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How Did the Government Shutdown Affect Dems & The GOP; U.S. Official Says Ukraine Has Agreed to a Peace Deal But Zelenskyy Says "Much Work" Needs To Be Done; Ohio Students Go Viral for Positivity, Gratitude Videos. Aired 9:30-10a ET

Aired November 25, 2025 - 09:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:30:38]

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right, we were told yesterday there was going to be a proposal from the White House on extending Obamacare subsidies. It didn't happen. That appears to be delayed. Of course, extending those subsidies was the crucial factor for Democrats during the government shutdown. They did not get the extension then. They have been promised some kind of a vote.

But where does that leave things in terms of kind of who won the shutdown? With us now, CNN Chief Data Analyst, Harry Enten. And you've got some thoughts on this, Harry.

HARRY ENTEN, CNN SENIOR DATA REPORTER: I have thoughts. I always have thoughts on this particular Tuesday morning. I have thoughts 13 days after the shutdown ended. I think it's pretty clear, at least from a political angle, that Democrats won the shutdown. Why do I say that? Well, first, let's take a look at Donald Trump's net approval rating.

It's way down from where it was pre-shutdown, right? Pre-shutdown, his net approval rating was at minus 10 points. Now, it's at minus 15 points. The lowest his net approval rating has been during his entire second term in office. So, the shutdown, it might have initially been helping Donald Trump out a little bit, or at least his ratings weren't falling. But now his ratings have sunk to a term too low.

BERMAN: What about Democrats? Is there a way to measure how they may have fared?

ENTEN: Yeah, OK. So, you know, a lot of times we look at, OK, what's congressional Democrats approval rating? I think that's the wrong way to look at it.

Because what Democrats want is they want to get back into power. And the way they're going to get back into power is by winning the 2026 midterm elections. Unless, of course, there are so many House Republicans who resign over the course of the next year, although that's not likely to happen.

But take a look at the generic congressional ballot. Pre-shutdown, they were ahead by three points. Where are they now? They're ahead by five points. Their lead has widened. It has extended. When you look at those who are absolutely certain about that is likely voters. We saw that in the Marquette University Law School poll last week. This five- point lead went to nine points.

So, the Democratic lead on the generic ballot has widened. Donald Trump's political position has worsened. I don't see how you can look at both of those angles and conclude anything other than Democrats, at least from a political point of view, won this shutdown.

BERMAN: Yeah, so the difference between this number and this number, this is Democrats feeling pretty good heading into the midterms. This is Democrats feeling great.

ENTEN: And that looks a whole heck of a lot like what happened in both New Jersey and Virginia and the special election so far this year, which is Democrats really, really outperforming the baseline from 2024, which is, of course, what they'll need to win in 2026.

BERMAN: OK, so 24 hours ago at this time, we thought the White House was going to come out with this plan that Democrats really did seem to like about extending Obamacare subsidies. What do prediction markets say about whether or not that will happen?

ENTEN: Yeah, OK. So, you look at the prediction markets at this point, and what you see is the chance of enhanced ACA subsidies extended this year. Still, it's a majority chance, 56 percent. That's pretty close to 50-50, but a better chance than not.

If Democrats get this, and then, of course, they got Trump's approval rating falling and their generic ballot lead widening. Again, I don't see how you can come to the conclusion anything other than they won the shutdown, and not just politically. If this happens, they also won it on the substance-based issues as well.

BERMAN: What do the polls say about whether people want these subsidies extended?

ENTEN: Yeah, OK. So, let's just say that it doesn't happen. Then Democrats still have a political cudgel to run against Republicans, because look at this, favor extending enhanced ACA subsidies, 70 percent of Americans overall favor, 75 percent of independents. This really puts Republicans in a box, because if they don't extend the ACA subsidies, expect that Democrats are going to hammer, hammer, hammer Republicans over and over again on this issue.

BERMAN: Harold Enten, great to see you this morning.

ENTEN: Great to see you. Happy early Thanksgiving.

BERMAN: To you as well.

We got a lot of news, including possible developments on Ukraine negotiations. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) [09:38:43]

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news this morning. We are learning from a U.S. official that Ukraine has, according to this official, agreed to a peace proposal to end the war with Russia, saying that there are now only minor details outstanding.

But Ukraine's President Zelenskyy only went as far as to say this morning that, quote, "much more work -- much work still lies ahead." Still, the country's National Security Chief says that they reached a common understanding on the core terms of the agreement discussed in Geneva. Also suggesting that President Zelenskyy could travel to the United States soon to complete final steps and make a deal with President Trump.

Now, everyone waits to see how Vladimir Putin responds. U.S. and Russian officials are meeting today in Abu Dhabi to discuss the plan.

Let's discuss this right now with the former President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko.

Thank you for being here, Mr. President. Do you think there is a deal at hand already?

PETRO POROSHENKO, FORMER PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE: First of all, thank you very much indeed for the invitation. And I want to tell you that there does not exist any nation in the world who wants peace more than we, Ukraine. All Ukrainians, keeping fingers crossed. All Ukrainians, thanks to the United States Congress, government and President for leading the role in the peace process.

[09:40:01]

We definitely have a certain red line. And this red line is point number one. We have no compromise on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. No compromise on national identity on Ukraine. No compromise on the armed forces of Ukraine as a key security guarantee. And with that situation, no compromise on our future, European future.

We never agreed to return back as a province of governance under the Russian Empire. With that situation, I'm quite optimistic to hear that everything is agreed. And it's very important that you said without minor details. We have in Ukraine the problem. In minor details is debt. That's why nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. That's why nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. And that's why nothing about European security without Europe. And please, don't trust Putin.

Because with that situation, I think that we have now a unique window of opportunity. Because decisive position of United States with their proposal to introduce the sanction -- secondary sanction on oil export of Russia, including the Lukoil and Rosneft. This is exactly what Russia is afraid.

And this is exactly to cut opportunity of Putin to finance the war. And this is what we are waiting for from the United States. And with this situation, we think that definitely it's absolutely necessary the meeting in the White House together with not only President Zelenskyy, but also with the European leaders to deliver to Putin the proposal he cannot ignore.

BOLDUAN: So, the red lines, though, that you lay out seem, this will not be surprising, and anyone who's followed this seems to be -- seems to be what Vladimir Putin won't agree to, right? When you talk about the future of Ukraine as it relates to the Europe -- relates to Europe, when you talk about the size of the Ukrainian military, these are the details that Vladimir Putin has remained firm on all along. If this is part of the deal, then you say that Ukraine should do what? Should reject the deal? But where does that then leave Ukraine?

POROSHENKO: My strong recommendation based on my personal experience about long, long negotiation with Putin during the preparation of Minsk agreement, successful agreement, who stopped the war at the year 2014-2015, we should divide it into two phases. Phase number one, unconditional, comprehensive, without any limits, ceasefire.

Nobody can be against immediate ceasefire. Why? Because only this night, right near my house, we have a ballistic missile. Today -- tonight, we lost seven innocent civilian victims, including children. A couple of days ago, that number of children in Ternopil, number of people was more than 30. That's why every single night to postpone the effective deals is a very, very big price. But we -- and everything, but for Putin, negotiations are another four of four.

And with that situation, we cannot -- we shouldn't accept that it would be never-ending blah, blah, blah about the so-called peace plan details. Please, first and tomorrow, stop fire, cease fire. And the Putin, exactly like in the year 2015 on my negotiation, has simply no arguments why he is against stop the fire, why he is insisting on his right to kill innocent civilian Ukrainians. Putin is a military criminal. Putin is a murderer. And with this situation, we should all the time keep in mind that this is the way behavior of Putin.

And the Putin do not understand English, Ukrainian or even Russian. Putin understands only one language. And this is language of strength. And the stronger would-be United States, Europe, NATO and Ukraine, the more united would be all these Atlantic Union, the more efficient would-be negotiation. That's why now Putin is start to be flexible. And that's why we need to have the first.

[09:45:09]

If you do not accept the joint condition, American, Ukrainian, European version of the peace deal, tomorrow would be new weapons, tomorrow would be new sun, tomorrow the stronger would be our union. And this is the only way how we can reach the results of negotiation with Putin.

BOLDUAN: That would be, we will wait to then hear if and how that happens, as they are potentially making plans for President Zelenskyy to come to the United States to meet with President Trump to final -- to hammer out final parts of this deal. Again, we await to hear what Vladimir Putin says about this development. Petro Poroshenko, thank you very much for your time.

Sara?

SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, President Trump will soon dish out two more pardons. The recipients won't be flying high, but they won't be eaten either.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Something good that happened to me is that I woke up this morning, that's how you know God is with us.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I had a great dream that I was here with all my friends.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SIDNER: From hallway confessions to viral fame, what happened when the school set up a microphone and camera and asked the kids to tell us something good that happened today?

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[09:50:45]

BOLDUAN: We have some breaking news just in on the heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. French police announced that they've now detained four more suspects that they say were involved. We know that the new suspects are two men and two women. We do not know though what charges they may face. Police have already, as you'll remember, arrested four others in connection with that brazen theft. The thieves breaking into one of the world's most famous museums last month, stealing priceless crown jewels. Those jewels still have yet to be recovered.

Sara?

