CNN Political Briefing

The Democratic Party's approval rating has dropped to a record low. So, why is the party so unpopular right now? And what can Democrats do to revive their reputation? Howard Dean is a former chair of the DNC, a onetime presidential candidate and the former governor of Vermont. He argues the Democrats’ brand right now is “what the Republicans say it is.” And he shares some ideas for reclaiming his party’s brand. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elon Musk is new to Washington, but what can we learn about his tactics at DOGE from how he’s run his companies? Kate Conger, co-author of the book “Character Limit,” an account of Musk’s takeover of Twitter, says Musk has been pulling from the same playbook since taking on his role in the Trump administration. Plus, she explains Musk’s affinity for recreating memes in real life. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was tariff whiplash in North America this week when President Trump imposed new tariffs on Mexico and Canada, only to announce a one-month reprieve a couple days later. What’s the end goal for Trump’s tariff strategy? And how is the US economy doing so far under Trump 2.0? CNN global economic analyst Rana Foroohar shares what she thinks is the biggest takeaway from the tariff drama and explains why the US economy could be due for a slowdown. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As he pushes for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, President Trump has repeated Russian talking points about the war—like falsely blaming Ukraine for starting the conflict and calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator.” New Yorker staff writer Susan Glasser says this pro-Putin turn has sent a "shock wave” through Europe. And she argues there hasn’t just been a change in American foreign policy. She’s also seeing what she’s calling a “Putinization of America” by Trump. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turmoil hit the Justice Department last week when prosecutors were directed to dismiss the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The move sparked a flurry of resignations and accusations of a quid pro quo between Adams and the Trump administration. CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig joins Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director David Chalian to explain this shakeup at the DOJ and why this case is about much more than Eric Adams. Plus, they take a look at the broader legal landscape under Trump 2.0 and why this could be a “pivotal moment” for the country’s legal history. Have a question or a guest you'd like to hear from? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 430-5460. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices