First: A slew of new polls from three crucial swing states show a remarkably consistent reality. The country is divided and the presidential race is up for grabs. We break down the numbers and what it means for both candidates' path to 270.  Plus: Team Harris is relying on Tim Walz to cut into a huge source of support for Donald Trump: men. The group White Dudes for Harris is also launching a $10 million digital ad buy. But will anything narrow the gaping gender gap?  And: The Teamsters Union decides against endorsing either presidential candidate for the first time in nearly three decades. Donald Trump is calling it an honor. But is it? Dana asks the Teamsters President Sean O'Brien.

Sep 20, 2024

The historically Black sororities and fraternities known as the Divine 9 have a long legacy of political activism, though it’s traditionally been nonpartisan. Now that Vice President Kamala Harris — a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the country’s oldest Black sorority — is at the top of the Democratic ticket, the organizations are mobilizing in a whole new way. And nowhere is that more evident or more consequential than in Georgia. Audie Cornish travels to Atlanta to sit down with two other AKA members: Democratic Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Maisha Land, creator of the viral Stroll to the Polls campaign.

Sep 19, 2024

First: Shortly after today's show concludes, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates for the first time in four years. It's a signal that the central bank thinks inflation is finally under control, and it could have major political aftershocks.  Plus: Attempting to shore up her coalition, Kamala Harris is holding events with minority groups and targeting the all-important youth vote in new ads.  And: The first ballots get mailed out tomorrow in Wisconsin, a state that is crucial to any path to 270. That battleground is currently showing a dead heat. Dana talks to the state's Democratic party chair.

Sep 18, 2024

First: Donald Trump is now blaming Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the second apparent assassination attempt. This coming from a man who's arguably pushed more incendiary political rhetoric than any other US president or candidate.  Plus: We have no details regarding the indictment against Sean Diddy Combs. Prosecutors want the rapper behind bars after he "abused threatened, and coerced victims for 16 years."  And: The Senate rejects a bill to protect IVF. Is this a case of election-year politics?Dana speaks with Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Sep 17, 2024

First: That's the chilling assessment from the Secret Service after a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump's life. We bring you the latest on the investigation and breaking details from the suspect's parents.  Plus: JD Vance is still defending baseless and racist conspiracies about Haitian immigrants eating pets. The VP candidate tells Dana he is willing to "create stories for media attention."  And: Kamala Harris has a high-stakes meeting today with a union that usually backs Democrats, but its president spoke at the Republican convention this summer.

Sep 16, 2024

On State of the Union, Dana Bash challenges Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance on why he's continuing to spread baseless rumors about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Then, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue joins Dana to respond to Vance and discuss the security threats in his town. Next, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro breaks down the neck-and-neck race in his critical state. Finally, the panel discusses Trump's struggle to stay on message post-debate and the latest polling in the 2024 race.

Sep 16, 2024

Ground game. Post-debate, Harris targets deep red territory. While Trump digs in.  CNN's political director joins us at the magic wall. Why one city could tip the balance. And abortion politics. New reporting on an issue roiling the GOP and the surprising message from Republicans.  Plus, in their endorsement era. On a big week, we're one on one with Senators Romney and Manchin. On who they may back this November.

Sep 16, 2024

First: Donald Trump is known for his love of cameras and a huge audience. So why is he turning down the chance to debate Kamala Harris again  Plus: As we pass the midway point of the hyper-speed Harris campaign for president, we have new reporting on Team Kamala's strategy to defeat Donald Trump.  And: Democrats think this is the year they may be able to turn the Tar Heel State blue. Dana talks to the Republican tasked with making sure that doesn't happen.

Sep 13, 2024

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off on the debate stage for the first time this week. Harris landed jabs, and Trump struggled to stay on-message. But will their performances move the needle in this extremely tight race? And what should Harris’ and Trump’s campaigns focus on now with the big debate behind them? Karen Finney is a CNN political commentator and was senior spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Doug Heye is a Republican str...Show moreategist who most recently served as deputy chief of staff to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. They join CNN Political Director David Chalian to share their takes on the debate, the candidates’ paths to 270 and how the campaigns could reach on-the-fence voters.

Sep 13, 2024

Colleges and universities are still dealing with the political fallout of last spring’s campus protests and encampments. It’s a political fight that’s led to the ouster of high-profile university presidents and generated national debate and even Congressional hearings. Audie talks with Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University, about how campus protests over Gaza offer a lens on wider arguments about academic freedom. And we hear the perspective of Sam Hilton, a Wesleyan student and executive editor of the student newspaper.

Sep 13, 2024