Explore every episode of the podcast CNN Political Briefing

The 2024 presidential race has reached a key turning point. Labor Day has passed, Election Day is just over eight weeks away, and the presidential nominees are set to face off on the debate stage in just a few days. New battleground state polls by CNN this week showed a very tight race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Stuart Stevens is a former Republican consultant who worked on George W. Bush and Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns. He’s now an author and an advisor to the Lincoln Project — a group opposed to Donald Trump’s candidacy. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to discuss the state of the race. They talk potential strategies for next week’s debate, the sprint to Election Day and why Stevens thinks this race won’t be as close as many people predict.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote in the 2024 election, and both Democrats and Republicans are competing fiercely to win their votes. Earlier this summer, polls showed former President Donald Trump could build significantly on gains he made with Latino voters in 2020. But, with Vice President Kamala Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket, those numbers could be shifting. Mark Hugo Lopez is the director of race and ethnicity research at Pew Research Center. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to take a closer look at this critical voting bloc and how the political views of Latino voters have changed in recent years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden has announced an amnesty program for some undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens. It’s one of the biggest protections for undocumented immigrants since President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. This comes after the President aimed to limit protections for asylum-seekers who cross the border illegally, earlier in June. CNN senior White House reporter Kevin Liptak joins David Chalian to explain the President’s policy whiplash, break down the new amnesty program, and discuss the response from Republicans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, President Joe Biden attends a high stakes NATO summit in Lithuania. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains NATO’s efforts to help Ukraine join the alliance, but the White House says it won’t happen until after the war is over. Plus, Turkey has agreed to back Sweden’s bid to join NATO in a major win for the alliance. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House Freedom Caucus is still finding its way in a McCarthy-led House in a post-Trump Washington. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how the group of conservative Republicans struggles at times to stay on the same page when it comes to policy, strategy, and presidential endorsements. The caucus even voted to oust one of its members with high name recognition: Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New CNN reporting indicates special counsel Jack Smith may be close to deciding charges in another probe involving former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what prosecutors are focusing on as they investigate Trump and his allies’ efforts to overturn the 2020 election. This, as Trump campaigned in Iowa today and attacked his top GOP rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The holiday week has been stacked with 2024 candidate events, new political ads, and fresh fundraising numbers. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the drama over loyalty pledges, which require GOP candidates to support the eventual nominee if they want to be on the ballot in Florida or participate in the RNC’s first primary debate. Plus, will former President Donald Trump even show up to the debate? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some Republicans running for the presidential nomination hit the campaign trail hard over the holiday, except for the frontrunner. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former Vice President Mike Pence spent the last few days, and what that says about the primary race so far. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the final day of its term, the Supreme Court issued two, monumental 6-3 decisions that strikes down student debt relief and limits LGBTQ protections. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down each opinion, and what President Joe Biden plans to do in response. Republicans are celebrating the rulings today, as the high court leans even more to the right. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a landmark 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that race can no longer be a consideration for colleges and universities, upending decades of precedent that benefitted Black and Latino students. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the nuances of the majority opinion, the fiery dissent, and what the Biden administration plans to do next. Plus, will this ruling have the same impact on the 2024 race as the Dobbs decision did last time around? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House is embracing the term ‘Bidenomics’ to try to rebrand President Joe Biden’s economic record and policy vision under one term. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down Biden’s big speech in Chicago — and the latest poll numbers and political headwinds on the economy — as the president seeks a second term. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN was the first to obtain a 2021 audio recording where former President Donald Trump seemed to admit he had a secret Pentagon document, and appeared to show it off to people in the room. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the legal and political implications for Trump, as he hits the 2024 campaign trail in New Hampshire. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden said today the US and its closest allies had nothing to do with a mercenary group’s insurrection attempt in Russia on Saturday. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains more on how the West, Russia, and Ukraine are responding to the Wagner Group’s rebellion in Russia. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, a federal jury found President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, guilty on three federal felony gun charges. Will this impact Biden’s 2024 campaign? And how does this case compare, if at all, to the Trump trials? CNN Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent Paula Reid joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to unpack this historic week few weeks of legal news.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how both Democrats and Republicans in the 2024 presidential race are marking the occasion. The Biden-Harris campaign believes abortion rights will be a motivating issue for voters, while some Republicans struggle to navigate. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the trade-offs the president had to make in order to strengthen ties with India in the face of growing US-China tension. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden prompted fierce backlash from Beijing when he referred to his Chinese counterpart as a “dictator.” CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why the comments caught some US officials off guard at a time when US-China relations are tense. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hunter Biden will plead guilty to two federal tax charges and struck a deal with prosecutors to resolve a gun charge. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why the ongoing investigation into Hunter Biden and the federal charges Donald Trump’s facing will be front and center for Republicans on Capitol Hill and in the 2024 race. Plus, a new CNN poll shows the former president’s support among Republicans appears to have softened a bit since he pleaded not guilty to 37 felony charges related to his handling of classified documents. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court has a few weeks left of yet another consequential term. CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny and CNN Senior Supreme Court Analyst Joan Biskupic break down the cases before the high court that could have far-reaching implications for Americans, from affirmative action to student debt relief. What do recent decisions say about where the conservative majority court is at? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are now 11 Republicans running for president, after Miami Mayor Francis Suarez made his bid official today. CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny explains the challenges candidates face ahead of the first primary debates, and why President Joe Biden is kicking his reelection campaign into a higher gear. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Expect to see former President Donald Trump try to spin what goes on in courtrooms on the 2024 campaign trail. CNN Chief National Affair Correspondent Jeff Zeleny explains what the Trump campaign playbook will likely be, after pleading not guilty to state and federal charges. Plus, we fact check many of the false and misleading claims Trump has made about the charges he faces in the classified documents case. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to the dozens of charges against him related to his handling of classified documents. CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny breaks down what happened in the courtroom and what to expect next in this case. Plus, the reactions from Republicans on Capitol Hill and on the 2024 campaign trail are mixed, as Trump becomes the first former president to face federal charges. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump is in Florida ahead of his court appearance tomorrow, where he faces 37 counts connected to his handling of classified documents. CNN’s Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny breaks down what’s next legally, and what impact this might have on the 2024 race. Some in Trump’s party have rushed to defend him, while others have criticized his conduct. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on several federal criminal charges in connection with his handling of classified documents. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes is reporting from New Jersey, where Trump and his team is huddling over the indictment. She breaks down the counts laid out against him and one of his aides, and what to expect next. Trump maintains his innocence, as the first former president to face federal charges. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump is now the first presumptive presidential nominee to run with a felony conviction. CNN historian Timothy Naftali joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to unpack this unprecedented moment and reflect on how history will remember Donald Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump and his team are bracing for potential indictments, after his legal team gets official notice that he’s a target in the federal investigation over classified documents. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down what she’s hearing from sources close to Trump, and new reporting related to the case. Plus, what does former Vice President Mike Pence think about possible indictments against his boss-turned-rival? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Vice President Mike Pence and two other Republicans enter the Republican presidential race. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down how Pence pitched himself to voters and drew a contrast with his former boss. Plus, former President Donald Trump’s campaign issues a new ad attacking all the probes surrounding him. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy isn’t getting behind calls from some in his own party to pass a supplemental aid package for Ukraine. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the latest on the ground in Ukraine, and why some Republicans want to pass more defense funding. Plus, Biden administration officials compare Ukraine’s fight for freedom to D-Day 79 years ago today. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Vice President Mike Pence is officially running for president as a Republican, as two more are expected to join the race this week. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what Pence’s entry does for the race, and the highlights from Nikki Haley’s town hall with CNN. Plus, a 2024 hopeful made clear today he won’t be running. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office for the first time today to tout some recent wins. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down some of Biden’s expected talking points, from the red hot jobs reports to the threat of defaulting off the table. Plus, can House Speaker Kevin McCarthy assuage concerns of conservative critics in his conference after the debt deal? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN exclusive reporting reveals the special counsel investigating former President Donald Trump has a recording where Trump appears to acknowledge he held on to a classified document. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why this tape contradicts Trump’s longstanding defense. This comes as Trump hits the campaign trail in Iowa, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis takes more swipes at him in New Hampshire. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis kicks off his presidential campaign in Iowa, former President Donald Trump is making the rounds in the key primary state too. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how DeSantis has taken on Trump on the campaign trail. This comes as the GOP field of candidates continues to grow, with former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum expected to make formal announcements next week. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached a deal to raise the debt limit and cut spending, but there’s more work to be done to avoid a default. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how both leaders are trying to get their parties on board. Some Republicans and Democrats have expressed they’re not happy with the bill for different reasons. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After launching his presidential campaign, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is sharing some of his ideas for the presidency.  CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down DeSantis’ views on the executive branch and potential pardons for January 6th rioters. Plus, the governor’s attacks against former President Donald Trump have turned pointed since his announcement.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As lawmakers head home for the holiday weekend, negotiators have yet to produce a deal on raising the debt ceiling. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains where negotiations stand between the White House and House Republicans. With one week to go before the Treasury Department’s deadline, many lawmakers are worried they’ll get the short end of the stick. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Manhattan jury reached a historic verdict today, finding former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 counts felony charges of his hush money case. The unprecedented verdict makes Trump the first former president in US history to be convicted of a felony. CNN legal analyst Norm Eisen was in the courtroom as the verdict was read. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to share what he saw, and where we go from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially filed the paperwork to run for president, ahead of an expected announcement on Twitter. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the response from DeSantis’ competition, including from former President Donald Trump. Plus, a new CNN poll provides some insight on how Republican voters view their primary options. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress is running out of time to raise the debt ceiling before the Treasury Department’s June 1st deadline. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains where negotiations stand between the White House and House Republicans. Plus, a new CNN poll shows how Americans feel about the issue. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has officially entered the 2024 Republican presidential race. CNN Political Director David Chalian dives into Scott’s political history and early campaign strategy. Will Scott’s optimistic messaging resonate with GOP primary voters who have been more aligned with the grievance politics of frontrunner and former president Donald Trump in recent years? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The clock is ticking on Congress to raise the debt ceiling. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the stakes of a government default and where negotiations stand. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy wanted an agreement by the weekend, but negotiators paused talks for the day... and it’s not clear when they’ll pick back up. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump has company. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how the 2024 Republican presidential race is finally heating up. After months of anticipation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to launch a presidential bid next week. Plus, former Vice President Mike Pence and other potential candidates seem to be on the cusp of entering the race. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

North Carolina and South Carolina are the latest states to move to restrict abortion access in a post-Roe reality. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down each bill and how Republicans in the 2024 presidential conversation are tackling abortion. Former President Donald Trump is sparring with two of his likely primary competitors over specifics of a federal abortion ban they’d support if elected. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other congressional leaders to discuss raising the debt ceiling again. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what came out of that meeting and the current sticking points in negotiations. McCarthy said it’s possible to get a deal by the end of the week, while Biden cancelled the second part of his international trip this week. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since Title 42 expired, the US is seeing fewer migrant encounters at the southern border than officials expected at this point. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why the Biden administration is still on high alert and how some communities are still bracing for an influx. Plus, Republicans and Democrats have yet to agree on any legislative compromise to address problems at the border. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Title 42 has expired, and the Biden administration stresses the circumstances at the southern border will get worse before they get better. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the border policy that’s replacing Title 42, and the legal and political challenges the administration faces. House Republicans have passed a border security bill, while the White House is accusing them of playing politics.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump made clear last night that his third run for the White House is going to look like his previous bids. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down key moments and issues discussed at CNN’s town hall, including his answers on the economy, abortion, and the war in Ukraine. Plus, a few Republicans didn't approve of Trump's performance. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inflation is at the top of the list of Americans’ election concerns, but how is the economy actually doing? It depends on who you ask - Republicans are hammering President Joe Biden over inflation rates, while Democrats point to low jobless rates and strong wage growth. CNN economics reporter Elisabeth Buchwald joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to explain Americans’ views of the economy versus reality, and how all of this will impact both Biden and former President Trump’s election efforts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump will join CNN for a highly anticipated town hall tonight. CNN National Correspondent Kristen Holmes is in New Hampshire for the event. She’ll break down what to expect tonight, as well as some key context. On Tuesday, A New York jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, which Trump denies.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Treasury Department says the government could default on its debt as soon as June 1st if Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling. CNN Capitol Hill reporter Melanie Zanona explains the high stakes meeting happening between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders. Both sides haven’t indicated any interest in compromising, but a default would be disastrous for the economy. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The economy and immigration will be front and center for President Joe Biden this week. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how local, state and federal governments are preparing for the end of Title 42 on Thursday. Plus, Biden has a high stakes meeting with congressional leaders tomorrow on raising the debt ceiling. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices