CNN Political Briefing

In the very building that was the site of the insurrection, law enforcement officials revealed the chain of failures that lead to the deadly day. David Chalian unpacks what we learned from the first of many hearings into the Jan 6th insurrection. Plus, he explains implications for the Biden administration of the contentious Senate hearings for two of the President's cabinet nominees and the prelim...

As Former President Trump prepares to reengage with the public, the Supreme Court hands him two big losses. David Chalian explains the implications of those major court decisions, plus how some of Biden's cabinet nominations are facing smooth sailing while others are in hot water as they face a divided senate. And finally, America passes the tragic half million mark of coronavirus victims.  To lea...

With an estimated 11.4 million workers set to lose their unemployment benefits in March, Democrats hope to vote on Biden’s stimulus package as soon as next week. In today’s episode, CNN Capitol Hill Reporter Daniella Diaz unpacks what’s in the plan, breaks down the sticking points that need to be worked out, and explains what will happen next.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privac...

Today President Biden announced a sweeping immigration bill that he’s hoping will modernize the American immigration system. David Chalian explains what's in the bill and the uphill battle it faces in Congress. Plus, the latest from the ongoing civil war over the future of the GOP, and as Texans continue freezing without power... Senator Ted Cruz flies to Cancun.  To learn more about how CNN prote...

During last night's CNN Town Hall, President Biden both laid out his Covid timeline and pushed back on some progressive policy priorities. David Chalian explains what Biden's showcase of his moderate credentials means for his future policy fights. Plus, what former President Trump's McConnell attacks mean for the GOP, and as millions of Texans struggle with cold-weather and power outages, Governor...

President Biden heads to Milwaukee tonight to face voters in person for the first time since being elected at a CNN town hall. David Chalian explains how Biden will make the case for Covid relief tonight and explains the most significant sticking point for the relief proposal among Democrats. Plus, McConnell's efforts to move on from Trump are hitting some serious roadblocks. To learn more about h...

Now that former President Trump's impeachment trial is over, Biden's agenda is taking center stage and first up is delivering on his Covid relief package. David Chalian breaks down where stimulus negotiations stand and how the GOP is responding to its members who broke with Trump. Plus, it's looking more and more like there will be a Trump on the ballot in 2022.  To learn more about how CNN protec...

The Senate voted to acquit Former President Trump of insurrection charges in his second impeachment trial. David Chalian breaks down how the final day unfolded and what the verdict means for America. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In less than a quarter of their allotted time, Former President Trump’s defense lawyers presented their brief case to the Senate, pushing a lot of whataboutism and playing out of context clips of Democrats. David Chalian breaks down their arguments and lays out how the trial is expected to wrap up soon.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about...

And with that, the prosecution rests. David Chalian explains everything you need to know after day three of Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, where House Managers used their last day of arguments to try to directly link Trump to the January 6th violence and prove that he is still a clear and present danger. Tomorrow President Trump's lawyers begin their case as we learn the former President may re...

On day two of Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial, David Chalian discusses the chilling new material House Managers introduced as they laid out their case that Trump’s words and tweets leading up to January 6th can be seen as the direct cause of the insurrection. And finally, Chalian reflects on how this trial may be cathartic for many watching… and a necessary step for the country to heal.  T...

David Chalian breaks down day one of former president Donald Trump's second impeachment trial, where the constitutionality of trying an ex-president was up for debate. We saw some convincing arguments and moving speeches on the Senate floor today... and some bizarre, incoherent speeches as well. Overall, it was an emotional day at the Capitol as lawmakers were forced to relive the violent events t...

Former President Trump’s second impeachment trial begins tomorrow, and David Chalian tells you what to expect as last-minute details get finalized. Plus, when it comes to passing a pandemic relief package, President Biden’s challenge isn’t only the GOP… a divide is growing within the Democratic Party. And finally, Congresswoman Liz Cheney stands her ground after being censured by the Wyoming Repub...

With former President Trump's second impeachment trial beginning next week, David Chalian previews the unprecedented moments ahead. He explains the process, tells you the key players to watch for, and lays out what the result could mean for the country.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...

David Chalian discusses today’s House vote on removing the controversial Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene from her committee assignments and what the GOP's choice on including Greene in their big tent means for the electoral future of the party. Plus, how the failures of Republican leaders for the past four years to speak out against fringe elements have led to a party that is now home to extr...

David Chalian breaks down how the fate of two Republican lawmakers, from polar opposite sides of the GOP, will indicate the future of the Republican party. Plus, President Biden spoke with Democratic lawmakers as he continues to push his $1.9 trillion Coronavirus relief package. And finally, one of the pro-Trump attorneys who pushed election fraud lawsuits in Georgia is now the subject of an elect...

David Chalian breaks down Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s scathing rebuke of QAnon supporter Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene... and why it probably won't accomplish much. Plus, both sides present their arguments ahead of Donald Trump’s impeachment trial next week. And finally, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opens up about her terrifying experience during the deadly capitol riot. To le...

President Biden meets with Republicans as he decides whether to try to unify a divided Congress behind a coronavirus bill or plow ahead with only his own party's support. David Chalian explores the possible pitfalls of both strategies. Plus, the latest on Trump's legal strategy with the impeachment trial forthcoming. And finally, with reckonings for Liz Cheney and Marjorie Taylor Greene looming, t...

Trump is no longer president, but that doesn't mean fact checking the highest office stops. So, we've asked our resident CNN fact checker Daniel Dale to take us behind the scenes and explain how fact checking President Biden is different and how he will continue to pursue objective truth in this post-Trump era.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn mo...

Trump may be out of the White House, but that didn't stop House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy from traveling to Mar-a-lago to try to get back in the President's good graces. David Chalian explains how the GOP is embracing Trumpism, plus why members of Congress are worried about their safety after the deadly Capitol siege.  And finally, President Biden has his hands full as 2020 was the worst year...

It's Climate day for the Biden administration... David Chalian explains how even as the President takes action to tackle the Climate crisis, he may face headwinds from some fellow Democrats. Plus, how after yesterday's procedural vote it's possible to think both that the Senate won't convict Trump and that his actions are worthy of impeachment. And finally, a federal judge in Texas temporarily blo...

The impeachment trial process begins today, and 45 Republicans have already suggested they believe it may be unconstitutional. David Chalian explains why they're taking that approach, plus, how Minority Leader Mitch McConnell walked away without a win from negotiations over the Senate filibuster. And finally, some state Republican parties have gone rogue trying to keep Trumpism alive in the GOP. T...

As the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump looms, Republicans are trying to find their footing as a party divided. David Chalian explains what that means for the GOP when it comes to convicting Trump, holding the Senate, and in key races across the country. Plus, Biden's time is running out for a bipartisan stimulus deal and a history making swearing in.  To learn more about how CNN protects...

For decades, the first 100 days of a new administration have become a marker of a president's governing ability. In this episode, David Chalian explores President Biden's agenda to combat the many challenges testing the country and the hurdles he will have to overcome in his first 100 days in office. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your...

On his first full day in office, President Biden releases his national Covid plan as he tries to get a handle on his biggest challenge: the pandemic. David Chalian explores the difficulties ahead, plus how some Republicans are already flip-flopping on their condemnations of Trump for the January 6th Capitol siege. Finally, he looks at how Biden is handling taking office with a nearly an empty Cabi...