CNN Political Briefing

Days after Election Day, it’s still unclear which party will control the House and Senate, as votes are still being counted in key states. CNN Political Director David Chalian takes a close look at Arizona and Nevada, and explains why GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy’s speakership is potentially in jeopardy if Republicans do end up taking the House. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy,...

Votes are still being counted in key states that’ll determine which party controls Congress. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down where the vote counts stand in Arizona and Nevada, and how House Republicans are spending their time preparing for their potential control of the chamber. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad c...

Millions of Americans made their voices heard Tuesday, but control of the House and Senate still hangs in the balance as ballots in key states are still being counted. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how both parties fared last night and where race results are still outstanding. President Joe Biden kept with tradition and formally weighed in on the midterm elections, while House G...

The day has arrived – voters across the country are making their voices heard in federal, state, and local elections while the balance of power in Congress hangs in the balance. In this special edition of the podcast, CNN Political Director David Chalian talks to CNN reporters and correspondents in four key states – Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin. You’ll also hear from voters themse...

On the eve of Election Day, Democrats and Republicans are making their final pitches to voters with control of Congress and governorships up for grabs. CNN Political Director David Chalian gives the political lay of the land for this midterm cycle. Plus, we’ll tell you about House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy’s plans if Republicans win control of the chamber and why the 2024 presidential election is...

Next Tuesday is Election Day, where control of the Senate and House are at stake and the economy continues to be the issue at the forefront for voters. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why we might not know which party will win control on Tuesday night. As Democrats try to hold on to their majorities, they are hoping the strong jobs numbers can combat the pain of inflation for voters....

As high-profile Democrats continue their campaign trail stops this week, former President Donald Trump kicks his midterm campaign efforts into high gear this week. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains which states party leaders are heading to, and what they’re focused on in these final days. Plus, House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy says Republicans’ midterm prospects are “exciting.” To learn...

Are Americans excited to vote this midterm cycle? Do voters trust election outcomes? What issues do they care more about when deciding who to support? CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the results of a new CNN/SSRS poll with six days to go until Election Day. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...

Election Day is a week away, and big names are hitting the campaign trail today for Democrats and Republicans running in key midterm races across the country. CNN Political Director David Chalian sums up who’s going where, and what it says about each party’s closing argument. Plus, Pennsylvania’s Senate candidates release another round of ads with dueling messages. To learn more about how CNN prot...

The final midterm campaign stretch has arrived, and both parties are making their closing arguments before voters. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why Republicans are feeling confident, and why some Democrats are adjusting their campaign strategies. Plus, new polls breaks down where critical Senate races are at this point. Spoiler alert: they’re pretty close. To learn more about how...

Democrats and Republicans are enlisting their star power on the campaign trail in battleground states with just 11 days to go until Election Day. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains where President Joe Biden and his former boss are going, and how Chuck Schumer views the state of play for Democrats in the Senate. Plus, Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney will campaign for a Democrat, whil...

Democrats are the party in power and nerves are settling in over the midterm environment. CNN Political Director David breaks down how campaigns in battleground states like Georgia and Arizona are being shaken up, and why President Biden is in upstate New York today. Plus, we have highlights from New Hampshire’s Senate debate as incumbent Democrat Maggie Hassan tries to hold on to her seat. To lea...

The results in Pennsylvania’s Senate race could determine if Democrats keep control of the chamber or not, which is why last night’s debate between Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz was so critical. CNN Political Director David Chalian highlights key moments from last night’s debate and analyzes if they’ll make a difference with voters. Another key Senate race is in Arizona, where G...

With two weeks to go until Election Day, Pennsylvania’s Senate race is a critical one – Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz will meet face-to-face in their first and only debate tonight. CNN Political Director David Chalian shares what to watch in tonight’s debate, and how President Joe Biden is helping Democrats financially in the final days. Plus, we break down highlights from last...

With just about two weeks to go until Election Day, brand new CNN/SSRS polls break down issues voters in three battleground states care most about, and what candidates they’re supporting in key races. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks these polls down and explains what results could mean for the Senate majority. Plus, data shows over 7 million people have cast their ballots already, as b...

Early voting is underway in many states across the US, as political juggernauts do what they can for their parties in this final stretch. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what former Vice President Mike Pence is up to on the campaign trail, and how President Biden is trying to energize younger voters. Plus, we break down how some candidates and county election officials who’ve deni...

A new ad hit the airwaves in Georgia from incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock’s campaign attacking GOP nominee Herschel Walker's abortion-funding allegations. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the Warnock campaign’s calculus, and why you won’t hear Warnock himself go there. Plus, President Joe Biden is visiting Pennsylvania with the state’s Senate candidate alongside him, and...

With less than a month until the midterms, votes are being cast and President Biden is using the bully pulpit. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Biden is trying to reassure voters about the economy this week and fire up the base. Plus, we break down some early voting stats and give an update on Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman’s health. To learn more about how...

From debates to the ads hitting the airwaves, you can tell the midterms are right around the corner. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down debate highlights from Ohio, Utah, and Georgia, along with a recent Pennsylvania ad - and what they say about some of those candidates’ strategies. Plus, President Joe Biden makes a policy pitch to voters he hopes will help his party keep the House a...

As Election Day approaches, recent polls show that when it comes to issues voters care about most, Republicans seem to have the upper hand. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what those issues are and key debates to watch tonight. You’ll also hear the latest on the pivotal Senate race in Georgia, where early voting starts today. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy,...

The midterm elections are heating up – and both sides are honing their campaign messages. CNN’s Chris Cillizza breaks down the latest ads and developments in key races, and what issues the two parties are mainly focused on. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The January 6 House select committee voted to subpoena former President Donald Trump for documents and testimony for its investigation into the Capitol riot in its last hearing before the midterms. CNN’s Chris Cillizza breaks down new evidence the panel argues proves Trump was directly involved in the bid to overturn the 2020 election, complete with a premeditated plan to declare victory no matter...

President Joe Biden addressed several topics in a wide-ranging, exclusive interview with CNN. From recession fears to the war in Ukraine, CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the interview’s highlights and a new CNN/SSRS poll that gives insight into how Americans think Biden is doing as president – both overall and on certain issues. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privac...

The Republican party is making clear, with visits and funds, that it’s behind Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker as he navigates abortion allegations. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains who was by Walker’s side today, and where money is being spent in the race for – and against –Walker. Plus, Vice President Mike Pence endorses another candidate in a key race. And in Ohio, the Sena...

There’s about four weeks to go until election day in the US – Republican candidates are focused on the economy and inflation, while Democrats have focused largely on abortion rights. CNN Political Director David Chalian zooms out and explains the electorate, the campaign strategies and the roles two leaders from opposite parties will play in the final days ahead.  To learn more about how CNN prote...