

CNN Political Briefing
CNN
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 4, 2023 • 11min
Trump Balances Campaign Trail with New Charges
Former President Donald Trump is complaining about the time and cost of his legal issues, a day after pleading not guilty to charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Republicans are reacting to Trump’s arraignment this week. Plus, a new poll provides some insight on how Americans view the latest charges against the former president.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 3, 2023 • 12min
Trump Pleads Not Guilty in 2020 Election Case
Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to four federal charges related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election today. He was arrested in the same courthouse that has hosted court proceedings for more than 1,000 Capitol rioters who have been charged for breaching the Capitol. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the charges against Trump, and how other Republicans are reacting to the arraignment. The judge scheduled the next hearing in the case for August 28th. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 2, 2023 • 11min
Trump Indicted on Efforts to Overturn 2020 Election
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow, after being indicted by a grand jury in the special counsel’s investigation into attempts to overturn the 2020 election. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the charges against Trump, and how his legal team is expected to respond. Plus, today former Vice President Mike Pence defended his actions on January 6th after the indictment revealed new details about Trump’s alleged efforts to convince him to reject the election results.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 1, 2023 • 11min
DeSantis Attempts Course Correction
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is trailing behind Donald Trump in the polls. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down DeSantis’ latest strategy for dealing with Trump and other obstacles his campaign is facing. On the campaign trail this week, DeSantis unveiled his economic plan for the country and doubled down on Florida's new controversial education standards.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 31, 2023 • 11min
Trump’s Legal Troubles Pricey for Campaign
Special Counsel Jack Smith has expanded his classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down new developments in the case, as well as where the investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia stands. Plus, new reporting indicates that all of this legal trouble has been pretty pricey for the Trump campaign, but doesn’t seem to be hurting his poll numbers.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 28, 2023 • 12min
Trump Faces New Charges as GA Probe Heats Up
Former President Donald Trump is in Iowa today with other Republican presidential hopefuls, as he faces new charges in special counsel Jack Smith’s classified documents probe. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the superseding indictment, and why his legal troubles don’t stop there. CNN Political Correspondent Sara Murray joins us to discuss what the Fulton County District Attorney could be focused on in her probe into Trump and his allies’ post-election conduct. For more of her reporting, tune in to her episode of “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper” airing this Sunday, July 30 at 8pm eastern on CNN.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 27, 2023 • 11min
Trump Team Meeting as Third Indictment Looms
Donald Trump’s legal team met with special counsel Jack Smith today, as the possibility of a third indictment against the former president looms. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down two key meetings that took place today in the special counsel’s election interference probe. Plus, some Republicans weigh in on what a possible third indictment against Trump would mean for him politically.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 26, 2023 • 9min
Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal & GOP Impeachment Talk
Hunter Biden’s plea deal is on hold after a dramatic court hearing today, while House Republicans ramp up impeachment talk against President Joe Biden. CNN Capitol Hill Reporter Melanie Zanona explains the judge’s reasoning for questioning the plea deal, and how some Republicans feel this gives the probes into Biden and his family some legs. Meanwhile, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is warming up to the idea of launching an impeachment inquiry into the president, but Republicans have failed to provide evidence linked him to any alleged wrongdoing.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 25, 2023 • 11min
Biden Honors Black History Amid Education Debate
President Joe Biden is drawing a contrast with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over race and education. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the new national monument Biden created today, as Florida is the latest state to issue new guidelines that restrict how race and Black history are taught. DeSantis stands by the state’s initiative, while some in his party criticize the move.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 24, 2023 • 11min
Texas Defies DOJ Over Border Buoys
The Justice Department is suing Texas to force the state to remove floating barriers in the Rio Grande meant to deter migrants, after Governor Greg Abbott said today he wouldn't. CNN White House Reporter Priscilla Alvarez explains the legal arguments being made by both sides. Plus, the Biden administration believes its new immigration policies are effective in the wake of Title 42 ending.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices