Each weekday, Dana Bash and a panel of well-sourced reporters bring you the most important political stories of the day. On the weekend, Manu Raju kicks off CNN's Sunday morning political programming with Inside Politics Sunday. Dana and Manu get answers from the people making headlines, explain the political stories that matter, and report on how the news will impact you.
We begin today's show with a huge defeat for Democrats in the redistricting war initiated by Republicans last year in Texas. The Virginia supreme court struck it down yesterday on a technicality, just one day after Tennessee's governor signed into law a new Republican gerrymander that breaks up the only majority Black district in that state. With Louisiana, Alabama and South Carolina all trying to change their maps, where does that leave things nationwide as we head toward this fall's crucial midterms? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
08/05/2026 • 43:33
The US is expecting to hear any minute now whether Iran will agree to its latest ceasefire proposal. As he waits for a response, President Trump is meeting with Brazilian president Luiz Lula da Silva. Those talks will likely focus on trade, but we do expect Trump to take questions from reporters on Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
07/05/2026 • 43:41
Ted Turner, the titan who founded and built CNN, transforming how the world experiences the events that shape our lives, passed away today at the age of 87. We take a look back at his extraordinary life and legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
06/05/2026 • 47:40
President Trump and Defense Secretary say the ceasefire with Iran is holding. The panel discusses this, as well as the president’s downplaying gas costs reaching an average $4.48 per gallon. Candidates in the California Governor’s race debate tonight. Plus, the DOJ demands the names of the 2020 election workers in Fulton County, GA and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
05/05/2026 • 43:11
Confusion over who controls the Strait of Hormuz. With six months until the Midterm elections, the panel discusses the state of the GOP as President Trump’s approval falls to 35%. Plus, Trump’s Indiana revenge tour and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
04/05/2026 • 43:11
Manu Raju and panelists examine a tough midterm landscape for Donald Trump amid low approval ratings and Democratic polling advantages, while unpacking a Supreme Court ruling limiting the Voting Rights Act and its expected long-term impact on redistricting and polarization. They also discuss how abortion and health care could shape races again, shifts in a key Maine Senate contest after Janet Mills steps aside, and interview Michigan candidate Mallory McMorrow on campaign controversies. The show also covers California’s open governor primary and debate over funding a proposed White House ballroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
03/05/2026 • 43:06
Vietnam-level opposition, as the war in Iran hits 60 days, a new poll shows the backlash is surging. A new poll shows 61% of Americans think the war with Iran is a mistake. The panel discusses the opposition to the war. We listen in as President Trump talks to reporters on the South Lawn, as he heads to Florida. Plus, John King travels to Ohio in his latest installment of All Over The Map and Patrick Svitek reports on the GOP race for Senate in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01/05/2026 • 50:58
Dana Bash follows along as Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The average price of gas jumped $.07 last night to $4.30, the highest price since July of 2022. Plus, President Trump reminds his nomination of Dr. Casey Means for surgeon general and nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
30/04/2026 • 50:14
Manu Raju follows breaking news on several fronts, starting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Kane fielding questions from long lawmakers for the first time since the war with Iran started. The Supreme Court quickly eclipsed that high stakes hearing with a ruling that could reshape the battle for the house. Their six-three decision narrows a core piece of the Voting Rights Act, and could make it easier for GOP controlled states to draw maps that eliminate majority - minority districts. The case centers on two majority black districts in Louisiana, one of which state Republicans sought to eliminate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
29/04/2026 • 50:53
As today's show gets underway, President Trump and King Charles have just walked into the Oval Office. Their private meetings comes amid significant tension between the US and UK, particularly over the war in Iran. And that prompts the question: Can the King help mend the fraying "special relationship?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
28/04/2026 • 42:46
We start today with the investigation into the man suspected of opening fire at the White House Correspondents Dinner, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, who's expected to be arraigned today in Washington DC. Among the many questions about Saturday's shooting, the biggest is: How did a would-be assassin gain access to a building packed with dozens of top US leaders? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
27/04/2026 • 42:59
Dive deep into the chaos that unfolded during the White House Correspondents' Dinner as we explore the shocking security breach and its implications. What went wrong, and what does this mean for future events? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
26/04/2026 • 44:33
We start today with exclusive breaking news: Sources tell CNN that President Trump is sending US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan this weekend for new peace talks with Iran. CNN's Nic Robertson and Alayna Treene join us with the details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
24/04/2026 • 43:01
Following Democrats' victory in revising Virginia's congressional maps, the GOP is counting on Florida to regain an edge before the midterms. Will Governor Ron DeSantis deliver? A special legislative session is set for the Sunshine State next week. But Dems warn a Florida gerrymander attempt could actually backfire on them Republicans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
23/04/2026 • 42:51
Already feeling good about their odds of winning back the House this November, Democrats' optimism is in overdrive after last night's redistricting win in Virginia. Voters there approved a new congressional map that could flip four red seats blue. The blatant gerrymandering move in Virginia, combined with a similar move in California, was designed to offset the Republican gerrymanders in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
22/04/2026 • 43:03
Will President Trump's fed chair pick serve the US economy or the White House? That's a key question facing senators on Capitol Hill today as Kevin Warsh, who the president nominated to replace Jerome Powell, makes his case for the job. Warsh claims he will be politically independent and won't be swayed by demands he cut interest rates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
21/04/2026 • 44:15
We begin today with the ticking clock on the US-Iranian ceasefire. With less than 48 hours to go until the deal expires, VP JD Vance is preparing to leave for Pakistan tomorrow for another round of peace talks with Iran. One problem: An Iranian spokesperson says there's no plan for more talks. President Trump acknowledged this morning he's not sure whether the Iranians will show up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
20/04/2026 • 43:36
Dive into the intense political landscape with Inside Politics Sunday! From Virginia's redistricting showdown to Michigan's Senate race, we examine the stakes and the strategies. Join us as we unpack what's shaping the future of American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
19/04/2026 • 42:21
The US and Iran declare the Strait of Hormuz completely open for business. Sources tell CNN a broader deal to end the war could be finalized as early as this weekend. However, there's a lot of confusion over what exactly is happening in the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
17/04/2026 • 43:26
Moments before today's show begins we learn that President Trump has announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. If it holds, it could lead to a broader peace deal between the US and Iran. The president also said he'll invite the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
16/04/2026 • 42:51
Mentioning a potential second round of peace talks with Iran, President Trump says the war he and Israel initiated is "very close to over." A key Pakistani official who has been a critical mediator between arrived in Tehran with a message from the Trump Administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
15/04/2026 • 43:38
Disturbing sexual misconduct allegations force two politicians out of congress within minutes of each other. Last night, California Democrat Eric Swalwell and Texas Republican Tony Gonzalez announced they will resign amid bipartisan calls to expel them from the House. The allegations follow a similar pattern: Two men in positions of power allegedly using that power to engage in inappropriate relationships with aides, subordinates and/or young women starting out and trying to make their way in politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
14/04/2026 • 39:20
Diplomacy isn't working, so President Trump is trying to cut Iran off from the world. A US military blockade on all Iranian ports and coastal areas is now in effect. The president announced the move over the weekend after 21 hours of peace talks in Pakistan ended without a deal. The idea is to put more financial pressure on the regime by blocking Iran from selling its oil, at least publicly. Iranian leaders are shrugging it off. The speaker of Iran's parliament, who helped lead their negotiations over the weekend, responded: “Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4 to $5 gas.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
13/04/2026 • 46:56
Tensions rise as President Trump's military moves spark urgent discussions. Tune in to Inside Politics Sunday for an in-depth analysis of the latest developments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
12/04/2026 • 43:04
JD Vance heads to Pakistan for crucial talks with Iran. Can the VP steer the US out of war? He's joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. If all goes well, it's a moment that could end this war. Or if it goes badly, it's a moment that could end the tenuous ceasefire. "If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
10/04/2026 • 42:58
We start today's show with a ceasefire deal that seems precarious at best, given the confusion over what the US and Iran actually agreed to. The bottom line is that Iran still has a grip on the strait of Hormuz, while Israel continues bombing Hezbollah in Lebanon. A possible light at the end of the tunnel: Moments before we came on the air, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he would open direct negotiations with Lebanon, though he didn't promise to end the Israeli bombardment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
09/04/2026 • 43:30
It's been just hours since President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran. But that temporary truce is looking fragile at best. Moments ago, an Iranian news agency reported Tehran halted oil tankers traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Reopening the strait to commerce, of course, was a key part of the deal. Plus, one of Iran's demands in exchange was that Israel end its bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. But the Israelis say they never agreed to that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
08/04/2026 • 43:35
The clock is ticking toward President Trump's 8pm ET deadline for Iran to make a deal that he deems sufficient or face death and destruction. This morning, the president took what was already a series of profane and stark warnings to a new apocalyptic level. His exact words: "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen. But it will. It probably will." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
07/04/2026 • 43:16
President Trump gives Iran until tomorrow at 8pm to make a deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, or face "hell on earth." The president's latest ultimatum comes as he prepares for a press conference he originally scheduled to talk about the remarkable rescue of an Air Force service member whose plane went down inside Iran on Friday. But that was quickly overshadowed by his Easter message to Iran posted on social media: "Open the f*!king Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in hell." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
06/04/2026 • 43:20
Trump Hails Daring Iran Rescue as He Escalates Threats; Gas Prices, Budget Fights, and Cabinet Shakeups Dominate Easter Sunday Politics. CNN’s Inside Politics Sunday reports on a dramatic U.S. search-and-rescue mission to extract a missing, seriously wounded F-15 crew member shot down over Iran, involving dozens of aircraft, hundreds of personnel, a commando team on the ground, and CIA disinformation to delay Iranian pursuit, as Iranian media shows apparent wreckage. Analysts discuss the mission’s complexity, Iran’s continuing asymmetric capabilities, and escalating regional strikes, while Trump issues shifting, intensified demands tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and posts a new threat targeting Iran’s power plants and bridges, raising concerns about civilian harm and potential war-crimes implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
05/04/2026 • 43:13
