Episodes

  • The MAGA-Epstein Drama, Explained

    The MAGA-Epstein Drama, Explained
    Jul 18 2025
    President Donald Trump is facing serious backlash from the MAGA world over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. CNN senior correspondent Donie O’Sullivan explains why Epstein looms so large in the MAGA-verse—and why this controversy isn’t likely to die down soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • Behind the Scenes of Trump’s Comeback

    Behind the Scenes of Trump’s Comeback
    Jul 11 2025
    Investigative reporter Josh Dawsey is co-author of a new deep dive into last year’s historic election, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America. He shares some of the most striking moments in the book — from Trump’s trip to the Fulton County Jail to take his mugshot to the buzzing scene at Mar-a-Lago days before his inauguration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Rahm Emanuel on the ‘Rigged System’ and the American Dream

    Rahm Emanuel on the ‘Rigged System’ and the American Dream
    Jul 4 2025
    Rahm Emanuel isn't shy about criticizing his own party. He also isn’t shy about his potential political ambitions. He’s made it clear he’s considering a potential 2028 presidential run. He shares how he’ll make that decision, what he brings to the growing field of potential candidates and why he thinks Dems shouldn’t talk about democracy without also talking about affordability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • What Mamdani’s Win Means Beyond New York

    What Mamdani’s Win Means Beyond New York
    Jun 27 2025
    Zohran Mamdani pulled off a major political upset over Andrew Cuomo in this week’s New York mayoral primary. CNN senior reporter and New York City native Edward-Isaac Dovere explains how Mamdani was able to secure the victory and what Democrats more broadly can learn from his surprise success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Political Violence Is Rising. What Can We Do?

    Political Violence Is Rising. What Can We Do?
    Jun 20 2025
    The killings and attempted killings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses are raising alarms about an apparent uptick in political violence in America. Robert Pape, the director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, has studied political violence for 30 years, and he argues the country is in the midst of what he calls an “era of violent populism.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • Is the LA Protest Response Trump's 'Playbook?'

    Is the LA Protest Response Trump's 'Playbook?'
    Jun 13 2025
    Tensions over President Trump’s immigration enforcement reached a boiling point this week. CNN correspondent Priscilla Alvarez explains how Los Angeles became a political flashpoint and why the administration’s move to call in the National Guard and the Marines to respond to anti-ICE protests there was a long time in the making—and could be a playbook repeated in other cities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • The Big Contradiction of Trump’s Trade War

    The Big Contradiction of Trump’s Trade War
    Jun 6 2025
    From China talks to “TACO,” CNN’s Chief Domestic Correspondent Phil Mattingly helps navigate the latest twists and turns of President Trump’s tariffs and explains why we may be in the “eye of the hurricane” of this trade war. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at CNNPoliticalBriefing@Gmail.com or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • ‘Resist and Reform’: Former Harvard President on Trump’s Attacks

    ‘Resist and Reform’: Former Harvard President on Trump’s Attacks
    May 30 2025
    The ongoing feud between President Trump and Harvard University is heating up as the White House attempts to ban the university from enrolling international students. Harvard President Emeritus Larry Summers shares his insights on the clash and explains why the White House’s actions could hinder efforts to reform Harvard’s flaws. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    25 mins