Anderson Cooper 360

President Trump returned to the White House after being treated for coronavirus symptoms at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His return to the White House comes as more of his aides test positive and his doctors warn he isn’t “out of the woods yet.” Dr. Thomas Frieden, former CDC Director, tells Anderson Cooper “anyone who underestimates this virus is putting themselves at risk. They’re putting their family at risk and they’re putting those for whom they have responsibility at risk.” Plus, shortly after Trump returned to the White House he tweeted a video about coronavirus saying “Don’t let it dominate you. Don’t be afraid of it.” Katie Coelho lost her husband, Jonathan, to Covid-19 back in April. Katie was left to raise their two small children by herself. She joins AC360 to react to the President’s comments and says he’s weak and asks “what does he have to lose to show sympathy?” Airdate: October 5, 2020 Guests: Dr. Thomas Frieden Katie Coelho To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a video posted to his social media accounts, President Trump says he “thinks I’ll be back soon.” His doctor told reporters "the President is doing very well.” But a source identified as White House chief of staff Mark Meadows by the New York Times and Associated Press told reporters, “the President’s vitals over the last 24 hours were very concerning and the next 48 hours will be critical.” Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent joins AC360 to react to the conflicting reports about the timeline of when the President actually found out he tested positive for Covid-19. Plus, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie checked himself into the hospital as a precaution after testing positive for coronavirus. Christie helped with President Trump’s debate prep and sat next to him and others who also tested positive. Dana Bash, CNN’s Chief Political Correspondent tells Anderson Cooper the people who were around those who tested positive didn’t have a chance to protect themselves and their families early on because the White House hasn’t been forthcoming. Airdate: October 3, 2020 Guests: Dr. Sanjay Gupta Dana Bash To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump took Marine One to Walter Reed Medical Center to stay “for at least a few days” after testing positive for Covid-19. In a short video tweeted out, Trump said, “I think I’m doing very well” and he’s going “to make sure that things work out.” The President was said to be spooked after he announced he tested positive, and has become increasingly alarmed by his diagnosis as he developed symptoms like a fever overnight, according to a person familiar with his reaction. Dr. Celine Gounder is an Infectious Disease Specialist and Epidemiologist, as well as a CNN Medical Analyst. She joins AC360 to react to President Trump’s hospitalization and says it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when Trump was infected because daily testing may not actually be happening at the White House which makes it hard to contact trace. Plus, President Trump being hospitalized for coronavirus is the most serious health threat to a sitting President since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. CNN Senior Political Analyst David Gergen was working in the Reagan White House at the time. He tells Anderson Cooper that experience taught him a lot of things, including how important it is for the government to be straightforward and truthful so the American people know the full story. . Airdate: October 2, 2020 Guests: David Gergen Dr. Celine Gounder To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Department of Homeland Security is unlikely to meet its deadline to release its homeland threat assessment. All three drafts said that among domestic extremists, White supremacists will be the most “persistent and lethal threat” in the U.S. through 2021. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany deflected when she was asked why the President won’t fully denounce White supremacy, instead pointing to Trump’s prior comments and even blamed the media for popularizing the far-right group known as the Proud Boys, who Trump told to “stand back and standby” at the first 2020 Presidential debate. Elizabeth Neumann, Former Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, worked to develop policies, laws and programs to help prevent domestic terrorism. She joins AC360 to explain why she says what Trump is doing is treasonous. Plus, a former close friend and adviser to Melania Trump shares phone recordings between her and the First Lady with AC360. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff’s role in the East Wing was terminated in 2018 after an investigation revealed her firm was paid nearly $26 million to put together President Trump’s inauguration. She says all but $1.6 million was paid to subcontractors and vendor. She tells Anderson Cooper “the Trump administration along with the Presidential Inauguration Committee tandemly created a narrative I wouldn’t follow and I needed to be the scapegoat with.” Airdate: October 1, 2020 Guests: Elizabeth Neumann Stephanie Winston Wolkoff To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says he doesn’t know the far-right group, Proud Boys, a day after he told them to “stand back and stand by” and refusing to condemn white supremacy at the first 2020 Presidential debate. Susan Bro lost her daughter, Heather Heyer, three years ago when a self-professed neo-Nazi plowed through a crowd of counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia at the “Unite the Right” rally. Trump said back then there were “very fine people on both sides.” She tells Anderson Cooper she gasped when she heard what the President said at the debate but wasn’t surprised by Trump’s comments. Plus, Susan Rice, a former Ambassador to the United Nations and President Obama's former National Security Adviser, joins AC360 to react to the debate and says, “we have a racist-in-chief in the White House.” Airdate: September 30, 2020 Guests: Susan Bro Susan Rice To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the eve of the first 2020 presidential debate, how are Pres. Trump and former Vice President Biden preparing and what do we know of how the debate will go? Anderson speaks with someone who has knowledge of how one would prepare to debate Pres. Trump, former Clinton Campaign Chairman John Podesta. Airdate: September 28, 2020 Guests: Arlette Saenz John Podesta To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tax return data obtained by The New York Times shows Donald Trump reported he was losing significantly more money than he made and has paid no income taxes in 10 of the past 15 years beginning in 2000. President Trump claimed the report is “fake news” and said he pays “a lot” in federal income taxes. Tim O’Brien, Senior Columnist at Bloomberg Opinion and a Trump Biographer, joins AC360 and says “the taxes show that he’s an abysmally bad businessman and deal maker but someone who’s not shy at all about bending the tax code to the point that the IRS is now auditing him.” Plus, with the first 2020 presidential debate days away, John Kasich, former Republican Ohio Governor and 2016 Presidential Candidate, who debated Trump, tells Anderson Cooper you can’t go into the gutter and “start throwing mud” because you’ll lose. Airdate: September 27, 2020 Guests: Tim O’Brien John Kasich To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On a third night of protests in Louisville, Kentucky, Lonita Baker, an attorney for Breonna Taylor's family joins Anderson to discuss the family’s reaction to no officer being directly charged in the shooting death. She also shares the family's message to protestors and why they are seeking the grand jury’s transcripts. Airdate: September 25, 2020 Guest: Lonita Baker To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The attorney for Breonna Taylor's family, Benjamin Crump, joins Anderson to discuss the family's reaction to a grand jury’s decision to charge one officer with “wanton endangerment.” But that officer and the two others involved in the case do not face any charges related to Taylor’s death. Airdate: September 24, 2020 Guest: Benjamin Crump To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protesters took to the streets in Louisville and other cities after no police officers were directly charged in the death of Breonna Taylor. The 26-year-old emergency room technician was killed in a botched police raid back in March. The former detective who was charged today is accused of "wanton endangerment" for allegedly firing blindly through a door and window, with bullets entering an adjacent apartment. He has already posted bond and been released from jail. Anderson spoke with Congresswoman Karen Bass, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, to get her reaction to the grand jury’s decision. Airdate: September 23, 2020 Guest: Rep. Karen Bass To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doctor Adeline Fagan was just 28 years old. She was in her second year of an OB/GYN residency at a hospital in Houston, where she also worked the front lines caring for Covid-19 patients. In July, she tested positive for the virus. By August, she was on a ventilator. Last week, she seemed to be turning a corner. Then, on Friday night, she developed bleeding in her brain and died early Saturday with her parents by her side. Her parents, Brant and Mary Jane Fagan, joined Anderson to remember their daughter. Airdate: September 22, 2020 Guests: Brant Fagan Mary Anne Fagan To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Rebecca Shadowen was a specialist in infectious diseases and healthcare epidemiology in Bowling Green, Kentucky. As a frontline doctor, she helped establish a coronavirus unit for her local hospital. She was also instrumental in assisting her local government deal with the disease when she was diagnosed with it back in May. She died on September 11th. Anderson spoke with her family. Airdate: September 21, 2020 Guests: Dr. David Shadowen Kathryn Shadowen Jesse Shadowen To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died due to complications of metastatic pancreas cancer at 87. She was appointed by Bill Clinton in 1993 and has served as the most senior member of the court’s liberal wing. Betsy West, director of the documentary "RBG,” joins AC360 to discuss the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Airdate: September 18, 2020 Guest: Betsy West To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CDC Director Robert Redfield told a Senate Committee he thinks a Covid-19 vaccine won’t be available to the American public until the late second quarter or third quarter of 2021. When asked about Redfield’s comments, President Trump said he was “confused” and “made a mistake” and then went on to claim a vaccine could be ready by October. The CDC later said Redfield misunderstood the questions during the hearing and his 2021 vaccine comment was when all Americans would be vaccinated. Dr. Eric Topol, Executive Vice President at Scripps Research, tells Anderson Cooper he believes Dr. Redfield was telling the truth and “it’s like a circus act in the midst of an important pandemic.” Plus, Michael Caputo, the top spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services, who claimed, without evidence, the CDC has a “resistance unit” to work against the President, announced he’s taking a two-month "medical leave of absence” following his apology for the conspiracy-laden rant. Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications Director joins AC360 to react to Caputo’s comments and says when it’s corrupt at the top, it spills over into everybody. Airdate: September 16, 2020 Guests: Dr. Eric Topol Anthony Scaramucci To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bob Woodward interviewed President Trump 18 times for his new book “Rage.” Trump talked to Woodward about a wide variety of topics from his handling of Covid-19 saying “nothing more could have been done” to meeting with the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, saying “what do we have to lose?” Bob Woodward joins AC360 to explain why after all his interviews with Trump and others in his administration, he thinks “Trump is the wrong man for the job.” Airdate: September 15, 2020 Guest: Bob Woodward To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When speaking to Bob Woodward back in April when nearly 30,000 Americans had already died from Covid-19, President Trump admitted that the virus “is a killer if it gets you. If you’re the wrong person, you don’t have a chance.” Meanwhile, he was telling the public the country needs to reopen and the return of live sports. Carl Bernstein, journalist, author and CNN Political Analyst, joins AC360 to react to the President’s comments and says “we’re witnessing a homicidal president.” Plus, a top spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services claimed, without evidence, the Center for Disease Control has a “resistance unit” to work against Trump. Michael Caputo, a defender of the President, made these claims after sources told CNN he and his team demanded to see weekly CDC documents before they were released. Dr. Tom Frieden, former Director at the CDC, tells Anderson Cooper the virus responds to “science-driven action” and what we’re seeing is “an attempt to meddle with science.” Airdate: September 14, 2020 Guests: Carl Bernstein Dr. Tom Frieden To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Covid-19 projection: 415,000 deaths by January 1 As the U.S. Covid-19 death toll nears 200,000, an influential model projects nearly 415,000 deaths by January 1. That number decreases to around 298,000 if there is 95% universal mask wearing. Right now mask use is slipping below 45%. Dr. Chris Murray is the director of the group at the University of Washington that’s been working on these models throughout the pandemic. He joins AC360 to explain how important mask wearing is and predicts the U.S. will see a “deadly December.” Plus, in August after NBA players boycotted their playoff games following the shooting of Jacob Blake, the Black man who was shot seven times in the back by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Kenny Smith, former NBA champion and Analyst for Inside the NBA on TNT, walked off the set saying “as a black man, as a former player, I think it's best for me to support the players and just not be here tonight.” He tells Anderson Cooper sometimes you need to talk about the march but other times you need to join the march and he said he thought it was a “join the march moment.” Airdate: September 11, 2020 Guests: Dr. Chris Murray Kenny Smith To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bob Woodward’s new book, “Rage,” reveals President Trump admitted in early February he knew just how dangerous, highly contagious, and "deadly" the coronavirus was weeks before there was the first confirmed case in the United States. Then in March, Trump told Woodward “I wanted to always play it down” yet the White House is saying “the President never downplayed the virus.” Dr. Craig Spencer is the Director of Global Health in Emergency Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and has been on the frontlines of this deadly virus in New York City for months. He joins AC360 to react to Trump’s comments and says “I’m furious because many of those deaths didn’t need to happen if we took the right steps early on and got prepared like we needed to and the President clearly knew we needed to.” Woodward’s book also claims an aide to former Defense Secretary James Mattis heard the President say in a meeting "my f---ing generals are a bunch of p***ies" because they cared more about alliances than trade deals. Retired Lt. Gen. James Clapper served as Director of National Intelligence under President Obama and is a CNN National Security Analyst. He tells Anderson Cooper these comments are “just more stunning reinforcement of the President’s real distain for the military.” Airdate: September 9, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is back on the campaign trail days after the bombshell Atlantic report claiming he disparaged the military. In several conversations since the story was published, Trump has adamantly denied the comments and bragged about what he’s done for the military. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a U.S. Army veteran who lost both her legs while serving in Iraq, joins AC360 to react to the President’s alleged comments. She says if you set aside the article that nobody disbelieves because it’s very consistent with who Donald Trump is, “he’s done a number of other things that are very consistent that shows that he is not fit to be Commander-in-Chief.” Plus, nine vaccine makers have signed a joint safety pledge in the race for a Covid-19 vaccine. The pledge says they will uphold “high ethical standard,” suggesting they won’t seek premature government approval. President Trump has frequently pushed for a fast vaccine timeline, even hinting there would be one before Election Day. William Haseltine, Chair and President of ACCESS Health International, tells Anderson Cooper “a rush to a vaccine without due caution is a very dangerous thing.” Airdate: September 8, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump forcefully denied a report in The Atlantic magazine that claimed he disparaged U.S. service members killed in battle. The report also alleges that Trump chose to skip a ceremony honoring veterans and said “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.” Trump said the allegations are a hoax and nobody feels more strongly about our soldiers and veterans than he does. CNN has not been able to independently confirm The Atlantic’s report. Maj. General Paul Eaton joins AC360 to react to the report and says this President doesn’t understand the nature of respect and says he has to go. Plus, an influential Covid-19 model says there will be 410,000 coronavirus deaths in the next four months if mask use wanes despite President Trump saying we’re “rounding the corner.” William Haseltine, Chair and President of ACCESS Health International joins AC360 to react to the latest projections. Airdate: September 4, 2020 Guests: Maj. General Paul Eaton (Ret.) William Haseltine To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden traveled to Wisconsin to speak with Jacob Blake’s family and community leaders in Kenosha. Biden also spoke with Jacob Blake, the Black Wisconsin man who was shot seven times in the back by a police officer, about faith and Blake’s determination to not give up. Benjamin Crump, the Blake family attorney, joins AC360 to discuss how the family’s visit with Biden went and says “the meeting was hopeful, spiritual and at times very substantive.” Plus, seven Rochester police officers have been suspended over the death of Daniel Prude back in March. Prude, a Black man, died after he was pinned to the ground on his stomach. Video released shows