CNN Inside Politics: Scenes of Chaos and Fear

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

Senator-elect Andy Kim’s rise in politics has been anything but conventional. In 2020, he was one of seven Democratic congressmen who won a district also won by Donald Trump. In 2024, he took on the New Jersey political machine after Senator Bob Menendez was convicted of federal corruption charges. He sits down with Audie to talk about his political journey, how Democrats can earn back voters’ trust, and what winning in the Trump era has taught him about humility and authenticity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins we're still learning about the shocking murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson this morning outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan. Our coverage begins with a live report from CNN correspondent Brynn Gingras.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: South Korea, a key US ally, is reeling after its democratically elected president declared martial law. CNN is live on the ground with the latest.  Plus: Booze, unwanted advances and an Islamophobic chant are some only some of the new allegations facing Donald Trump's pick to run the Pentagon.  And: Top strategists from both parties will debate the question many are grappling with in the political environment: What's the moral high ground?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We bring you the mixed reaction from last night's surprise White House announcement that Joe Biden issued a "full and unconditional pardon" for his son, Hunter, whom the president says was unfairly targeted.  Plus: Senate Republicans stand in the way of Kash Patel becoming the FBI director or confirm the man who promises to dismantle the law enforcement agency and rebuild it exactly how Donald Trump wants it.  And: Democrats are looking for a new DNC chair. Dana talks to someone who thinks he's best equipped for the job of guiding the party out of the wilderness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices