CNN Inside Politics

Omicron has scrambled everything. Daily Covid cases climb to 237,000, more kids land in hospitals and the CDC changes its isolation guidance to 5 days for asymptomatic cases.Plus, Democrats run over the same old ground. Is President Biden's agenda dead, or can Joe Manchin be swayed? And, Democrats have the slimmest of majorities in the U.S. Senate with the balance of power at 50/50. CNN identifies the ten Senate seats most likely to flip in 2022.On today’s show: Jonathan Martin of the New York Times, Francesca Chambers White House Correspondent, McClatchy, CNN’s Melanie Zanona, CNN’s Elizabeth Cohen, CNN’s Dr. Leana Wen, Dr. Ali Raja of of Massachusetts General Hospital and Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen.Hosted by Phil Mattingly, in for John King. 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 Omicron surge continues, the U.S. is now averaging nearly 200,000 new Covid cases per day, and the biggest concern, with New Year's Eve celebrations around the corner - will a spike in hospitalizations and death come next?Plus, President Biden closes out his first year in office where he began, with his giant rewrite of the American social safety net still unfinished. Senator Cardin says the Democrats are "open" to breaking Build Back Better into stand-alone bills, but will this be enough to stop their infighting?And with Covid clashes, shouting matches on the House floor and videos depicting the murder of a colleague, the mood at the Capitol is toxic. Is civility over in Washington?On today’s show: Infectious disease expert Professor William Haseltine, Seung Min Kim of the Washington Post, CNN’s Eva Mckend, CNN’s John Harwood, CNN’s Ryan Noble and CNN’s Lucy Kafanov.Hosted by Phil Mattingly, in for John King. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden ends his first year in office with the lowest approval ratings of his career. He can also point to some big wins, like a bipartisan infrastructure bill and low unemployment. But can he recover politically as long as Covid still dominates voters’ lives? Plus – Manchin in the middle. How the West Virginia Democrat became Washington’s indispensable man. Can fellow Democrats convince him to change his mind on the “Build Back Better” plan? And Donald Trump is dominating the GOP as much out of office as he did when still in the White House. It has big implications for 2022, 2024, and the future of democracy itself. On today’s panel: Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report, Astead Herndon of The New York Times, CNN’s Phil Mattingly, and CNN’s Lauren Fox. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no new episode of the Inside Politics showcast. If you haven’t already, please check out CNN’s other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Noting the Omicron variant may be “the most contagious virus that civilization has faced in our lifetimes,” doctors predict a "a viral blizzard" with “millions of cases in our communities.” Plus: Biden’s year-end agenda falls short, leaving a 2022 scramble. And: More evidence the Trump coup attack was real. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no new episode of the Inside Politics showcast. If you haven’t already, please check out CNN’s other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Colleges retreat to online learning, big games are postponed, and big Broadway shows are shuttered. Omicron, Delta, plus the flu bring a new season of uncertainty … President Biden’s biggest priorities are stalled because Democrats can’t work out their differences … Wall Street likes the new Federal Reserve plan to fight inflation, but how might they impact you? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A brand-new CNN poll reveals two-thirds of Americans have doubts about President Biden’s leadership … Will the Justice Department pursue criminal charges against Mark Meadows? … The Omicron explosion. 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 House prepares to hold President Trump’s former Chief of Staff in contempt, new evidence – texts from Donald Trump Jr. on January 6 – makes clear why getting the full truth is so important … Encouraging data on the Covid pill that fights serious illness and death … New reporting on one of the Democratic senators holding up a central piece of President Biden’s agenda. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After being briefed on the government’s planned response to the devastation wrought by weekend tornados, the President announces he’ll visit Kentucky on Wednesday. Also: Jan 6 committee prepares to hold Mark Meadows in contempt. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A series of deadly tornadoes in the Midwest level towns and leave dozens dead. We have the latest from the storm zone. Plus, a new report on inflation shows prices rising at the fastest pace in 39 years. President Biden says the crisis has peaked – but can he convince Americans his administration has it under control? And do the latest numbers make it harder for him to get his “Build Back Better” plan through Congress? And the latest on the Omicron variant – what do we know, what are we still trying to find out, and how worried should we be? On today’s panel: Margaret Talev of Axios, the Wall Street Journal’s Joshua Jamerson, CNN’s Jeff Zeleny, Politico’s Rachael Bade, and CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A source confirms to CNN that the New York Attorney General’s office wants to question Donald Trump under oath and ask him if he lied about the value of his property. Also: The FDA says it’s okay for kids 16-17 to get a vaccine booster shot. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The President says using force to confront Russia is “not in the cards right now,” but promises sanctions “like none he’s ever seen” if Putin sends in troops. Also: Jan 6 committee will seek criminal contempt charge against Mark Meadows. And: Pfizer says three vaccine shots provide robust defense against Omicron. 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 goes one-on-one with Vladimir Putin, hoping to dissuade the Russian leader from attacking Ukraine. Meadows does an about-face. Nunes quits Congress to work for Trump. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two dramatic developments will make this week a defining test for Joe Biden on the world stage. #1: The White House announces a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics. #2: A phone call tomorrow between Biden and Vladimir Putin. Plus: New Covid travel rules … NYC expands its vaccine mandate. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House rolled out new measures to control Covid-19 ahead of an expected winter surge as the Omicron variant spreads. He says it won't include new lockdowns or domestic restrictions -- but Republicans are attacking it anyway. Plus, nearly 50 years since Roe v. Wade, five conservative Supreme Court justices signal they may be ready to overturn the landmark ruling. And another week of infighting among House Republicans -- does Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy have any control over his conference? On today’s panel: Time Magazine’s Molly Ball, CNN’s Lauren Fox, CNN’s Phil Mattingly, Politico’s Laura Barron Lopez, CNN Supreme Court Analyst Joan Biskupic. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hear the press conference where prosecutors explained why James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of the 15-year-old charged in this week's deadly shooting at Michigan's Oxford High School, have been charged with four counts each of homicide involuntary manslaughter. Also: Joe Biden wants Americans to see that the economy’s about to get better, but convincing them is critical to himself and the party’s future. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden outlines a new plan: flooding the country with at-home tests (and getting insurance to pay for them), and convincing companies to give employees time off so they can get boosted. Plus: new CNN reporting reveals Mark Meadows repeatedly peddled bogus theories about 2020 election fraud on officials across the government. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arguments wrap up in Dobbs vs. Jackson. At stake, Roe vs. Wade and the nearly 50-year-old right to abortion. Plus: A shocking revelation in former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadow’s new book. 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 new Omicron variant spreads to at least 19 nations, the CDC ups its guidance on boosters, recommending all adults should get an added shot. Also: An appeals court hears Donald Trump’s bid to keep his White House records secret. How its decision will help or hamstring the Jan 6 committee. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The President vows to fight the new COVID variant with “knowledgeable scientific action and speed, not chaos and confusion” … and again urges Americans to get vaccinated. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House announced a ban on flights coming from eight African countries starting Monday after South Africa identified a new, potentially more transmissible covid variant. However, it will take weeks to determine whether Omicron can evade vaccines. Plus, President Biden walks a tightrope on the economy as the Dow plunges over covid concerns. And another example of hateful rhetoric from a Republican lawmaker. Will Rep. Lauren Boebert face consequences from Republican leadership? On today’s panel: Hans Nichols of Axios, CNN’s Eva McKend, Politico’s Alex Thompson, CNN’s Melanie Zanona, Jim Tankersley of the New York Times, Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How allies of the former president keep reminding Kevin McCarthy his path to the speakership depends on keeping Donald Trump happy. Plus: The Jan 6 committee’s latest demands for evidence, and the giant question hanging over the panel’s work. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows ignores a 10am deadline to appear before the House insurrection committee, likely triggering a contempt of Congress vote. Plus, House progressives are split on how to deal with Manchin. And, time runs out on COP26. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The President will tap into the strategic petroleum reserve in a bid to lower your pain at the pump. Plus: The Jan 6 committee targets a dirty trickster and a reckless conspiracy theorist. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John King and panel offer instant analysis of closing arguments in the dramatic trial. Plus: fresh information on Sunday's tragedy in Wisconsin. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House approved President Biden's sweeping social spending and climate change bill on Friday. Now it heads the Senate, where Sen. Joe Manchin is demanding major changes in exchange for his support. Plus, Covid cases are back on the rise. Will Thanksgiving gatherings trigger another winter surge? And a not-guilty verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse case becomes the latest flashpoint in the country's debate over inequality and gun rights. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House passes the Build Back Better bill, a package that includes universal pre-school, lower drug costs, and landmark climate investments. But Senate passage remains dicey. Plus: FDA greenlights COVID booster for all adults. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy says Dems should worry about what will happen if Republicans retake the majority. Plus: anxiety as America anticipates a verdict soon out of Kenosha. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacob Chansley has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in the Jan 6 riot – despite committing no violent acts. What does this mean for the dozens of other insurrection defendants who’ve been indicted? Plus: chaos for Dems. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hoping to pull out of a serious political slump, the President heads to New Hampshire to tout the bipartisan trillion-dollar infrastructure overhaul he signed into law yesterday. Plus: Does Mark Meadows want to go to jail? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has been charged with two counts of criminal contempt of Congress after he openly defied a subpoena from the January 6 committee. The charges are putting others, like former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, on notice. Plus, new polls show Biden's approval numbers at record lows. Will the infrastructure package and a new message on rising prices resonate with voters? And violent rhetoric is becoming the norm on the right — even in the halls of Congress. On today’s panel: CNN’s Paula Reid, Paul Kane of the Washington Post, Jackie Kucinich of the Daily Beast, Astead Herndon of the New York Times, Tarini Parti of the Wall Street Journal, former economic advisor to President Obama Austan Goolsbee. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After losing again in U.S. district court, the former President asks an appeals court to stop the release of White House records to the House committee investigating the Jan 6 insurrection. Plus: an up-close look at pocketbook pressure on American families. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All are for close Trump associates. Why what Merrick Garland does next could make or break the Jan 6 investigation. Plus: GOP reps who voted for Biden’s infrastructure plan face disgusting threats. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN’s just-released poll shows a deepening Biden slump. Many Americans think the President is not focusing enough on the issues that matter most to them. Plus: Obama throws some shade at Donald Trump. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After weeks of intense negotiations, the House approved the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure in a late Friday night vote. President Biden touted the key legislative win as a "once-in-a-generation investment" that rebuilds roads, bridges, railways and water pipes. Now, Democrats must sell the bill to the country ahead of next year's midterm elections. Plus, after wins in Virginia and a closer-than-expected race in New Jersey, Republicans say education and parents' rights are winning issues for 2022. And the unemployment rate is down, the stock market is up and employers added more than half a million new jobs last month - but why do Americans think the country is in bad economic shape? On today’s panel: CNN’s Jeff Zeleny, Margaret Talev of Axios, NPR’s Asma Khalid, John Bresnahan of Punchbowl News and Neil Irwin of the New York Times. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A judge decides whether to give lawmakers access to materials the former President wants to keep secret … Pelosi pushes to vote on social safety net tonight, and infrastructure tomorrow … Biden administration delays vaccine mandates. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Terry McAuliffe for governor of Virginia – a state Joe Biden won handily just a year ago – and what it means for the Democratic Party. Plus: The crucial New Jersey governor’s race is still too close to call. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From crucial governor’s races to big city mayoral contests, today’s results are a referendum on the President’s first-year performance and a test of whether the Trump brand is still toxic for Republicans in the suburbs. Plus: the Dems’ Joe Manchin problem, and Mike Pence explains why he said no to Donald Trump’s plan to subvert democracy. 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 President attends a crucial climate conference overseas, negotiations at home on his Build Back Better agenda may scramble a plan to vote on everything tomorrow. Plus, the Supreme Court hears arguments on the biggest issue of this term: a challenge to Texas’ restrictive abortion law. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After President Biden won Virginia by 10 points a year ago, polls show a tight race between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. If Youngkin wins, it will be the first time since 2009 that a Republican occupies the governor's mansion. Plus, are Democratic lawmakers any closer to passing their legislative agenda? Progressives and moderates indicate they've reached a deal to support the bipartisan infrastructure deal and the $1.75 trillion economic plan and could vote on it as soon as Tuesday. And Biden notches key economic wins at the G20 conference in Rome. Next, he hopes to persuade world leaders to adopt new climate plans at the COP26 climate summit in Glasglow. On today’s panel: Politico’s Rachael Bade, Jonathan Martin of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal’s Sabrina Siddiqui, Julie Pace of the Associated Press, CNN’s Eva McKend and Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy Katharine Hayhoe. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Act 1 of the President’s European trip featured meetings with the Pope and French President Macron -- the latter following last month’s big dustup over a controversial submarine deal. The early reviews are in. Plus, another Republican critic heads for the exits. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN experts dissect President Biden’s just-completed East Room speech promoting what he called a “consequential” framework with Congress on his massive spending agenda. What he doesn’t have is a deal. 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 press conference carried live on CNN, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed a lead bullet fired by Alec Baldwin killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza, and he believes more of the rounds taken from the scene are live rounds. Hear the complete press conference, followed by expert analysis. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At least five former Trump White House officials have talked to the Jan 6 committee. Also: decision day at the FDA as experts meet to decide how Pfizer’s COVID vaccine works in kids. And: Zuckerberg fires back. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden hopes to have an infrastructure vote and a framework of a broader spending plan cemented before he heads overseas. Plus: COVID kids’ shots in two weeks? And, more on the Facebook documents leak. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin are set to meet in Delaware with President Biden today to hammer out the final details of the Democrats' sprawling social spending bill. The White House aims to hold a vote in the coming days before Biden travels abroad for a climate conference. Plus, Virginia voters say jobs and education are among their top priorities. Republicans believe that means momentum is on their side, but Democrats are bringing in their heavy hitter- former President Obama, Vice President Harris and Stacey Abrams.in the final stretch of the Virginia governor race. And younger kids may be eligible for the Covid vaccine within weeks. How many will get the shot? On today's panel: The Cook Political Report's Amy Walter, Zolan Kanno-Youngs of the New York Times, the Washington Post's Seung Min Kim, Molly Ball of Time Magazine, CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden put just about everything on the table at last night’s CNN Town Hall. He believes a deal on “build back better” will get done, but big obstacles remain. Plus: Pfizer says its COVID vaccine for kids is safe and 90% effective. And, a shouting match on the House floor. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What to expect at the President’s live CNN town hall tonight in Baltimore. Plus, Pelosi says “great progress” has been made toward agreement on Biden's “build back better” agenda. And the FDA greenlights mixing and matching COVID vaccines. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The President dramatically narrows his agenda to try to force a deal. Universal Pre-K is in. Free two-year college is out. Plus: Congress moves another step closer to holding a key Trump ally in contempt, while the Republican leading the Jan 6 committee suggests the former Prez was perhaps personally responsible for planning the Capitol riots. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices