

CNN Political Briefing
CNN
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

Sep 19, 2022 • 10min
The Venus & Mars Midterm Campaigns
Democrats and Republicans are running two different midterm election campaigns and it's unclear which one will resonate with voters more come November. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the divided moment, and why 2024 is already part of the political conversation.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 16, 2022 • 10min
Recession Fears Shape Midterm Season
A slew of shaky economic news this week highlights how difficult it could be for President Joe Biden and Democrats to navigate ahead of November’s elections. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the recent inflation data and how both parties are reacting. Republicans think the economy is a winning message for them.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 15, 2022 • 11min
Migrants Caught in a Political Crossfire
The Republican governor of Texas continued his months-long strategy today of bussing migrants to Washington, DC... this time, to the front of the Vice President’s residence. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also sent two planes to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts yesterday. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the political calculus behind these moves and reminds us of the human aspect of this situation. You’ll hear reactions from local volunteers assisting migrants on the ground and from lawmakers on both sides.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 14, 2022 • 10min
GOP Divide on Display over Abortion Midterm Message
Expect abortion to be an issue front-and-center in this year’s midterms – GOP Senator Lindsay Graham vows his 15-week abortion ban bill will be voted on if Republicans win control of both chambers in November. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down why Republicans are not on the same page with how to message their stance on the issue, and how Democrats are already seizing on that divide.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 13, 2022 • 10min
Final Primary Day of 2022
The midterm primary season ends today, as voters in Delaware, Rhode Island and New Hampshire head to the polls. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the marquee race to watch – the GOP Senate primary in New Hampshire. Plus, two former Trump administration officials are going head-to-head for a congressional seat in the state, but they’re running two types of campaigns.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 2022 • 10min
Biden’s ‘Cancer Moonshot’ & Midterm Messaging
With midterms fast approaching, President Joe Biden is filling his schedule up with more events to tout accomplishments, and doubling down on his ambitious goal to fight cancer. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down his appearances in Boston today, where he gave his ‘Cancer Moonshot’ speech and celebrated progress made on infrastructure projects.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 9, 2022 • 10min
Early Voting Begins as Midterms Heat up
The midterm elections are less than two months away – and some people can already start voting in one state, while some remaining primary contests take place next week. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the latest in the races to watch, from New Hampshire’s GOP Senate primary next week, to the Senate race in Ohio. Plus, President Joe Biden and his predecessor are making their marks on the midterms with speeches and endorsements. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 8, 2022 • 12min
The Queen’s Legacy with US Presidents
Queen Elizabeth II died today at the age of 96. As the longest-serving British monarch ever, she has seen numerous world leaders come and go. CNN Political Director David Chalian takes a look back at her relationships with some of the 14 US Presidents who have served during her reign.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 7, 2022 • 10min
Michelle Obama Says "Traditions Like This Matter"
A modern tradition returned today, as the Bidens welcomed the Obamas to the White House for the unveiling of the former President and First Lady’s official portraits. CNN Political Director David Chalian shares what themes were present in the speeches today. Michelle Obama cited the importance of the peaceful transfer of power, while her husband and President Biden also reflected on their accomplishments.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 6, 2022 • 9min
Congress’s Fall To-Do List
The Senate returned to Capitol Hill today after the August recess, and they have a lengthy to-do list ahead of them – including preventing a government shutdown. Leaders on both sides are juggling the summer’s political shakeups ahead of November’s midterm elections. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what Congress and the Biden administration are planning this fall. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices