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Politically Sound — News
Politically Sound

The stakes of our political choices have never been higher, but with new headlines every hour it can be hard to separate the signal from the noise. On Politically Sound, we’re going to take a step back and look at the big picture. We’ll explain the issues of the day, take a look back at how we got here, and draw a line ahead to what it all means. Hosted by David Chalian and Nia-Malika Henderson.

Copyright: © 2021 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.

Latest Episodes:

Presenting Total Recall: California's Political Circus Sep 08, 2021

You probably remember that Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected Governor of California. But do you remember how it all happened? The blackouts, the budget and of course, the car tax! CNN’s Chief Political Correspondent, Dana Bash, takes you back to the origins of the 2003 California Recall and talks with Schwarzenegger and the man he beat, Gray Davis to learn why this election became such a circus.

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It’s Never Too Early May 14, 2021

Politics is all about the future... and so it’s never too early to look at how upcoming elections are going to play out. In this episode, David Chalian and Dana Bash take a look at how the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential race are shaping up, and how former President Donald Trump is the wildcard that could drastically affect both elections.

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Dr. Fauci's Long Year May 07, 2021

This week, we wanted to bring you an episode from Dr. Sanjay Gupta's podcast. When we look back on this pandemic, who and what will we remember? Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is at the top of that list for many. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks to Dr. Fauci about the past year-plus of non-stop press conferences and media appearances, and about what comes next.

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The Axe Files: Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield Apr 30, 2021

This week, we wanted to bring you an episode from The Axe Files podcast we think you'll enjoy. In this episode, UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield joins CNN's David Axelrod to talk about growing up in the segregated South, facing down death in Rwanda, the importance of the US engaging with both adversaries and allies, and her reaction to the jury finding former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty in the murder of George Floyd. They also talked about the security threats posed by climate change and the Leaders Summit on Climate hosted by the Biden administration.

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The Right to Bear Arms, But at What Cost? Apr 23, 2021

America has experienced at least 50 mass shootings this past month alone. And now, President Biden faces the same problem as his predecessors: a gun violence crisis and a country completely divided on the Second Amendment. This week, David Chalian is joined by gun policy expert Professor Adam Winkler of UCLA to explore this uniquely American concept of freedom within the context of the gun debate and what kind of change, if any, is possible.

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Why Cultural Change Can’t Be Stopped Apr 16, 2021

Protests and marches in the streets, a rising generation of activists, and an embattled President who’s just left the White House... it sounds an awful lot like today, but that’s actually the story of the 1970’s. In this episode, David Chalian is joined by Ron Brownstein, the author of Rock Me On the Water: 1974 - The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics, to take you back in time and explain what the culture wars of 1970s can tell us about today’s conflict and the political future of the country.

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What Schoolhouse Rock Didn’t Teach You Apr 09, 2021

Despite a Democratic controlled Senate, two obscure aspects of Senate procedure, the filibuster and reconciliation, hold the key to the success or failure of President Biden’s entire agenda. In this episode, David Chalian is joined by former Senate parliamentarian Alan Frumin to nerd out and explain the quirky history and incredibly important future of these two procedures.

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Stories Behind the Statistics Apr 02, 2021

Record numbers of migrants traveling from Central America have been arriving at the US southern border over the past couple of months. Border Control facilities are now overwhelmingly past capacity, with thousands of unaccompanied minors in custody. As the Biden administration scrambles to safely accommodate them, President Biden has garnered criticism from both sides on his handling of the crisis. This week, David Chalian is joined by Melissa Lopez, Director of the Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services in El Paso, Texas, to discuss to discuss the ongoing crisis at the southern border and how President Biden’s policies affect those crossing into the United States.

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Restricting Access to the Ballot Mar 26, 2021

More people voted in the 2020 election than any other in modern American history. Now, many Republican legislatures across the country are trying to pass laws rolling back voter access. At the center of that fight is Georgia, where this week the Governor signed a bill that restricts voting. In this episode, David Chalian speaks with the head of the Georgia ACLU, Andrea Young, about the voting rights fight in Georgia and the response to similar laws across the country.

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"Women Have to Interrupt" Mar 19, 2021

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the landmark achievements of women everywhere. This week, CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash talks with Madeleine Albright, the first female US Secretary of State. Secretary Albright shares stories from being the only woman in the room, putting women’s rights at the heart of US foreign policy, her early life escaping Nazis in Europe, and her thoughts on the January 6 insurrection.

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The Climate Crisis Isn’t Coming ... It’s Already Here Mar 12, 2021

For millions of Americans the climate crisis is a reality affecting their lives every day. Now, with the massive Covid relief package through Congress, the next challenge for the Biden administration is an immense infrastructure and climate bill. But in the meantime, the President has already begun implementing his agenda. In this episode, Nia-Malika Henderson is joined by climate policy expert and Harvard Law professor Jody Freeman to explain the new administration’s bold policies, political tension, and ambitious goals.

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Surviving the Pandemic Economy Mar 05, 2021

One year into this pandemic, millions of Americans are still desperate to get back to work and in dire need of economic relief. President Biden hopes his $1.9 trillion plan will provide just that. But will its potential benefits for those in need outweigh the risks such a large package might pose to US financial stability? In this episode, David Chalian speaks with Paul Krugman, a world-renowned economist and New York Times opinion columnist, about the controversial price tag and the impact the President’s plan may have on the economy.

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Delivering on the Promise of Racial Equity Feb 26, 2021

President Biden promised to deliver solutions to America’s centuries-old struggle for racial equity. But many are asking: can he achieve real change? As Black History Month draws to a close, Nia-Malika Henderson is joined by White House Senior Adviser Cedric Richmond to discuss the policies, pitfalls, and promises of the Biden administration’s racial equity agenda.

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Fixing a Broken Immigration System Feb 19, 2021

Decades of failed compromise and stalled deals in Washington have led to a broken immigration system with a tremendous human cost. With roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the US, and more in search of a better life, immigration is one of the biggest policy challenges facing the country today. In this episode, David Chalian speaks with Theresa Cardinal Brown, a leading expert on immigration policy, about the Biden administration’s immigration actions so far and the challenges that lie ahead in getting that legislation through Congress.

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Biden’s China Challenge Feb 12, 2021

As the Biden administrations aims to restore America’s global standing, managing the relationship with China will likely be their biggest challenge, but one that could also present new opportunities. In this episode, Nia Malika-Henderson speaks with a leading expert on Chinese policy, Dr. Elizabeth Economy, to break down how and why President Biden’s foreign policy and his approach to China differ from former President Trump’s, and what lies ahead for US-China relations under this new administration.

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Uniting the Divided States of America Feb 05, 2021

The promise of unity and a return to normalcy were at the heart of President Biden’s pitch to the American people. But this push for unity is facing early tests, from passage of a Covid relief bill to the impeachment trial of former President Trump. This week, David Chalian and Nia Malika-Henderson are joined by former Senator Doug Jones to discuss the need for unity, as part of our series looking at the biggest policy goals and challenges facing the administration in its first 100 days.

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Pandemic Policy vs. Reality Jan 29, 2021

President Biden has an ambitious agenda for his first 100 days in office and much of his success rides on getting a handle on the pandemic. In this episode, David Chalian digs deep on the implications of the Covid crisis with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, host of CNN’s Coronavirus Fact vs. Fiction podcast, as part of our series looking at the biggest policy goals and challenges facing the administration in its first 100 days.

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And Now the Work Begins Jan 22, 2021

Normalcy returns to Washington as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are sworn into office. But is a smooth inauguration a sign of things to come or is there a bumpy road ahead? In this episode, David Chalian and Nia Malika-Henderson are joined by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer to walk through the momentous inauguration and the early challenges facing the Biden administration.

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Ok, This is Truly Unprecedented Jan 15, 2021

The word “unprecedented” gets thrown around a lot these days. But how else do you describe a country still reeling from an attack on the Capitol building and impeaching the President for a second time while it prepares for an inauguration? In this episode, David Chalian and Nia Malika-Henderson are joined by CNN Washington Correspondent Ryan Nobles to explain what comes next - now that the President is impeached - what it means for the country, the Republican party, and President-elect Biden.

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The Inevitable Insurrection Jan 08, 2021

The siege of the US Capitol by a Trump-supporting mob was four years in the making and completely preventable – yet still shocked the nation. In this episode, David Chalian and Nia-Malika Henderson are joined by CNN Reporter Donie O’Sullivan who was at the Capitol speaking to rioters on Wednesday, to discuss how the President instigated the violence, the depths of the misinformation his supporters believe, and what this means for the future of American politics.

