CNN Political Briefing · CNN Podcasts

The Democrats' Plan to Win the Shutdown

·19 min·1 clip
President Trump cancels negotiations, leaving Democrats and Republicans to blame each other as the shutdown looms.
CNN Political Director David Chalian interviews Congresswoman Susan DelBene about the impending government shutdown, Democratic strategies to blame Republicans, and plans to win back the House in 2026. They discuss health care costs, political messaging, fundraising, and redistricting battles.

As heard by us

A shutdown fight viewed through the lens of leverage, blame, and midterm math.

The episode treats the shutdown fight less like a procedural standoff and more like a test of leverage and blame. David Chalian pushes Susan DelBene on the funding deadline, then steps back to the broader House map, the party's narrow route back to power, and the political…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

A shutdown fight turns into a Democratic House strategy briefing.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on