poised to enter Gaza carrying desperately needed supplies to the victims of war. But as Israel prepares for ground war, are conditions about to get much worse? Plus, with future US aid to Israel on th...

Oct 22, 202345 min

Interviews with: US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Ambassador Michael Herzog, US Senator Marco Rubio

First, in the aftermath of a brutal terrorist attack by Hamas, Israel is now preparing for a ground war in Gaza and making it clear that this is only the beginning. Now the question is how civilians, including Americans, can stay safe amidst the escalating violence. We're joined by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who will share his insights on this issue. Then, amidst President Joe Biden's strong support for Israel and his commitment to ensuring they have the resources they need to d...

Oct 15, 20231 hr 8 min

Interviews with: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Former Vice President Mike Pence, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides, Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper

Israel responds after brutal Hamas terror attacks by formally declaring war. Will that war engulf the Middle East? US Secretary of State Antony Blinken joins Dana to discuss. Next, Congress rushes to condemn the Hamas attack and pledges to aid Israelis. But will the lack of a formal House Speaker hamper any US response? Dana gets reaction from key lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Republican Senator Markwayne Mull...

Oct 08, 20232 hr 16 min

Interviews with: Rep. Matt Gaetz, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

First: Crisis averted as a surprise deal to stave off a government shutdown has passed. After the house speaker makes a deal with Democrats will Republican hard-liners try to oust him? The Republican leading that charge, Rep. Matt Gaetz speaks followed by Democratic congresswoman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.Next: Former President Donald Trump ramps up his violent rhetoric. Former aids warn he's unfit for office but does he have the GOP nomination all sewn up? Our political panel discusses the ...

Oct 01, 202348 min

Interviews with: Sec. Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Tim Burchett, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.

First: The United States government continues to be on the verge of shutting down. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says that a shutdown should be avoided because it would prevent government workers such as air traffic control from being paid. He also voices support for UAW workers and President Biden's visit to striking workers in Michigan. Next: Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) allegedly accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars, a luxury car, and gold bars as bribes from wealthy businesspeople...

Sep 24, 202343 min

Interview with: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Mike Pence.

First: UAW workers at 3 major US auto manufacturer plants are on strike due to income inequality and poor conditions. Mike Pence says that the question of CEOs making 400 times as much as the average worker should be left to the companies' shareholders. Next: Sen. Bernie Sanders says he fully supports UAW's goals, and that companies could easily improve pay and benefits. The CEO of General Motors makes $29 million a year, while new workers make only $17 an hour. Later: The panel discusses the po...

Sep 17, 202344 min

Interviews with: Nikki Haley, Sec. Antony Blinken, Rep. Michael McCaul.

First: Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley talks about the statement from the G20 on the war in Ukraine, describes China as "an enemy", and says the US should stop immigrants from entering the US from Mexico. Then: Secretary of State Antony Blinken talks about the statement from the G20 on the war in Ukraine, and declines to speak on Elon Musk's alleged prevention of a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian navy fleet. Later: Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chairman of the House Committee on ...

Sep 10, 202350 min

Interviews with: Secretary Gina Raimondo, Sen. Mike Rounds, and Rep. Nancy Mace.

First: Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo talks to Dana Bash about US-China economic relations, the Biden administration's economic policy, and the economics of abortion restrictions. Next: Republican Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) speaks on Sen. Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) health status, hurricane relief efforts, and how he believes congress might avoid a government shutdown. Then: this week's panel, Kate Bedingfield, Doug Heye, Scott Jennings, and Faiz Shakir, discuss Florida Governor Ron Desantis refusin...

Sep 03, 202345 min

Interviews with: 2024 Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Family, Rep. Jamie Raskin, 2024 Candidate Asa Hutchinson, Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker

First, three black Americans and a white shooter are dead after an attack in Jacksonville, Florida. The FBI is investigating the case as a hate crime. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy shares his thoughts. Plus, with Joe Biden's poll numbers stagnant, his one-time competitor Sen. Bernie Sanders heads to a key state with a warning. The panel shares their thoughts on the Republican debate without Donald Trump present. And the family of Martin Luther King, Jr. joins on the 60th anni...

Aug 27, 20231 hr 23 min

Interviews with: Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono, GOP Presidential Candidate Will Hurd, and Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman

First, Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii joins Jake to discuss what she witnessed after touring the wildfire devastation on Maui. Jake asks Sen. Hirono whether the federal response to the Maui fires is enough and gets her reaction to officials saying none of the 80 warning sirens on Maui were ever activated. To wrap-up, Jake asks Hirono if she thinks President Biden should declare a climate emergency.Next, Jake interviews GOP presidential candidate Will Hurd, who reacts to Georgia prosecutors obtainin...

Aug 13, 202342 min

Interviews with: John Lauro, Mike Pence, Chris Christie

First: Donald Trump lashes out after a 3rd indictment. How will he defend himself? Will he go to trial before the election? Trump's attorney John Lauro speaks.Next: Former Vice President and GOP presidential candidate Mike Pence criticizes Donald Trump and shares his thoughts on the case.Plus: With just 2 weeks left until the GOP debate, other candidates struggle to break through. Chris Christie joins us on the show and talks about his meeting with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. ...

Aug 06, 202347 min

Interviews with: Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie, Chris Murphy

First: As Donald Trump faces new charges with the potential for even more, he flexes his power over his party. Next: Republican presidential hopefuls take their message to key early states, but can they overtake the frontrunner without taking him on? 2024 candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie weigh in. Then: Is age just a number? Renewed concerns about aging political leaders. Candidates on both sides say it's time for a fresh start. What does the American public think? Democratic Sen. C...

Jul 30, 202341 min

Interviews with: Mike Pence, Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Spencer Cox, Gov. Jared Polis.

First: As Donald Trump faces a potential third indictment over his actions around January 6th, one of the leaders who was there that day, former Vice President Mike Pence, joins to answer if he thinks Trump should be charged if the DOJ has evidence Trump committed a crime. Next: Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi reacts to a potential third Trump indictment, Speaker McCarthy considering expunging impeachment measures against Trump, public sentiment of Biden amidst indications of US economic recovery, ...

Jul 23, 202345 min