The week in politics | CNN Politics

CNN values your feedback

1. How relevant is this ad to you?
2. Did you encounter any technical issues?
Thank You!
Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much appreciated.
Close
Ad Feedback
Politics
Elections 2026
Trump
Facts First
CNN Polls
Redistricting Tracker
Epstein Files
More
Elections 2026 Trump Facts First CNN Polls Redistricting Tracker Epstein Files
Watch Listen Live TV
My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

Live TV Listen Watch
Edition
US
International
Arabic
Español
Edition
  • US
  • International
  • Arabic
  • Español

Elections 2026
Trump
Facts First
CNN Polls
Redistricting Tracker
Epstein Files

Follow CNN Politics
Download the CNN App

  • World
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
  • US Politics
    • Elections 2026
    • Trump
    • Facts First
    • CNN Polls
    • Redistricting Tracker
    • Epstein Files
  • Business
    • Tech
    • Media
    • Calculators
    • Videos
  • Markets
    • Pre-markets
    • After-Hours
    • Fear & Greed
    • Investing
    • Markets Now
    • Nightcap
  • Health
    • Life, But Better
    • Fitness
    • Food
    • Sleep
    • Mindfulness
    • Relationships
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Celebrity
  • Tech
    • Innovate
  • Style
    • Arts
    • Design
    • Fashion
    • Architecture
    • Luxury
    • Beauty
    • Video
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Food & Drink
    • Stay
    • News
    • Videos
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Motorsport
    • US Sports
    • Olympics
  • Science
    • Space
    • Life
    • Unearthed
  • Climate
    • Solutions
    • Weather
  • Weather
    • Video
    • Climate
  • World Cup 2026
  • Ukraine-Russia War
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Features
    • As Equals
    • Call to Earth
    • Freedom Project
    • Impact Your World
    • Inside Africa
    • CNN Heroes
  • Watch
    • Live TV
    • Featured
    • CNN Fast
    • Shows A-Z
    • CNN 10
    • CNN TV Schedule
  • Listen
    • All There Is with Anderson Cooper
    • Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
    • The Assignment with Audie Cornish
    • Terms of Service with Clare Duffy
    • CNN 5 Things
    • All CNN Podcasts
  • Games
    • Daily Crossword
    • Jumble Crossword
    • Photo Shuffle
    • Sudoblock
    • Sudoku
    • 5 Things Quiz
  • About CNN
    • Photos
    • Investigations
    • CNN Profiles
    • CNN Leadership
    • CNN Newsletters
    • Work for CNN

Download the CNN App
CNN Photos
CNN Photos
Ad Feedback
Politics

The week in politics

Updated 9:23 AM EDT, Thu September 8, 2016
Link Copied!
Airport workers hold a Cuban flag and an American flag after JetBlue Flight 387 -- <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fpolitics%2Fcuba-flights-commercial-security%2F" target="_blank">the first direct commercial flight</a> between the United States and Cuba in more than 50 years -- landed in Santa Clara, Cuba, on Wednesday, August 31. The two nations restored diplomatic ties last year.
Airport workers hold a Cuban flag and an American flag after JetBlue Flight 387 -- the first direct commercial flight between the United States and Cuba in more than 50 years -- landed in Santa Clara, Cuba, on Wednesday, August 31. The two nations restored diplomatic ties last year.
Ramon Espinosa/AP
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, left, welcomes U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump during a meeting in Mexico City on Wednesday, August 31. They discussed the wall that Trump vowed to build on the U.S.-Mexico border, but Trump said they didn't talk about his demand that Mexico pay for it -- <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fpolitics%2Fdonald-trump-enrique-pea-nieto-mexico%2Findex.html" target="_blank">an assertion the Mexican President later disputed.</a>
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, left, welcomes U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump during a meeting in Mexico City on Wednesday, August 31. They discussed the wall that Trump vowed to build on the U.S.-Mexico border, but Trump said they didn't talk about his demand that Mexico pay for it -- an assertion the Mexican President later disputed.
JORGE NUNEZ/EPA
U.S. President Barack Obama, right, visits Turtle Beach during <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F09%2F01%2Fpolitics%2Fmidway-obama-preview%2F" target="_blank">a tour of the remote Midway Atoll, </a>which is off the coast of his native Hawaii on Thursday, September 1. Obama is expanding the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument there, establishing the largest protected marine sanctuary in the world.
U.S. President Barack Obama, right, visits Turtle Beach during a tour of the remote Midway Atoll, which is off the coast of his native Hawaii on Thursday, September 1. Obama is expanding the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument there, establishing the largest protected marine sanctuary in the world.
Carolyn Kaster/AP
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks at the American Legion's annual convention Wednesday, August 31, in Cincinnati.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks at the American Legion's annual convention Wednesday, August 31, in Cincinnati.
Andrew Harnik/AP
U.S. Sen. John McCain, seated, celebrates <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fpolitics%2Fjohn-mccain-debbie-wasserman-schultz-marco-rubio-primary%2F" target="_blank">his Republican primary win</a> with fellow Sen. Jeff Flake as their two wives, Cheryl Flake and Cindy McCain, hug in Phoenix on Tuesday, August 30. McCain is seeking his sixth term in Arizona.
U.S. Sen. John McCain, seated, celebrates his Republican primary win with fellow Sen. Jeff Flake as their two wives, Cheryl Flake and Cindy McCain, hug in Phoenix on Tuesday, August 30. McCain is seeking his sixth term in Arizona.
David Hume Kennerly for CNN
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon from Georgia, <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F09%2F01%2Fpolitics%2Fjohn-lewis-crowd-surfs-trnd%2F" target="_blank">crowd-surfs</a> during a taping of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Wednesday, August 31.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon from Georgia, crowd-surfs during a taping of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Wednesday, August 31.
CBS
Huma Abedin, senior aide to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, leaves a fundraiser in Southampton, New York, on Sunday, August 28. The next day, Abedin <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fpolitics%2Fanthony-weiner-sexting-trump-supporter%2F" target="_blank">announced that she was separating from her husband,</a> former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, after new reports surfaced that he sent sexually suggestive photos to another woman. Weiner torpedoed his own political career five years ago with a sexting scandal.
Huma Abedin, senior aide to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, leaves a fundraiser in Southampton, New York, on Sunday, August 28. The next day, Abedin announced that she was separating from her husband, former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, after new reports surfaced that he sent sexually suggestive photos to another woman. Weiner torpedoed his own political career five years ago with a sexting scandal.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein speaks in Los Angeles while meeting with activists from Black Lives Matter on Monday, August 29.
Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein speaks in Los Angeles while meeting with activists from Black Lives Matter on Monday, August 29.
Mario Anzuoni/REUTERS/Newscom
U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions shows off his hat Wednesday, August 31, while he speaks in Phoenix during a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F09%2F01%2Fpolitics%2Fnew-trump-hat-trnd%2F" target="_blank">The hat </a>is related to Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again," and its debut came hours after Trump traveled south of the border to meet Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.
U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions shows off his hat Wednesday, August 31, while he speaks in Phoenix during a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. The hat is related to Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again," and its debut came hours after Trump traveled south of the border to meet Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
Protesters stand on the side of the road with an inflatable marijuana cigarette as a motorcade carries Hillary Clinton to a fundraiser in Southampton, New York, on Sunday, August 28. The Democratic presidential nominee <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2015%2F11%2F07%2Fpolitics%2Fhillary-clinton-marijuana%2F" target="_blank">has said she wants to downgrade marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance</a> so that more people can do research on its medical benefits. Marijuana is currently categorized by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule 1 drug, the highest categorization for drugs "with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse."
Protesters stand on the side of the road with an inflatable marijuana cigarette as a motorcade carries Hillary Clinton to a fundraiser in Southampton, New York, on Sunday, August 28. The Democratic presidential nominee has said she wants to downgrade marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance so that more people can do research on its medical benefits. Marijuana is currently categorized by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule 1 drug, the highest categorization for drugs "with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse."
Andrew Harnik/AP
Children in Norwalk, California, drag Donald Trump piñatas down stairs Wednesday, August 31, as they encourage Latinos to register to vote against the Republican presidential nominee.
Children in Norwalk, California, drag Donald Trump piñatas down stairs Wednesday, August 31, as they encourage Latinos to register to vote against the Republican presidential nominee.
EUGENE GARCIA/EPA
Maine State Rep. Drew Gattine speaks to the media after meeting with Gov. Paul LePage in Augusta, Maine, on Wednesday, August 31. LePage apologized to Gattine for leaving <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fpolitics%2Fpaul-lepage-considering-resignation-after-voicemail%2F" target="_blank">a foul-mouthed voicemail message</a> for him last week. In the voicemail, the governor berates Gattine with expletives and threats, apparently in response to Gattine calling him a racist -- something Gattine denied saying in an interview with CNN. "It's not something that I've ever called anybody," he said.
Maine State Rep. Drew Gattine speaks to the media after meeting with Gov. Paul LePage in Augusta, Maine, on Wednesday, August 31. LePage apologized to Gattine for leaving a foul-mouthed voicemail message for him last week. In the voicemail, the governor berates Gattine with expletives and threats, apparently in response to Gattine calling him a racist -- something Gattine denied saying in an interview with CNN. "It's not something that I've ever called anybody," he said.
Marina Villeneuve/AP
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, center, hugs a supporter in Sunrise, Florida, on Tuesday, August 30 -- primary election night. Wasserman Schultz <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fpolitics%2Fjohn-mccain-debbie-wasserman-schultz-marco-rubio-primary%2F" target="_blank">won her race</a> despite recent political difficulties. Two months ago, in the wake of a Wikileaks hack, she resigned as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, center, hugs a supporter in Sunrise, Florida, on Tuesday, August 30 -- primary election night. Wasserman Schultz won her race despite recent political difficulties. Two months ago, in the wake of a Wikileaks hack, she resigned as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee.
Lynne Sladky/AP
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio greets supporters in Kissimmee, Florida, after <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fpolitics%2Fjohn-mccain-debbie-wasserman-schultz-marco-rubio-primary%2F" target="_blank">winning the Republican primary</a> on Tuesday, August 30.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio greets supporters in Kissimmee, Florida, after winning the Republican primary on Tuesday, August 30.
Joe Burbank/TNS/Newscom
Clay figures of world leaders are displayed at a shop in Hangzhou, China, on Thursday, September 1. On the bottom row, from left, are Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Barack Obama. Hangzhou <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fasia%2Fchina-hangzhou-g20-2016%2F" target="_blank">hosts the G20 summit</a> on Sunday.
Clay figures of world leaders are displayed at a shop in Hangzhou, China, on Thursday, September 1. On the bottom row, from left, are Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Barack Obama. Hangzhou hosts the G20 summit on Sunday.
Ng Han Guan/AP
President Barack Obama reaches for his cup as he drinks tea with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a pavilion at West Lake State Guest House in Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province on Saturday, September 3.
President Barack Obama reaches for his cup as he drinks tea with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a pavilion at West Lake State Guest House in Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province on Saturday, September 3.
Carolyn Kaster/AP

My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

Live TV Listen Watch
  • World
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
  • US Politics
    • Trump
    • Facts First
    • CNN Polls
    • Elections 2026
    • Redistricting Tracker
    • Epstein Files
  • Business
    • Tech
    • Media
    • Calculators
    • Videos
  • Markets
    • Pre-markets
    • After-Hours
    • Fear & Greed
    • Investing
    • Markets Now
    • Nightcap
  • Health
    • Life, But Better
    • Fitness
    • Food
    • Sleep
    • Mindfulness
    • Relationships
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Celebrity
  • Tech
    • Innovate
  • Style
    • Arts
    • Design
    • Fashion
    • Architecture
    • Luxury
    • Beauty
    • Video
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Food & Drink
    • Stay
    • News
    • Videos
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Motorsport
    • US Sports
    • Olympics
  • Science
    • Space
    • Life
    • Unearthed
  • Climate
    • Solutions
    • Weather
  • Weather
    • Video
    • Climate
  • World Cup 2026
  • Ukraine-Russia War
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Features
    • As Equals
    • Call to Earth
    • Freedom Project
    • Impact Your World
    • Inside Africa
    • CNN Heroes
  • Watch
    • Live TV
    • Featured
    • CNN Headlines
    • Shows A-Z
    • CNN 10
    • CNN TV Schedule
  • Listen
    • All There Is with Anderson Cooper
    • Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
    • The Assignment with Audie Cornish
    • Terms of Service with Clare Duffy
    • CNN 5 Things
    • All CNN Podcasts
  • Games
    • Daily Crossword
    • Jumble Crossword
    • Photo Shuffle
    • Sudoblock
    • Sudoku
    • 5 Things Quiz
  • About CNN
    • Photos
    • Investigations
    • CNN Profiles
    • CNN Leadership
    • CNN Newsletters
    • Work for CNN

Politics
Watch Listen Live TV
My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account
Follow CNN Politics

Download the CNN app
Download the CNN app

Terms of Use Privacy Policy Ad Choices Accessibility & CC About Newsletters Transcripts

© 2026 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.
CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.

Download the CNN app

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play.

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from Google Play.

Download the CNN app

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.