CNN Political Briefing

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Podcast hosts discuss the intersection of theater and politics, exploring characters in politics and the need for open-minded reporting. They explore why people believe in election lies despite evidence and the challenges faced by truth-tellers in a world of disinformation. The chapter also highlights the impact of dating apps on modern life and the importance of attention in the political landscape.

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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast explores the growing number of third-party candidates in the upcoming presidential election and their potential impact. It discusses the actions of No Labels, a bipartisan organization seeking to create a third-party ticket and the concerns it raises for Joe Biden's chances. It also examines the desire for a third-party option and the potential threats to Biden in the 2024 election. The podcast explores the influence of No Labels and the potential impact of a third-party candidate on defeating 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN Political Director and News Director of Radio Iowa discuss the upcoming 2024 Iowa caucuses and why they are more significant this year. They explore Trump's advantage as an incumbent, the differences between Democratic and Republican caucus processes, and the challenge of appealing to Trump supporters while presenting new leadership. The important issues for Iowa Republicans on the campaign trail are also examined.

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices