The Assignment with Audie Cornish

Samantha Bee, Emmy-winning comedian known for her work on "Full Frontal," joins Kara Swisher, tech commentator, and Van Lathan, cultural critic, to discuss political engagement beyond party lines. They reflect on the tumultuous past year and introduce 'revelation' as the word of 2024. The trio humorously debates drinking ages versus driving, and Bee shares her journey towards political independence. They explore comedy's role in coping with societal challenges, and the complexity of laughter amidst political discourse.

The cost of your clothes could go up if Donald Trump implements promised tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China. Audie talks with Christina Binkley, editor-at-large for Vogue Business, about the possibility of costlier clothes, whether we should adjust our holiday shopping lists, and what it means for 2025 fashion trends.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, and the arrest of his alleged killer, has been met with online memes, TikTok songs, and even celebration. So how does the response to this brazen murder reflect a wider cultural phenomenon? Audie talks with journalist Samantha Cole, the co-founder of 404 Media, to understand how the reaction to the killing is echoing both on and offline.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator-elect Andy Kim’s rise in politics has been anything but conventional. In 2020, he was one of seven Democratic congressmen who won a district also won by Donald Trump. In 2024, he took on the New Jersey political machine after Senator Bob Menendez was convicted of federal corruption charges. He sits down with Audie to talk about his political journey, how Democrats can earn back voters’ trust, and what winning in the Trump era has taught him about humility and authenticity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications Director, shares his wild ride in Trump’s inner circle. He discusses why he took the chaotic job and reflects on political loyalty and personal dilemmas. Scaramucci, joined by Kara Swisher and Van Lathan, dives into the intersection of politics and comedy, unraveling humorous anecdotes and serious insights. They even touch on Gloria Gaynor’s "I Will Survive," exploring resilience and humanity in the face of adversity. Expect both laughs and candid reflections on the unpredictable world of Trump.

New technologies like artificial intelligence, facial recognition and social media algorithms are changing our world so fast it can be hard to keep up. That’s why The Assignment is excited to bring you CNN’s new podcast, “Terms of Service with Clare Duffy.” Audie sits down with Clare to talk about how she hopes her pod can move past the hyper-optimism and fearmongering that often dominates tech coverage. Instead, she wants to empower listeners with a deeper understanding of how these technologies shape our lives. In this episode we’ve selected for you, Clare explores the impact of a new generation of kids growing up with their childhoods posted online for the world to see – and what parents can do about it. Follow Terms of Service, wherever you get your podcasts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Would you prefer to feel morally righteous, or to win? Audie talks with Adam Jentleson, who wants all Democrats to consider that question and adjust their tactics accordingly. He’s worked for U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Fetterman, and in a recent New York Times op-ed, Jentleson prescribes his party a heavy dose of skepticism toward “the groups” on its left flank and a focus on making progress for all working people instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lifelong Republicans who passionately resisted Trump are now grappling with how to move forward. Audie talks with political strategist and publisher of The Bulwark, Sarah Longwell, about the future of the 'Never Trump' movement and how politics may evolve in the years ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Republican Party had the strongest showing among Latinos in decades, particularly Latino men. CNN’s national exit poll found Trump won 54 percent of Latino men compared to Harris’ 44 percent – that's an 18-point increase from 2020. Audie talks with Democratic strategist and founder of Solidarity Strategies, Chuck Rocha, about this shift. Why did so many Latino men go for Trump this time around? And what will the Democratic party do about it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just hours before election day, we’re returning to a handful of people who represent a crucial voter segment: unhappy Pennsylvania Republicans. John King interviews three people who voted for Nikki Haley in the state’s primary back in the spring — long after she’d dropped out. How they and others like them fill out their ballots this week may decide the next president of the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices