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The Lead with Jake Tapper

CNN's lead DC anchor and chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper, hosts this two-hour long weekday afternoon program, with headlines from around the country and the world, the top stories in national and international news, politics, health, money, the environment, sports and popular culture. The Lead also concentrates on bringing stories that aren't found on front pages—buried leads—to the forefront.

Tonight: 7 GOP presidential candidates face off in 2nd debate The Lead with Jake Tapper
Tonight, Republican presidential candidates will fight for second place in GOP polling as the frontrunner, Donald Trump, skips the debate. Our panel discuss what messaging, positions, and strategies the candidates may take on key issues. Plus, in an effort to avoid a government shutdown, a new short-term bill was outlined by Speaker McCarthy which would include provisions for the border.
Sep 27, 2023
One-on-one with Cassidy Hutchinson The Lead with Jake Tapper
As former President Trump is vying for another term in the White House, threatening to dismantle political norms, investigate his adversaries, and seek retribution for perceived slights, former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson joins for an extensive interview. She discusses why Trump should never be president again, why she came forward to testify, how seriously she takes Trump’s threats, if Trump would curtail freedom of the press, and much more. Plus, CNN is on the ground at the Mexican-Guatemalan border as migrant crossings along the US-Mexico border rise.
Sep 26, 2023
Sen. Menendez denies wrongdoing amid corruption charges The Lead with Jake Tapper
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) said there is a good reason he had nearly $500,000 in cash in his home as he denies the federal bribery charges against him. Plus, with less than a week until a government shutdown, House Speaker McCarthy tells CNN that he is not worried about getting ousted if he cuts a deal with Democrats. Also, a look at what Trump and Biden's planned visits to Michigan amid the United Autoworkers strike say about the 2024 election.
Sep 25, 2023
Dem Sen. Bob Menendez indicted on bribery charges The Lead with Jake Tapper
A sweeping indictment accuses Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) with accepting bribes, pressuring a US official, and spilling sensitive information to benefit a foreign government. Prosecutors allege bribes included gold, cash, a luxury vehicle, and more. Plus, Congress leaves for long weekend with just 8 days left to fund government and prevent a shutdown. Also, Ukraine strikes the Russian Black Sea fleet headquarters.
Sep 22, 2023
Zelensky meets with Biden at White House The Lead with Jake Tapper
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy visits Washington D.C., requesting assistance in Russia’s war with Ukraine. Plus, according to sources, House GOP leaders send members home for the week amid deep divisions and a looming shutdown. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) join to share plans to reach consensus with GOP hardliners.  Also, the FBI has been asked to assist in an investigation into allegations of torture at an off-site Baton Rouge police warehouse.
Sep 21, 2023
Guardian: Cassidy Hutchinson claims Rudy Giuliani groped her The Lead with Jake Tapper
In her new book, the star witness for the January 6th committee hearings, Cassidy Hutchinson, says Rudy Giuliani groped her according to an excerpt obtained by The Guardian. Plus, tough questions were put to Attorney General Merrick Garland at a House Judiciary Committee hearing focused on allegations surrounding Hunter Biden. Also, a sobering statistic from the US Census Bureau shows child poverty has doubled in the last year.
Sep 20, 2023
One-on-one with Polish president as Putin’s war rages The Lead with Jake Tapper
President of Poland Andrzej Duda joins to discuss the Ukraine war as he urges the United Nations to remember World War II as well as Putin’s imperial ambitions. Plus, Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau links India’s government in the assassination of a prominent Sikh leader on Canadian land. Also, a look at new testimony from the whistleblower who alleged political interference in the federal criminal investigation of Hunter Biden’s taxes.
Sep 19, 2023
Five American freed by Iran en route to U.S. The Lead with Jake Tapper
First, inside the negotiations to release several American prisoners held in Iran. As part of the deal, the US unfroze $6 billion in Iranian funds. Plus, Jeffrey Clark, whom Trump almost appointed as attorney general, irritated a judge by not showing up for a hearing. Also, while bargaining tasks continue between Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, the UAW say they may announce additional international walkouts soon.
Sep 18, 2023
UAW launches historic strike against Big 3 automakers The Lead with Jake Tapper
The United Auto Workers union is now on strike, pushing for higher pay and better benefits. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) joins to answer how she believes this can be resolved and if everyone is bargaining in good faith as a former presidential candidate and current US Senator joins the picket line. Plus, 32 of Donald Trump’s Twitter direct messages have been turned over to the special counsel as part of the federal election subversion investigation. Also, according to international officials, more than 5,000 people are presumed dead in Libya after devastating flooding with another 10,000 missing.
Sep 15, 2023
Hunter Biden incited on 3 gun charges The Lead with Jake Tapper
New legal trouble emerges for Hunter Biden who has been indicted on federal charges, accused of lying to buy a gun and possessing it while addicted to drugs. Plus, Trump’s Fulton County, Georgia case is delayed and a new date has not yet been set. The lawyer for Kenneth Chesebro has been provided a mass trove of evidence culminating in eight terabytes of data. Also, talk shows are back in production as the Hollywood writers strike continues.
Sep 14, 2023
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