

CNN Political Briefing
CNN Podcasts
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

May 30, 2023 • 11min
Debt Ceiling Deal Faces First Key Test
President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached a deal to raise the debt limit and cut spending, but there’s more work to be done to avoid a default. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how both leaders are trying to get their parties on board. Some Republicans and Democrats have expressed they’re not happy with the bill for different reasons.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 26, 2023 • 9min
Ron DeSantis takes on Donald Trump
After launching his presidential campaign, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is sharing some of his ideas for the presidency. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down DeSantis’ views on the executive branch and potential pardons for January 6th rioters. Plus, the governor’s attacks against former President Donald Trump have turned pointed since his announcement. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 25, 2023 • 10min
House Leaves Town without Debt Deal
As lawmakers head home for the holiday weekend, negotiators have yet to produce a deal on raising the debt ceiling. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains where negotiations stand between the White House and House Republicans. With one week to go before the Treasury Department’s deadline, many lawmakers are worried they’ll get the short end of the stick.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 24, 2023 • 11min
DeSantis Officially Enters 2024 Presidential Race
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially filed the paperwork to run for president, ahead of an expected announcement on Twitter. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the response from DeSantis’ competition, including from former President Donald Trump. Plus, a new CNN poll provides some insight on how Republican voters view their primary options.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 23, 2023 • 11min
Congress Up Against Debt Limit Deadline
Congress is running out of time to raise the debt ceiling before the Treasury Department’s June 1st deadline. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains where negotiations stand between the White House and House Republicans. Plus, a new CNN poll shows how Americans feel about the issue.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 22, 2023 • 11min
Sen. Tim Scott Joins GOP Presidential Race
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has officially entered the 2024 Republican presidential race. CNN Political Director David Chalian dives into Scott’s political history and early campaign strategy. Will Scott’s optimistic messaging resonate with GOP primary voters who have been more aligned with the grievance politics of frontrunner and former president Donald Trump in recent years?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 19, 2023 • 11min
Debt Ceiling Talks Stalled as Deadline Looms
The clock is ticking on Congress to raise the debt ceiling. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the stakes of a government default and where negotiations stand. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy wanted an agreement by the weekend, but negotiators paused talks for the day... and it’s not clear when they’ll pick back up.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 18, 2023 • 10min
DeSantis set to Launch 2024 Bid Next Week
Former President Donald Trump has company. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how the 2024 Republican presidential race is finally heating up. After months of anticipation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to launch a presidential bid next week. Plus, former Vice President Mike Pence and other potential candidates seem to be on the cusp of entering the race.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 17, 2023 • 11min
Abortion Debate in State Legislatures & the 2024 Race
North Carolina and South Carolina are the latest states to move to restrict abortion access in a post-Roe reality. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down each bill and how Republicans in the 2024 presidential conversation are tackling abortion. Former President Donald Trump is sparring with two of his likely primary competitors over specifics of a federal abortion ban they’d support if elected.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 16, 2023 • 11min
Biden Cuts Overseas Trip Short Over Debt Ceiling
President Joe Biden met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other congressional leaders to discuss raising the debt ceiling again. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what came out of that meeting and the current sticking points in negotiations. McCarthy said it’s possible to get a deal by the end of the week, while Biden cancelled the second part of his international trip this week.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


