CNN Politics

As today show begins, President Biden is holding the first cabinet meeting of the year and taking some questions from reporters. We get the latest from CNN senior White House reporter Kevin Liptack. Following his report, we turn to the presidential race and Kamala Harris' trip to Atlanta for a speech focused on abortion rights. It comes on the heels of a frightening report about two pregnant women in Georgia whose deaths are linked to the state's abortion bans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This was a pivotal week for the US economy. The Fed announced its first interest rate cut since the pandemic — and it was a big one. Voters say they're thinking a lot about the economy during this election. In poll after poll, issues related to the economy rank at the top of voters’ priority lists. Catherine Rampell is an opinion columnist for the Washington Post and an economic and political commentator for CNN. She joined CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about this week’s Fed decision, how Americans are feeling about their finances and what economists have to say about the presidential candidates’ plans for the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: A slew of new polls from three crucial swing states show a remarkably consistent reality. The country is divided and the presidential race is up for grabs. We break down the numbers and what it means for both candidates' path to 270. Plus: Team Harris is relying on Tim Walz to cut into a huge source of support for Donald Trump: men. The group White Dudes for Harris is also launching a $10 million digital ad buy. But will anything narrow the gaping gender gap? And: The Teamsters Union decides against endorsing either presidential candidate for the first time in nearly three decades. Donald Trump is calling it an honor. But is it? Dana asks the Teamsters President Sean O'Brien. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The historically Black sororities and fraternities known as the Divine 9 have a long legacy of political activism, though it’s traditionally been nonpartisan. Now that Vice President Kamala Harris — a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the country’s oldest Black sorority — is at the top of the Democratic ticket, the organizations are mobilizing in a whole new way. And nowhere is that more evident or more consequential than in Georgia. Audie Cornish travels to Atlanta to sit down with two other AKA members: Democratic Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Maisha Land, creator of the viral Stroll to the Polls campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Shortly after today's show concludes, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates for the first time in four years. It's a signal that the central bank thinks inflation is finally under control, and it could have major political aftershocks. Plus: Attempting to shore up her coalition, Kamala Harris is holding events with minority groups and targeting the all-important youth vote in new ads. And: The first ballots get mailed out tomorrow in Wisconsin, a state that is crucial to any path to 270. That battleground is currently showing a dead heat. Dana talks to the state's Democratic party chair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump is now blaming Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the second apparent assassination attempt. This coming from a man who's arguably pushed more incendiary political rhetoric than any other US president or candidate. Plus: We have no details regarding the indictment against Sean Diddy Combs. Prosecutors want the rapper behind bars after he "abused threatened, and coerced victims for 16 years." And: The Senate rejects a bill to protect IVF. Is this a case of election-year politics?Dana speaks with Senator Amy Klobuchar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: That's the chilling assessment from the Secret Service after a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump's life. We bring you the latest on the investigation and breaking details from the suspect's parents. Plus: JD Vance is still defending baseless and racist conspiracies about Haitian immigrants eating pets. The VP candidate tells Dana he is willing to "create stories for media attention." And: Kamala Harris has a high-stakes meeting today with a union that usually backs Democrats, but its president spoke at the Republican convention this summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On State of the Union, Dana Bash challenges Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance on why he's continuing to spread baseless rumors about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Then, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue joins Dana to respond to Vance and discuss the security threats in his town. Next, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro breaks down the neck-and-neck race in his critical state. Finally, the panel discusses Trump's struggle to stay on message post-debate and the latest polling in the 2024 race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ground game. Post-debate, Harris targets deep red territory. While Trump digs in. CNN's political director joins us at the magic wall. Why one city could tip the balance. And abortion politics. New reporting on an issue roiling the GOP and the surprising message from Republicans. Plus, in their endorsement era. On a big week, we're one on one with Senators Romney and Manchin. On who they may back this November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump is known for his love of cameras and a huge audience. So why is he turning down the chance to debate Kamala Harris again Plus: As