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The Lead with Jake Tapper

CNN's lead DC anchor and chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper, hosts this two-hour long weekday afternoon program, with headlines from around the country and the world, the top stories in national and international news, politics, health, money, the environment, sports and popular culture. The Lead also concentrates on bringing stories that aren't found on front pages—buried leads—to the forefront.

U.S. Official: Sinwar’s Death Opens Door For Hostage Return The Lead with Jake Tapper
In a major development in the Israel-Hamas war, Israel has killed Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader and believed by Israel to be the chief architect of the group’s deadly October 7th terror attack. Israel Defense Forces say he was killed during a routing military operation near a building in Gaza. We examine what lies ahead in the region.
Oct 18, 2024
Republicans Join Harris At Campaign Event In PA The Lead with Jake Tapper
Former President Jimmy Carter makes history, casting his ballot at the age of 100. Plus, a Democratic congressman and veteran is blasting his Republican colleagues over a lawsuit he says could impact the ability of service members overseas to vote. Also, with 20 days until Election Day, Trump’s vision for his second term is being spelled out.
Oct 17, 2024
Harris & Trump In Swing States With Election Day 21 Days Away The Lead with Jake Tapper
From Putin to January 6th to international trade wars, a wide ranging interview today with Donald Trump reveals his headspace with just three weeks until Election Day. Plus, Kamala Harris is in battleground Michigan, being interviewed by a radio host who once criticized her and called Democrats cowards. Also, early voting is breaking records in Georgia.
Oct 16, 2024
Race Remains Tight As Battleground Blitz Continues The Lead with Jake Tapper
The 2024 race enters new territory with new targeted media interviews, new outreach, and new lines of attack with just 22 days until Election Day. Plus, the Justice Department is suing Virginia, accusing the commonwealth of trying to illegally clean its voter rolls with just weeks until the election. Virginia’s Republican governor joins to respond.
Oct 15, 2024
Trump Rallies In Colorado After Playing Up Aurora Gang Fears The Lead with Jake Tapper
With 25 days until Election Day, Trump is in Aurora, Colorado talking about Venezuelan gang members in that city. But, what is the reality on the ground? We examine how much of this is fact versus fear mongering. Plus, former President Barack Obama delivers a stern message to Black men who may be reluctant to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Oct 12, 2024
9 People Dead, 3 Million Without Power After Hurricane Milton The Lead with Jake Tapper
At least nine people have been killed in the state of Florida as search and rescue efforts are underway right now after Hurricane Milton made landfall as a powerful Category 3 storm last night. Flood waters inundated multiple areas across Florida. The storm ripped the roof off of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team.
Oct 10, 2024
Hurricane Milton Just Hours Away From Landfall The Lead with Jake Tapper
We are following Hurricane Milton as it is hours away from making landfall on Florida’s west coast. The monster hurricane is already making its presence known through winds and rain. The storm is also bringing Florida a record breaking number of daily tornado warnings.
Oct 10, 2024
Category 4 Hurricane Milton Closes In On Florida The Lead with Jake Tapper
What could be the worst storm to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast in a century is taking aim. The head of the National Weather Service joins to provide updates on Hurricane Milton. Plus, Kamala Harris was asked what she would do differently than Biden. Also, former British Prime Minster Boris Johnson joins to react to new reporting on Trump from Bob Woodward.
Oct 9, 2024
Sirens Sound, Explosions Heard In Tel Aviv The Lead with Jake Tapper
Hurricane Milton’s intensity has exploded, going from a tropical storm into a powerful Category 5 hurricane in less than 24 hours. We cover everything you need to know from a new storm track to evacuation orders. Plus, a Republican effort pushed by Donald Trump Jr. to cut ties with one of the federal government’s biggest contractors.
Oct 8, 2024
Biden Takes Questions For First Time Ever In Briefing Room The Lead with Jake Tapper
A deep dive into the tactics that Trump is accused of using to try and overturn the 2020 election. Plus, could your vote in the upcoming election be influenced by something completely fake? We are seeing artificial intelligence show up on campaign ads, on social media, and even robocalls to voters.
Oct 5, 2024
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