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The Rise of Pandemic Politics Dec 18, 2020

Coronavirus dominated every aspect of life in 2020 including reshaping the political landscape. In this episode, David Chalian and Nia-Malika Henderson discuss how the pandemic changed politics this year and how it will impact Joe Biden's presidency. Plus, CNN Correspondent Stephanie Elam takes you inside the vaccine trial she’s participating in and tells you how one of Biden’s biggest challenges will be convincing vulnerable communities to take the vaccine.

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An Insider's Guide to the Biden Transition Dec 11, 2020

Despite the President’s tantrums, President-elect Joe Biden’s transition marches on. In this episode, Nia-Malika Henderson is joined by former Obama Adviser and the host of CNN’s The Axe Files podcast, David Axelrod, to explain the successes so far and challenges remaining for Biden’s transition. Plus, CNN Washington Correspondent Ryan Nobles joins from the campaign trail in Georgia to talk about how the state’s key Senate runoff races are the biggest question marks hanging over the Biden administration.

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Politics Over People Dec 04, 2020

For months, Congress has failed the American people. Millions are out of work and going hungry, and many of the relief programs they rely on will expire at the end of the year. In this episode, Dana Bash and Abby Phillip discuss the disgraceful failure of government, the politics at play in passing more economic stimulus, and the momentum growing to get a deal as Congress stares down a deadline. Plus, CNN Chief Business Correspondent Christine Romans lays out how DC politics and Wall Street profits have stood in the way of a stimulus deal - and put the economic pain on everyday Americans.

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One Nation, Completely Divided Nov 20, 2020

We knew America was divided ... but this election has shown us just how deep that division runs. In this episode, David Chalian and Dana Bash discuss the intensifying political divide in America, what it means for President-elect Biden, and whether the nation can be stitched back together at all. Plus, Brian Stelter explains how election disinformation is altering the right-wing media landscape and what that means for the country going forward.

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A Contentious Transition Nov 13, 2020

President Trump is trying to block the transition of power and his refusal to accept the election results poses a danger to the country. In this week's episode, Nia-Malika Henderson and David Chalian discuss the impact of an undermined presidential transition and the challenges President-elect Biden will face as he begins to lead the nation. Plus, top Republican election lawyer and CNN contributor Benjamin Ginsberg joins to discuss Trump’s baseless legal battle.

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We Have a Winner Nov 07, 2020

CNN can project that Democratic candidate Joe Biden has been elected the 46th President of the United States, defeating Republican incumbent Donald Trump. His running mate, Kamala Harris, has become the first woman and first person of color to be elected vice president. David Chalian walks you through their path to the White House and what challenges lie ahead.

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We're Getting Closer Nov 06, 2020

Election night has stretched into election week, so Politically Sound is a little different. In this mini-episode, David Chalian explains what the possible paths to 270 electoral votes look like for each candidate. With four battleground states have yet to be called, Joe Biden is on the brink of victory.

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Welcome to Election Week Nov 05, 2020

This isn't your typical episode of Politically Sound... but this hasn't been your typical election. In this mini-episode, Nia Malika Henderson gives you an update on where the things stand in the race for the Presidency as focus turns to razor thin margins in a few key states. Tune in tomorrow for a more in-depth episode!

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What to Expect on Election Night Oct 30, 2020

November 3rd isn’t going to be like any election night you’ve ever seen. In this week's episode, Nia-Malika Henderson and David Chalian set your expectations for the biggest night in politics and walk you through what to watch for as the results come in. Plus, have you ever wondered what happens to your ballot after it's cast? Kristen Holmes takes us through the life of a ballot in the key swing county of Erie, Pennsylvania. Let us know what you think of the show: cnn.com/podsurvey

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The Road to 270 Oct 23, 2020

It will take at least 270 electoral votes for a presidential candidate to win the election, and the race is almost certain to come down to a handful of battleground states. In this week's episode, Nia-Malika Henderson and David Chalian map out the different paths to 270 for both President Trump and Vice President Biden. Plus, CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan explains how disinformation campaigns have evolved since 2016. Let us know what you think of the show: cnn.com/podsurvey

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Don’t Forget Down-Ballot Oct 16, 2020

The next president isn't all that will be on the ticket - and on the line - on November 3rd. In this week's episode, Nia-Malika Henderson and David Chalian give the state of play of "down-ballot" races and dig deep on the battle for control of the House and Senate. Plus, Fredreka Schouten, who covers money in politics, takes you inside Democratic candidates' mammoth fundraising hauls and what's fueling their windfall.

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The Health Care Debate Oct 09, 2020

The health of the President has put the fight over health care front and center during this election. One week after announcing his coronavirus diagnosis, President Trump is promising Americans the same world class care he received while pushing to get rid of the Affordable Care Act. In this week's episode, Nia-Malika Henderson and David Chalian examine how coronavirus pandemic places added importance on health care in the 2020 election. Plus, Dr. Chris T. Pernell’s story of losing her father to Covid-19 and the impact of downplaying the virus.

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Battle of the Ballots Oct 02, 2020

The President is waging an unprecedented war on the integrity of the election process...and his tactics could very well could work. In this week's episode, Nia-Malika Henderson and David Chalian explore the President’s strategy to systematically undermine the election results through baseless claims of fraud and voter intimidation. Plus, CNN Chief Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin outlines the legal scenarios that may decide the final outcome.

(Recorded on October 1, 2020)

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Courting Controversy Sep 25, 2020

The end of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's remarkable life is now the beginning of a political maelstrom. In this week's episode, Nia-Malika Henderson and Dana Bash break down the politics of a new Supreme Court pick. Plus, CNN Supreme Court Reporter Ariane De Vogue explains what's at stake for Americans if a more conservative Supreme Court takes on challenges like immigration, healthcare, abortion...and maybe even the election itself.

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Political Science Sep 18, 2020

As the pandemic rages, and natural disasters wreak havoc, science shouldn’t be up for debate. But in this election cycle, that’s exactly what’s happening. In this week's episode, CNN Political Director David Chalian and CNN Senior Political Reporter Nia-Malika Henderson explain how science has become politicized, from the coronavirus to the climate, and just how dangerous that is for the country. Plus, CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir tells you why presidential leadership is so important in fighting the climate crisis – and what that means for your vote this November.

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Choose Your Character Sep 11, 2020

Joe Biden has built his campaign around the idea that "character is on the ballot." But after yet another week of bombshells about the President's leadership…do voters actually care? In this week's episode, David Chalian and Nia-Malika Henderson break down what the revelations about the President's character and handling of the coronavirus pandemic in Bob Woodward's new book "Rage" mean for the 2020 election. Plus, CNN Anchor Brianna Keilar tells you about her experience as a military spouse and what the President's comments about the military say about his character.

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The Battle for the Suburbs Sep 04, 2020

The 2020 voting process has begun, and the battle for the suburbs is heating up. After a week of unrest in Kenosha and Portland, President Trump is framing the 2020 election around “law and order” – a message that will resonate with suburbanites. But is the President's strategy stuck in the 1960's? In this week's episode, CNN Political Director David Chalian and CNN Senior Political Reporter Nia-Malika Henderson are joined by CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes to explain how the suburbs have changed over the years and why this push for suburban voters is so important.

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When Conspiracies Become Conventional Aug 28, 2020

This week in Trump's America: conventions, conspiracies, and chaos. It was a Republican National Convention like never before, one that played favor to President Trump and failed to offer a new GOP platform. But have Trump’s tactics – especially the conspiracy theories he has invited – changed the Republican Party for good? In this week's episode, CNN Political Director David Chalian and CNN Senior Political Reporter Nia-Malika Henderson are joined by CNN Senior Political Analyst John Avlon to break down how conspiracies like QAnon could alter the trajectory of the party and what that means for the future of the GOP.

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Defying Convention Aug 21, 2020

Kamala Harris made history this week as the first woman of color to join a major party presidential ticket just as the nation commemorates the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. The centennial is yet another example of this nation’s complicated and often messy history. Black women who fought for the right to vote found themselves sidelined in the face of racism and political calculations. In our very first episode, CNN Political Director David Chalian and CNN Senior Political Reporter Nia-Malika Henderson examine the role of diversity and inclusivity in the major messaging of the Democratic Party, while sharing the often overlooked stories of the Black women who paved the way for a new generation of leaders.

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Introducing Politically Sound Aug 11, 2020

Turn out the noise and tune into what's politically sound. Hosted by David Chalian and Nia-Malika Henderson.

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