CNN Political Briefing

Many Republican presidential candidates are in Iowa today for a summit thrown by an influential evangelical leader. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the significance of this event, which is happening on the same day the Republican governor signed a 6-week abortion ban into law. Plus, President Joe Biden’s latest fundraising numbers don't seem to be helping some Democrats’ anxiety over the slow start of his campaign thus far.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Defense Secretary Llyod Austin spoke today about Tuberville’s hold on military nominations over the department’s reproductive health policies. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the senator’s position – one President Joe Biden called “ridiculous.” Plus, House Republicans are addressing the same matter in a critical defense policy bill.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down key moments from the hearing, and what it may (or may not) accomplish. Republicans attacked the agency for playing politics on a number of issues, while Democrats labeled the hearing itself as political.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, President Joe Biden attends a high stakes NATO summit in Lithuania. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains NATO’s efforts to help Ukraine join the alliance, but the White House says it won’t happen until after the war is over. Plus, Turkey has agreed to back Sweden’s bid to join NATO in a major win for the alliance.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House Freedom Caucus is still finding its way in a McCarthy-led House in a post-Trump Washington. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how the group of conservative Republicans struggles at times to stay on the same page when it comes to policy, strategy, and presidential endorsements. The caucus even voted to oust one of its members with high name recognition: Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New CNN reporting indicates special counsel Jack Smith may be close to deciding charges in another probe involving former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what prosecutors are focusing on as they investigate Trump and his allies’ efforts to overturn the 2020 election. This, as Trump campaigned in Iowa today and attacked his top GOP rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The holiday week has been stacked with 2024 candidate events, new political ads, and fresh fundraising numbers. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the drama over loyalty pledges, which require GOP candidates to support the eventual nominee if they want to be on the ballot in Florida or participate in the RNC’s first primary debate. Plus, will former President Donald Trump even show up to the debate?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some Republicans running for the presidential nomination hit the campaign trail hard over the holiday, except for the frontrunner. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former Vice President Mike Pence spent the last few days, and what that says about the primary race so far.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the final day of its term, the Supreme Court issued two, monumental 6-3 decisions that strikes down student debt relief and limits LGBTQ protections. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down each opinion, and what President Joe Biden plans to do in response. Republicans are celebrating the rulings today, as the high court leans even more to the right.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a landmark 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that race can no longer be a consideration for colleges and universities, upending decades of precedent that benefitted Black and Latino students. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the nuances of the majority opinion, the fiery dissent, and what the Biden administration plans to do next. Plus, will this ruling have the same impact on the 2024 race as the Dobbs decision did last time around?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices