CNN Political Briefing

West Virginia and Nebraska are holding primary elections today and former President Donald Trump’s influence is being tested, yet again. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down two races – one congressional, one gubernatorial – where Trump has endorsed candidates. Trump’s chosen candidate won in Ohio last week – will the streak continue in the many important primaries to come 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

The Supreme Court’s leaked opinion on Roe vs. Wade has Democrats campaigning on the possible ripple effects of overturning the landmark abortion rights decision, while Republicans are evasive about what could come next. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the political game plans on both sides of the aisle – and what privacy rights could be targeted next. It could be not just a state-by-state debate soon, especially if Republicans take control of Congress.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The leak of the Supreme Court majority opinion overturning Roe vs. Wade may not be the final decision – but it was enough for Democrats to sound the alarm. CNN Political Director David Chalian dissects brand new polling from CNN/SSRS that shows a majority of Americans oppose overturning Roe vs. Wade. That’s been the case for a while, but that’s not the full story. Democrats think this issue can be a rallying call ahead of the midterms, but polling shows that might not be true at this point.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From anti-Trump-impeachment arguments, to 25th Amendment discussions – more tapes have dropped where we hear House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy talk candidly in the aftermath of the insurrection. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why the recorded private conversations provide new context about what happened after January 6th. Plus, the House select committee spoke to some members of the former President’s family recently.    To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amid a crowded GOP field, JD Vance came out on top in yesterday’s Senate primary election in Ohio. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Vance’s win proves former President Donald Trump’s endorsements can still make a difference. Will that be the case in other races? Plus, the overall political environment for Democrats is toxic and the economy is reason number one – it’s why you’ll hear Vance’s opponent Rep. Tim Ryan talking about it.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A leaked draft of a majority opinion shows the Supreme Court may be poised to end Roe v. Wade – making it the most consequential decision on abortion in decades. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the magnitude of this and its political implications. Republicans are focusing on the danger the leak poses to the high court, while Democrats are using the opinion as a rallying call ahead of the midterms. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A special grand jury has been selected in Georgia to determine whether former president Donald Trump and his allies broke any laws in their efforts to overturn the 2020 election. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Trump’s election lies are shifting from not just a political conversation, but to a legal one as well. This comes as early voting starts today in Georgia’s primaries... and a few GOP contests in the state are heating up.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The curtain has been pulled even further back into how Trump allies were reacting to the 2020 election and its aftermath. Hear CNN Political Director David Chalian read new text messages between Fox News Host Sean Hannity and Trump’s Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. He explains how Hannity went from all-in on Trump’s election-fraud lies to being “fed up.” Plus, the Jan. 6th House select committee will hold public hearings in June.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The economy shrank last quarter unexpectedly and recession fears are renewed. CNN Political Director David Chalian paints the complicated economic picture in the US. Democrats are touting progress with more optimistic economic statistics. But as Republicans often point out, people are more focused on the impacts of inflation. Can it be addressed before voters head to the polls in November?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New audio from the New York Times reveals House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy had private concerns about some far-right members' behavior following the insurrection last year – concerns that contradict his public opinion shortly after. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why McCarthy’s chances of becoming Speaker of the House next year are still high. Plus, House members seem to be rallying around McCarthy’s defense to the tapes. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices