CNN Podcasts
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Join CNN Political Director David Chalian as he guided you through an ever-changing political landscape. David and a guest took you inside the latest developments with insight and analysis from the key players in politics.
Based on 6 episodes we listened to · September 2026
David Chalian turns political developments into pointed conversations about strategy, institutional power, and the consequences of choices made in Washington and on campaigns.
CNN Political Briefing turns consequential developments in American politics into focused interviews about power, strategy, and institutional pressure.
David Chalian asks the Texas redistricting question you were saving for California.
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Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
A sober interview that turns political grief into an argument about leverage, responsibility, and what comes next.
The episode starts in a dark register, then settles into a sharper question about what political leaders owe the moment when violence and strategy collide.
A sharp campaign interview about Curtis Sliwa's claimed path to victory.
Curtis Sliwa uses this New York City mayoral interview to argue that he still has a realistic path to victory. David Chalian keeps returning to the same basic question: after Sliwa's 28 percent showing in his last run, what does that path actually add up to?
A shutdown fight viewed through the lens of leverage, blame, and midterm math.
The episode treats the shutdown fight less like a procedural standoff and more like a test of leverage and blame. David Chalian pushes Susan DelBene on the funding deadline, then steps back to the broader House map, the party's narrow route back to power, and the political…
A veteran Washington voice reflects on Trump's grip on Republicans, drifting independents, and Democrats' uneasy path to 2028.
Dan Balz's retirement gives CNN Political Briefing a sturdy frame: nearly five decades at the Post, then a wide look at Washington and where it sits now.
A sharp look at how Trump is forcing Democrats to decide how to respond.
Donald Trump's power grab sits at the center of this conversation, and David Axelrod turns it into a pointed question about what kind of fight Democrats are prepared to take on.
A grounded post-election conversation about coalition math, backlash, and the work of governing next.
CNN Political Briefing turns New York City's election night into a wider look at what Zohran Mamdani's win may mean. David Chalian and Errol Lewis keep the pace tight and practical, moving from turnout to coalition politics to the demands that come with taking City Hall.
A clean look at how Democratic frustration could be turned into midterm leverage.
CNN Political Briefing treats the shutdown fallout as a straightforward political test: Democrats are weighing recent wins, voter anger, and Donald Trump while trying to sharpen the case for next year.
A shutdown story about blame, health care, and House control.
The shutdown frames the episode, but the larger story is the political leverage around blame, reopening the government, and House control. David Chalian presses Rep.
Politics argued like a public record.
CNN's David Chalian interviews gerrymandering expert David Daly about the escalating redistricting battles in states like Texas and California.
David Chalian interviews CNN legal analyst Eli Honig about the unprecedented indictment of Jim Comey, ordered by Donald Trump, which breaches DOJ independence.
Texas State Representative James Tallarico discusses the Democratic quorum break to block Republican redistricting efforts, detailing threats faced, grassroots funding, and the moral and strategic implications.
CNN's David Chalian interviews correspondents Jeff Zeleny and Eva McKend about the 2025 elections in NYC, NJ, and VA, focusing on Trump's influence, key candidates like Zoram Mamdani and Abigail Spanberger, and issues such as affordability and trans rights.
David Axelrod discusses Trump's recent authoritarian actions, including firing Fed governors and threatening policing takeovers, and analyzes how Democrats should respond by focusing on economic issues while resisting fascistic overtones.
David Chalian and Jonathan Martin analyze whether Donald Trump is losing control of the MAGA coalition, citing his reversal on the Epstein bill, fracturing support, and low approval ratings.
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe discusses Democratic strategy after recent election wins and the government shutdown, arguing that Donald Trump's unpopularity unites the party despite internal divisions.
David Chalian interviews Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee for NYC mayor, who discusses the chaotic race, including endorsements, corruption allegations, and his defiant stance against dropping out.
CNN Political Director David Chalian interviews Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna about the ongoing government shutdown, exploring Republican strategies, Democratic responsibilities, and underlying issues like Senate ego and the Epstein files.
This segment discusses Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley's challenges with redistricting in California and his critiques of his party, including defying Speaker Mike Johnson during a government shutdown.
This episode analyzes the political fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case on Capitol Hill, focusing on internal GOP divisions as Republicans push for subpoenas despite Trump's efforts to shift attention.
Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow discusses the assassination of Charlie Kirk, political violence, and her bipartisan efforts through the Rodale Fellowship.
CNN's David Chalian interviews retiring Washington Post legend Dan Balz on his 47-year career and insights into current politics.
CNN Political Director David Chalian interviews Republican Congressman Mike Lawler about the ongoing government shutdown, with Lawler blaming Democrats like Chuck Schumer for the crisis and discussing healthcare subsidies, immigration, and his reelection strategy in a competitive New York district.
This episode analyzes Zohran Mamdani's historic victory in the New York City mayoral election, featuring an interview with political journalist Errol Lewis.
CNN Political Director David Chalian interviews Congresswoman Susan DelBene about the impending government shutdown, Democratic strategies to blame Republicans, and plans to win back the House in 2026.
David Chalian interviews David Wildstein about the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race between Mikey Sherrill and Jack Cittarelli.
CNN's David Chalian interviews senior correspondent Donia Sullivan to dissect the escalating conflict within the MAGA movement over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, exploring how conspiracy theories, QAnon influences, and Trump's media missteps are creating a rare rift with his base.
This episode analyzes the escalating conflict between Illinois Governor J.B.
CNN Political Director David Chalian interviews Angela Stent, a U.S.-Russia relations expert, about the upcoming summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska.