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.
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Episodes

Interviews with: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson

First, Dana Bash speaks exclusively with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about Democrats' strategy for navigating a divided Congress, as well as President Biden's surprise announcement that he won't block a GOP bill to override a controversial DC crime law. Next, many blame Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's reelection loss this week on crime concerns. Are Democrats vulnerable on crime? Dana discusses the issue with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, some Republican 2024 presidential hopefu...

Mar 05, 202342 min

Interviews with: National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel

First, Bash goes one-on-one with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, pressing him on Biden giving fighter jets to Ukraine and whether the US would support Ukraine taking Crimea back militarily. Sullivan explains the specific support Ukraine needs at this stage of the war, responds to a new report on Covid's origin, and discusses the US warning China about sending drones and ammunition to Russia.Next, the first Sunday show interview with Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDanie...

Feb 26, 202340 min

Interviews with: Rep. Michael McCaul, Rep. Mike Turner, Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Sen. Sherrod Brown

First, with tensions running high between the U.S. and China, CNN’s Pamela Brown asks House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul and Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Turner about the U.S. response and whether President Biden is right to try and lower the temperature with China. Plus, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield joins Pamela to discuss the state of U.S.-China relations after a “blunt” meeting between the nations’ top diplomats. She also...

Feb 19, 202342 min

Interviews with: Rep. Mike Turner, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Mike Rounds

First, the U.S. military has shot down a third flying object in just over a week. Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Rep. Mike Turner joins to answer if these objects are a threat and what investments can be made to protect U.S. airspace. Next, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sits down with Jake to answer if she’s worried that polls show Democrats do not share her enthusiasm for a Biden 2024 presidential bid. Plus, now that Democrats have unified control of Michigan’s government for the...

Feb 12, 202341 min

Interviews with: Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick

First: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touts the takedown of the suspected Chinese spy balloon and previews President Biden's State of the Union address. Next: Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Marco Rubio questions why the Biden administration didn't act sooner to shoot down the Chinese balloon. Then: In an exclusive joint interview, Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), co-chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, discuss their work on a 'failsa...

Feb 05, 202341 min

Interviews with: Tyre Nichols' family attorney Ben Crump, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, plus an exclusive​ joint interview with Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Rep. Eric Swalwell.

First, Dana speaks with Tyre Nichols' family attorney Ben Crump, who says the horrific video of Nichols’ fatal beating by police is “a watershed moment for America”. Next, Dana discusses former President Trump’s return to the campaign trial with New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. Sununu weighs in on if he thinks Trump can win his key primary state, as well as whether he’s considering running for president himself in 2024. After, Dana sits down for an exclusive​ joint interview with Democratic ...

Jan 29, 202341 min

Interviews with: CNN’s Andrew McCabe, CNN’s Juliette Kayyem, Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Joe Manchin, Rep. Michael McCaul

First, Dana begins after a press conference from Monterey Park, California brings more information from a mass shooting that killed least ten people inside a dance studio. Dana speaks with CNN Senior Law Enforcement Analyst Andrew McCabe and CNN National Security Analyst Juliette Kayyem about what we know so far. Then, Sen. Dick Durbin shares his concern over the additional classified documents the FBI found at President Biden’s Delaware home on Friday. And, Dana asks Sen. Joe Manchin whether he...

Jan 22, 202348 min

Interviews with: Rep. James Comer, Rep. Jamie Raskin

First, Jake presses Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer about why he wants to investigate Biden’s potential mishandling of classified documents but says investigating Trump is “not a priority.” Also, with the U-S facing a risk of a default this summer, Jake asks what will be done in a GOP-led House to avoid an economic catastrophe. Next, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, responds to Rep. Comer and contrasts Biden’s approach to the Justice Depar...

Jan 15, 202342 min

Interviews with: Rep. Chip Roy, Rep. Dan Crenshaw, Rep. Katherine Clark

First, after a bruising fight, Kevin McCarthy finally grabs the speakership. But can he govern? Republican Rep. Chip Roy, the man who negotiated a deal to deliver McCarthy key votes, joins Jake Tapper for his first post-vote interview. Next, Jake presses a lawmaker who's been critical of those who rebelled against McCarthy, Republican Dan Crenshaw, on whether he can now work with members of his party he called "terrorists." Then, Democratic House Whip Katherine Clark discusses the chaos of the p...

Jan 08, 202343 min

Interviews with: Maryland Governor-elect Wes Moore, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Democratic Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer

First, Dana goes one-on-one with Maryland Governor-elect Wes Moore. They discuss why Moore thinks Democrats need to talk more about patriotism, his top priorities as he takes office, and Bash presses him on how he plans to pay to pay for his sweeping agenda. Next, Dana interviews outgoing GOP Congressman Adam Kinzinger about the case he helped make against former President Donald Trump as a member of the January 6 Committee, the future of the Republican party, his own political future, and why h...

Jan 01, 202345 min

Update for December 25, 2022

There is no new episode of the State of the Union showcast. If you haven’t already, please check out CNN’s other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 25, 20222 min

Interviews with: Rep. Mike Gallagher, Rep. Adam Schiff, Sen. Pat Toomey

First, Jake asks the incoming chairman of the new House Select Committee on China Rep. Mike Gallagher about his bill to completely ban TikTok in the US and what information China could be collecting from users of the popular app. And, with the House January 6th Committee expected to recommend three criminal charges against Donald Trump over his role in the attack on the Capitol, Jake asks committee member Rep. Adam Schiff whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute and convict Trump. Plus,...

Dec 18, 202242 min

Interviews with: White House hostage negotiator Roger Carstens, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Legislative Affairs Director Louisa Terrell

First, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens joins Dana to discuss the trade to free Brittney Griner and his efforts to bring Paul Whelan home from Russia. Next, Sen. Bernie Sanders weighs in on Sen. Krysten Sinema's split with the Democratic Party to register as a political independent. Then, our panel debates the significance of Sinema's surprising decision, as well as Kevin McCarthy’s struggle to lock down support to become Speaker of the House. Finally, in our latest ...

Dec 11, 202240 min

Interviews with: Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Sen. Sherrod Brown, Congressman-elect Mike Lawler

First, Secretary of State Antony Blinken sits down with Jake Tapper to discuss why the Biden administration has not labeled Russia a state sponsor of terrorism despite calls to do so. Also, Jake asks chair of the Senate Banking Committee Sen. Sherrod Brown about his opinion on how the Fed should fight inflation after the US economy added 263,000 jobs in November. Jake also presses him on why it has taken so long to pass protections and regulations for Americans investing in cryptocurrency. Plus,...

Dec 04, 202242 min

Interviews with: Sen. Chris Murphy, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Rep. Adam Schiff.

After another holiday marred by tragedy, President Biden vows to do more to stop gun violence. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut sits down with Dana to examine the prospects for more gun reform in a lame duck Congress. They also discuss why existing gun laws in Colorado and Virginia weren’t enough to prevent the shootings from happening. Also, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson joins Dana to respond to former President Trump’s decision to host rap artist Ye and a prominent white supremacist for ...

Nov 27, 202241 min

Exclusive interviews with: Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Hakeem Jeffries & January 6 Select Committee member Rep. Adam Kinzinger

First, Jake goes one-on-one with the man on track to take over House Democratic leadership from Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Jake asks Jeffries about Pelosi’s impact on the party, how he would unite the moderate and progressive wings of his caucus, and his approach to working with Republicans. Next, Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger joins Jake to react to former President Trump’s return to Twitter, as well as the Justice Department’s appointment of a special counsel to oversee its Trump inve...

Nov 20, 202241 min

Interviews with: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro, Gov. Larry Hogan, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

First, re-elected Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tells Dana Bash that her party's major wins in her state were the result of being "focused on the fundamentals" like infrastructure, inflation and schools. Next, Pennsylvania Governor-elect Josh Shapiro says the key to winning rural voters is "just a matter of showing up, treating people with respect, and showing them how you're going to make their lives better." Then, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan blames former President Donald Trump for focusing...

Nov 13, 202245 min

Exclusive interviews with: Chairwoman of the Republican National Committee Ronna McDaniel, and Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

First, Dana goes one-on-one with Republican Party Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. She pushes McDaniel on whether Republicans should accept election results and whether she thinks think the Republicans are going to take control of the House. They also discuss poll-watching and voter intimidation, and McDaniel explains that the RNC will stop paying Trump’s legal bills if he launches a 2024 presidential bid.Next, Dana interviews Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar. She presses Klobuchar on whether she thinks ...

Nov 06, 202241 min

Interviews with Sen. Rick Scott, North Carolina Senate Candidate Cheri Beasley

With only nine days to go until Election Day, Dana Bash sits down for a one-on-one interview with Senator Rick Scott. He shares his reaction to the brutal attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, as well as antisemitic displays outside of a football game in Florida. He also responds to criticism that the GOP's midterms agenda will hurt the economy and lead to cuts in Medicare and Social Security. Then, Dana presses North Carolina Senate Candidate Cheri Beasley on whether she is satisfied ...

Oct 30, 202241 min

Interviews with: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Nancy Mace.

Amid looming recession fears, Sen. Bernie Sanders tells Jake that Democrats need to broaden their midterms message to include the economy and other challenges facing voters. Then, GOP Rep. Nancy Mace joins Jake to discuss whether she would lift a Trump-era tariff on China and what steps she would take to reduce inflation. Jake also presses her on if she supports impeaching President Biden if Republicans take control of the House. On today’s panel, Karen Finney, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Ashley Allis...

Oct 23, 202240 min

Interviews with: Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Sen. Chris Murphy, Ambassador Bill Richardson

First, Jake presses Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin on whether he supports the Federal Reserve potentially raising interest rates to get inflation under control and on his administration’s policy requiring that students’ bathrooms and sports teams are based on their sex assigned at birth and not their gender identity. Then, after President Biden delivered a warning about potential nuclear “Armageddon” with Russia, Senator Chris Murphy joins to discuss whether Biden was right to raise the issue ...

Oct 09, 202248 min

Interviews with: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Marco Rubio

Today’s show focuses on Hurricane Ian’s frightening devastation in Florida. With homes destroyed, lives lost, electricity not fully restored, and rescue efforts still underway, Dana speaks with FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell and Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio about recovery efforts after one of Florida’s largest storms on record. Dana also questions Sen. Scott about former President Trump’s “death wish” comments about Mitch McConnell on social media. She also asks Sen. Rubio abo...

Oct 02, 202246 min

Interviews with: UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, Rep. Adam Schiff, Former Tennessee Governors Phil Bredesen (D) and Bill Haslam (R)

First, United Kingdom Prime Minister Liz Truss sits down with Jake Tapper for her exclusive first US interview. Jake asks the new British leader about her view of the state of the “special relationship” between the UK and US, as well as how the West should respond to any escalation by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. Jake also presses Truss on her controversial new tax plan and tensions with Europe and the Biden administration over her approach to Northern Ireland. Then, Rep. Adam Sc...

Sep 25, 202244 min

Interviews with: New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Republican Senator Mike Rounds, US Ambassador to the United Nations  Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

First, Jake goes one-on-one with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. He says his city is “nearing its breaking point” and accuses Republican governors of creating a “humanitarian crisis” by sending thousands of migrants to New York from the southern border.Next, Jake presses Republican Senator Mike Rounds over Republican governors’ treatment of migrants. They also discuss whether Senator Rounds supports Senator Graham’s proposed national 15-week abortion ban bill that has split the GOP. After, Jake ...

Sep 18, 202245 min

Remembering Queen Elizabeth, 9/11

In this second of a two-part, four-hour State Of The Union, we look back at the Queen's enduring legacy as well as the attacks of September 11, 2001. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 11, 20221 hr 30 min

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, 9/11

In this first of a two-part, four-hour State Of The Union, we look back at the Queen's enduring legacy as well as the attacks of September 11, 2001. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 11, 20221 hr 43 min

Interviews with: Deanne Criswell, Tiffany Smiley, Sen. Patty Murray

As campaign season ramps up, today’s show zeroes in on how top issues like the economy, education, and abortion are resonating in key midterm races. But first, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins Dana to discuss efforts to restore clean drinking water to the residents of Jackson, Mississippi. Then, Dana highlights the Washington state Senate race for an in-depth look at the upcoming midterm elections. She presses both candidates, Republican Tiffany Smiley and incumbent Democratic Senator Pa...

Sep 04, 202245 min

Interviews with: Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Tim Ryan, Gov. Chris Sununu

Our main focus this week is on President Biden's controversial decision to forgive student loan debt for millions of borrowers. First, Dana Bash asks Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren whether Biden's plan is fair for those Americans who have already worked to pay off their debt. Next, Dana goes one-on-one with Ohio Democratic Senate candidate Rep. Tim Ryan, who says his party needs a renewed "laser-like focus on the economic well-being of the average person." Then, Republican Gov. Chris Sununu sl...

Aug 28, 202240 min

Interviews with: Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Dan Crenshaw

First, as Western states are experiencing a historic drought, CNN's Jake Tapper asks Arizona Senator Mark Kelly what recent federal restrictions to Arizona's supply of water from the Colorado River will mean for the state. Then, Rep. Adam Schiff discusses what could be learned if a federal judge decides to release a redacted version of the FBI affidavit to search former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago home. And, Jake asks Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw about the FBI's seizure of classified documents from ...

Aug 21, 202245 min

Interviews with: House Intelligence Committee Member Rep. Mike Turner, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson.

First up, Brianna goes one-on-one with the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Mike Turner. They discuss the stunning discovery of highly-classified material at former President Trump's home during an FBI search and Republicans' call for Attorney General Garland to justify the investigation. Brianna also presses Rep. Turner on if national security secrets were at risk and whether President Trump broke the law.Next, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm joins Brianna to d...

Aug 14, 202243 min
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