CNN Political Briefing

The US and its allies appear to be shifting their strategy and rhetoric around the war in Ukraine to adopt much tougher language against Russia. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how recent comments from US officials and accelerated security assistance to Ukraine prove that. Words and actions were chosen more carefully by US officials at the outset of the war, but now Russia’s poor battlefield performance has emboldened the West.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN has learned more about how former President Donald Trump’s inner circle worked to overturn the legitimate 2020 election in the lead-up and aftermath of January 6th. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down some of those efforts that happened then, and how some Republicans in Michigan and Georgia are running for office on that ‘Big Lie’ now.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 bombshells about what House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy was saying about former President Donald Trump in the days after January 6th. CNN Political Director David Chalian differentiates between what McCarthy was saying publicly and privately. Just when he needs it most, will McCarthy lose support from the leader of the party over this?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions are high in Washington ahead of the expected roll back of a Trump-era border policy in May and the anticipated migrant surge at the southern border to follow. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why some Democrats in Congress don’t want this to happen, and how prepared the administration is to handle the likely influx.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has escalated his weeks-long feud with Disney and continues his fight against “woke culture.” CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the politics behind DeSantis’ recent moves and why his potential political aspirations could be a factor. DeSantis is also proposing his own redistricting for the state of Florida – a job that usually belongs to the state legislature.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Multiple airlines and transit systems have made masks optional after a judge struck down the Biden administration’s transportation mask mandate. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the confusion surrounding this decision and the White House’s response. This comes as recent polling shows a major decline in the number of Americans wearing masks.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 has endorsed JD Vance in the crowded Ohio Republican Senate primary. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Vance went from a Trump critic to a Trump fan, and how Trump justified Vance’s past comments. This race will be one of many primaries in May where Trump’s party influence will be put to the test. Even if Trump’s candidates don’t win, some other candidates have aligned themselves with him – so what would that mean for the future of the GOP?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN has exclusive reporting on text messages sent between former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and two Republican Congress members in the lead-up to the January 6th insurrection. CNN Political Director David Chalian gives the timeline on Senator Mike Lee and Representative Chip Roy’s change of heart about overturning the 2020 election. Plus, the messages also reveal Meadow’s own doubts.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the hopes of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade this summer, states continue to pass abortion bans. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the action taken in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky just this week. Plus, how will SCOTUS' landmark abortion decision affect the midterm season?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 influence in the GOP will be tested in May, as he’s endorsed a slew of candidates in different primaries. CNN Political Director David Chalian tells you which primaries to watch and dives into the heated Senate primary race in Pennsylvania. Trump endorsed a fellow former TV personality, but will that move the needle for voters in this state? Or others?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices