CNN Political Briefing is off for Thanksgiving this week, so we are sharing an episode of The Assignment with Audie Cornish. In this episode, David Chalian and Audie Cornish talk about covering this tumultuous political moment, the role of the media as truth tellers, and David’s surprising college major. We’ll be back next week with a new episode. In the meantime, you can find The Assignment wherever you get your podcasts.

Nov 24, 2023

The date of the New Hampshire primary has been set for January 23, 2024. Former President Donald Trump is still leading by a wide margin among likely Republican primary voters in the Granite State and Nikki Haley has risen into second place. In the Democratic contest, President Biden is not on the ballot, but his allies are mounting a write-in campaign to avoid embarrassment at the polls. CNN Political Director David Chalian talks with former New Hampshire attorney general Republican Tom Rath about how seriously his state takes its role in the primary process.

Nov 17, 2023

It was a big week in US politics as voters in some states took to the polls. What do the results mean for Democrats and Republicans? Meanwhile in Miami, five Republican presidential candidates took to the debate stage while the frontrunner held a rally nearby. Do any of them have a shot at beating former president Donald Trump? Washington Post Chief Correspondent Dan Balz joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about the week’s big events, plus some renewed Democratic concerns about President Joe Biden seeking a second term.

Nov 10, 2023

Voters are supposed to pick their politicians, but thanks to redistricting, some politicians are picking their voters. There are currently almost a dozen states embroiled in legislative fights over what can be a powerful political tool. With up to 18 seats in contention, the results could affect which party controls the House of Representatives next year. Nick Seabrook, author and professor of political science and public administration at the University of North Florida, talks to CNN Political Director David Chalian about who might benefit from which outcomes.

Nov 3, 2023

The number of third-party candidates in the 2024 presidential election is growing. And while independent candidates traditionally haven’t gained enough votes to win, this year, strategists say they could have significant impact, including siphoning votes in an already tight race. CNN’s Political Director David Chalian talks with Matt Bennett, the executive vice president for public affairs at Third Way, and a vocal opponent of third-party efforts in the 2024 race. Bennet explains why he’s been so outspoken against a nonprofit group called No Labels, which is actively seeking ballot access to potentially run a bipartisan and centrist ticket opposed to both Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Oct 27, 2023

After ousting their own majority leader, Republicans in the House of Representatives have been unable to elect a new speaker. This week it was Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan’s turn to try unsuccessfully to rally his party behind him. Meanwhile on the other side of the aisle, Democrats are waiting to see if they’ll be approached for a bipartisan deal. House Democratic campaign chief Congresswoman Suzan DelBene tells CNN Political Director David Chalian that her party plans to make the current House chaos a part of its campaign to win back the majority next year.

Oct 19, 2023

We’re less than 100 days away from one of the first big voting events of the 2024 election: the Iowa caucuses. Election season is in full swing in a state that’s once again set up to be a focal point in the next presidential race. CNN Political Director David Chalian takes us inside what’s happening on the ground in the Hawkeye state with O. Kay Henderson, News Director of Radio Iowa. Henderson explains why seasoned experts and operatives say, this year, the stakes for the caucuses are even higher than normal.

Oct 13, 2023

The outcome of a race is ultimately up to voters to decide. And while polls aren’t always perfect, they can be helpful to gauge support for a candidate and inform decisions for a campaign. CNN Political Director David Chalian sits down with prominent Republican pollster Neil Newhouse to discuss the state of the GOP presidential primary, what it’s like to be a lead pollster for a presidential campaign, and how he’s adjusted for challenges the polling industry is facing.

Oct 6, 2023

There were fewer Republican presidential candidates on the debate stage this week. The front runner, former President Donald Trump, was noticeably absent, while Governor Asa Hutchinson failed to qualify. CNN Political Director David Chalian asks Hutchinson how he plans to regain ground in the race, what made him run for president, and how his former losses inform his current campaign. Plus, Hutchinson shares what life is like on the campaign trail and when he first met former President (and fellow Arkansan) Bill Clinton.

Sep 29, 2023

Starting this week our show will be moving from daily to weekly, with new episodes dropping every Friday. As we gear up for yet another pivotal election cycle, we want to take you beyond the daily headlines to bring you insight, analysis, and expertise from the key players in politics. Join CNN Political Director David Chalian each week as he guides you through our ever-changing political landscape. From conversations with campaign managers, to pollsters, to party leaders, and political reporter...Show mores on the ground in the key states – we’ll be pulling back the curtain and taking you inside the political arena, as you hear from the people actually living it. 
And we want to hear from you! Is there a question about this election cycle that you want answered? Is there a guest you’d want to hear from? Give us a call at 301-842-8338 or send us an email at cnnpoliticalbriefing@gmail.com and you might just be featured in a future episode of the podcast.

Sep 25, 2023