CNN Inside Politics

First, with the Iowa caucuses just weeks away, the Presidential race heats up as the political and legal calendars are colliding for the GOP frontrunner Donald Trump. The former President now faces the possibility of being kicked off at least one state's ballot. But Trump has used his woes as a rallying cry and is currently sitting on a sizable lead in the polls. Next, Congress is on holiday as a government shutdown looms in early January. When they return in the second week of January, things are bound to get much more difficult. Could the stalemate get even worse for the one of the most unproductive congresses in history? Then, loyalty goes a long way with Donald Trump and that's what's playing out in what could be the nation's most important Senate race. US Representative Matt Rosendale is taking steps to run for the Senate but that's prompting fears from GOP leaders who believe that he would be a weak general election candidate. And, Former Senior Advisor to the President of the United States, David Axelrod discusses how Biden may be able to overcome his battleground state struggles and the warning signs that he faces. Finally, the world of pro golf has drawn the attention of a powerful Senator when the PGA tour said this summer it would merge with Saudi owned LIV Golf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At any moment, the Supreme Court could announce whether it's fast-tracking a decision on Donald Trump's claim he's immune from prosecution for trying to overturn the 2020 election. Prosecutors want a quick decision so they can move forward with the trial. Trump wants to delay it as much as possible. We start things off with Katelyn Polantz in Washington.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump is on a social media tear, sending dozens of posts and reposts assailing the court decision that kicked him off the ballot in Colorado. his Republican rivals are for the most part standing with him. Plus: President Biden is grappling with a critical decision on Israel. The security council is set to vote on a resolution to stop the fighting in Gaza. The big question: Will the US block it? And: Congress paralyzed? Lawmakers heading home for the holidays after one of the most unproductive years in history. And 2024 might be even worse.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump's legal team vows to appeal yesterday's 14th-ammenment-based ruling by the Colorado supreme court to kick the former president off the state's ballot. Plus: Trump is defending his use of Hitler-like language to describe immigrants in the US illegally, saying he's "never read Mein Kampf." And: President Biden is in a key swing state trying to convince Wisconsin voters that his policies are making their lives better.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's Inside Politics was preempted so we could bring you live coverage of the funeral of former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. President Biden delivered a eulogy, calling O'Connor "an American pioneer," and noting how she inspired generations of American women. We invite to explore CNNs other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio. Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: A new poll shows Donald Trump hanging onto a commanding lead, but one of his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination is starting to see a narrow path to a major upset. Plus: Senators are racing to find a way forward on new border security measures. President Biden is facing pressure on one of the toughest-to-solve in American politics. And: Democrats have never been this nervous about Biden's chances in 2024. We ask the pollster who helped elect Bill Clinton what the Biden campaign could be doing differently.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First, Senators race to find an immigration compromise before Christmas. Aid to Ukraine hangs in the balance while Republicans refuse to approve more aid without tighter immigration restrictions amid a surge of migrants at the southern border.Then, Trump is on the campaign trail where his anti-immigration views and praise for dictators once again is becoming an issue.Plus, an abortion case in Texas hits a nerve. Major court cases inject abortion politics. Can Republicans coalesce behind a coherent message regarding the topic?Finally, Manu talks to the newly minted leader of the House freedom caucus, Rep. Bob Good, as a hardline group gears up for more challenges to Speaker Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Barack Obama and Joe Biden are teaming up again to promote one of their biggest accomplishments. We have details on their rare White House reunion and whether the former president can help the current one get reelected. Plus: The US and Israel are no longer in lock step on how to prosecute the war against Hamas terrorists. And: Republican candidates have one month left to make their case to Iowa voters. Nikki Haley just agreed that the CNN debate stage will be one of her final stops.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The headline above is how President Biden is describing House republicans' impeachment inquiry. Republicans say they are just following the evidence, though so far, they haven't produced it. Plus: Donald trump is celebrating after a judge hit pause on the election subversion case against him while appeals play out. It means his scheduled March trial could be delayed potentially for months. And: More signs of an economy that's actually in pretty good shape. Stocks are at record highs. Inflation is down. Economists think the worst might be behind us. The big question is how voters see it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show comes to you live from New Hampshire, where Governor Chris Sununu is going all in on Nikki Haley weeks before his state's pivotal primary here. It's an endorsement every challenger to Donald Trump wanted. The big question now: Can it help Haley overcome Trump's commanding lead - not just in New Hampshire but in every early voting state? Dana speaks with both Haley and Sununu about this important development.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices