Manu Raju

GOP Sen. John Cornyn was unsparing on Ken Paxton, calling him a “crook,” “embarrassment” and “reckless.” Just hours before seeing Trump-endorsed Paxton win the nomination for Cornyn’s seat. Here’s what he told me in Austin as polls were closing:

Michigan’s Senate Dem primary is turning into perhaps the most consequential intraparty battle in the country — and exposing a major party divide over tactics and policy I traveled to Michigan to intvw candidates and voters for a piece that airs on “Inside Politics Sunday” on CNN at 8aET and 11aET.

Trump’s claim that Iran was to blame for a deadly strike on an Iranian girls school is contradicted by video footage showing US was likely to blame. I asked him if the US would now accept responsibility — and he walked back his claim and said it’s being investigated.

New — @insidepolitics 8aET and 11aET on @cnn — Hakeem Jeffries sits down with me on the gerrymandering wars. His battle with a top MD Dem. And the huge sums they plan to spend in VA. How he sees his path to become speaker — Noem latest — Epstein fallout — How long the DHS shutdown will last

New on “Inside Politics Sunday” on @cnn. 8aET/11aET A dive into the critical Maine Senate race, a battle that could determine control of the Senate. Headed to Portland and spoke with Gov. Mills - and also spoke with Graham Platner and Sen Collins. A look at their vulnerabilities Here’s a preview:

GOP Sen. Thom Tillis, who has called on Trump to fire Secretary Noem and senior adviser Stephen Miller, on Trump calling him a “loser.” “I am thrilled about that. That makes me qualified to be homeland security secretary and senior adviser to the president.”

It’s been (shall we say) an eventful year on Capitol Hill. Here’s a taste of it — when members in both parties don’t answer questions, which often are the most revealing moments.

Lot of criticism from Rs on Trump attacking Rob Reiner in aftermath of his alleged murder. “Classless,” Bacon said. “Very disappointing,” Davidson said. Kiley: “extremely distasteful” Kennedy: “I think President Trump should have said nothing.” GOP leaders have steered clear

Is Trump losing his grip on GOP after Indiana Rs delivered him a major rebuke amid his furious pressure campaign to gerrymander House district lines? “Not at all,” Speaker Johnson tells me, denying it was even a pressure campaign

GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick sounds the alarm on health care, Ukraine, and GOP’s affordability agenda. He’s one of 3 Rs in a Harris district. On health care, he says of Rs: “They have never offered a better alternative.” More Sunday on “Inside Politics Sunday” on @cnn. 8aET/11aET

Asked Speaker Johnson about Trump’s post about Dems’ ‘seditious behavior’ and about that being ‘punishable by death,” Speaker Johnson takes no issue with Trump’s statements and criticizes Democrats’ rhetoric as “wildly inappropriate.”

Dem Sen. Andy Kim to me after Senate vote: “What just happened in the Senate chamber was an absolute disgrace. I can't stress it enough,” saying it’s “very profoundly disturbing” to see bill passed in chamber where McCain voted to block repeal. “I'm just really gutted right now.”

Plan B is Plan A, Thune says, as shutdown poised to be the second longest in history and likely to go much longer

The current state of shutdown politics

New — @insidepolitics 8aET/11aET: @CNN — Trump’s plans to expand military in US cities — John Bolton latest — Firing officials to stamp out dissent — Interview with Dem vying to take on Susan Collins in marquee race — Which party has edge in gerrymandering war — Newsom’s strategy

What Sen. Cory Booker told me about his party. More at 8aET and 11aET on CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday” www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8kuCRya/

New on “Inside Politics Sunday:” 8aET and 11aET on @CNN The batttle for the House and new reporting on the Dem counterattack as Trump pushes to redraw TX lines to gain five GOP seats in the midterms. “They’re trying to cheat to win,” Jeffries says of GOP. More tomorrow:

When Senate passed big bill, Lisa Murkowski said: “This bill needs more work across chambers and is not ready for the president’s desk.” But House jammed it through. Asked her if it was naive to think House would change it “It was not naive to suggest that it could have happened.”

The latest reporting from Washington, the campaign trail and around the world “Inside Politics Sunday.” This Sunday and every Sunday. 8aEt and 11aET on @CNN

GOP frustration grows at Musk as he steps up his attacks and puts Rs on defensive amid deficit fears. But moderates like Murkowksi wary of deeper cuts, as hardliners say they won’t accept less from Senate. Senate Rs need to cut deeper, Chip Roy warns, “or the bill's dead.”