podcast
CNN Political Briefing
The political news you need to know, in 10 minutes or less. CNN Political Director David Chalian shares the latest insider analysis so you can make sense of the headlines.

Former President Donald Trump will join CNN for a highly anticipated town hall tonight. CNN National Correspondent Kristen Holmes is in New Hampshire for the event. She’ll break down what to expect tonight, as well as some key context. On Tuesday, A New York jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, which Trump denies.
May 10, 2023
The Treasury Department says the government could default on its debt as soon as June 1st if Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling. CNN Capitol Hill reporter Melanie Zanona explains the high stakes meeting happening between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders. Both sides haven’t indicated any interest in compromising, but a default would be disastrous for the economy.
May 9, 2023
The economy and immigration will be front and center for President Joe Biden this week. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how local, state and federal governments are preparing for the end of Title 42 on Thursday. Plus, Biden has a high stakes meeting with congressional leaders tomorrow on raising the debt ceiling.
May 8, 2023
Today, the Florida state legislature wrapped up its busy session, which opens the door for Ron DeSantis to consider launching his 2024 presidential bid. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the bills the governor and his Republican allies were able to pass, and the political challenges ahead for DeSantis if he chooses to run. Plus, CNN spoke to voters in Michigan who weighed in on President Joe Biden’s reelection bid.
May 5, 2023
A new ProPublica report details how Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose school tuition payments a billionaire GOP donor made for Thomas’ grandnephew's education. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down all the revelations with some justices that are raising ethical questions around the high court. CNN Senior Supreme Court Analyst Joan Biskupic also explains what this means for the court’s reputation and where the court could go from here.
May 4, 2023
Primary debate drama, campaign ad buys, fundraising – the 2024 presidential race is starting to pick up for both parties. CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down why former President Donald Trump might not show up at some of the primary debates, and how President Joe Biden’s campaign is kicking into higher gear.
May 3, 2023
The US is preparing for a surge of migrants to cross the southern border after a pandemic-era border policy expires next week. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how the Biden administration and one border town are getting ready. House Republicans unveiled their border security package, but passing any comprehensive immigration reform is highly unlikely.
May 2, 2023
President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy aren’t budging when it comes to raising the debt ceiling before the looming deadline. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains where things stand and what’s at stake if the US’ borrowing limit isn’t raised.
May 1, 2023
Federal regulators dissected Silicon Valley and Signature banks today, delivering post-mortems on last month’s banking crisis. But on Wall Street, the crisis is far from over, with shares of First Republic Bank plummeting amid fears it could go into receivership. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the latest on the economy and how the White House is reacting. Also, the latest federal numbers and what they say about the state of the economy.
Apr 28, 2023
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke out from Israel today after being sued by Disney. CNN’s Tami Luhby breaks down how the latest in the Florida saga, and what both sides are saying. Also, why is the American governor making a whistle-stop international tour?
Apr 27, 2023