SIDNER: All right, what happened when a school administrator put a camera and mic up at school and prompted students to tell us something good that happened today? The answer to that simple prompt sparked a viral video, especially when one student revealed his relationship status.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Someone told me that my hair looked really pretty today. There was a new girl at school today and I think I made a new friend, so.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I finally got a girlfriend.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's my birthday and people have been really nice.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Me and my sister are actually kind of getting along now and we're not arguing as much as we used to. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The good thing that happened to me today was Ms. Gates, she complimented my artwork.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I've been having a great relationship with my mom. Like, if we're in an argument, we talk about it instead of just shutting each other out.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SIDNER: Joining us now, the man who set up this positivity pod, Communications Coordinator for Monroe Local Schools, Adam Marcum. Thank you so much for being here. Why did you -- why did you do this? What prompted this?

ADAM MARCUM, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, MONROE LOCAL SCHOOL: You know, I've been looking for more ways to empower student voice this school year and I saw a video on Instagram from UNC Chapel Hill that kind of inspired me. It was sort of similar in nature. And I said, you know, what's stopping us from bringing an open mic into the school building and letting our kids share what's really on their minds?

BERMAN: It's shot beautifully, first of all. If we can have our people talk to your people, that would be fantastic because the lighting and everything else, the frame is great. But, you know, I used to be a kid and I know some kids here. These kids all seem awesome and they were all bought in, right? I mean, was everyone as enthusiastic about it as the ones that we've seen?

MARCUM: You know, they really were. It started off slow and I was a little anxious at first. I sat there for a while before anybody approached, but I think as they started to see their friends and others walk up to the microphone and be more comfortable with it, before long I had a line of students. And so I had little happy or hornet points to give out, which is our incentive for students. And I ended up not even needing those. So, many kids were willing to do it.

BOLDUAN: I would love to count on how many six sevens and skibidis and all the fun things that you got on that mic as well. Having these moments where the kids are, you can see the joy in their face when they talk about their gratitude. Did it extend, did like the vibes go through, continue through the school day? Did you see an impact?

MARCUM: It did. It did. Absolutely. And -- and to your point, you know, there were a couple of those silly comments here and there, but by and large, the kids had really profound things to share and they were really honest and vulnerable. We've just been so impressed and proud of them for that. And it's been cool to see that energy they'll carry, not just around our school building as people celebrate it, but around the country. We've seen schools in Australia, England, all throughout the U.S. that are sort of following trend. And we love that they're empowering their students in that way.

SIDNER: What sort of struck me was how one kind thing, that's a really simple thing that happened that day, really made the students feel so great. And each of them seem like their spirits were lifted. I'm curious why you think this ended up going viral in the first place, because I think it's what, 1.5 million views so far?

BOLDUAN: I think it was seven --

SIDNER: Or is it seven million?

MARCUM: 126 million.

BOLDUAN: One bajillion views.

MARCUM: Yeah, I think our channels, it's like nine million-ish, but I know that it's been shared far and wide beyond that. So, I don't know what it was. I think, you know, it's sort of a rollercoaster of emotion as you watch.

And to be honest, you know, I structured it that way, but you've got some happy moments and you've got some more heartfelt moments and some really vulnerable things, things that, you know, I even checked with the kids afterwards. I'm like, are you OK with us sharing this in a wider audience, on a wider scale? And I think going along on that journey is what's so emotional and what really resonates with so many people in different ways.

[09:55:10]

BERMAN: Are we allowed to ask about the current relationship status?

BOLDUAN: Oh, yeah, the girlfriend of the little boy.

SIDNER: The little boy got a girlfriend.

BERMAN: Do we know?

MARCUM: You know, I haven't checked in with him, but I will have to do that, following up. Yeah, he's a -- he's a character.

BOLDUAN: As a dad of boys, you know, like that's the last question you should be asking.

BERMAN: You may never find out. I mean, that's the other thing, is that they may never tell you, so yeah.

SIDNER: Adam Marcum, that was amazing. Great. Thank you so much for bringing us a little joy this morning.

BERMAN: All right. Big fan of everything he's done. If you want more joy, if you want it to last all week long, make sure to wake up with CNN.

(CROSSTALK)

BERMAN: Thanksgiving morning, for live coverage of the biggest parades across the country, I'm going to be there. Sara's going to be there. Erica Hill's going to be there. Kate's going to be watching actively. This is live coverage.

BOLDUAN: Eating pumpkin. SIDNER: Live tweeting.

BERMAN: Thanksgiving in America. It starts Thursday at 8 a.m. Eastern on CNN, and you can watch, of course, on the CNN app.

BOLDUAN: Thank you all so much for joining us today. What has brought you, what are you grateful for today? Think about that as we send you over to the "Situation Room" right now.

BERMAN: I'm grateful for the "Situation Room."

(CROSSTALK)