

CNN Inside Politics
CNN Podcasts
Each weekday, Dana Bash and a panel of well-sourced reporters bring you the most important political stories of the day. On the weekend, Manu Raju kicks off CNN's Sunday morning political programming with Inside Politics Sunday. Dana and Manu get answers from the people making headlines, explain the political stories that matter, and report on how the news will impact you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 2, 2025 • 43min
Election Countdown: Trump, Democrats, and the Stakes Ahead
Covering the intense political landscape leading up to President Trump's voter test, focusing on critical gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, and their implications for both parties. Former President Barack Obama's campaign efforts for Democrats are highlighted, especially in areas with significant minority populations. The script also dives into polling data and early voting trends, particularly in New York City and New Jersey, revealing Democratic leads but also competitive Republican challenges. A major theme is the contrasting voter enthusiasm and the effect of Trump endorsements. Furthermore, the script touches on the government shutdown, healthcare subsidies, and congressional inaction. Lastly, it describes the ongoing feud over daylight saving time legislation and its political dynamics, alongside discussions about US military actions in the Caribbean and their wider implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 31, 2025 • 41min
An Actual Halloween Nightmare
First: The FBI says it thwarted a potential terror attack planned for around Halloween. We have new details from law enforcement sources who say the plot was "ISIS-inspired."
Plus: Candidates in high-stakes governor's races are trying to get out the vote in the final four days before an election that will serve as a key political barometer for President Trump's second term.
And: A Friday political palate cleanser with the creator of the Netflix hit the Inside Politics team can't stop talking about.
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Oct 30, 2025 • 46min
China Deal Done but US Gov Still Shuttered
President Trump is on his way back to Washington after a whirlwind three-country tour of Asia. And he's bringing home a trade deal between the world's largest economic superpowers. We break down whether that trade truce is a benefit or a bust for the American consumer.
But while the president was very busy with red carpets and golden gifts and getting those trade deals, here in the United States there are tens of millions of Americans worrying about putting food on the table if Congress can't reach a deal to fund the government. House Speaker Mike Johnson joins us to discuss the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29, 2025 • 33min
Superpowers Super Meeting
First: Global markets are on edge as the leaders of the world's two biggest economies prepare to meet face to face just hours from now. We have new details on the Trump-Xi summit that could contain or combust a crippling trade war.
Plus: Hurricane Melissa is still battering the Caribbean after tearing through communities in Jamaica and Cuba. CNN is live on the ground to show you the storm's heartbreaking trail of destruction.
And: Many fellow Republicans want the GOPcandidate for New York City mayor to drop out to prevent a Democratic Socialist from winning. Dana speaks with Curtis Sliwa about why he thinks he still has a path to Gracie Mansion.
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Oct 28, 2025 • 41min
Massive, Powerful Melissa Threatens Jamaica
As today's show begins, Hurricane Melissa about to make landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm packing winds of 185 miles an hour. It's already one of the most powerful storms on record. Officials have been pleading with Jamaicans to evacuate, with the National Hurricane Center warning "this is your last chance to protect your life." Our coverage begins with CNN meteorologist Derek van Dam live in Kingston, Jamaica. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 27, 2025 • 41min
Trade Truce
First: The Trump Administration is hyping a potential breakthrough in the crippling trade war between the world's two biggest economies. But the president says nothing is set in stone until his meeting with the Chinese leader this week.
Plus: Hurricane Melissa is just hours away from making a direct hit on Jamaica. We bring you the latest forecast on what's expected to be one of the most powerful storms in history.
And: Progressives and Democratic Socialists are hoping that their candidate can win not just the battle to be the Mayor of New York, but the broader fight for the soul of their party.
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Oct 26, 2025 • 41min
Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty, Deems Charges ‘Revenge’
New York Attorney General Letitia James pled not guilty today to felony charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. After her first appearance on the defendant's side of the bench, James slammed the Justice Department being used as a tool of “revenge” by President Trump. Our coverage begins with CNN’s Kara Scannell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 26, 2025 • 42min
Early Voting, Trade Wars, and American Voices
It's the final stretch of early voting with a focus on political controversies and campaigning strategies across key states such as New Jersey, Virginia, and New York. Major political figures including Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Barack Obama are actively campaigning for various candidates. Discussions address Trump's influence in Republican campaigns amid charges of Islamophobia and rising healthcare costs. The script also delves into Trump's economic policies, including tariffs on Canada and an impending high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The government shutdown's impact, particularly on healthcare costs, is analyzed, with Republicans and Democrats deeply divided on negotiation strategies. An interview with Senator David McCormick discusses party positions and the challenges posed by the shutdown and rising living costs. The script concludes with an update on Elon Musk's conflict with Trump administration officials over leadership at NASA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 23, 2025 • 41min
Executive Overhaul
First: President Trump is bulldozing past critics and some preservationists to build an even bigger White house ballroom than originally planned. We have new details on the renovations, which are raising concerns even among some close aides.
Plus: We have breaking news on a historic gambling scheme involving 11 states and tens of millions of dollars, as well as a current NBA player and Hall of Fame coach.
And: "It's a show" is how one administration official is describing the push to hire thousands of ICE agents. That's part of brand new reporting on the president's immigration crackdown that you will hear exclusively on Inside Politics.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 41min
Cashing In
First: President Trump wants payback ... literally. He's reportedly seeking $230 million from the Justice Department for prosecuting him. We've got brand new reaction from the House speaker.
Plus: Why are public figures suddenly dealing with Nazi-related skeletons not so deep in their closets? We break down how it's impacting the White House.
And: You'll hear from furloughed federal workers lining up at food banks struggling to pay their bills, while politicians in Washington can't even agree on when or whether to negotiate a way out of the shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


