CNN Political Briefing

The political news you need to know, in 10 minutes or less. CNN Political Director David Chalian shares the latest insider analysis so you can make sense of the headlines.

This GOP Congressman Says Speaker Johnson Has “Failed to Lead”

Kevin Kiley is a California Republican who has a few notes for his party’s leadership in the House...

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Is President Trump Losing Control of MAGA?

Donald Trump reversed course on the Epstein files to get right with his party in what proved to be a...

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Terry McAuliffe: Donald Trump is the Democrats’ Best Weapon

In the wake of big electoral victories, Democrats are at odds over how and why they just ended the longest...

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How Zohran Mamdani Changed the Game in NYC

Once a little-known state assemblyman, Zohran Mamdani catapulted himself to victory in New York City’s mayoral race, earning a...

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The Home Stretch: Elections in NYC, NJ, and VA

As election season 2025 enters its final stretch, candidates in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia...

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Curtis Sliwa Sees a Path to Becoming NYC’s Mayor

Running to be mayor of New York City is a tall order for any Republican given Democratic voters outnumber...

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How Does This Shutdown End?

With the government shutdown in its third week, we call in Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California...

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An Extraordinary Moment in American Justice

The prosecution of former FBI director James Comey is an extraordinary chapter in the history of American...

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The Republicans' Plan to Win the Shutdown

With a government shutdown now reality, the blame game between Republicans and Democrats is at...

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The Democrats' Plan to Win the Shutdown

With Washington bracing for a government shutdown, Democrats and Republicans are already trying to pin...

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New Jersey Could Have the Sleeper Race of 2025

The 2025 campaign season is heating up, and the race for New Jersey governor could be the sleeper contest...

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Bringing Politics Back From the Brink

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shocked American politics. Michigan Senate...

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Illinois Gov to Trump: Don’t Send Troops to Chicago

After federal forces rolled through Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Ilinois officials are taking President...

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How Democrats Plan to Counter Trump

President Trump has spent much of August exerting his power and sparking challenges to its limits. He...

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Who Will Win the Gerrymandering War?

David Daley, author of Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count, breaks down the gerrymandering arms...

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What Trump and Putin Want Out of Their Summit

Former national intelligence officer and Russia expert Angela Stent breaks down what President Donald...

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What the Texas House Dems Are Fighting For

Texas state Rep. James Talarico, along with dozens of his Democratic colleagues, captured the nation’s...

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Dan Balz on Lessons from 47 Years at the Washington Post

Dan Balz is something of a legend in Washington media. He retired this week from full-time reporting...

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Epstein Talk Takes Over Capitol Hill

Jeffrey Epstein talk took over Capitol Hill this week. And while President Donald Trump seems eager...

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The MAGA-Epstein Drama, Explained

President Donald Trump is facing serious backlash from the MAGA world over his handling of the Jeffrey...

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Behind the Scenes of Trump’s Comeback

Investigative reporter Josh Dawsey is co-author of a new deep dive into last year’s historic election, 2024:...

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Rahm Emanuel on the ‘Rigged System’ and the American Dream

Rahm Emanuel isn't shy about criticizing his own party. He also isn’t shy about his potential political...

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What Mamdani’s Win Means Beyond New York

Zohran Mamdani pulled off a major political upset over Andrew Cuomo in this week’s New York mayoral...

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Political Violence Is Rising. What Can We Do?

The killings and attempted killings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses are raising alarms...

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