officers covering the man’s head with a “spit sock” and holding him on the ground before he stopped breathing. Charles Ramsey, former Philadelphia Police Commissioner, walks AC360 through the disturbing video Airdate: September 3, 2020 Guests: Benjamin Crump Charles Ramsey To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told states across the country to prepare for a possible Covid-19 vaccine as soon as late October. Robert Redfield, the Director of the CDC, says his agency is preparing for one or more coronavirus vaccines to be ready by the end of the year. Saskia Popescu is an Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and she tells AC360 this is “extremely concerning” and “very premature.” Plus, President Trump claimed there was a flight to Washington that was “almost completely loaded with thugs wearing these dark uniforms” set on causing destruction in the streets during the Republican National Convention. Attorney General William Barr said authorities were tracking people who had flown from city to city to stir up violence but said Trump was speaking “in general terms.” Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu is one of two House Democrats who sent a letter to FBI Director Chris Wray asking if the FBI has been tasked with investigating the theory. He joins AC360 and says Barr was once again “making stuff up” because the President was very specific about the details. Airdate: September 2, 2020 Guests: Saskia Popescu Rep. Ted Lieu To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At a roundtable event during President Trump’s visit to Kenosha, he neither addressed systematic racism nor met with Jacob Blake’s family, the Black man who was shot seven times by a police officer in Kenosha. The only two Black people in attendance were two pastors for Jacob Blake’s mother. They were asked whether they believe police violence was a systematic issue and the President interjected saying, “I don't believe that. I think the police do an incredible job and I think you do have some bad apples." Justin Blake, Jacob Blake’s uncle, joins AC360 to react to the President’s comments and says “he’s a lying president—racial things he said invoked and empowered police officers all over the country to reign down hate upon African Americans.” Plus, a National Institutes of Health panel says there’s no evidence backing the use of convalescent plasma to treat Covid-19 despite the FDA issuing an emergency use authorization just a week prior and the President declaring it a historic breakthrough. Dr. Eric Topol, Executive Vice President at Scripps Research, disagreed with Trump and the FDA. He wrote a letter to Dr. Stephen Hahn, the FDA Commissioner, telling him he should either tell the truth or resign. He tells AC360 he doesn’t expect Dr. Hahn to hold a press conference and tell the truth. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump refused to denounce the actions of his supporters in Portland and Wisconsin. Trump also said Kyle Rittenhouse, who is facing homicide charges as well as a felony charge for attempted homicide, “probably would have been killed” had he not fatally shot two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The President warned Americans that the violence they’re seeing in cities right now is what a Biden presidency would be like. Van Jones, former Special Adviser to President Obama and a CNN Political Commentator, tells Anderson Cooper Trump loves to act like the tough guy but he often is whining and complaining. Plus, Trump also went into a lengthy defense apparently aimed at police officers who he says “choke” and went on to say, “We don’t want to have, when somebody makes a mistake, he chokes, or in some cases you have bad cops, we have to take care of that. In other cases they choke. They’re under – they have a quarter of a second. A quarter of a second to make a decision, and sometimes they make the wrong decision. If they make the wrong decision you know if they make the wrong decision in the other direction they’re probably dead.” Charles Ramsey, former Philadelphia Police Commissioner joins AC360 to react to the President’s comments and says he thinks it’s a “slap in the face to the men and women across the country who face danger every single day and believe me, they do not choke.” Airdate: August 31, 2020 Guests: Van Jones Charles Ramsey To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacob Blake, a Black Wisconsin resident who was shot seven times in the back by a White police officer who tried to detain him in Kenosha, is no longer handcuffed to his hospital bed after a warrant for his arrest was vacated. Blake is paralyzed from the waist down and family members said seeing him shackled to the hospital bed was heartbreaking. Jacob Blake Sr. was in Washington, D.C. for the March on Washington and told the crowd, “And we're not taking it anymore, I ask everyone to stand up. No justice, no peace!" He joins AC360 to give an update on his son and says his son asked him why he was shot so many times. Plus, Mary Trump, President Trump’s niece, has new audio recordings of her aunt Maryanne Trump Barry, President Trump’s sister, talking about her brother and his family. She tells Anderson Cooper the reason she secretly recorded these conversations was to protect herself and she understands “how this family operates and you need to bring receipts.” Airdate: August 28, 2020 Guests: Jacob Blake Sr. Mary Trump To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the emergency use of convalescent plasma to help treat patients with Covid-19 saying the “known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks of the product.” President Trump claimed “political reasons” held up this treatment after he accused members of the FDA of being part of the “deep state.” William Haseltine, Chair and President of ACCESS Health International, tells Anderson Cooper “the data does not support the approval of this drug” and it’s “a very modest improvement for people who take it very early, if it’s an improvement at all.” Plus, the Republican National Convention is set begin and details are beginning to emerge about the schedule and speakers for the 4-day event. President Trump is expected to make an appearance every night of the RNC. One of his appearances will be with a group of doctors, nurses and EMTs who have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis. Former Republican Senator Rick Santorum joins AC360 and says he thinks there will be a lot of comparisons about Joe Biden and President Barack Obama’s handling of the H1N1 virus and admits he thinks the President “rhetorically has handled the Covid-19 crisis horribly.” Airdate: August 23, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says his administration is delivering “one victory after another” as more than 175,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus. A key model now projects 310,000 Covid-19 related deaths by December but nearly 70,000 lives could be saved if people wear masks consistently. Dr. Chris Murray is the director of the group at the University of Washington that’s been working on these models throughout the pandemic. He tells Anderson Cooper in order to help save almost 70,000 Americans, political leaders, business leaders and community leaders need to take charge and put mask mandates with “some teeth” in place. Plus, Steven Bannon is calling his arrest a “political hit job.” The former White House Chief Strategist was arrested on federal charges of fraud tied to a fundraising campaign allegedly trying to help Trump’s border wall. Anthony Scaramucci briefly worked alongside Bannon in the White House and it was pretty well-known the two didn’t get along. He joins AC360 to react to Bannon’s arrest and says he’s “just not a good guy.” Airdate: August 21, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats are getting ready for Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris to officially accept their nominations in an unconventional Democratic National Convention. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Bernie Sanders and Governor Andrew Cuomo are just a few of the many noteworthy Democratic figures giving speeches during the 4-day event. Congressman James Clyburn from South Carolina is also scheduled to speak. He endorsed Biden right before the South Carolina primary which arguably helped propel the former Vice President to a huge win in the state and gain the momentum he needed to rally Democrats to win the nomination. He tells Anderson Cooper why he wanted to put his support behind Biden. Plus, David Axelrod, a former Senior Adviser to President Obama and CNN Senior Political Commentator, joins AC360 to discuss what the Democrats have to do to get their party excited and says “conventions are important even when they’re unconventional like this one.” Airdate: August 16, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Postal Service Inspector General is reviewing Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s controversial policy changes and his compliance with federal ethics rules. DeJoy made some disruptive changes like eliminating overtime and slowing some mail delivery. Democrats are accusing DeJoy of trying to disrupt mail-in-voting in the November election, which he has denied. President Trump has also said he’s holding up funding for the USPS because he doesn’t want to see it used for mail-in-voting. Jena Griswold is the Secretary State of Colorado and is in charge of overseeing the state’s elections. She joins AC360 to react to the Postal Service IG review and says Trump is “trying to undermine the safest way to vote during a pandemic and enforce Americans to choose between risking their lives and casting a ballot.” Plus, President Trump was asked if he had an issue with a strong woman of color being in the presidential race. His answer: “No. None whatsoever, as you now.” Despite his answer, the President has given the opposite impression when he’s interacted with strong women of color. Democratic Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta is a Biden supporter and she tells Anderson Cooper this President is a “disgrace to our country and it’s only getting worse.” Airdate: August 14, 2020 Guests: Jena Griswold Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During a press briefing President Trump refused to refute a false birther story about Senator Kamala Harris saying he “will take a look.” Harris was born in California and is the first Black and South Asian American woman to run on a major party’s presidential ticket. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee joins AC360 to react to the President’s comments and says, “It’s wrong. It’s not true. She’s an American citizen.” Plus, collegiate and professional sports organizations are trying to navigate how to play safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, says there will be fans in the stands when his team takes the field next month. Damien Williams is a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, the defending Super Bowl Champions. He has opted out of the season because his mother has cancer and he’s concerned he might expose her to the virus if he plays. He tells Anderson Cooper he just wants to spend time with his mom and be there for her. Airdate: August 13, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made their first public appearance a day after Biden chose the California Democrat to be his running mate. In Harris’s speech, she went after President Trump criticizing his administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic saying the U.S. leads the world with five millionCovid-19 cases “because of Trump’s failure to take it seriously from the start.” Congresswoman Karen Bass, also a Democrat from California, is the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. She joins AC360 to discuss how excited she is for Senator Harris and hopes that excitement will be felt throughout the country. Plus, the White House released new safety recommendations for schools which encourages mask use but doesn’t require it. Dr. Tom Frieden is the former Director of the CDC, and he tells Anderson Cooper any community can open schools but only a community that does these two things can keep them open: control Covid-19 so it’s not spreading and adapt in the schools. Airdate: August 12, 2020 Guests: Rep. Karen Bass Dr. Tom Frieden To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden made history by picking California Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. Harris will be the first Black and South Asian American woman to run on a major party’s presidential ticket. “I've decided that Kamala Harris is the best person to help me take this fight to Donald Trump and Mike Pence and then to lead this nation starting in January 2021,” Biden said. Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Eleanor Holmes Norton join AC360 to reflect on the historic day and explain why they think Harris was the best choice. Plus, Vladimir Putin says Russia approved the “world’s first” Covid-19 vaccine. Kirill Dmitriev is the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which is financing the vaccine research. He tells Anderson Cooper safety and efficiency is at the core of the vaccine and they’ve already received 1 billion preorders but they haven’t entered phase three trials yet. Airdate: August 11, 2020 Guests: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton Kirill Dmitriev To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new report says there’s been a 90% increase in the number of Covid-19 cases among children in the U.S. in just the last four weeks. President Trump says he thinks children are immune for the most part and “they don’t catch it easily.” Dr. Sean O’Leary is the Vice Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, which helped produce the report. He tells Anderson Cooper it’s not fair to say the deadly virus is completely benign in children. Plus, leaders from college football’s “Power Five” conferences are reportedly discussing the possibility of postponing the upcoming season that’s slated to start in a few weeks because of coronavirus concerns. Bob Costas, Hall of Fame broadcaster and CNN Contributor, joins AC360 to discuss the future of college football and how it could affect both athletes and fans. Airdate: August 10, 2020 Guests: Dr. Sean O’Leary Bob Costas To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the U.S coronavirus death toll tops 161,000, President Trump lays out potential executive actions if Congress doesn't reach agreement on a Covid-19 relief package. Also, an emotional plea from a teacher to her state's governor. Ellen Gurrola says "I'm a teacher and I'm scared." She talks with Anderson about her concerns and what the Minnesota Governor told her. Plus, a 8 year-old-boy is being called the “miracle” survivor. Jorden Hutchins suffered from multi-system inflammatory syndrome. He was put on a ventilator, then his kidneys stopped working and he was on dialysis. And that's not all, he also had two strokes that caused some paralysis and heart surgery. He and his mom talk with Anderson Cooper about what they wish parents know about the disease. Airdate: August 7, 2020 Guests: Ellen Gurrola Jorden and Beverly Hutchins To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As nearly 158,000 Americans have died from coronavirus, President Trump continues to suggest the virus will “go away.” But, White House Task Force Member Dr. Anthony Fauci says “I don’t think we’re going to eradicate this from the planet.” Dr. Richard Besser, the former Acting CDC Director under President Obama, joins AC360 to react to President Trump’s comments and says if there’s not leadership from the top at the federal level as we start to reopen schools, we’re going to see disease spread in out of control ways. Plus, a 29-year-old man is being called the “miracle” survivor. 29-year-old Chris Rogan spent 132 days in the hospital battling Covid-19. Doctors didn’t expect him to make it but he defied the odds and beat the virus. He tells Anderson Cooper he wishes people would take the virus seriously and he never thought he’d get this sick. Airdate: August 5, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With more than 156,000 Americans dead from the coronavirus, President Trump says the death toll “is what it is.” David Hart lost his husband, Dr. Joseph Costa, to the deadly virus. They were married for 28 years and Dr. Costa had been on the frontlines fighting Covid-19 before it took his life. Hart joins AC360 to share memories of his late husband and says he’s blessed for every second he was able to be with Joe. Plus, after weeks of attacking mail-in-voting, President Trump is now encouraging voters in Florida to vote by mail saying their election system is “safe and secure.” Just a day earlier, Trump threatened to sue Nevada after the state approved a plan to mail ballots to all registered voters. In a tweet, the President accused Nevada Democrats of orchestrating an “illegal late night coup” that makes it impossible for Republicans to win the swing state. Democratic Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak tells Anderson Cooper his priority is making sure voters “have every legitimate legal option to vote.” Airdate: August 4, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump criticized White House Task Force Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx in a tweet after she said the pandemic is “extraordinary widespread” in the U.S. Trump said he thinks “we’re doing very well.” California was one of the first states to shut down and was relatively successful at containing the virus but since the state re-opened, it has overtaken New York for the most Covid-19 cases. Dr. Desmond Carson is an Emergency Medicine Physician in California and he tells Anderson Cooper “people are selfish and self-centered. Just wear a mask. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing.” Plus, Georgia’s largest school district has reported around 260 employees have either tested positive for coronavirus or have been exposed. Many parents are grappling with the decision whether or not to send their children back to school. Becky Stone, Director of Schools for Alcoa City Schools, in Tennessee and Brian Woods, Superintendent of Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas join AC360 to discuss the difficulties they’re facing and what they’re doing to keep the students and staff as safe as possible. Airdate: August 3, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida just recorded the highest daily coronavirus death toll for the fourth straight day but President Trump says he thinks “we’ve done really well in Florida.” Dr. Aileen Marty is an Infectious Disease Expert at Florida International University in Palm Beach County, one of the hardest hit counties. She joins AC360 to react to the President’s comments and says the reality is “absolutely heartbreaking” and they’ve had many children die. Plus, as the world waits for a an effective Covid-19 vaccine, there are some promising therapeutics that have been helpful. William Haseltine, Chair and President of ACCESS Health International, tells Anderson Cooper if he was a betting man, he would bet 95% on drugs and 50% on vaccines as being the most effective way to handle this disease. Airdate: July 31, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced all lawmakers and staff members will be required to wear face coverings in the House chamber. Pelosi announced the new rule after GOP Congressman Louie Gohmert, who frequently refused to wear a mask, announced he tested positive for Covid-19. Speaker Pelosi joins AC360 to discuss the testing difficulties going on throughout the country and gives an update on the stimulus bill that is still being negotiated. Plus, a day after Attorney General William Barr told Congress he doesn’t believe there’s systemic racism in police departments, Writer, Producer, Director and Actor Tyler Perry tells Anderson Cooper he still gets pulled over by the police “because I’m in a nice car in a neighborhood that they don’t even know that I live in until they realize it’s me.” He adds he thinks his greatest gift he’s been given is he’s been able to live on both sides of the wealth gap. Airdate: July 29, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During a coronavirus press briefing President Trump questioned why his approval rating wasn’t as high as White House Task Force Member Dr. Anthony Fauci. He also promoted unproven hydroxycholoroquine as a treatment for Covid-19 despite the FDA, Dr. Fauci and other doctors saying it’s not an effective treatment. Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has been leading his state through the pandemic and has clashed with the President about testing. He joins AC360 to react to Trump’s recent messaging and gives an update on Maryland’s testing situation. Plus, 21 NFL players have tested positive for coronavirus since reporting to training camps and many players have already opted out of the season because of health concerns. Dr. Myron Rolle is currently a neurosurgery resident and also played in the NFL. He tells Anderson Cooper he doesn’t think it’s safe to return to sports right now and says if the NFL wants to be part of the community, they need to look what’s happening and put the safety of players and their families first. Airdate: July 28, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stood outside the White House two months ago declaring his state’s victory against the deadly coronavirus. Less than 10 weeks later, Florida has surpassed New York’s total count for Covid-19 cases, with at least 432,747. Democratic Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber wrote a letter to DeSantis blaming him for the “unconstrained growth” of Covid-19. Mayor Gelber joins AC360 to explain why he called the governor’s response “unprepared” and “failed.” Plus, Congressman John Lewis lies in state at the U.S. Capitol. Congressman James Clyburn tells Anderson Cooper about his friendship with Lewis dating back to the 1960s. Airdate: July 27, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. is on track for topping 1,000 daily coronavirus deaths for the 4th straight day. In the last week President Trump canceled the Republican National Convention activities in Jacksonville, Florida, encouraged Americans to wear masks and changed his tone on the severity of the deadly virus. White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator, Dr. Deborah Birx said California, Florida, Arizona and Texas seem to be plateauing after weeks of surging cases and deaths. Dr. Joseph Donnelly is an emergency room physician in El Paso, Texas and has been treating Covid-19 patients throughout the pandemic. He joins AC360 to describe his experiences and says this virus is nothing like the flu. Plus, the CDC recently released new guidance to help schools reopen in the fall. Trump said he would be “comfortable” with his son and grandchildren returning to school for in-person learning. Arne Duncan, former Education Secretary for the Obama administration tells AC360 if we “had a White House that led, had a national plan, we wouldn’t be jeopardizing our children’s chance to go back to school in the next couple weeks.” Airdate: July 24, 2020 Guests: Dr. Joseph Donnelly Arne Duncan To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump held another coronavirus briefing without the nation’s top doctors. He declared “cases remain low and very stable” as the U.S. nears 4 million cases and deaths have topped 142,000 people. California was one of the first states to shut down and seemed to have the virus under control, but after a resurgence, it has surpassed New York with the most coronavirus cases in the country. Dr. Barbara Ferrer is the Los Angeles County Public Health Director and says Covid-19 is set to become one of the leading causes of death in her county. Plus, the President says he will “surge” federal law enforcement officers to Chicago and other American cities even though local leaders are pushing back. Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said it would be a “cold day in hell” before he would agree to a “unilateral, uninvited intervention.” He joins AC360 and says he’s disappointed with the President’s response and it seems like a “reality TV approach” to a very serious problem. Airdate: July 22, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his first coronavirus briefing in months, President Trump admitted the Covid-19 crisis will probably get worse before it gets better. The President encouraged “everybody” to wear a mask and said “whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact.” Dr. Peter Hotez is the Dean of the School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor University in Texas where cases are spiking in the state and the reopening has been paused. He tells AC360 President Trump lacked empathy and compassion for the Southern states in dire situations and he showed no urgency in making a federal plan. Plus, protesters and federal agents continue to clash in downtown Portland, Oregon as local officials and lawmakers scrutinize the increased federal presence. Mayors of six large cities sent a letter to the administration slamming deployment of federal forces to stop protests. Democratic Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler is one of those mayors and has been monitoring the protests in his city for weeks. He joins AC360 and says the presence of the federal officers and their actions is what’s making the people of Portland so angry especially when the protests were mostly peaceful. Airdate: July 21, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump tweets out a photo of himself wearing a mask and says that “it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance” one day after an interview aired where he continued to downplay the impact of coronavirus in the United States. The President also said in that interview, “I don’t agree with the statement if everybody wear a mask everything disappears.” CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta explains what is behind the President’s change in tone and why daily Coronavirus Task Force briefings are going to return. Also, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Florida International University infectious disease expert Dr. Aileen Marty discuss what needs to be done to get the pandemic under control in Florida and across the country. Plus, CNN’s Gary Tuchman takes us inside an intensive care unit treating Covid-19 patients in Georgia. Airdate: July 20, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Covid-19 cases continue to rise throughout the South and Southwest of the U.S., White House Task Force Member Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested the country might need to “reset.” At least 27 states have paused or rolled back their re-openings as the U.S. recently saw the highest daily number of cases, 67,417. William Haseltine, Chair and President of ACCESS Health International, tells Anderson Cooper we are in a very dangerous situation and desperately need guidance. Plus, the Moderna coronavirus vaccine is showing “promising” safety and immune response results. Dr. Tal Zaks, Moderna’s Chief Medical Officer, joins AC360 to give an update on the trial and thinks the chances of this vaccine working are “pretty good.” Airdate: July 15, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump gave a campaign-like speech in the Rose Garden and offered no plan to help stop the surge of coronavirus cases throughout the country. Meanwhile, White House Task Force Member Dr. Anthony Fauci warned Covid-19 could become as serious as the 1918 flu that killed more than 50 million people. Arizona had to pause its reopening because cases were spiking. Dr. Quinn Snyder is an Emergency Room Physician on the frontline in Arizona fighting the virus. He tells Anderson Cooper he wishes the President and other politicians would let medical professionals and scientists handle the pandemic because “the virus is going to do what it wants to do.” Plus, the President took aim at governors during his rant at the White House saying his administration “made a lot of governors look fantastic.” Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been outspoken about the White House’s handing of the pandemic. She joins AC360 to react to the President’s comments and says it’s “troubling and disturbing” to hear remarks like that when there’s so much work to do. Airdate: July 14, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says he has a very good relationship with White House Task Force Member Dr. Anthony Fauci despite the White House attempting to discredit the nation’s top infectious disease expert. Dr. Fauci has been increasingly vocal about his concerns over reopening the country while there’s a surge of coronavirus cases in some states. Peter Staley, an AIDS activist and a member of the Covid-19 Working Group of New York, has worked with Dr. Fauci for decades and has been talking to him throughout the pandemic. He tells Anderson Cooper Dr. Fauci is “deeply frustrated” and just wants to fight the virus and save lives. Plus, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the country, announced they will start the school year online only, despite the President and his administration pushing for schools to reopen. Arne Duncan, former Education Secretary in the Obama Administration, joins Anderson Cooper and says superintendents ultimately have the power to make the decisions that are best for their schools, not the governors or the President. Airdate: July 13, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says the United States is “getting back on track” as the country saw the highest single-day coronavirus cases, 63,900. Meanwhile, White House Task Force Member Dr. Anthony Fauci says the country is in the middle of a “very serious problem.” Dr. Fauci and the President haven’t seen each other in at least 2 months. William Haseltine, Chair and President of ACCESS Health International, has worked with Dr. Fauci and tells Anderson Cooper “it’s like turning off your radar in the middle of a storm” if you’re not talking to Dr. Fauci during a crisis like this. Plus, President Trump commuted the prison sentence of his friend and former political adviser Roger Stone days before he was supposed to report to prison. Our Legal Analysts, Jeffery Toobin and Preet Bharara, join AC360 to react to the President’s decision. Airdate: July 10, 2020 Guests: William Haseltine Preet Bharara Jeffrey Toobin To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As coronavirus cases are surging in some areas of the country, President Trump and his administration are pushing schools to reopen by fall. Trump threatened he “may cut off funding” to schools that don’t reopen and says he disagrees with the CDC guidelines for safely reopening schools because they are “very tough” and “expensive.” Vice President Pence now says the CDC will issue new guidelines. Richard Carranza, Chancellor for the New York City Department of Education, tells Anderson Cooper they are depending on the CDC guidance to keep the students and teachers stay safe as they try to return to in-person learning. Plus, a new Yale study says half of coronavirus cases could be caused by “silent spreaders,” people who are asymptomatic or presymptomatic. Alison Galvani, the director at the Yale Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, joins AC360 to discuss what the study found and says one of the challenges of Covid-19 is people are most infectious before they have any symptoms. Airdate: July 8, 2020 To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices