CNN Political Briefing
Former President Donald Trump says he’s been informed by special counsel Jack Smith that he’s a target in the investigation into the aftermath of the 2020 election. CNN Congressional Correspondent Jessica Dean explains what this could mean for Trump, while a key hearing took place in the separate classified documents probe. Plus, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responds to his 2024 opponent’s legal trouble in an exclusive interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
Jul 18, 2023
CNN Political Briefing
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other Republican presidential candidates are at an evangelical event in Virginia today. CNN National Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down DeSantis’ speech and how he’s been responding to recent criticism about his campaign. Plus, Democrats are worried Senator Joe Manchin may be considering a third-party presidential run.
Jul 17, 2023
CNN Political Briefing
Many Republican presidential candidates are in Iowa today for a summit thrown by an influential evangelical leader. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the significance of this event, which is happening on the same day the Republican governor signed a 6-week abortion ban into law. Plus, President Joe Biden’s latest fundraising numbers don’t seem to be helping some Democrats’ anxiety over the slow start of his campaign thus far.
Jul 14, 2023
CNN Political Briefing
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Defense Secretary Llyod Austin spoke today about Tuberville’s hold on military nominations over the department’s reproductive health policies. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the senator’s position – one President Joe Biden called “ridiculous.” Plus, House Republicans are addressing the same matter in a critical defense policy bill.
Jul 13, 2023
CNN Political Briefing
The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down key moments from the hearing, and what it may (or may not) accomplish. Republicans attacked the agency for playing politics on a number of issues, while Democrats labeled the hearing itself as political.
Jul 12, 2023
CNN Political Briefing
As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, President Joe Biden attends a high stakes NATO summit in Lithuania. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains NATO’s efforts to help Ukraine join the alliance, but the White House says it won’t happen until after the war is over. Plus, Turkey has agreed to back Sweden’s bid to join NATO in a major win for the alliance.
Jul 11, 2023
CNN Political Briefing
The House Freedom Caucus is still finding its way in a McCarthy-led House in a post-Trump Washington. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down how the group of conservative Republicans struggles at times to stay on the same page when it comes to policy, strategy, and presidential endorsements. The caucus even voted to oust one of its members with high name recognition: Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Jul 10, 2023
CNN Political Briefing
New CNN reporting indicates special counsel Jack Smith may be close to deciding charges in another probe involving former President Donald Trump. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down what prosecutors are focusing on as they investigate Trump and his allies’ efforts to overturn the 2020 election. This, as Trump campaigned in Iowa today and attacked his top GOP rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Jul 7, 2023
CNN Political Briefing
The holiday week has been stacked with 2024 candidate events, new political ads, and fresh fundraising numbers. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the drama over loyalty pledges, which require GOP candidates to support the eventual nominee if they want to be on the ballot in Florida or participate in the RNC’s first primary debate. Plus, will former President Donald Trump even show up to the debate?
Jul 6, 2023
CNN Political Briefing
Some Republicans running for the presidential nomination hit the campaign trail hard over the holiday, except for the frontrunner. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains how former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former Vice President Mike Pence spent the last few days, and what that says about the primary race so far.
Jul 5, 2023