CNN Political Briefing

The US shot down three unidentified aerial objects over North American airspace over the weekend. While the White House, the Pentagon, and Canada are still trying to figure out what they are and where they came from, CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what the White House says they know about the three objects so far. It comes after the US shot down a Chinese spy balloon earlier this month.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This hasn’t been former Vice President Mike Pence’s week. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what the FBI found in Pence’s home, and why the special counsel looking into former president Donald Trump’s role in January 6 subpoenaed him. Plus, if Pence does end up running in 2024, polls show he’s got some ground to make up with voters.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 was in Florida today hammering home contrasts between his economic plan and some GOP proposals. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why Biden is seizing a political opportunity to go after GOP Sen. Rick Scott’s proposal to sunset federal legislation. Scott is disputing how Biden’s characterizing his proposal, while pointing out Biden proposed a similar policy to sunset legislation when he was a Senator.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 went to the battleground state of Wisconsin today, after delivering his State of the Union address that sounded a lot like a reelection message last night. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why the White House viewed the fiery moment between Biden and Republicans last night over entitlement programs as a win. Meanwhile, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders drew a sharp contrast with Democrats in the GOP’s rebuttal.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 going to take his reelection message for a test run tonight at his State of the Union address. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down why this moment is so important for Biden, who’s faced with a divided government and lackluster poll numbers. Plus, the First Lady will host 26 guests tonight – we’ll tell you about some of them and what their invites say about Biden’s priorities.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US may have shot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon over the weekend, but the fallout continues in Washington. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what the administration is saying about the incident, and summarizes how Democrats and Republicans view President Joe Biden’s decision. Plus, the Biden administration says this isn’t the first time Chinese balloons flew over the US.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest jobs report showed a surprising number of jobs were added last month – something President Joe Biden praised today. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the data and explains why it might complicate the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation. Will this good news translate to better approval ratings for President Biden?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Republicans voted to remove Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs committee. Across the Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell pulled Republicans off a committee they previously served on. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the politics behind both moves. Plus, President Joe Biden was on Capitol Hill this morning with lawmakers from both parties for the annual National Prayer Breakfast.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy met for the first time since Republicans took the House majority with the debt ceiling on the agenda. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why this will likely be first of many meetings to come on this issue, and where both Republicans and Democrats stand.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Embattled GOP Congressman George Santos said he decided to recuse himself temporarily from his two committee assignments. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the political factors at play, as the New York congressman faces questions about his finances, resume, and background. Plus, a new poll shows most of Santos’ constituents think he should resign.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices