CNN Political Briefing

Former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe is a major democratic fundraiser and a top cheerleader for President Joe Biden's reelection campaign. He says support will coalesce around Biden once Trump is officially the nominee. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about selling voters on Biden and what it's like inside the Democratic party right now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been a huge week for immigration politics with the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Tom Suozzi's special election win, and the failure of a big border bill. What does it all mean, both for voters and for the presidential candidates? CNN White House reporter Priscilla Alvarez and CNN Political Director David Chalian untangle the meaning and impact of recent events on today's episode of the podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Supreme Court heard a landmark case about whether former president and current Republican front-runner Donald Trump should be allowed on the ballot this year. The state of Colorado argued that his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection makes him ineligible, but Trump's lawyers attempted to convince the court that one state cannot disqualify a presidential candidate under the 14th amendment to the Constitution. CNN Senior Supreme Court analyst Joan Biskupic untangles this complicated legal issue with CNN Political Director David Chalian.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's hard to know who to trust in politics these days. Can we even trust ourselves? Artificial intelligence has already made its presence felt in this year's election, from AI-generated ads to fake Biden robocalls, and it can be very hard to tell what's real. Nicole Gill founded Accountable Tech four years ago to monitor AI's increasing impact on politics. She talks to CNN Political Director David Chalian about the biggest threats it presents, and how lawmakers are responding in real time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden has been the likely Democratic presidential nominee since he announced his decision to run for reelection. So why are Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and spiritual leader Marianne Williamson running against him? Has a challenger ever beaten an incumbent? Writer and political scientist Walter Shapiro joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about historical similarities, and how quickly this election became a Trump vs. Biden rematch.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley is hoping for a big momentum boost in New Hampshire after placing third in Iowa. Former President Donald Trump is turning up the intensity of his attacks on Haley in hopes of countering the momentum she seeks. Can Haley slow Trump's roll to the nomination? Post and Courier senior politics reporter Caitlin Byrd talks to CNN Political Director David Chalian about how Haley's background influenced the candidate she is today, and what might be next for her campaign.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it take to organize the Iowa caucuses? Could former president Donald Trump achieve a record-breaking win? Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann has been doing this for over a decade and knows to prepare for every possibility. He talks to CNN Political Director David Chalian about training thousands of volunteers for Monday's big event and how there can be “no questioning of these results.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If election workers find their system has been hacked, what happens next? What does it mean to cure a ballot? And how will a crop of newcomers to the administration of elections handle this contentious election season? Jessica Huseman is editorial director of Votebeat and she's here to discuss the efforts underway to protect the 2024 election and some of the new tools that will help this cycle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What will it take to win the youth vote in 2024? John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, recently led a survey of voters between the ages of 18 and 29. He discovered that fewer of them are planning on voting this time than in the last election cycle. CNN Political Director David Chalian talks to him about other surprising finds, and how this year's candidates might persuade young people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie isn't sure if he'd be running for president if it weren't for Donald Trump's attempt to win back the White House. He says he is the only candidate who can beat Trump because he is the only candidate trying to do so. Christie joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to analyze the 2024 state of play and lay out his strategy for victory. Is there a guest you really want to hear from? Give us a call at (301) 842-8338 or send us an email at cnnpoliticalbriefing@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent New York Times focus group of 12 Democrats found voters were split on what the party stands for, and who their next leader should be. What is the value of this kind of data? And what do these results tell us about President Biden's efforts to unify his party behind his reelection campaign? CNN Political Director David Chalian asks Margie Omero, a veteran pollster who moderated the focus group, for her take. Plus, she pulls back the curtain behind how focus groups work.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CNN Political Briefing is off for Thanksgiving this week, so we are sharing an episode of The Assignment with Audie Cornish. In this episode, David Chalian and Audie Cornish talk about covering this tumultuous political moment, the role of the media as truth tellers, and David's surprising college major. We'll be back next week with a new episode. In the meantime, you can find The Assignment wherever you get your podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The date of the New Hampshire primary has been set for January 23, 2024. Former President Donald Trump is still leading by a wide margin among likely Republican primary voters in the Granite State and Nikki Haley has risen into second place. In the Democratic contest, President Biden is not on the ballot, but his allies are mounting a write-in campaign to avoid embarrassment at the polls. CNN Political Director David Chalian talks with former New Hampshire attorney general Republican Tom Rath about how seriously his state takes its role in the primary process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a big week in US politics as voters in some states took to the polls. What do the results mean for Democrats and Republicans? Meanwhile in Miami, five Republican presidential candidates took to the debate stage while the frontrunner held a rally nearby. Do any of them have a shot at beating former president Donald Trump? Washington Post Chief Correspondent Dan Balz joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about the week's big events, plus some renewed Democratic concerns about President Joe Biden seeking a second term. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voters are supposed to pick their politicians, but thanks to redistricting, some politicians are picking their voters. There are currently almost a dozen states embroiled in legislative fights over what can be a powerful political tool. With up to 18 seats in contention, the results could affect which party controls the House of Representatives next year. Nick Seabrook, author and professor of political science and public administration at the University of North Florida, talks to CNN Political Director David Chalian about who might benefit from which outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The number of third-party candidates in the 2024 presidential election is growing. And while independent candidates traditionally haven't gained enough votes to win, this year, strategists say they could have significant impact, including siphoning votes in an already tight race. CNN's Political Director David Chalian talks with Matt Bennett, the executive vice president for public affairs at Third Way, and a vocal opponent of third-party efforts in the 2024 race. Bennet explains why he's been so outspoken against a nonprofit group called No Labels, which is actively seeking ballot access to potentially run a bipartisan and centrist ticket opposed to both Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

After ousting their own majority leader, Republicans in the House of Representatives have been unable to elect a new speaker. This week it was Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan's turn to try unsuccessfully to rally his party behind him. Meanwhile on the other side of the aisle, Democrats are waiting to see if they'll be approached for a bipartisan deal. House Democratic campaign chief Congresswoman Suzan DelBene tells CNN Political Director David Chalian that her party plans to make the current House chaos a part of its campaign to win back the majority next year.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

We're less than 100 days away from one of the first big voting events of the 2024 election: the Iowa caucuses. Election season is in full swing in a state that's once again set up to be a focal point in the next presidential race. CNN Political Director David Chalian takes us inside what's happening on the ground in the Hawkeye state with O. Kay Henderson, News Director of Radio Iowa. Henderson explains why seasoned experts and operatives say, this year, the stakes for the caucuses are even higher than normal. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The outcome of a race is ultimately up to voters to decide. And while polls aren't always perfect, they can be helpful to gauge support for a candidate and inform decisions for a campaign. CNN Political Director David Chalian sits down with prominent Republican pollster Neil Newhouse to discuss the state of the GOP presidential primary, what it's like to be a lead pollster for a presidential campaign, and how he's adjusted for challenges the polling industry is facing.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

There were fewer Republican presidential candidates on the debate stage this week. The front runner, former President Donald Trump, was noticeably absent, while Governor Asa Hutchinson failed to qualify. CNN Political Director David Chalian asks Hutchinson how he plans to regain ground in the race, what made him run for president, and how his former losses inform his current campaign. Plus, Hutchinson shares what life is like on the campaign trail and when he first met former President (and fellow Arkansan) Bill Clinton.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Starting this week our show will be moving from daily to weekly, with new episodes dropping every Friday. As we gear up for yet another pivotal election cycle, we want to take you beyond the daily headlines to bring you insight, analysis, and expertise from the key players in politics. Join CNN Political Director David Chalian each week as he guides you through our ever-changing political landscape. From conversations with campaign managers, to pollsters, to party leaders, and political reporters on the ground in the key states – we'll be pulling back the curtain and taking you inside the political arena, as you hear from the people actually living it.  And we want to hear from you! Is there a question about this election cycle that you want answered? Is there a guest you'd want to hear from? Give us a call at 301-842-8338 or send us an email at cnnpoliticalbriefing@gmail.com and you might just be featured in a future episode of the podcast. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The House and Senate are out until next Tuesday, as the likelihood of a government shutdown grows by the day. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down where each chamber stands on a bill that would fund the government before it runs out of money on September 30th. Plus, quick reminder: starting next Friday, September 29, our show will be moving from daily to weekly. Join David every Friday as he takes you inside the latest election developments from the people actually living it, from campaign managers to pollsters to local political reporters. Thanks for listening!To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Former President Donald Trump still has a strong lead in the Republican presidential primary contest, but a new CNN poll shows the race for second place in New Hampshire is tight. CNN Political Director David Chalian checks in on how candidates are faring in early states, and how some view the frontrunner's first term and his comments on abortion.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

House Republicans put Attorney General Merrick Garland in the hot seat for how the Justice Department has handled probes into Hunter Biden and former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Garland responded to Republicans' repeated accusations of political bias. Plus, some lawmakers are working on a potential plan B to fund the government and avoid a shutdown before the end of next week.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Joe Biden previewed his reelection stump speech while in New York this week, while former President Donald Trump is straddling the primary and the general. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Biden is approaching key challenges in a new way, and what Trump's plan to skip the next GOP debate says about his 2024 calculus. Plus, evangelical voters in Iowa have mixed feelings towards Trump that could complicate his path to the nomination.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Despite many conservatives speaking out against it, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is not ready to give up on a GOP deal that would fund the government before it runs out of money by the end of the month. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the tricky situation McCarthy is in. Even if this short-term spending bill did pass through the House, it doesn't include key aspects the White House and Senate want.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

This week has been a tricky one for President Joe Biden. He's dealing with a labor crisis, his son's legal issues, an impeachment inquiry, and the threat of a potential government shutdown. CNN Congressional Correspondent Jessica Dean breaks down each challenge, including one issue voters have with him that he can't fix.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Criminal charges, an impeachment inquiry, competing visions for America's future – today's political headlines give us a taste of what a rematch between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump could look like. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down charges against the President's son, the latest on the impeachment inquiry into Biden, and where the former president's legal troubles stand. Both 2024 candidates believe their economic policies are best for the country, despite how different they are.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The White House goes on offense after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy launched an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the administration's response so far, and how McCarthy's justifying the inquiry without a floor vote. Some Republican leaders thought the inquiry would appease House conservatives enough to pass a spending bill, but that doesn't appear to be the case.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he's directing House committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden without uncovering any direct evidence yet of wrongdoing. CNN Political Director breaks down what this move means, how McCarthy arrived here, and why he's under political pressure to do so. This is happening as lawmakers are trying to pass a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown by the end of the month.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Joe Biden marked 22 years since the September 11th terror attacks with remarks at a military base in Alaska after his multi-day trip across Asia. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how US leaders are paying their respects, and how President Biden's trip to India and Vietnam went. Biden's team believes these types of foreign trips show the president has the stamina for a second term in the face of poor poll numbers.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

We now have the Georgia special grand jury's report on its investigation into former President Donald Trump and his allies' efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The report helped inform District Attorney Fani Willis' charging decisions. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the main takeaways from the report, such as key people Willis decided not to charge.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

A new CNN poll shows persistent problems for President Joe Biden and his reelection bid. CNN Congressional Correspondent Jessica Dean breaks down how Biden's numbers are down essentially across the board, and how his son's legal issues are complicating things. We'll also tell you what polling suggests a Biden-Trump rematch would look like.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Today, cameras captured the first hearing inside a Georgia courtroom for the state's election subversion case against former President Donald Trump and 18 other defendants. CNN Congressional Correspondent Jessica Dean breaks down highlights from the hearing, and how long prosecutors think the trial will last. Judges are expected to rule on key questions raised by some co-defendants soon, which could impact the trajectory of the case.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

A new CNN/SSRS poll shows former President Donald Trump is in a league of his own for the Republican presidential nomination, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis falling even farther behind him. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Republicans view Trump's candidacy and legal troubles. Several of Trump's competitors who are seeking to gain traction in this race hit the campaign trail in New Hampshire this Labor Day week as the contest becomes more engaged.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty in his latest legal case out of Georgia. Meanwhile, Trump is trying to distance himself legally and financially from his 18 co-defendants, some of whom are turning to crowdfunding to pay steep legal bills. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the latest out of Georgia, and what Trump's fellow Republicans are saying.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The attending physician at the US Capitol said McConnell is “medically clear,” after apparently freezing yesterday in Kentucky. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why this incident may be reinforcing what Americans are already thinking about when it comes to powerful leaders in Washington. President Joe Biden faces similar questions about his age from voters that prompts the White House to push back on the notion he can't serve a second term.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden have put their political differences and 2024 rivalry aside to address the impact of Hurricane Idalia. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the state and federal responses so far, and explains the twofold mission leaders have in moments like this. Biden also addressed the continued federal response to the Maui wildfires today, after being criticized for it.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Today, the Biden administration announced the 10 drugs that Medicare will be able to negotiate prices for – a key provision in the Inflation Reduction Act President Joe Biden signed into law last year. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what this process will look like, and why you'll hear a lot about it on the campaign trail. Plus, a new poll out shows what vulnerabilities both Biden and Donald Trump have.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

There were two key hearings today in Washington DC and Atlanta that'll chart the next phase of the federal and state criminal cases against former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how Trump's political and legal calendar is getting more complicated. A federal judge set a trial date for the federal 2020 election subversion case, while Trump's former chief of staff took the stand today in a hearing related to the Georgia case.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

All of the 19 defendants have surrendered to the Fulton County jail in Georgia after being booked and charged in the state's 2020 election subversion case, including former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how Trump's 20 minute booking process will go down in history. Plus, a new poll of GOP debate watchers shows which candidates made impressions on them with their performances.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Former President Donald Trump is turning himself in at the Fulton County jail in Georgia today after being criminally charged in the state's 2020 election subversion case. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down what to expect, and how he's reacting to all the charges he faces in four cases. Plus, CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down key highlights from the first Republican presidential primary debate that Trump skipped out on.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy