Best Matthew Whitaker Podcasts (2025)

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Interviews with Arnold Schwarzenegger; Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy; CNN’s Abby Phillip 42:26

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5d ago42:26

42:26

On CNN’s State of the Union, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joins Jake to discuss his opposition to California’s redistricting push. Then, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy joins Jake to respond to Trump’s new Canada tariffs and the ongoing stalemate over the government shutdown. Next, CNN Senior Political Commentator Adam Kinzinger and CN…

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Interviews with Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan; Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly; Former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan 43:44

12d ago43:44

43:44

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan over President Trump pressure on the Justice Department to go after his political opponents. They also discuss ICE’s aggressive tactics and Trump firing federal workers en masse. Next, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly sits down with Dana to discuss Democrat’…

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Interviews with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker; National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett; Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego; Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Republican Congressman Buddy Carter ... 42:42

26d ago42:42

42:42

On CNN’s State of the Union, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joins Jake Tapper to respond to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Chicago and plans to deploy National Guard troops there against his will. Then, top Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett joins Jake to discuss Trump’s handling of the shutdown and his threats to fire federal wor…

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What Conservative LGBTQ+ Christians Can Teach Us About Love 1:23:28

1M ago1:23:28

1:23:28

Text us your questions! Dawne Moon and Theresa Tobin are back to discuss their book Choosing Love, which represents the culmination of their research over the last several years into the community of conservative LGBTQ+ Christians. This book expands on many of the topics we covered in our first conversation while adding insightful material on the v…

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Interviews with Speaker Mike Johnson; Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen; Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe 43:23

1M ago43:23

43:23

On CNN’s State of the Union, House Speaker Mike Johnson joins Jake to discuss the looming government shutdown and what will be on the table when Trump hosts Democratic leaders at the White House. Jake also presses Johnson over the Comey indictment and Trump publicly pressuring the Justice Department to go after his political opponents. Then, former…

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Interviews with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, SenatorJohn Fetterman, Senator Markwayne Mullin, Representative Jasmine Crockett 44:15

1M ago44:15

44:15

On CNN's State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Chuck Schumer on whether Democrats will shut down the government. John Fetterman responds to Schumer and discusses whether Democrats can win back the Senate in 2026. Senator Markwayne Mullin responds to Trump increasing pressure on the DOJ to investigate his political enemies. Congresswoman Jasmine Cro…

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Interviews with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox; Republican Senator James Lankford; Democratic Rep. Sarah Elfreth and Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley 41:19

2M ago41:19

41:19

On CNN’s State of the Union, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins Dana Bash on the latest in the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination, as well as his appeal to Americans to turn away from political violence. Then, Republican Senator and pastor James Lankford joins Dana to discuss the rise in political violence and what responsibility lawmakers ha…

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Deconstructing the Culture Wars with Laurie Johnson 1:22:46

2M ago1:22:46

1:22:46

Text us your questions! What happens when political labels lose their meaning? Dr. Laurie Johnson, political philosopher and president of the Maurin Academy, joins us to unpack the tangled roots of America's culture wars and explore pathways toward overcoming our divisions. We discuss her book The Gap in God's Country: A Longer View on Our Culture …

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Interviews with Florida Surgeon General Joe Ladapo; Doctor Paul Offit; White House Border Czar Tom Homan 44:43

2M ago44:43

44:43

On CNN's State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses FL Surgeon General on him not conducting any study before calling to lift vaccine mandate. Doctor Paul Offit responds. And White House Border Czar Tom Homan says sanctuary cities across America will be seeing immigration raids this week. Our panelists Rep. Kim Schrier, Scott Jennings, Xochitl Hinojos…

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Interviews with White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka; Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar; Ambassador Cindy McCain 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

On CNN’s State of the Union, Brianna Keilar and White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka spar over right-wing claims about the prevalence of mass shootings by transgender people. Next, Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar joins to respond and discuss how her community is dealing with the aftermath of the Minneapolis school sho…

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Reframing the Bible with Zach Lambert 1:06:58

2M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Text us your questions! Ready to transform your relationship with the Bible? Zach Lambert, pastor of Restore Church in Austin and author of Better Ways to Read the Bible, offers a healing pathway for those wounded by scripture in this candid conversation. Growing up in a Southern Baptist megachurch during the "fundamentalist takeover," Lambert expe…

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Interviews with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel 41:36

2M ago41:36

41:36

On CNN's State of the Union, Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries discusses with Dana Bash New York's redistricting plans, the party's loss of voters, and the President reviewing exhibits within the Smithsonian museums. Former Chicago Mayor and U-S Ambassador Rahm Emanuel slams President Trump's new plans to send troops into Chicago and reacts t…

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Interviews with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; Former Vice President Mike Pence 41:26

2M ago41:26

41:26

On CNN’s State of the Union, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff joins Jake to discuss what he says was “substantial progress” in the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Then, Trump’s former vice president Mike Pence joins Jake to react to Trump rolling out the red carpet for Putin. Next, CNN Political Commentators Bakari Sellers, Brad Todd, Kristen Soltis An…

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CNN Goes on the Road with Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders; Interview with US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker 42:28

3M ago42:28

42:28

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash travels to Wheeling, West Virginia for an exclusive interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders. They discuss his push to bring his progressive message to red states, the Democratic Party’s struggles with working-class voters, the escalating showdown over redistricting in red and blue states, the situations in Ukraine …

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EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin; Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Former BLS Commissioner William Beach 41:27

3M ago41:27

41:27

On CNN’s State of the Union, after President Trump abruptly fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics over a weak jobs report, her predecessor William Beach – also appointed by Trump – tells Kasie Hunt Trump’s actions are “groundless” and “damaging.” Then, Kasie presses EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin over his push to gut the government’s abili…

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Rep. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, WH Budget Director Russel Vought and Dem. Sen. Mark Kelly 44:05

3M ago44:05

44:05

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin discusses the Epstein controversy with Jake Tapper and what it will take for the Trump administration to move on from the crisis. White House Budget Director Russ Vought tells Jake Tapper about plans for another recissions package and the tools the administration might use to achieve spending cuts. Democratic Sen…

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Do You Still Pray? 1:19:31

3M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

Text us your questions! What happens to prayer after you rethink religion and spirituality? Does it feel empty, confusing, or even impossible? If so, you're not alone. In this episode, the three of us discuss our journeys from structured, wordy, and sometimes demonstrative prayer lives to something altogether different. Randy reflects on his charis…

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Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett, US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke 42:44

3M ago42:44

42:44

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Senator Amy Klobuchar on why Democrats didn't release the Epstein files during the Biden Administration, Congressman Tim Burchett says Trump's call to release grand jury material in the Epstein case is a "good start." US hostage envoy Adam Boehler discusses the Trump administration’s prisoner exchang…

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White House Border Czar Tom Homan, California Sen. Alex Padilla and Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales 42:46

4M ago42:46

42:46

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House Border Czar Tom Homan over Trump’s immigration crackdown amid chaotic ICE raids in California. Next, California Sen. Alex Padilla sits down with Dana to respond. Then, Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales joins Dana amid growing calls for accountability after the deadly floods in his state. Finally, CN…

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear 41:49

4M ago41:49

41:49

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash speaks with Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro about the deadly floods ravaging his state. Then, Dana sits down with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss President Trump’s sweeping domestic policy legislation. They also discuss what will happen when Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs ends later this week. Next, Ken…

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Rep. Sen. Katie Britt and Dem. Sen. Mark Warner 41:31

4M ago41:31

41:31

On CNN's State of the Union, Jake Tapper speaks to Republican Senator Katie Britt about the President's domestic policy agenda as it nears its final vote in the Senate. Democratic Senator Mark Warner slams Republicans for supporting this bill while also what he knows about the state of Iran's nuclear program. Finally Republican Rep. Riley Moore, De…

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Gender, Faith, and Privilege after Transitioning: Paula Stone Williams 1:11:28

4M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

Text us your questions! What happens when a successful religious leader transitions genders and loses everything? Reverend Dr. Paula Stone Williams takes us on her extraordinary journey from privilege to authenticity. Paula once stood at the pinnacle of evangelical success – CEO of a large nonprofit, television host, magazine editor. But beneath th…

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Dem. Sen. Adam Schiff and Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton 42:30

4M ago42:30

42:30

On CNN's State of the Union, Kasie Hunt speaks to Israeli President Isaac Herzog about the aftermath of the U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff speaks about the congressional response to President Trump’s order to strike Iran arguing the action was "not constitutional." And Trump's former National Security Adv…

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Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Former Vice President Mike Pence, California Sen. Alex Padilla and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass 45:57

5M ago45:57

45:57

On CNN’s State of the Union, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar joins Dana Bash to react to the shocking assassination of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, as well as the manhunt for the suspect behind the attack. Then, former Vice President Mike Pence joins Dana to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Dana also presses…

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Adding to the Good Pile: Women's Ordination and the Role of the Pastor's Wife with Beth Allison Barr 1:09:23

5M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

Text us your questions! How did the role of "pastor's wife" replace ordination for women in church history? Is the news that there was women's ordination in church history hitting you unexpectedly right now? It's cool, we get it; take a moment and come back when you're ready. Historian and actual pastor's wife Beth Allison Barr returns for a potent…

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Rep. Nanette Barragán, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Sen. Ron Johnson 43:56

5M ago43:56

43:56

On CNN’s State of Union, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán sits down with Dana Bash to react to President Trump’s stunning decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to quell immigration protests in her district and elsewhere in Los Angeles County. Then, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders joins Dana to react to the breaking news and lay out …

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White House Budget Director Russ Vought, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chris Murphy 45:03

5M ago45:03

45:03

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down for an exclusive interview with the man seen as the architect behind President Trump’s scorched-earth effort to upend the federal government, White House Budget Director Russ Vought. Then, House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries joins Dana to detail his party’s plan to counter Trump’s agenda, as…

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Sexual Ethics, Queer Theology, & Responding to Critics: Matthew Vines (Part 2) 1:23:11

5M ago1:23:11

1:23:11

Text us your questions! Matthew Vines returns to discuss how the revised edition of his book addresses critiques from prominent theologians, the distinction between affirming theology and queer theology, and the possibility of affirming, orthodox Christianity. Matthew unpacks the scholarly consensus that modern sexual orientation concepts simply di…

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Speaker Mike Johnson, Sen. Ron Johnson and Sen. Michael Bennet 40:58

5M ago40:58

40:58

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake presses House Speaker Mike Johnson on the impact the GOP tax and spending bill will have on the national debt and on Medicaid. Next, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson joins Jake to detail his concerns about the bill and his threat to sink it unless there are steeper spending cuts. Then, Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet joi…

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Rep. James Clyburn, David Axelrod and Van Jones 41:58

6M ago41:58

41:58

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss Trump’s tariff policy, efforts to negotiate trade deals, and plans for the US to accept a luxury jet from Qatar. Then, Jake presses Democratic Rep. James Clyburn over his past support for Joe Biden’s re-election campaign amid new reporting about Bide…

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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Dem. Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu 46:33

6M ago46:33

46:33

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for details on Trump’s trade negotiations with China and the impact tariffs are having on Americans. Then, Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez join Dana to respond to the Trump administration’s threat that they could be arrested af…

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Pope Francis' Legacy: A Global Church in Transition 1:14:54

6M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Text us your questions! Pope Francis, a man who inspired even many Protestants and non-Christians with his refreshingly prophetic voice, has died. The process to select his successor is ongoing as we release this. To help us understand what's happening, as well as its historical significance, we're talking with our friend and returning guest Shaun …

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Dem. Sen. Mark Warner, Rep. Sen. Ron Johnson and Stephen A. Smith 41:29

6M ago41:29

41:29

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake sits down with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner to discuss Trump’s shake-up of his national security team. Then, Jake asks Republican Sen. Ron Johnson about a growing lead crisis in Milwaukee, as well as Americans’ unease over Trump’s handling of the economy. Next, Stephen A. Smith joins Jake to discuss whether he is co…

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Does the Bible Affirm LGB Relationships? Interview with Matthew Vines (Part 1) 58:39

6M ago58:39

58:39

Text us your questions! Matthew Vines is here to discuss the revised and expanded edition of his influential book God and the Gay Christian, marking eleven years since its initial release. The book sent shockwaves through evangelical Christianity and remains a powerful and compelling case for an affirming reading of the Bible for those who want to …

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins 44:23

6M ago44:23

44:23

On CNN’s State of the Union, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joins Dana Bash for a wide-ranging interview on Ukraine peace talks, Trump’s handling of immigration and the economy, Schumer’s future as a leader in his party, and rising antisemitism in America. Next, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins joins Dana to discuss the continued economic…

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Sen. Chris Van Hollen, House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer and Sen. Amy Klobuchar 42:04

6M ago42:04

42:04

On CNN’s State of the Union, Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins Dana Bash to discuss his trip to El Salvador to meet with deported migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Then, Dana presses House GOP Whip Rep. Tom Emmer on Trump’s standoff with the courts over his immigration policies. After, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar tells Dana that she believes the…

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Kevin Hassett and Sen. Elizabeth Warren 42:22

7M ago42:22

42:22

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett over the confusion and turmoil caused by Trump’s tariff rollout. Then, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren joins Jake to discuss how Democrats should respond to Trump’s economic chaos. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Brad Todd and Ashley Allison, Repu…

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We Need to Talk About It 1:12:56

7M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

Text us your questions! This is a conversation we've been avoiding: how are we doing now that Donald Trump is president again? As we had a break between interviews, we decided to try to unpack how we're feeling, what we're doing, what we've learned about ourselves, and what we're worried and hopeful about. This is an unusually impromptu and unpolis…

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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Gov. Tim Walz 44:47

7M ago44:47

44:47

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for clarity on Trump’s sweeping tariffs as the economic fallout grows. Then, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz joins Jake to respond and to weigh in on what he thinks Democrats’ strategy needs to be to counter Trump. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator David Urban, C…

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Interviews with Republican Senator James Lankford; Democratic Governor Wes Moore 41:22

7M ago41:22

41:22

On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Sen. James Lankford joins Dana Bash to discuss the fallout from the Trump administration’s Signal chat leak, as well as the impact from President Trump’s escalating trade war. Then, Dana asks Democratic Governor and potential 2028 candidate Wes Moore about Democrats struggle to find a path forward under the T…

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Re-Release - Outrage Porn, Echo Chambers, and the Seduction of Clarity: Interview with C. Thi Nguyen 1:02:25

7M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Text us your questions! This is a re-release of an episode from our second season when we spoke with philosopher C Thi Nguyen. We think it bears re-listening in our current moment. ===== What happens when we seek simple answers in a complex world? Philosopher C Thi Nguyen takes us into the machinery of belief, understanding, and value formation, ex…

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Interviews with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon; Representative Ro Khanna 42:32

7M ago42:32

42:32

On CNN’s State of the Union, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon joins Dana Bash exclusively to discuss what the future looks like for the Department of Education as President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle it. Next, Dana asks Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna if a new Tea Party is forming among Democrats. Then, Democratic Rep. Jason Crow, CNN Se…

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Interviews with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett; Republican Senator Mike Rounds 41:02

8M ago41:02

41:02

On CNN’s State of the Union, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff joins Jake Tapper to discuss his hours-long meeting with Vladimir Putin and the prospects for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Next, Jake asks Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett about the finger-pointing in her party after Congress’ shutdown showdown and the frustration with Sen. Chuck Schumer.…

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What Happens When You're Done with Religion Altogether? 1:19:50

8M ago1:19:50

1:19:50

Text us your questions! What happens when the foundation of your identity crumbles beneath you? When the lens through which you understood the world no longer works? Psychologist Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren joins us to explore this profound transition that one-fifth of Americans have experienced—leaving religion behind. Drawing from eight years of groun…

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Interviews with Republican Senator Rick Scott; Democratic Senator Andy Kim; US Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler; Democratic Congressman Jake Auchincloss and Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales 42:21

8M ago42:21

42:21

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Republican Sen. Rick Scott over Elon Musk’s approach to slashing government, as well as President Trump’s whiplash-inducing tariff policies. Then, with Democrats facing a do-or-die moment this week on a potential government shutdown, Jake asks Democratic Sen. Andy Kim how he plans to vote. After, US …

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Interviews with Speaker Mike Johnson; National Security Adviser Mike Waltz; Democratic Senator Chris Murphy 43:51

8M ago43:51

43:51

On CNN’s State of the Union, Speaker Johnson joins Dana Bash to discuss the stunning Trump-Zelensky blowup, as well as his strategy for preventing a government shutdown in less than two weeks. Then, Dana presses National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on the future of US-Ukraine relations and if it’s possible to repair the damage from that Oval Office…

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Unpacking Open and Relational Theology: Interview with Tom Oord 1:20:45

8M ago1:20:45

1:20:45

Text us your questions! Tom Oord is back! This time, we're discussing his "main thing": open and relational theology. We explore what it means and its significance in reshaping our understanding of God, love, prayer, and more. Tom answers our questions graciously, and we try to convince Randy that he's wrong. How is open and relational theology dif…

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Interviews with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries 43:01

8M ago43:01

43:01

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper speaks with President Trump’s point person leading negotiations to end the wars in the Mideast and Ukraine, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff says he’s optimistic that negotiations over phase two of the Gaza ceasefire will move forward. Jake also presses him over Trump’s attacks on Ukrainian President Zel…

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Interviews with White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar 41:09

9M ago41:09

41:09

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House border czar Tom Homan over allegations that the Trump administration dropped corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for his cooperation on immigration enforcement. Then, with Trump pushing the limits of presidential power, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar joins D…