State of the Union (TV program)

State of the Union (TV program)
Title	State of the Union
Network	CNN
Runtime	60 minutes
First aired	2019
Presenter	Jake Tapper, Dana Bash
Genre	News, Talk show, Political commentary

State of the Union (TV program). A flagship Sunday morning talk show and news program on CNN, hosted by chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper and anchor Dana Bash. The program features in-depth interviews with leading figures in American politics, including members of the United States Congress, officials from the White House, and prominent political analysts. It serves as a central platform for discussing the week's most pressing political developments and policy debates, airing live from Washington, D.C..

Overview

Launched in 2019, the program was conceived as a successor to CNN's long-running Sunday show, State of the Union with Candy Crowley. It is a cornerstone of the network's political coverage, designed to provide comprehensive analysis in the lead-up to major events like presidential elections and key votes in the United States Senate. The show frequently sets the political agenda for the week, with interviews often generating headlines across major outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post. Its discussions frequently center on legislation from the United States House of Representatives, foreign policy challenges, and domestic issues facing the Biden administration.

Format and structure

The program follows a structured format, typically opening with a monologue from the hosts analyzing the top political stories. The core segment consists of extended one-on-one or panel interviews with newsmakers such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken or Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. A recurring feature is the "Final Question," a pointed, often personal inquiry posed to each guest. The final segment often includes a roundtable discussion with a rotating panel of journalists from organizations like Politico and Axios, or commentators like David Axelrod. The program is broadcast from CNN's studios in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, emphasizing its proximity to the centers of power.

Production and broadcast history

The program debuted in June 2019, with Jake Tapper as the sole host, taking over the Sunday morning time slot previously held by veteran anchor Candy Crowley. In 2021, following the 2020 United States presidential election, Dana Bash was elevated to co-host, bringing her extensive experience covering Congress. The show is produced by CNN's Washington bureau, under the leadership of network executives like Jeff Zucker and later Chris Licht. It airs live at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. ET, with replays throughout the day, and is a key component of CNN's political programming alongside shows like Inside Politics and Anderson Cooper 360°.

Critical reception and impact

The program has received generally positive reviews for its substantive and often rigorous interview style, with media critics from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter praising its journalistic heft. It has been recognized with several awards, including accolades from the Gracie Awards. Its interviews are frequently cited in other news media and have sometimes led to significant political moments, influencing coverage on competing networks like Fox News Sunday and Meet the Press. The show is considered essential viewing for political professionals in Washington, D.C., and its transcripts are widely circulated among staffers on Capitol Hill.

Notable episodes and specials

Notable broadcasts include a January 2021 interview with then-President-elect Joe Biden detailing his agenda prior to the inauguration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, exclusive interviews with NIAID director Anthony Fauci were highly watched. The program also produces special election editions, such as its extensive coverage of the 2022 United States Senate elections and the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries. It has hosted international leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a remote interview following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Hosts and correspondents

The primary hosts are Jake Tapper, who also anchors The Lead with Jake Tapper, and Dana Bash, CNN's chief political correspondent. Both are veteran journalists with deep roots in political reporting, having covered multiple presidential campaigns and administrations. Frequent guest panelists and contributors include CNN chief political analyst Gloria Borger, senior data reporter Harry Enten, and political commentator Scott Jennings. The program also regularly features reporting from CNN's team of correspondents, such as Kaitlan Collins and Manu Raju.

Category:CNN original programming Category:American television talk shows Category:2019 American television series debuts Category:Television series by Warner Bros. Discovery