CNN Inside Politics: Election Countdown: Trump, Democrats, and the Stakes Ahead

First: We have brand new CNN polling showing President Trump's approval plunging. Is it a sign of what's to come when polls close tomorrow?  Plus: Democrats are trying to get out the vote for both a moderate blue dog and a Democratic Socialist. We have new reporting on how these two races could swing the battle for the soul of the Democratic party.  And: You don't want to miss what President Trump is saying about the crypto tycoon he just pardoned. We're going to break down how this now-free man helps boost a key Trump family business.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Covering the intense political landscape leading up to President Trump's voter test, focusing on critical gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, and their implications for both parties. Former President Barack Obama's campaign efforts for Democrats are highlighted, especially in areas with significant minority populations. The script also dives into polling data and early voting trends, particularly in New York City and New Jersey, revealing Democratic leads but also competitive Republican challenges. A major theme is the contrasting voter enthusiasm and the effect of Trump endorsements. Furthermore, the script touches on the government shutdown, healthcare subsidies, and congressional inaction. Lastly, it describes the ongoing feud over daylight saving time legislation and its political dynamics, alongside discussions about US military actions in the Caribbean and their wider implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper asks Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent whether the Trump administration will use emergency funds to restore SNAP benefits for millions of Americans. Then, Jake asks House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries whether New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is the future of the Democratic Party. Next, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman tells Jake his party is to blame for the shutdown. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Ashley Allison and Bill de Blasio, Republican strategist Kristin Davison, and Republican Rep. Buddy Carter join Jake to preview Tuesday night’s elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As election season 2025 enters its final stretch, candidates in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia sprint to the finish line. CNN Correspondents Jeff Zeleny and Eva McKend have been all over the trail, and they’re here to spill out their notebooks and tell David Chalian what they’ve learned during the campaign.  Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The FBI says it thwarted a potential terror attack planned for around Halloween. We have new details from law enforcement sources who say the plot was "ISIS-inspired."  Plus: Candidates in high-stakes governor's races are trying to get out the vote in the final four days before an election that will serve as a key political barometer for President Trump's second term.  And: A Friday political palate cleanser with the creator of the Netflix hit the Inside Politics team can't stop talking about.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is on his way back to Washington after a whirlwind three-country tour of Asia. And he's bringing home a trade deal between the world's largest economic superpowers. We break down whether that trade truce is a benefit or a bust for the American consumer.  But while the president was very busy with red carpets and golden gifts and getting those trade deals, here in the United States there are tens of millions of Americans worrying about putting food on the table if Congress can't reach a deal to fund the government. House Speaker Mike Johnson joins us to discuss the situation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Global markets are on edge as the leaders of the world's two biggest economies prepare to meet face to face just hours from now. We have new details on the Trump-Xi summit that could contain or combust a crippling trade war.  Plus: Hurricane Melissa is still battering the Caribbean after tearing through communities in Jamaica and Cuba. CNN is live on the ground to show you the storm's heartbreaking trail of destruction.  And: Many fellow Republicans want the GOPcandidate for New York City mayor to drop out to prevent a Democratic Socialist from winning. Dana speaks with Curtis Sliwa about why he thinks he still has a path to Gracie Mansion.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, Hurricane Melissa about to make landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm packing winds of 185 miles an hour. It's already one of the most powerful storms on record. Officials have been pleading with Jamaicans to evacuate, with the National Hurricane Center warning "this is your last chance to protect your life." Our coverage begins with CNN meteorologist Derek van Dam live in Kingston, Jamaica.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Trump Administration is hyping a potential breakthrough in the crippling trade war between the world's two biggest economies. But the president says nothing is set in stone until his meeting with the Chinese leader this week.  Plus: Hurricane Melissa is just hours away from making a direct hit on Jamaica. We bring you the latest forecast on what's expected to be one of the most powerful storms in history.  And: Progressives and Democratic Socialists are hoping that their candidate can win not just the battle to be the Mayor of New York, but the broader fight for the soul of their party.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the final stretch of early voting with a focus on political controversies and campaigning strategies across key states such as New Jersey, Virginia, and New York. Major political figures including Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Barack Obama are actively campaigning for various candidates. Discussions address Trump's influence in Republican campaigns amid charges of Islamophobia and rising healthcare costs. The script also delves into Trump's economic policies, including tariffs on Canada and an impending high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The government shutdown's impact, particularly on healthcare costs, is analyzed, with Republicans and Democrats deeply divided on negotiation strategies. An interview with Senator David McCormick discusses party positions and the challenges posed by the shutdown and rising living costs. The script concludes with an update on Elon Musk's conflict with Trump administration officials over leadership at NASA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices