CNN Political Briefing

With a government shutdown now reality, the blame game between Republicans and Democrats is at a fever pitch.  Congressman Mike Lawler is from a battleground district and one of three Republicans in the House who represent a district won by Kamala Harris last year.  He tells David Chalian why he thinks Democrats have just committed a critical error in their shutdown calculus. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig

Oct 3, 2025

21 mins The Democrats’ Plan to Win the Shutdown CNN Political Briefing

With Washington bracing for a government shutdown, Democrats and Republicans are already trying to pin the blame on each other. As Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA) is laser-focused on re-capturing the House in 2026. She tells David Chalian how Democrats can put themselves on a path to winning the majority.  Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig

Sep 26, 2025

19 mins New Jersey Could Have the Sleeper Race of 2025 CNN Political Briefing

The 2025 campaign season is heating up, and the race for New Jersey governor could be the sleeper contest of the year. Democratic candidate Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill will face Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman, in their first debate on Sunday. While Sherrill currently leads in polling, Ciattarelli hopes to stage another come-from-behind surprise with President Trump’s backing. New Jersey Globe editor-in-chief David Wildstein gives David Chalian an insider’s perspective on the race. Producer: Paola Ortiz Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig

Sep 19, 2025

16 mins Bringing Politics Back From the Brink CNN Political Briefing

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shocked American politics. Michigan Senate Majority Whip Mallory McMorrow is now running for U.S. Senate, and she joins us to explore her path forward in a competitive swing state and address the urgent question of how America can break the its pattern of political violence. Producer: Sofía Sánchez Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig

Sep 12, 2025

19 mins Illinois Gov to Trump: Don’t Send Troops to Chicago CNN Political Briefing

After federal forces rolled through Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Ilinois officials are taking President Trump’s threats to Chicago very seriously, none more so than Governor J.B. Pritzker. Eric Bradner is National Political Reporter for CNN and he’s here to discuss the political calculations behind Governor Pritzker’s recent moves countering the president. Producer: Kyra Dahring Senior Producers: Faiz Jamil, Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig

Sep 5, 2025

19 mins How Democrats Plan to Counter Trump CNN Political Briefing

President Trump has spent much of August exerting his power and sparking challenges to its limits. He has upended the traditional independence of the Federal Reserve, launched investigations and searches on his political opponents, and threatened to expand his command of policing America’s cities beyond the nation’s capital. How should Democrats respond to this shifting political landscape in America? CNN Chief Political Analyst David Axelrod takes us inside the party’s internal debates to produce an answer to that critical question. Producer: Kyra Dahring Senior Producers: Faiz Jamil, Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig

Aug 29, 2025

25 mins Who Will Win the Gerrymandering War? CNN Political Briefing

David Daley, author of Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn’t Count, breaks down the gerrymandering arms race sparked by the redistricting push in Texas—how we got here, what comes next and whether there’s a way to cool this war down. This episode was Produced by Emily Williams. Senior Producer: Faiz JamilTechnical Director: Dan Dzula   Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig

Aug 22, 2025

20 mins What Trump and Putin Want Out of Their Summit CNN Political Briefing

Former national intelligence officer and Russia expert Angela Stent breaks down what President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin want out of their summit—and why it’s about more than Ukraine. Plus, she shares why she’s unsure whether Trump will be able to parse Putin’s true intentions after the meeting.  This episode was Produced by Emily Williams. Senior Producer: Faiz JamilTechnical Director: Dan Dzula   Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig

Aug 15, 2025

20 mins What the Texas House Dems Are Fighting For CNN Political Briefing

Texas state Rep. James Talarico, along with dozens of his Democratic colleagues, captured the nation’s attention this week when they fled their state to try to block a Republican gerrymandering effort. He shares why they walked out, what he thinks it can accomplish and how his faith informs his approach to politics.

Aug 8, 2025

25 mins Dan Balz on Lessons from 47 Years at the Washington Post CNN Political Briefing

Dan Balz is something of a legend in Washington media. He retired this week from full-time reporting after 47 years at the Washington Post. He shares his insights on the first six months of this second Trump administration and gives some of his best advice for political reporters in an increasingly competitive, rapid-fire industry.

Aug 1, 2025

23 mins