CNN Political Briefing

As the Georgia Senate race nears its end, the two parties are now turning to 2024. But first, we’re checking former President Donald Trump’s scorecard as this year’s political cycle winds down. How did Trump’s endorsed candidates fare, and how does the GOP feel about his presidential candidacy? CNN’s Jeff Zeleny breaks down the latest reactions from politicos.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Georgia Senate vote finally begins tomorrow, after the November election sent it into a runoff. Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker are both vying to take the final seat of the midterms. CNN’s Jeff Zeleny explains the stakes, and how both sides are spending the race’s final hours.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 welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron for an official state visit at the White House this week. CNN’s Kristen Holmes explains the significance of Macron’s trip and key issues the two leaders addressed. Plus, Biden also signed a bill to avoid a rail strike and addressed the latest jobs report.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While House Democrats race to wrap up investigations, Republicans reveal more of what could come when they take the House next month. CNN’s Melanie Zanona breaks down two committee investigations regarding former President Donald Trump’s tax returns and January 6. Plus, a bill meant to avert a devastating freight rail strike heads to President Joe Biden’s desk. 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 passed a key bill to avoid a rail strike today, but it still needs to pass in the Senate. CNN’s Chris Cillizza explains the measure, on top of Democrats’ other priorities for the lame-duck session. Plus, House Democrats elected new leadership today, while GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy struggles to secure the votes for speaker.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Georgia Senate runoff is one week away from voters deciding if Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock will get another term, or if Republican Herchel Walker will make the Senate 50/50. CNN’s Chris Cillizza breaks down what both candidates and parties are doing for the race, and why its result matters.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawmakers are working to pass bills that would fund the government, codify same-sex and interracial marriage rights, and more in a matter of weeks. CNN’s Krista Bo explains what Congress aims to accomplish and what other political factors are at play in this lame duck session. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republicans take control of the House in January, and GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy wants to become the next speaker. CNN's Melanie Zanona explains why the math isn't working out so far, and how he's trying to change that. As he scrambles to lock down the votes for his speakership, McCarthy issued his strongest stance yet on the Biden administration's immigration policies and border security leadership, while the White House pushed back.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Justice Department faced off with Donald Trump’s lawyers today in a key hearing related to the Mar-a-Lago investigation. CNN’s Kristen Holmes explains how the newly appointed special counsel is handling his position overseeing the case. Plus, Holmes explains other key investigations at the federal and state level involving 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

Democrats have a little over a month left before Republicans take control of the House. CNN’s Kristen Holmes explains their priorities in the little time they have left, including passing same-sex marriage and protections for DACA recipients. Plus, President Joe Biden considers a 2024 run in the context of the midterms and Donald Trump’s campaign launch.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices