CNN Political Briefing

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is doing almost everything a person traditionally does before officially running for president. Between the bill DeSantis signed into law today, and the book he’s releasing tomorrow, CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down why it’s very possible he’ll run, and what his strategy for success could look like in this evolving Republican party.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Vice President Mike Pence is trying to fight a subpoena from the special counsel’s 2020 election subversion investigation, but a former conservative judge who advised him on January 6 is saying it’s a bad idea. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains Pence’s legal strategy and possible political peril in pursuing it. Plus, Pence isn’t the only person inside Donald Trump’s circle that’s being subpoenaed by the special counsel.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some residents of East Palestine, Ohio are demanding accountability from leaders at all levels, after a train carrying toxic material derailed earlier this month. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the concerns some locals raised in a CNN town hall last night, and what the National Transportation Safety Board Chair has to say about the incident. While in Ohio, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said there’s one thing former President Donald Trump can do to help.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump visited East Palestine, Ohio today as the community deals with the aftermath of a derailed train carrying hazardous material. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why this visit shows Trump is campaigning differently this time around than his first two bids for the White House. Plus, it’s a distraction from the legal problems mounting for Trump, especially in Georgia.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden is back in Poland to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Biden offered a rallying cry for the West in its support for Ukraine, and a rebuke for Russia’s President the same day Vladimir Putin gave his own remarks on the war. Plus, some declared and hopeful 2024 GOP candidates have different opinions about the US’ involvement in the conflict.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden visited Ukraine’s capital for the first time since Russia invaded the country. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the significance of this trip and how it came about. Biden touted the bipartisanship around the US’ support for Ukraine, but some Republicans’ reactions to the trip show that support isn’t unanimous in the GOP. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GOP Florida Sen. Rick Scott backed off parts of his plan to sunset federal legislation, carving out exceptions for Social Security, Medicare, and some other federal programs. It’s not the first time Sen. Scott has capitulated on a key part of his “Rescue America” proposal. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the plan’s rocky year, and what might come next.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the 2024 presidential race starts to ramp up, so have GOP attacks on President Joe Biden’s age. The 80-year-old president had his physical today, as the White House prepares for a likely presidential race. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down GOP attacks, and what Democrats themselves are saying about America’s oldest sitting president.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The GOP 2024 presidential primary is entering a new phase with a new candidate in the race: Former South Carolina Govenor Nikki Haley. From her background and upbringing to her domestic and foreign policy experience, CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the pitch she’s making to voters and the contrasts she’s trying to draw with her opponents.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley announced she’s running for president in 2024. CNN Political Director David Chalin breaks down the case she’s presenting to voters and the stiff competition she faces in the GOP primary. Former President Donald Trump is the only other declared candidate for now, but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and others are gearing up for their own runs.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices