CNN Inside Politics: Stacking the Deck

Running to be mayor of New York City is a tall order for any Republican given Democratic voters outnumber Republican voters by six to one.  Curtis Sliwa is once again the GOP's standard bearer in America's largest city after losing to Eric Adams four years ago, but this time he is competing against a rising progressive star in the Democratic Party in Zohran Mamdani and the former governor Andrew Cuomo who left office in disgrace four years ago.  And he's doing so while facing enormous pressure to drop out of the race. As the campaign reaches its home stretch, Sliwa tells David Chalian what he’s learned from a lifetime in New York and his two runs for mayor. Producers: Dan Bloom & Sofía Sanchez Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump is bulldozing past critics and some preservationists to build an even bigger White house ballroom than originally planned. We have new details on the renovations, which are raising concerns even among some close aides.  Plus: We have breaking news on a historic gambling scheme involving 11 states and tens of millions of dollars, as well as a current NBA player and Hall of Fame coach.  And: "It's a show" is how one administration official is describing the push to hire thousands of ICE agents. That's part of brand new reporting on the president's immigration crackdown that you will hear exclusively on Inside Politics.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump wants payback ... literally. He's reportedly seeking $230 million from the Justice Department for prosecuting him. We've got brand new reaction from the House speaker.  Plus: Why are public figures suddenly dealing with Nazi-related skeletons not so deep in their closets? We break down how it's impacting the White House.  And: You'll hear from furloughed federal workers lining up at food banks struggling to pay their bills, while politicians in Washington can't even agree on when or whether to negotiate a way out of the shutdown.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We begin with a new move by Republicans to give the president exactly what he asked for: new congressional maps that could put the GOP on a glide path to keeping the House majority. We'll break down the executive pressure campaign that's leading to major changes in North Carolina today.  Plus: We have brand new reporting on the Trump Administration's deep concerns over the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Vice President Vance is on the ground right now with key American negotiators.  And: Taking a wrecking ball to the White House, the developer-in-chief is taking his disrupter status literally as he bulldozes his way to a $200 million ballroom of his dreams.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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’s strategy as the shutdown stretches into its second week. Then, former Biden National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan joins Dana to react to the potentially historic ceasefire-hostage in Gaza and what’s next for the Middle East. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Jamal Simmons, former State Department official Nayyera Haq, and foreign policy analyst Rebeccah Heinrichs discuss Trump’s success negotiating peace abroad while sowing discord here at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Massive national rallies against President Trump, deemed the 'Hate America Rally' by GOP leaders, emphasizing the increasing public resistance to Trump's second-term agenda. Discussion revolves around whether this is a fleeting vocal minority or a long-lasting movement ahead of significant elections. The GOP's discrediting efforts, including aggressive rhetoric from Trump and Republican leaders, are highlighted, alongside Trump's alarming social media response. The government shutdown debate escalates as Democrats and Republicans clash over funding and policy priorities, with mounting pressure on Senate Democrats. The script also touches on the controversial clemency of George Santos by Trump and implications for party dynamics. In addition, it discusses key gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, highlighting generational divides within the Democratic Party and strategic campaign moves. Lastly, it addresses backlash from Tea Party Republicans and MAGA supporters against Trump's foreign bailout, demonstrating internal GOP conflicts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Former National Security Advisor John Bolton pleads not guilty to 18 charges of mishandling classified information. What happens now to the Trump-insider- turned-political enemy?  Plus: We have brand-new reporting on how President Trump is weighing pressure from Putin on the key decision of whether to send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine as President Zelensky heads to the White House to make his case.  And: We break down all the spite, the sparring and even some humor from the New York City mayoral debate and how it could potentially move the needle in a race with big national implications.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the government shutdown in its third week, we call in Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California who hails from the progressive wing of his party. Rep. Khanna tells David Chalian what’s negotiable for Democrats, what’s off the table, and how he thinks this standoff will eventually come to an end. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, President Trump says he's having a "lengthy conversation" with Vladimir Putin. Prior to getting on the horn with the Russian leader, Trump said he was prepared to give Putin an ultimatum: Hold serious peace talks or the US will give Ukraine Tomahawk long-range missiles with the capability to attack Moscow.  Also on today's show: Multiple sources are telling CNN the Justice Department will ask a federal grand jury today to indict former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton. This would be the third indictment of the president's self-described political enemies in just three weeks.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're following breaking news out of the High Court on a case that could reshape voting rights in America. We have new details from the bench where conservative signals were loud and clear.  Plus: A younger Democrat is using Joe Biden's campaign as his reason for challenging a 79-year-old Senate incumbent. We have the inside scoop on the growing divide between that party's old and new guard.  And: We have new exclusive reporting on the push to indict President Trump's self-perceived enemies. It involves a former top ally, diary entries and a throwback AOL account.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices