CNN Political Briefing

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

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

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

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

President Joe Biden warned against extremism in the Republican party during a dramatic speech last night. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump teased pardons for Capitol insurrectionists on a radio show. CNN Editor-at-Large Chris Cillizza breaks down what both leaders said, and how both sides are trying to rally their base ahead of the midterm elections. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Alaska Division of Elections reports Democrat Mary Peltola will fill Alaska’s House seat for the rest of the year, meaning Republican Sarah Palin won't make a political comeback just yet. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the factors involved in this race and what it could mean for November’s race. Democrats are seeing success in special elections, and one poll suggests midterm voters are motivated more by abortion rights lately than inflation. 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's legal team has until later tonight to respond to the Justice Department’s latest filing that fleshes out new details in its probe into the potential mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the detailed DOJ document, what the government is alleging, and why it was filed in the first place.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 made his first of three stops planned this week in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, where he focused on his support for law enforcement and his plan for public safety. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down his speech and how Biden is trying to flip the script on the GOP on these issues. Plus, Biden also had a message for the “MAGA Republicans” in Congress. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As midterm elections approach, Republicans are not as confident about making as many gains in the House – or even taking back control of the Senate – as they used to be. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why Democrats feel more optimism these days and what Republicans think is going to happen in November. As his poll numbers improve a bit, President Joe Biden is spending his Labor Day in two battleground states.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are learning more about what led to the unprecedented search and seizure at former President Donald Trump’s Florida residence. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down the redacted unsealed affidavit and new information about the investigation’s timeline. Sources say Trump is reacting one way publicly and another way privately.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices