State of the Union with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash - Episode Guide

First, with just a week to go to the Iowa Caucuses, Donald Trump is dominating the political conversation with wild and outlandish comments. Former Vice President Mike Pence joins Jake to discuss whether he plans to endorse any of Trump's 2024 rivals, the GOP's embrace of January 6 conspiracy theories, and his efforts to rally American support for Israel three months after the October 7 attacks. Then, facing political headwinds, President Biden tries to refocus the race on Donald Trump.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Bernie Sanders, David Axelrod, Larry Hogan

Episode: 2024-01-14 | Airdate: Jan 14, 2024

First Jake goes one-on-one with GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, who responds to the final Des Moines Register poll showing him trailing significantly behind Trump and Haley ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Jake presses DeSantis on what a third place finish in Iowa would mean for the rest of his campaign and asks DeSantis if he underestimated Trump's grip on the Republican Party. Next, Jake interviews Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and his push to restrict US military support for Israel. They also discuss US strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen and how Biden's handling of the situation in the Middle East will impact Biden's support among young voters in the election. After, CNN Senior Political commentator David Axelrod and former Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan join Jake to preview what they think will happen in the GOP Iowa caucuses. Then, our panel breaks down the Des Moines Register Iowa poll and what the outcome of the caucuses could mean for the rest of the GOP primary. Finally, Jake digs into Trump's most brazen argument in the January 6 case against him.

Sen. Tim Scott, Sen. Chris Coons

Episode: 2024-01-21 | Airdate: Jan 21, 2024

First, with just 2 days before the New Hampshire primary elections, Dana and CNN Political Director David Chalian dive into our brand new CNN poll that shows a clear lead for Donald Trump. As the former President makes his final pitch to primary voters, can anyone stop him? Next, Nikki Haley turns up the heat on Trump, while he tries to undercut Hayley with support from her home state. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott joins Dana exclusively to explain why he backed Doald Trump over his former governor. And, as President Biden hits the campaign trail, his political and policy challenges collide on the border and his support for Israel. What case should he make to voters? Biden campaign national co-chair and Democratic Sen. Chris Coons joins Dana. Plus, our panel previews what to expect from New Hampshire's all-important primary.

Sen. Chris Murphy, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Kristi Noem

Episode: 2024-01-28 | Airdate: Jan 28, 2024

First, President Biden embraces tougher immigration policies and pushes for Congress to pass a bipartisan border deal. But will Republicans balk amid pressure from Donald Trump? Dana asks key negotiator Sen. Chris Murphy. Then, with both Trump and President Biden looking past the primaries to November, has the general election already begun? Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joins Dana to discuss. And, with tensions high amid a standoff between Republican governors and federal officials at the border, Dana speaks to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Plus, our panel previews what to expect from the next few months on the campaign trail.

Jake Sullivan, Nikki Haley, Rep. Jim Clyburn

Episode: 2024-02-04 | Airdate: Feb 4, 2024

First, after the 3rd straight day of US strikes against Iran-backed militias in the Middle East, can America avoid a wider conflict? US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan joins us to break down the aftermath of this retaliation. Then, with just three weeks until Republicans in South Carolina vote, Donald Trump's team says it's over. But as Nikki Haley ups the ante, what's her end-game? GOP Presidential candidate Nikki Haley is here exclusively. And, President Biden swept South Carolina with his first official primary win last night. We are joined by the man whose endorsement propelled Joe Biden to the White House, South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn. Plus, Dana and the panel discuss the brewing fight inside the Republican Party and the results of the South Carolina Democratic primary.

Sen. Marco Rubio, Rod Rosenstein

Episode: 2024-02-11 | Airdate: Feb 11, 2024

CNN's Jake Tapper presses Senator Marco Rubio's (R-FL) decision not to support the bipartisan border security deal despite it receiving support from the National Border Patrol Union.

Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversaw the Mueller investigation, joins CNN's Jake Tapper to discuss the special counsel report on President Biden's handling of classified documents.

Democratic California Representative Ro Khanna, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Alyssa Farah Griffin and Democratic Strategist Adrienne Elrod join CNN's Jake Tapper to discuss one of Joe Biden's biggest political weaknesses with voters: his mental fitness.

Sen. Tim Scott, Sen. Joe Manchin, Liz Cheney

Episode: 2024-02-18 | Airdate: Feb 18, 2024

Today Jake speaks to former Rep. Congresswoman Liz Cheney about the news of Alexey Navalny's reported death in a Russian prison and then Trumps silence on the issue and Republican opposition to a bill that would send aid to Israel and Ukraine. Then, in a 1-on-1 interview with Rep. Senator Tim Scott talks about Trumps comments about not defending NATO allies and the fall of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka to Russian forces. Plus, Jake and the panel discuss Trumps railing against $355 million dollar ruling in civil fraud case and Nikki Haley's pivotal test in South Carolina.

Jake Sullivan; Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Gov. Greg Abbott

Episode: 2024-02-25 | Airdate: Feb 25, 2024

First, Dana speaks with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss congress blocking aid to Ukraine, Putin's treatment of Navalny and the news that negotiators have agreed an outline of Israel-Hamas hostage deal. Then, Governor of Texas Greg Abbott dismisses speculation about Trump VP pick, weighs in on Alabama IVF ruling and is pressed on the border crisis. And, Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer talks about the potential Biden protest in Michigan, says that the Michigan primary is a ‘very high stakes moment' and the IVF ruling shows that reproductive rights ‘still very much at risk' if Trump wins. Plus, Dana and the panel discuss Trumps decisive win in North Carolina, home state of rival Nikki Haley. Is she still in the running?