CNN Politics

First: It's T-minus four days and 62 million Americans have already cast their ballots as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump blitz the battlegrounds with their closing arguments to that little, little sliver of persuadable voters. Plus: Trump says he'll let RFK Jr. "do anything he wants" with health and vaccine policy if the former president is back in the White House. And: $2 billion has now been poured into presidential political ads this election season. We break down the ones that work with two top political strategists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every four years, millions of people tune into news networks for real-time election results, but there is much more happening behind the scenes before the final call is aired. Audie talks with CNN Vice President and Political Director, David Chalian. He leads the team responsible for making high-stakes calls under intense pressure — all while ensuring accuracy, especially in today’s politically charged era. They talk about what goes into making the calls, and when we can expect a presidential election result. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: With less than a week to go till Election Day, we have brand new CNN polls showing Kamala Harris with a slight edge in two of the must-win Rust Belt states CNN's David Chalian breaks down the impact for both campaigns. Plus: Donald Trump is promising to put RFK Jr., a man known for pushing dangerous conspiracies about vaccines, Covid-19, and antidepressants, in charge of public health. What would that mean for you? And: Dana talks to a House Democrat battling an aggressive neurological disorder and the Republican she wants unseated about why they're now working together to try to elect Kamala Harris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the clock ticks down to Election Day we bring you a brand new CNN poll from two pivotal battleground states which only affirms that this race cannot be closer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wisconsin and Michigan, the big bricks of the former Blue Wall, are considered must-wins for Kamala Harris. They’re also both toss-ups at this point. This week, John talks to voters in Milwaukee and Detroit who have a lot in common: They’re both Black men, about the same age, born and raised in their respective Rust Belt cities, and steeped in a culture that always voted for Democrats. One is voting for Harris. The other is going for Trump. Their choices — and how they got there — tell us a lot about the very tight election math in the upper Midwest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: With just eight days left to win votes, the candidates are spread out across the battleground states trying to reach that dwindling slice of undecided voters, knowing more than 40 million Americans have already cast their ballots. Plus: Vile, racist sexist insults dominated Donald Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden yesterday. The former president's typical fear mongering was actually upstaged by his own warmup acts, who disparaged countless Americans. And: When the votes are in, we could see the biggest gender gap ever. Two pollsters from both parties break down the growing divide and how each side is trying to close it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: A brand new CNN poll reveals the race is literally tied. David Chalian is at the magic wall to take us behind the numbers. Plus: Kamala Harris is zeroing in on Donald Trump's role in overturning Roe v. Wade. Dana talks to a couple forced to leave their home state of Texas to end a non-viable pregnancy. And: Elon Musk is pouring an eye-popping amount of money into his push to elect Trump. We have new details on what he's doing and what he likely wants out of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The days before an election always bring uncertainty, but that’s especially true this year, with polls showing a near deadlock between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This week, Republican pollster and CNN Political Commentator Kristen Soltis Anderson joins CNN Political Director David Chalian. They discuss the ever-changing electorate, what makes this year’s polling unique and why she thinks it’s “irresponsible” to make any predictions right now about what will happen on Election Day. Plus, she explains the two X-factors pollsters could have miscalculated this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just 12 days left, Kamala Harris is focusing on the threats to democracy and abortion rights, issues she hopes will be at the forefront of voters' minds. Plus: "Daddy's home!" That's what the crowd chanted as Donald Trump took the stage in Georgia last night after a very weird moment. Meanwhile, Mitch McConnell is offering a new, blistering assessment of much of the party he still leads in the Senate, saying the MAGA movement is completely wrong, and that Ronald Reagan wouldn't recognize the GOP today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elections officials across the country are preparing for a potentially bumpy election night. Audie travels to Arizona to talk with one of those officials: Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates. He is a lifelong Republican who faced death threats and harassment from election deniers after he certified the results of the 2020 election. They discuss why election centers now look like forts – surrounded by barbed wire and shatterproof glass – all in the name of protecting election integrity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: John Kelly, who served as Donald Trump's Chief of Staff, tells the New York Times he believes his former boss meets "the definition of a fascist" and warns Trump would rule like a "dictator" if reelected. Plus: It could be a critical night for Kamala Harris - she's going to take questions from undecided and persuadable voters at a CNN town hall. And: We have a special report on the Jewish vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just two weeks till Election Day, the campaigns are putting the finishing touches on their closing messages to the shrinking sliver of undecided voters. Kamala Harris is going all-in on their bet that abortion rights will bring people to the polls. We have brand new reporting on their plans, including a trip to a reliably red state. Meanwhile, the richest man in the world is using his considerable resources to boots Donald Trump's campaign. So what does Elon Musk want in return? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both on the campaign trail with events in states neither can afford to lose. The former president is just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, while the VP is in suburban Philadelphia with Liz Chaney. We go live to both candidates followed by analysis from our panel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN's State of the Union, House Speaker Mike Johnson joins Jake Tapper react the Trump's vulgar comments about Arnold Palmer at a Pennsylvania rally and his rhetoric towards Democrats. Next, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders joins Jake to discuss the broad coalition forming behind Harirs and his message to voters concerned about her Gaza policy. Then, Pennsylvania Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, Republican strategists Erin Perrine and Brad Todd, and CNN political commentator Bakari Sellers join Jake to break down the state of the race with 16 days until Election Day. Finally, Jake debunks unsubstantiated right-wing conspiracy theories surrounding this election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Closing time. Trump gets vulgar, while Harris holds her attacks. As big names hit the trail, hoping to drive voters in the polls. And: Elon Musk's million dollar promise. Plus: Culture wars. The GOP's big bet on anti-trans attacks. And: Great stakes. New reporting on whether the control of the Senate could come down to Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Kamala Harris is camping out in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania this week as it becomes increasingly clear that her best path to the White House leads straight through those crucial states. Plus: The Trump campaign reportedly wants Nikki Haley to join him on the trail during the campaign's final days. So why this morning did the former president take a swipe at her? And: Too close for comfort. That's how the architect of Obama's presidential campaign, David Plouffe, sums up this race. He joins us exclusively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins we've just learned that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 terror attack against Israel, was killed in Gaza Thursday, according to a radio station run by Israel. Sinwar is believed responsible for the slaughter of more than 1,200 people, including 46 Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I am the father of IVF," Donald Trump told an audience of women today at a Fox town hall. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris heads to the Philadelphia suburbs, focusing on persuadable Republicans and independents. And Ted Cruz is fighting for his political life in a surprisingly close race against a football star turned Democratic congressman. Can he hang on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Kamala Harris has a new tactic for highlighting the stakes of this deadlocked race: Not just using Donald Trump's own words against him, but playing the clips. Plus: Early in-person voting begins today in Georgia. That crucial Sun Belt state was decided by just over 11,000 votes in 2020. And: We introduce you to DC's newest and cutest residents after a very long trip aboard the "panda express." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris’ goal in Georgia is to turn out the coalition that barely tipped the newly purple state to Joe Biden in 2020. That means firing up the base, convincing the unconvinced, and driving turnout as high as possible. Donald Trump, meanwhile, is hoping Georgians think the shift left was a mistake. There's no question that women of color are a huge part of the Georgia equation. John sits down with two who show it would be a mistake to think they’re voting as a bloc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Donald Trump is using violent and dehumanizing language to claim without evidence that criminals will invade America if he doesn't win. It's dark, dangerous, and an integral part of his get-out-the-vote strategy. Plus: Kamala Harris is camping out in the critical states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and she's making a direct plea to Black men as Democrats fear they could sit this election out, or even vote for Trump. And: We have new reporting on officials in swing states across the country working aggressively to guard against post-election drama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just 25 days to go, and the polls virtually tied, Barack Obama hits the campaign trail on behalf of Kamala Harris, appealing directly to the Black men the VP will need to win. Meanwhile, Donald Trump focuses on fearmongering with an issue he hopes will define this race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Election Day is just a little over three weeks away, and there’s still no clear leader in this race. With Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump still neck-and-neck, all eyes are on the battleground states. Doug Sosnik is a longtime Democratic strategist who’s known for his deep-dive political memos. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to share his insights on the current state of play and why he thinks the next 25 days are all about Harris’ ability to close the deal with voters who may not feel naturally aligned with her. He also explains why this election could yield the biggest gender gap in American political history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First responders in Florida are working tirelessly to rescue people still trapped in their homes amid the trail of destruction left by Hurricane Milton. Officials say they dodged the worst-case scenario, but warn the threat is not over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ilana Dayan, a prominent Israeli journalist, spoke with David last fall, just days after the October 7 massacre in Israel perpetrated by Hamas. One year later, David checked in with Ilana to talk about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s staying power, reporting on Gaza, recognizing the US’s political calculations in its dealings with Israel, the need for both war and diplomacy in the Middle East, and what happens next between Israel and Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Owning a home is the cornerstone of the American dream, but an affordability crisis is making it a distant fantasy for many. The presidential candidates are taking notice. Sonja Trauss is a key activist in the YIMBY movement (“Yes in My Backyard”), and says the solution is pretty simple: Build more homes. Getting that done isn’t so easy. Audie sits down with Trauss in Southern California — ground zero for the housing shortage — to talk about the origins of the problem and potential solutions. Watch a version of our conversation here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hurricane Milton continues its inexorable march toward Florida as a catastrophic Category 4 storm, packing winds of 145 miles per hour. Milton is now forecast to make landfall just south of Sarasota, and its outer bands are already wreaking havoc on millions, producing large and dangerous tornadoes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hurricane Milton is packing catastrophic winds of 150 miles per hour and barreling straight toward Florida, with Tampa in the storm's bullseye. We get an update from the city's mayor, who's already issued a blunt warning: "If you stay in one of the evacuation zones, you are going to die." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marks one year since the barbaric Hamas terror attack on Israel, the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. On this day last year, 1,200 innocent people were murdered, countless others were raped and beaten, and more than 250 people were taken to Gaza as hostages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump joins Dana Bash to discuss the state of the race with 30 days go to. Dana also presses Trump over false claims about Hurricane Helene relief and the 2020 election. Then, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly joins Dana to discuss tensions in the Middle East and the state of the race in his critical battleground state. Next, Dana sits down with Maryland Senate Candidate Larry Hogan as he fights an uphill battle to win as a Republican in a blue state. Finally, ADL CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt joins Dana to discuss a new ADL report showing a surge in antisemitic incidents in the United States since the October 7 attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Thirty days. Donald Trump returns to Butler. While Harris works the margin. And: John King joins at the magic wall. Will anything shake up this incredibly tight race? Plus: Big sky brawl. Will control of the Senate, come down to two men in Montana? And: Spousal spotlight. Melania Trump makes way. Doug Emhoff works to make history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: With a month and a day until Americans flood the polls, the final strategy for each campaign involves swing states, superstar names, and bearing big grudges. Plus: The world watches anxiously to see how or if Israel will fire back at Iran as leaders around the world worry that one provocation too many will propel an all- out war. And: In a last month power drive, a screen door slams on any question who Bruce Springsteen will back in as the Boss appeals to his fans, especially working-class men, to vote for Kamala Harris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This could be a historic election when it comes to the gender gap. Women have strongly supported Vice President Kamala Harris while former President Donald Trump holds a significant advantage with men. And while women’s rights have been front-and-center in this election, the race has also raised questions about masculinity and male voters. Richard Reeves is the founding president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, a think tank that does non-partisan research on the wellbeing of boys and men in the US. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to discuss the different models of American manhood on display in the race and why he thinks some male voters are feeling “politically homeless” during this election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: A strike, a war and a natural disaster threaten to upend the race and remake the election into a campaign about who is more fit. Plus: Staunch Republican Liz Cheney hits the campaign trail with Kamala Harris to tell voters why they can't afford four more years of Donald Trump. And: In a new memoir and video, Melania Trump takes a position on abortion directly at odds with her husband's party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Audie steps into the cage, literally, to learn why mixed martial arts is America's latest political battleground. As young men and women drift further apart politically, mixed martial arts has proven fertile ground for a changed GOP looking for fresh supporters. Retired Ultimate Fighting Championship star Jorge Masvidal is a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, as are many other fighters and UFC CEO Dana White. Audie talks with him and journalist Luke Thomas to learn about the growing connection between fight fans and the former president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has been thinking about the economy since she was a young girl in the working-class neighborhood of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, keenly attuned to how broader economic trends impacted the employment of her neighbors. Once she took her first economics class in college, she was hooked. She has since spent her career moving between academic and government roles, including many years at the Federal Reserve. Secretary Yellen joined David to talk about the barriers women face in finance, the economic implications of immigration, China and tariffs, and why government intervention in the financial system is necessary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Tension across the globe is palpable as the world waits for a response to Iran's largest missile attack ever against Israel. The Biden administration says America's support for Israel remains ironclad. Plus: Tim Walz and JD Vance keep it civil on the debate stage as Donald Trump rages on Truth Social. How much will their exchanges on January 6, abortion and the economy matter to voters in this deadlocked race? And: Communities were "wiped off the map" by Hurricane Helene. President biden is heading to the Carolinas today to survey areas gutted by the fierce storm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, the White House has just announced it believes Iran is on the verge of launching a missile attack on Israel. Israeli military says it hasn't identified the aerial threat, at least as of yet. But the American embassy is warning its personnel to shelter in place until further notice. Our coverage of this breaking news begins with CNN's Arlette Saenz at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Israel strikes new targets in Lebanon and Yemen as fears grow that Iran will retaliate after Hezbollah's leader was killed. We go live to the region look at the tough choices ahead for President Biden. Plus: According to Donald Trump, "one rough day of policing" would end crime and Kamala Harris is "mentally impaired." Is his increasingly dark rhetoric what voters want to hear? And: It's debate night in Montana in a race that could determine control of the United States Senate. Republicans have an edge, but Democrats are shelling out millions, hoping for surprises across the map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nevada — especially Clark County, home to Vegas and almost 75 percent of the state’s population — is a political bellwether in a very specific way. The pandemic gutted the tourism-based economy, and the recovery has been slow. John King speaks with two voters in Las Vegas with centrist political views who show us why Nevada is very much up for grabs in this election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby joins Jake Tapper to discuss the upheaval in the Middle East after Israel killed the leader of Hezbollah. Next, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham sits down with Jake to discuss the devastation from Hurricane Helene, the unrest in the Middle East, and Trump’s focus on personal attacks against Kamala Harris. Then, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joins Jake from the critical battleground state of Arizona, where he is stumping for the Harris campaign. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Karen Finney, Republican strategist Erin Perrine, and former Harris communications director Ashley Etienne join Jake to discuss the latest in the 2024 race and discuss the upcoming vice presidential debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Lashing out. Trump bashes Harris as she tries to close the gap. And: Global developments shake up the race, as the VP candidates gear up for their debate. Plus: One on one. Kevin McCarthy live on the state of the GOP and the presidential race. And: Gridlock. New swing state polls give some hope to Democrats as they struggle to hold the Senate. Plus: New reporting on how Republicans could jam up a President Harris agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this year, enthusiasm for a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was low with Gen Z voters. It looked unlikely young voters would repeat their record turnout from 2020. But, there are signs of renewed excitement amongst the 18-to-29-year-old set with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket. A new Harvard Youth Poll this week showed that shift, with Harris commanding a 31-point lead among likely voters under 30. John Della Volpe is the director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to talk about Gen Z voters. They discuss the enthusiasm gap between young Democrats and young Republicans, how memes influenced Gen Z’s perceptions of Harris and a somewhat surprising issue that polls well with young voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins with major news out of the Middle East, where Israel says it has struck Hezbollah's central headquarters in the Lebanese capital of Beirut. CNN's Jomana Karadsheh joins us live from the scene of the attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“I vividly remember Donald Trump winning the election and waking up shocked the next day because I was told by everyone...this was impossible.” For Lakshya Jain, 2016 was a major wake-up call, and he decided to use his skills to address the gaps in understanding left by traditional political media. Together with a group of fellow Gen Z engineers and political enthusiasts, he founded Split-Ticket.org, a nonpartisan website that uses creative framing and interactive games to tell a new kind of political story. You Be The Campaign Manager game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both in crucial swing states today, laying out dueling visions for the economy. Not surprising, as polls overwhelmingly show it's the most important issue for voters. Plus: A new bipartisan reveals shocking security lapses the day the former president was shot. And: A top pollster is joins the show to break down why Trump is dominating with male voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you brand new polling showing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in a virtual tie with just six weeks to go. We break down each of their strengths and weaknesses heading into the final stretch of the campaign. Plus: In his final speech to the United Nations, President Biden calls for an end to the Israeli-Hamas war, saying innocent people are going through hell. And: Donald Trump is headed south to talk about an issue he hopes will define this race: the economy. This comes as Kamala Harris touts the endorsement of over 400 economists and policymakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Brand new polls show Donald Trump leading Kamala Harris in the crucial state of Arizona, while the race is deadlocked in Georgia and North Carolina with no signs there of a post-debate bump for Harris. Plus: A chilling letter from the suspect in the second Trump assassination attempt is revealed. It makes his plans to try to kill the former president clear and urges others to finish the job. And: We have new reporting on how and when votes will be counted in critical battleground states. The bottom line: It won't be quick, which means we may not know the White House winter until days after election day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins Jake Tapper to respond to Donald Trump saying women “will no longer be thinking about abortion” if he wins. Then, Jake challenges Republican Sen. Tom Cotton over Trump’s comments suggesting Jewish voters would bear some blame if he loses in November. Next, Democratic North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein joins Jake to respond to the controversy engulfing his Republican opponent. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Kate Bedingfield and Jamal Simmons and Republican strategists Erin Perrine and Brad Todd join Jake to discuss what the controversy in North Carolina could mean for the presidential race, as well as new national polling showing Harris leading Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Final sprint. Controversy scrambles the map. While Harris agrees to CNN's debate and Trump tries to win over women. Plus, former President Obama's chief strategist, David Axelrod, on where Harris is trailing Biden. And new reporting on Democrats' Maryland Senate candidate. Plus, face off. With just over a week until they debate, are the VP candidates helping or hurting their ticket? And 25 years. Stars of the "West Wing" celebrate at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices