CNN Inside Politics

Kristen Holmes, CNN's White House correspondent, dives into the fallout from newly released Epstein photos featuring high-profile figures like Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. She discusses the White House's defense and Trump's distancing from Epstein. Political analyst Aaron Blake provides context on public polls reflecting distrust toward Trump and the GOP amid these revelations. Together, they explore the intricate dance of politics swirling around these controversial images.

As today's show begins, the Senate is voting on competing health plans from Democrats and Republicans. But don't hold your breath for a Christmas miracle, as both plans were expected to fail, which means in just 20 days, 24 million Americans who rely on Obamacare subsidies will face crippling health care costs unless something dramatically changes.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump claims he wants to "make America affordable again." Is it just lip service? He's in Pennsylvania today where he visited a swing district to speak to Americans struggling with high prices. But his message was ... confusing?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join CNN's Jeff Zeleny, a keen political analyst, and Amy Walter, an insightful polling expert, along with Austin Davis, Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor. In a lively discussion, they dissect Trump's bold claim of an 'A++++' economy despite contrasting poll results. Zeleny explains voter skepticism toward economic gains, while Davis counters Trump's narrative with state policy successes. The panel also tackles the looming midterm implications and the ongoing debate around health care's electoral significance. It's a spirited examination of political reality versus messaging.

Colin Allred, a U.S. Congressman and former NFL player, discusses his strategic decision to pivot from a Senate campaign to running for the House, aiming to better serve his community in Texas. He dives into the challenges of gerrymandering and emphasizes unity among Texas Democrats to bolster representation. The conversation then shifts to a critical Supreme Court case that could enhance presidential removal power, exploring its potential implications for independent agencies and civil service protections, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. political power dynamics.

Brian Fitzpatrick, a moderate Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania, discusses pressing affordability issues, healthcare subsidies, and foreign policy regarding Ukraine. Zolan Conor Youngs and Jonah Goldberg tackle the disconnect between Trump's optimistic economic messaging and voters' realities, while Anna Palmer analyzes GOP strategy amid concerns over upcoming midterms. The conversation also touches on Texas' political dynamics, including the potential Senate run of Jasmine Crockett and the intriguing prospect of identical twins exchanging congressional seats.

Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a physician and CNN medical analyst, discusses the CDC's controversial recommendation to delay the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, linking the decision to Robert Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine skepticism. He highlights the importance of immediate vaccination for preventing neonatal hepatitis B and critiques the erosion of trust in the CDC. Father Luis Duarte, a Catholic priest from New Orleans, shares the impact of immigration enforcement on his congregants, detailing the fear in the Hispanic community and advocating for compassion in enforcement practices.

Phil Mattingly, a Senior CNN reporter, and Manu Raju, a political reporter, dive into the recent arrest of a suspect linked to a DC pipe bombing case from five years ago. They discuss unsettling footage from a controversial boat strike that raises questions about military targeting policies. The guests analyze the implications of transparency demands surrounding the strike video and explore the political fallout for Secretary Hegseth regarding national security decisions. The conversation wraps up with the shifting dynamics in public health policy concerning vaccines.

Josh Gottheimer, a U.S. Congressman and member of the House Intelligence Committee, discusses national security and immigration themes. He highlights ICE's imminent operations in New Orleans and Minneapolis, which are targeted at undocumented immigrants, particularly within the Somali community. The conversation delves into the implications of President Trump's rhetoric and the impact on community safety. Gottheimer also calls for Congressional hearings on classified info risks and provides updates on bipartisan healthcare negotiations.

Today's show begins as President Trump is in the middle of what he said is the final Cabinet meeting of the year. Following an evaluation by Pete Hegseth, Dana and her panel analyze the defense secretary's words, especially his defense of the admiral accused of a "double tap" strike that killed survivors of a September US attack against a suspected Venezuelan drug boat.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices