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.

It’s very early in the 2024 GOP nominating contest, but many in the party view Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the most viable alternative to former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains that DeSantis is just beginning his journey into presidential politics. Even though he hasn’t jumped in the race yet, attacks from Trump and others are just getting started.
Mar 30, 2023
Former Vice President Mike Pence is in Iowa today a day after a judge ruled he has to testify against his former boss about the leadup to January 6th. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the political, legal, and historic circumstances the former vice president is faced with, as he considers a run for president against his former running mate.
Mar 29, 2023
A deadly mass shooting at a school in Nashville has the community looking to leaders for answers. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why action on the federal level is very unlikely. President Joe Biden says all he can do is urge Congress to act, but Republicans and Democrats don’t agree on where to start.
Mar 28, 2023
Israel’s Prime Minister’s proposal to overhaul the country’s judicial system is now on hold, after strikes and protests brought parts of the country to a halt. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the proposed reform and explains how the US is responding to the domestic affairs of its ally in the Middle East.
Mar 27, 2023
As an indictment decision looms against Donald Trump, the former president heads to Waco, Texas this weekend for his first 2024 campaign rally. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how Trump has been amping up his rhetoric about the hush money scheme probe, as his legal troubles pile up in other investigations.
Mar 24, 2023
Republicans and Democrats came together to grill TikTok’s CEO on Capitol Hill today. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the highlights from today’s high stakes hearing and why many lawmakers want the app banned. TikTok’s CEO says US user data is safe and getting safer, but lawmakers didn’t seem convinced.
Mar 23, 2023
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized former President Donald Trump in a new interview. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why this kicks their rivalry into higher gear. DeSantis may not have announced his 2024 plans yet, but he’s trying to draw contrasts with Trump as the current GOP frontrunner faces legal troubles.
Mar 22, 2023
Will China provide lethal aid to Russia for the war in Ukraine? That’s the big question that looms over the meetings this week between Russia and China’s presidents. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what has come out of the meetings so far, and how the US is responding. China says it’s pushing for peace in Ukraine, but Washington says Beijing’s plan would only benefit Russia.
Mar 21, 2023
Former President Donald Trump could be indicted as early as this week by prosecutors in New York looking into an alleged hush money payment scheme before the 2016 election. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the possible charges, security concerns, and the political reaction from Republicans.
Mar 20, 2023
President Joe Biden is balancing a fragile, tricky situation in the wake of the banking instability. CNN’s Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny explains how the Biden administration’s actions so far, and the roller coaster banks are on right now, could put the president in a tough spot. While this situation is different from the 2008 financial crisis, some 2024 Republicans are using the politically toxic “b” word – bailout.
Mar 17, 2023