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CNN Political Briefing

Politics

podcast

CNN Political Briefing

Join CNN Political Director David Chalian as he guides you through our ever-changing political landscape. Every week, David and a guest take you inside the latest developments with insight and analysis from the key players in politics.

‘Resist and Reform’: Former Harvard President on Trump’s Attacks CNN Political Briefing

The ongoing feud between President Trump and Harvard University is heating up as the White House attempts to ban the university from enrolling international students. Harvard President Emeritus Larry Summers shares his insights on the clash and explains why the White House’s actions could hinder efforts to reform Harvard’s flaws.

May 30, 2025

How the House GOP Passed Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ CNN Political Briefing

The House GOP delivered President Trump a major win this week by passing his so-called “big, beautiful bill.” CNN congressional correspondent Lauren Fox breaks down what happened behind the scenes in the hours before it was passed, how Speaker Mike Johnson swayed the holdouts and the biggest questions surrounding the bill as it makes its way to the Senate.

May 23, 2025

Trump’s Rapid-fire Diplomacy in the Middle East CNN Political Briefing

President Trump completed a whirlwind tour of the Middle East this week, making deals—and multiple headlines—along the way. Axios reporter, Middle East expert and CNN political and global affairs analyst Barak Ravid breaks down the major moments from the week, from a historic handshake between Trump and the Syrian president to Qatar’s unusual gift of a luxury jet. Have a question or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460.

May 16, 2025

The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Turns Ugly CNN Political Briefing

Getting President Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill” past the finish line could be an ugly process for Congressional Republicans. CNN Anchor and Chief Congressional Correspondent Manu Raju breaks down what’s going into this sweeping bill and explains why some GOP members can’t seem to agree on key parts of the legislation.

May 9, 2025

Conspiracy Theories Are Everywhere. What Can We Do? CNN Political Briefing

Conspiracy theories are not new. They’re as old as time itself. But if you feel like they’re everywhere right now, you’re not alone. So, what do you do when somebody you love has fallen down a rabbit hole? CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan has been covering the world of misinformation for more than a decade, but now he’s less interested in what people believe than why they believe it. So, he’s trying to find out. Listen to Persuadable here.

May 6, 2025

How to Win Voters Who Don’t Trust Politics CNN Political Briefing

How can politicians reach Americans who have tuned out politics? That’s something Rob Flaherty, a former deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential run, argues Republicans have been doing successfully while Democrats have failed. He explains why he thinks Dems became the “party of the system” and why that’s kept them from reaching voters who believe the system is broken.

May 2, 2025

The ‘Fun Part is Over’ for Trump’s Second Term CNN Political Briefing

Next week marks 100 days since President Trump was sworn in for his second term. CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins and Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny share their behind-the-scenes insights from the last few months and explain why attitudes at the White House have recently shifted. Have a question or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460.

Apr 25, 2025

Are We Headed for a Constitutional Crisis? CNN Political Briefing

Judicial showdowns over a pair of major deportation-related cases have ratcheted up tensions between Trump and the courts this week. University of Michigan law professor, author and podcast host Leah Litman weighs in on whether these and other clashes between Trump and the judiciary have pushed the country into a constitutional crisis. Have a question or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460.

Apr 18, 2025

Have Tariffs Ever Worked? CNN Political Briefing

President Trump’s 90-day pause on most new tariffs triggered a market rally, but economic uncertainty persists as existing tariffs are still in place and a trade war with China intensifies. Trade economist and historian Doug Irwin knows how tariffs have affected Americans and American companies in the past. So, what can that tell us about what could happen to the US economy next? Have a question or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460.

Apr 11, 2025

What Made These Special Elections…Special CNN Political Briefing

Democrats celebrated a victory in a Wisconsin state supreme court race while Republicans secured two wins in special elections in Florida this week. The races were a window into how voters are feeling a few months into Trump’s second term. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler explains why his state saw a surge in voter turnout, while Florida Republican Party Chair Ben Power shares his take on GOP margins shrinking since November. Have a question or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460.

Apr 4, 2025