The Axe Files: Scott Jennings

First: It's been 38 days since the election, and 38 days from now, President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office for the second time. We've got the latest on the transition, including how Pete Hegseth's path to confirmation is looking a bit smoother, while Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s may be getting a bit rockier.  Plus: Trump says he may pardon January 6 rioters within minutes of taking office. We have new CNN reporting on whether that will include the hundreds of defendants accused of assaulting police officers that day.  And: He may be the most powerful figure in Trump world that you have never heard of. We'll tell you about the 38-year-old conservative in charge of hiring thousands of Trump loyalists to staff the federal government.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN senior political analyst and editor for The Atlantic Ron Brownstein joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to break down how Vice President Kamala Harris’s top campaign leaders are explaining their loss. They discuss whether it was a winnable race for Harris and why the most shocking thing about this election may just be how normal it was. Plus, the moment Harris’s campaign leaders were most defensive about and the exit poll insight that gets at the heart of the results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: For the second time, Time names Donald Trump "Person of the Year," giving him the recognition he craves while revealing crucial details about what America's health programs, justice system and foreign policy will look like when he takes the oath of office just 39 days from now.  Plus: Democratic Senator John Fetterman says his party can't "freak out" about everything Trump does. Today, he'll sit down with the president-elect's controversial choice to lead the Pentagon - the first Democrat to meet with any of Trump's cabinet picks.  And: Dana talks to a top Democrat about the FBI director's decision to step aside so Donald Trump can dramatically reshape the bureau in his image.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Jennings is well known as a conservative firebrand on CNN. From working for George W. Bush to being mentioned as a possible press secretary for Donald Trump, Scott has a deep background in Republican politics, yet he considers himself a journalist at heart. Scott joined David to talk about his early days in radio news, his childhood in rural Kentucky, his formative relationship with Sen. Mitch McConnell, his role at CNN and what he sees as the need for conservative voices in mainstream media, and the friendship Scott and David share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Results of a brand new CNN poll show most Americans approve of how Donald Trump is handling his transition to the White House, and are optimistic about his presidency.  Plus: Officials now have forensic evidence tying Luigi Mangione to the exact spot UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in Manhattan as investigators track down new clues about a potential motive.  And: Rows of Lamborghinis and Ferraris are among the luxuries CNN saw in our inside look at former Syrian President's Bashar al-Assad's opulent palace.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We're getting new details about the investigation into a privileged young man charged with murdering one of the top business leaders in America, including how he was reported missing just weeks before the shooting.  Plus: Last week, the Pete Hegseth nomination was on life support. Today, once- skeptical GOP senators appear to be rallying behind Donald Trump's pick to run the Pentagon.  And: Dana speaks with a former hostage who spent 51 days in Hamas captivity. Her husband remains a prisoner. She shares excruciating details about the treatment she endured and has a message for both President Biden and President-elect Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, police were questioning a 26-year-old man in Pennsylvania in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this week in New York City. CNN's Brynn Gingras and John Miller join Dana with the latest on the case.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Breaking news on possible DNA evidence related to the Manhattan CEO murder and new information on how investigators are trying to close in on the gunman's identity.  Plus: Donald Trump boosts his embattled Pentagon pick, posting "Pete is a winner." It's a new public show of support for a nomination that is essentially hanging by a thread.  And: Dana discusses preemptive pardon possibilities with Democratic powerbroker Jim Clyburn.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you new developments on the hunt for an assassin who took out one of the most powerful business leaders in America. The search is accompanied by growing law enforcement concern that more than 24 hours after the Manhattan murder, the suspect could be anywhere.  Plus: Refusing to retreat, Donald Trump's embattled Pentagon pick says he has the full support of the president-elect. Nevertheless, some Republican senators remain skeptical, including one who's dropping some not-so-subtle, not-so-positive hints about him.  And: Dana talks to a powerful Republican committee chair who will meet with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy today.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has made waves—and won elections—by questioning who gets to be an expert on the needs of everyday Americans. She grew up in Texas and attended Reed College before settling in rural Washington and opening an auto repair shop with her husband. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez joined David to talk about her upbringing as the homeschooled daughter of conservative Evangelical parents, her disdain for “staffer bros” with limited lived experience, the value of being immersed in her community, and what Democrats can learn about the importance of respect in winning—and keeping—voters.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices