State of the Union

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Interviews with: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Republican Senator J.D. Vance, Former US Vice President Al Gore Dec 10, 2023

Show notes

First, a split over foreign aid divides Congress as world pressure grows over the civilian death toll in Gaza. Does the Biden administration have any conditions in its support for Israel in the war? US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is next.

Next, President Joe Biden takes the fight directly to Donald Trump. Trump looks to cement his hold on the GOP. What would a second Trump term look like? Top Trump ally Republican Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio is ahead.

Plus, world leaders meet to confront the climate crisis and consider phasing out fossil fuels. But will they go far enough? Former US Vice President Al Gore joins me exclusively.

And, a new poll has Nikki Haley up double digits in a hypothetical matchup against President Joe Biden. We’ll dig into what's behind those numbers with our panel.

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Interviews with: US Senator Lindsey Graham, Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal Dec 03, 2023

Show notes

First, after Hamas breaks the 7 day truce, Israel steps up attacks on Southern Gaza. The US responds with a careful warning but how will Israel respond? South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham joins Dana to discuss.

Then, as progressives split with President Biden concerning the war and other priorities, how might this impact Biden's re-election effort? Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal joins Dana exclusively.

Plus, with the Iowa Caucuses only 6 weeks away, Donald Trump aims to flip the script. Will anyone challenge him? Our panel will discuss.

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Interviews with: US Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog, US Senator Chris Murphy, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Presidential Candidate Chris Christie Nov 26, 2023

Show notes

First, Dana is joined by US Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog amid questions about the remaining hostages and the future of the temporary truce between Hamas and Israel.

Then, with some hostages finally being released and able to reunite with their loved ones, Dana is joined by the family of some hostages who were freed this as part of the deal between Israel and Hamas.

Then, more Israeli hostages are set to come home if the shaky pause in the Israel-Hamas war holds another day. What are we learning about the release of Americans? National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan joins Dana.

Also, President Biden touts the Israel-Hamas truce, but what happens when the four days are up? US Senator Chris Murphy joins Dana exclusively.

Plus, as foreign policy dominates US politics, one Republican candidate makes his case. Is there an alternative approach to taking on Trump? Dana is joined by 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Chris Christie to discuss.

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Interviews with: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer Nov 19, 2023

Show notes

First, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer joins Jake to discuss the state of negotiations to free hostages being held by Hamas.

Next, with just 2 months until voters weigh-in, a new Iowa rivalry heats up. Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis is all in on Iowa, but will it pay off?

Then, Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin talks to Jake about growing calls from Democrats for a ceasefire in Gaza. They also discuss a Colorado judge's ruling that former President Trump "engaged in insurrection" on January 6.

Finally, facing political headwinds, President Joe Biden ramps up his attacks on former President Donald Trump. Will these criticisms be enough to sway voters opinions? Our panel is here to discuss.

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Interviews with: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel Nov 12, 2023

Show notes

First, Dana talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his first CNN interview since the Israel-Hamas war began. Dana presses him on growing pressure for Israel to limit civilian casualties, the effort to free the hostages being held by Hamas, and his refusal to take responsibility for the October 7 attacks.

Then, with US President Joe Biden expressing frustration at Israel’s reluctance to implementing humanitarian pauses inside Gaza and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying more needed to be done to keep civilians safe, Dana speaks with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss the shift from the US in its approach to its close ally Israel.

Next, Dana sits down with RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to discuss her party’s disappointing election results and whether Republicans need to take a new approach to the abortion debate.

Finally, former Obama senior adviser David Axelrod and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan join Dana to discuss a huge political week, including Sen. Joe Manchin’s announcement he won’t be seeking re-election in 2024, the possibility of a Trump/Biden rematch and how the third-party presidential lane could get crowded in 2024.

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Interviews with: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Israeli UN Amb. Gilad Erdan Nov 05, 2023

Show notes

First, Dana speaks with CNN’s Jeremy Diamond about what he saw inside Gaza embedded with Israeli forces.

Then, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders joins Dana to discuss calls by some Democrats for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as a video by progressive Rep. Rashida Tlaib accusing President Biden of supporting genocide.

Next, Dana speaks with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal about calls for a humanitarian pause in Gaza and their fears that Iran could seek to expand the conflict.

Then, Dana speaks with Israel’s ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, who wore a yellow Star of David on the UN floor to protest the UN’s inaction after Hamas’ attack. They also discuss the humanitarian situation inside Gaza and the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents around the world.

Finally, CNN Political Commentator Karen Finney, Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, former Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and CNN Political Commentator Kristen Soltis Anderson break down a new poll showing former President Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden in several key battleground states.

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Interviews with: US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Intelligence Committee Republican Sen. James Lankford, GOP Candidate Chris Christie Oct 29, 2023

Show notes

Israel is extending its ground operations in Gaza. What will this mean for the region's future and the well-being of those held hostage by Hamas? Joining us on the show we have US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and insights from Intelligence Committee Republican Sen. James Lankford.

A blackout occurred as Israel's barrage intensified, causing communication services in Gaza to be disrupted. With communication now getting restored, we provide an update on the latest developments from inside Gaza.

The US House chooses a Speaker, and Mike Pence drops out. More signs of the Republican Party's embrace of former President Donald Trump. GOP Candidate Chris Christie offers his perspective on the situation.

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Interviews with: House Intelligence Chairman Rep. Mike Turner, Former GOP Congresswoman Liz Cheney Oct 22, 2023

Show notes

First, Israel escalates Gaza airstrikes ahead of a likely invasion as fear grows that the region could be drawn into the conflict. What is Israel's plan? President Biden cautions Israel to not be blinded by rage. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner joins us.

And, more humanitarian trucks poised to enter Gaza carrying desperately needed supplies to the victims of war. But as Israel prepares for ground war, are conditions about to get much worse?

Plus, with future US aid to Israel on the line, House Republicans are back to square one in their speaker search fiasco. As they plan for more votes, can anyone unite the conference? Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney shares her thoughts.

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Interviews with: US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Ambassador Michael Herzog, US Senator Marco Rubio Oct 15, 2023

Show notes

First, in the aftermath of a brutal terrorist attack by Hamas, Israel is now preparing for a ground war in Gaza and making it clear that this is only the beginning. Now the question is how civilians, including Americans, can stay safe amidst the escalating violence. We're joined by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who will share his insights on this issue.

Then, amidst President Joe Biden's strong support for Israel and his commitment to ensuring they have the resources they need to defend themselves, a divide is emerging within the Republican field over the conflict. How would a Republican approach the situation in the Middle East? We've got an exclusive interview with former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley to explore this.

Plus, as US officials promise increased support for Israel, internal strife among House Republicans over the choice of their speaker continues. With Congress facing paralysis, the question looms: will they be able to deliver aid in time? Joining us for discussion is Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw.

Also, what are the potential outcomes of the imminent ground invasion, and what strategies can be employed to secure the release of Americans detained by Hamas? We are joined by Ambassador Michael Herzog and US Senator Marco Rubio to discuss.

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Interviews with: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Former Vice President Mike Pence, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides, Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper Oct 08, 2023

Show notes

Israel responds after brutal Hamas terror attacks by formally declaring war. Will that war engulf the Middle East? US Secretary of State Antony Blinken joins Dana to discuss.

Next, Congress rushes to condemn the Hamas attack and pledges to aid Israelis. But will the lack of a formal House Speaker hamper any US response? Dana gets reaction from key lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, and Congressman Mike Lawler.

Then, with hundreds Israeli civilians killed and "a significant number" abducted, the world scrambles to understand how Hamas could pull off such a massive surprise attack. Dana speaks with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, former US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides, and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper about what went wrong and how Israel will respond.

Finally, our panel of experts discusses the challenges facing Israel and what to expect in the days and weeks ahead.

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