we pass the midway point of the hyper-speed Harris campaign for president, we have new reporting on Team Kamala's strategy to defeat Donald Trump. And: Democrats think this is the year they may be able to turn the Tar Heel State blue. Dana talks to the Republican tasked with making sure that doesn't happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off on the debate stage for the first time this week. Harris landed jabs, and Trump struggled to stay on-message. But will their performances move the needle in this extremely tight race? And what should Harris’ and Trump’s campaigns focus on now with the big debate behind them? Karen Finney is a CNN political commentator and was senior spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Doug Heye is a Republican strategist who most recently served as deputy chief of staff to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. They join CNN Political Director David Chalian to share their takes on the debate, the candidates’ paths to 270 and how the campaigns could reach on-the-fence voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Colleges and universities are still dealing with the political fallout of last spring’s campus protests and encampments. It’s a political fight that’s led to the ouster of high-profile university presidents and generated national debate and even Congressional hearings. Audie talks with Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University, about how campus protests over Gaza offer a lens on wider arguments about academic freedom. And we hear the perspective of Sam Hilton, a Wesleyan student and executive editor of the student newspaper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are back on the trail after 67 million people watched Tuesday's debate. They're aiming to mobilize voters in crucial battleground states as polls show this is a race that will be won by incredibly narrow margins. Plus: Dana talks to a top Harris campaign adviser about their plans to reach those still-undecided voters. And: The attorney general issues a stark warning about threats against the DOJ. While he didn't name names, it's pretty clear where he thinks those threats are coming from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Harris campaign is pushing to get back on the debate stage while Donald Trump claims he won and doesn't need a round two. His advisors may disagree. We have the highlights, the fallout, and the fact checks from what may be voters' last chance to see the candidates faceoff before heading to the polls. Plus: The biggest star on the planet says she's a "childless cat lady" who won't "leave a blank space on her ballot." But will Swifties follow her lead and vote for Kamala Harris? And: 23 years ago today our country changed forever. On this 9/11 we bring you live tributes as we remember the thousands of Americans killed in the deadliest terror attack on US soil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Just hours from now, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will face off in a debate that could define the final weeks of this deadlocked presidential race. We have new reporting on both candidates' tactics on this crucial night. Plus: Nikki Haley is offering some blunt advice for the Republican ticket that needs to narrow the gender gap, but will Donald Trump fall into too-familiar habits tonight? And: CNN is asking undecided voters in must-win Pennsylvania what they want to hear on the debate stage. One person's tip: Tell us what you're going to do, not what the other person has done wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump get ready for their first - and perhaps only - face-to-face meeting before votes are cast, we break down how the candidates are preparing for tomorrow's debate. Plus: The Harris campaign is clearly trying to get into Donald Trump's head, releasing a new ad featuring his former vice president, defense secretary, and national security adviser all explaining why they think their old boss is unfit for a second term. And: A video promoting former First Lady Melania Trump's new memoir claims there are "efforts to silence" her husband. Could this be a sign of more campaign comments or even appearances to come, or just a clever marketing tool? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Face to face. With Harris and Trump set to square off, two pollsters break down brand new numbers this morning. Our panel dives into the preparations and how they could go on the offense. Who will come out on top? Plus, on the trail. Manu goes one on one with both candidates in a key race that could decide control of the Senate. And upping the ante. Who the betting markets think will have the upper hand Tuesday? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, Former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg joins Dana to discuss how he thinks Vice President Kamala Harris should handle Republican attacks over the Afghanistan withdrawal. Then, Dana presses Sen. Tom Cotton on the Georgia school shooting and DOJ allegations of Russian support for right-wing media. Next, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman joins Dana to provide insight into what rural Pennsylvania voters want in the 2024 presidential race. After that, the panel digs into how Donald Trump and Kamala Harris should prepare for their first face-to-face debate. Finally, Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock asks, "Why does this keep happening here?" after the tragic shooting at a Georgia high school and the politics of guns in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2024 presidential race has reached a key turning point. Labor Day has passed, Election Day is just over eight weeks away, and the presidential nominees are set to face off on the debate stage in just a few days. New battleground state polls by CNN this week showed a very tight race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Stuart Stevens is a former Republican consultant who worked on George W. Bush and Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns. He’s now an author and an advisor to the Lincoln Project — a group opposed to Donald Trump’s candidacy. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to discuss the state of the race. They talk potential strategies for next week’s debate, the sprint to Election Day and why Stevens thinks this race won’t be as close as many people predict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump was back in a New York City courtroom today where his lawyers pushed a federal appeals panel to throw out the jury verdict that found him liable of sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. Following his appearance, Trump launched a verbal attack on Carroll and several other women who have accused him of sexual assault or sexual misconduct over the past several decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: In a surprise, Hunter Biden offers to change his plea to avoid a trial in his federal tax evasion case, moments before jury selection was scheduled to begin. Plus: A crucial hearing wraps up in the federal case against Donald Trump for trying to overturn the last election. And: The former president unveils a new economic policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins with breaking news of yet another deadly school shooting. According to law enforcement sources, at least two people are dead and others are injured after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. A suspect is in custody. Video from outside the school, which is located in a community about an hour outside of Atlanta, shows several ambulances and a large active police presence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: New TV ads, bus tours, and economic rollouts ... the Harris team is trying to flood the campaign zone one week before the candidates meet face-to-face for the first time on the debate stage. Plus: From a very pro-choice to the most pro-life president, Donald Trump is certainly contorting himself on the critical issue of abortion. Phil Mattingly asks one of the former president's top supporters in congress what voters should believe. And: In a CNN exclusive, the son of a former Republican presidential nominee is slamming the party's current nominee for the first time. You'll hear Jimmy McCain's searing reaction to Trump's conduct. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani joins Dana to discuss the tragic news that the bodies of six hostages, including an American citizen, have been recovered from Gaza. Then, the parents of another Israeli-American still being held hostage in Gaza tell Dana that more needs to be done by Israeli and American leaders to secure the hostages’ relea3se. Next, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff joins Dana to react to the tragic news out of Israel and to discuss the latest developments in the 2024 race. After that, former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Dana joins Dana to preview how she is helping Trump prepare for his debate with Kamala Harris. Dana also presses Gabbard on Trump’s controversial visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Finally, the panel breaks down Trump’s struggle to settle on a consistent abortion message as the presidential debate enters the final stretch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The grieving family of a hostage murdered by Hamas makes one final memory while Israelis from all corners of the country strike in a message of defiance and distrust aimed at Benjamin Netanyahu. Plus: With just eight days till a potentially defining debate, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris hightail it to swing states. And: In an interview with Mark Levin, Trump claims he had "every right" to interfere in 2020 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: CNN scored big interviews with Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and JD Vance, all within the last 24 hours. We bring you the highlights, the fallout, and the fact-checking. Plus: Team Trump tries to walk back the former president's new comments on abortion. He's trying to alleviate concerns from moderates but his social conservative base is not so happy. And: Some good news for those hitting the road this holiday weekend, as gas prices will be the lowest we've seen on Labor Day in three years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote in the 2024 election, and both Democrats and Republicans are competing fiercely to win their votes. Earlier this summer, polls showed former President Donald Trump could build significantly on gains he made with Latino voters in 2020. But, with Vice President Kamala Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket, those numbers could be shifting. Mark Hugo Lopez is the director of race and ethnicity research at Pew Research Center. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to take a closer look at this critical voting bloc and how the political views of Latino voters have changed in recent years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz sat with CNN's Dana Bash, in Savannah GA, for their first joint interview since becoming the Democratic presidential ticket. The conversation provided one of the clearest looks into Harris’ positions and her plans for the presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: In advance of tonight's much-anticipated CNN interview with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, new polls show the Democratic ticket has eliminated Donald Trump's edge in the critical Sun Belt states. Plus: The US Army issues a stark rebuke of the Trump campaign for breaking multiple rules at Arlington National Cemetary and "unfairly attacking" a cemetery employee. And: Joe Biden is on track to appoint even more federal judges than Donald Trump, but he still won't be able to transform the bench the way his predecessor did. We explain why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has joined David on The Axe Files many times to talk about her life, policy, and politics. With the recent release of her book, “The Art of Power,” the two again met to talk at the University Club of Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. Although they spoke before an audience, it sounded more like a conversation between Pelosi and a roomful of friends as she reflected on the high points of her career, Joe Biden exiting the presidential race, and the importance of protecting the Constitution on Election Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris has “Freedom.” Donald Trump has “God Bless the USA” (and a lot of cease-and-desist letters). What makes for a good campaign song? And why do we respond so viscerally to the ones that work? Audie talks with DJ Cassidy, who DJ'd the DNC Roll Call. And Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, who studies the use of music in political campaigns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Kamala Harris makes her first public appearance after last week's convention, while Tim Walz visits a place that Joe Biden was struggling to keep on the map. We tell you why they're making a push all over the Peach State. Plus: "He's got to pay a price." That's what Nancy Pelosi said about Donald Trump when she was forced to evacuate the Capitol on January 6th. We bring you the exclusive footage of that day. And: Democratic "Swifties" are trying to get out the vote for Vice President Harris, but the question they can't shake off is whether Miss Americana herself will get on board. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Pressure is building for Kamala Harris to do her first sit-down interview since becoming the nominee as she prepares to return to the campaign trail with a bus tour through Georgia. Plus: Israel's military says it has rescued a hostage held captive in Gaza since the Hamas terror attack on October 7th. CNN is live in Tel Aviv with the breaking details. And: Kash Patel, who served a number of roles in the Trump administration, says he'll do anything for the former president. That's why he's expected be a key player in a second Trump term. That's also why former Trump officials are worried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Harris and Trump campaigns are once again bickering over the high-stakes debate scheduled for September 10th, this time over muted microphones. But is the former president on the same page as his own campaign? Plus: JD Vance, who previously endorsed a nationwide ban on abortion, does an about-face and says Donald Trump would "absolutely" veto a federal abortion ban. And: And with RFK Jr. out of the presidential contest, will his supporters follow him to Trump, and are there enough of them to make a difference? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris has officially accepted her party’s nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention—just a month after President Joe Biden stepped aside and gave her his endorsement. After joining the show for the Republican convention last month, POLITICO’s Ryan Lizza is back to talk all things DNC with CNN Political Director David Chalian. They met at the CNN-POLITICO Grill, steps from the convention floor inside Chicago’s United Center, and broke down what the first three nights of the convention revealed about how the Democrats’ strategy has shifted since Harris took Biden’s place at the top of the ticket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Inch by inch. As the race enters its next phase, will Harris get a bump? Or can Trump take back the momentum, while an escalation, Israel and Lebanon, raises alarm in the U.S.? Plus: Reality check. We go one on one with Democratic leaders. They're bullish on November. But is the map too difficult for them to overcome? And: Hearing voices. The comic, who's gone viral for his impersonations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, Democratic Sen. Cory Booker joins Jake to unpack the Democratic National Convention and the challenges facing the Harris campaign between now and November. Next, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham joins Jake to discuss Trump’s struggle to settle on a consistent message against Harris. Then, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentators Karen Finney and Kate Bedingfield, and Republican strategist Brad Todd join Jake to break down how Harris is framing her campaign for voters, as well as RFK Jr.’s decision to endorse Trump and what it could mean for the 2024 race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana concludes a week's worth of shows from the Democratic National Convention site in Chicago, with attendees hoping the energy and excitement of the past four days will carry them into November. But they know the reality is the next 73 days are going to be a dog fight, with the race likely coming down to a small number of voters in just a handful of states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana's back at Chicago's United Center to bring you live coverage of day four of the Democratic National Convention, which will culminate with a historic moment as Kamala Harris becomes the first Vlack woman and first Asian American to lead a major party's ticket. It will no doubt be the biggest audience she's ever spoken to, and comes just 32 days into her unexpected campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've watched Democratic leaders hand the reins to the next generation at their surprisingly lit convention in Chicago this week. Audie sits down in with CNN’s Van Jones and Evan McMorris-Santoro of the nonprofit news site NOTUS (News of the United States) to talk about who’s taking the stage and changing the party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's day three of the Democratic National Convention and Dana once again is in Chicago's United Center, where tonight Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz will take center stage. Also scheduled to speak are party elders like Bill Clinton and Nancy Pelosi, along with the next generation of Democratic leaders such as Pete Buttigieg, Josh Shapiro, Amy Klobuchar, and Wes Moore. They all have an incredibly tough act to follow after Barack and Michelle Obama, two of the biggest political stars and best speakers, made impassioned pleas for Kamala Harris to a roaring crowd in their hometown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barack and Michelle Obama will be tonight's featured speakers at the Democratic National Convention. They're expected to underscore just how high the stakes are heading into November. Also scheduled to speak is Doug Emhoff, who hopes to become the country's first "First Gentleman." And in what may be a first, Donald Trump's former Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham will speak in support of the woman trying to defeat the man she once worked for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana reports live from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which kicks off tonight. And what viewers will see in the 20,000+-capacity United Center will be radically different than what was imagined just a month ago. Plus, CNN's latest poll of polls shows the vice president two points ahead of Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins Jake Tapper to discuss what Vice President Harris’ candidacy means for Democrats’ efforts to take back the House. Then, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sits down with Jake to preview the Chicago convention, as well as the risk for protests targeting the DNC. Next, Jake presses New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu over Trump’s personal attacks against Vice President Harris. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentators David Urban and David Axelrod and CNN Political Commentators Ashley Allison and Kristen Soltis Anderson join Jake to break down new polls showing Harris leading Trump nationally for the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fast forward: With just one day until the convention, Harris flips the script. But as Chicago gears up for an historic week and major protests, can Harris keep the momentum going? Plus: Rewind as the race resets, Trump reverts to personal attacks. With the fallout felt up and down the ticket. But as he leads on some key issues, can he still win? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Kamala Harris unveils her first economic policy proposals geared to make your life less expensive. Plus: The VP heads to North Carolina as some democrats wonder if she'll be another Obama-like exception to four decades of electoral losses there. And: The White House reached out to two stars of a fictional White House. We talk to them about their new book about the famed TV show "The West Wing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since Vice President Kamala Harris went from running mate to top of the ticket, her campaign has been light on details about her policy positions. She’s expected to start rolling out her economic agenda this week. Jasmine Wright is a political reporter for NOTUS, and she’s covered Kamala Harris since her 2019 run for the White House. She joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to break down how Harris is approaching issues like healthcare, the economy, and immigration this time around — and how Harris the candidate has changed since her last presidential campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Journalist Ezra Klein has been covering politics for two decades, first as a blogger from his undergrad dorm room and now as an Opinion columnist for The New York Times. He joined David to talk about the current political moment, the role of policy in elections, how Vice President Kamala Harris has stolen the spotlight from former President Donald Trump, why the normal political metaphors don’t fit the 2024 presidential race, and why he thinks Gov. Tim Walz was the bold pick to join Harris on the Democratic ticket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Audie talks with journalist Kara Swisher about the rise of Silicon Valley’s big donors and how Trump won some of them over. Plus, how Kamala Harris’ California roots have worked to her advantage with tech donors. Kara is the author of “Burn Book: A Tech Love Story.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Trump ally behind Project 2025 is caught on tape discussing his secret work preparing for a second Trump term and saying the former president is "very supportive." Plus: President Biden and Vice President Harris will share a stage for the first time since she replaced him on the Democratic ticket. We look at their relationship headed into the Democratic convention. And: Did Donald Trump just admit defeat in the GOP's 15 year war on Obamacare? You're going to want to hear what he said yesterday about keeping the Affordable Care Act in place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices