WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch: Recent Episodes
Paul Gigot, The Wall Street Journal
From the award-winning opinion pages of The Wall Street Journal, Paul Gigot, Kim Strassel, Bill McGurn and Kyle Peterson discuss the latest from Washington. Get critical perspective and the analysis you need on developments from the nation’s capital. Join them every weekday. Send your feedback to pwpodcast@wsj.com
The Wall Street Journal's Potomac Watch podcast features author Thomas Sowell, whose new book dissects the misconceptions that distort public understanding about differences among individuals and racial and other groups. And why do so many intellectuals fall for the 'chess piece fallacy' about human behavior?
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The Fifth Circuit appeals court says federal officials, including in the White House, coerced social-media companies to take down more posts. Is this going to the Supreme Court? Plus, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham uses an emergency order to ban firearm carry in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, but local police won't enforce it.
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The anxiety is growing louder as Democrats look at polls showing that three quarters of all voters think President Biden is too old to run for a second term. Revelations about Hunter Biden and the family business don't help, and Vice President Kamala Harris could also weigh down the ticket. Democrats are counting on Donald Trump to rescue them as the Republican nominee.
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The president announces the first 10 drugs for which the government will "negotiate" prices under the Inflation Reduction Act. What will this do to the incentive to develop new cures and launch generic alternatives? Plus, the plan faces legal challenges over whether the threatened penalty of a 1,900% tax is constitutional.
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Virginia parents ask the Justices to strike down new admissions rules at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which they say are intended to block Asian students. Plus, listener emails on Mike Pence, a 2024 rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, and Trump's plan for a 10% universal tariff.
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A federal judge set March 4, 2024, as the date for Donald Trump's federal trial for election interference, one day before voters go to the polls on Super Tuesday. How much time will the GOP frontrunner be spending in court and not on the campaign trail? Plus, the polls since last week's GOP presidential debate show gains for some of Trump's competitors.
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President Trump says he wants universal tariffs on imports to the U.S., an enormous new tax on American consumers that also would provoke retaliation, which is one reason his last trade war failed. Plus, Joe Biden holds a summit at Camp David with the leaders of Japan and South Korea, a good step in countering China.
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Candidates Nikki Haley and Mike Pence took advantage of Donald Trump's absence and turned in impressive performances in Milwaukee, but did Ron DeSantis get the breakout moment he needed? Plus, though Donald Trump did not appear on the debate stage, questions about his indictment and his fitness for office loomed large over the contest.
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During a visit to Hawaii, Joe Biden tries to connect by bringing up an old fire at his Delaware house. Are visits to disaster sites a political no-win, even when the president doesn't veer off script? Do renewable energy mandates compete with spending on wildfire safety? Plus, the panel previews the first GOP presidential debate.
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Leaked correspondence from Hunter Biden's attorneys, particularly a threat to call Joe Biden to testify at trial, shows the pressure federal prosecutors were under not to bring a serious case. Can special counsel David Weiss credibly keep his job, given his involvement in this fiasco? Plus, listeners write in on the Hunter inquiry.
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The former President says his lead in the polls means he can duck the first Republican presidential debate on Wednesday. But his absence may give another candidate or two a chance to shine.
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As children return to the classroom this fall, states are reporting record demand for school-choice programs, though teachers unions keep throwing up roadblocks. Plus, Donald Trump strongly hints he will skip next week's Republican debate, while a political consultancy publicly airs its advice for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
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President Biden and Democrats celebrated the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act this week, touting green jobs and electric vehicles. But is the multi-trillion-dollar spending bill a winner politically, especially for swing state Senators running for re-election?
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Mike Pence unveils a plan to end the Education Department, and Chris Christie leaps over Ron DeSantis in New Hampshire, but Donald Trump might be a no show at the first GOP primary debate. Plus, as Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin fights to retake Richmond, might he be a fallback option to take on Joe Biden in 2024?
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Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis unveils charges against Trump and 18 others for trying to overturn the 2020 election, including on that infamous phone call with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. How does this case differ from the federal indictment by Special Counsel Jack Smith, and will it affect the 2024 GOP primaries?
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The Biden administration is poised to make a deal with Iran, handing over $6 billion and getting five American prisoners in return. Democrats say the money will go to food and medicine, but critics say money is fungible and the $6 billion will help Iran fund mayhem in the Middle East. Will the money-for-hostages swap lead to a broader nuclear deal with Tehran?
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Attorney General Merrick Garland names a special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden, but it's David Weiss, the U.S. attorney who has been on the case all along. Does this appointment change anything? Might it work to President Biden's benefit, if he can use the inquiry as an excuse to dodge tough questions through 2024?
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The consumer-price index rose modestly in July, or 3.2% for the last 12 months. Can the Federal Reserve declare victory?. Plus, President Biden’s executive order banning some U.S. tech investment in China walks an economic and security tightrope.
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In an Ohio ballot question widely viewed as a proxy for abortion policy, the Republican position is rejected by double digits. A year after the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs, overturning Roe v. Wade, does the GOP have to reevaluate its strategy in light of the Ohio result and similar referendums in Michigan and Wisconsin?
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A law known as Section 702 lets the U.S. scoop up information from foreigners abroad, but agencies like the FBI also sometimes query the database for U.S citizens. Should this provision, created after 9/11, be allowed to expire, or is it still useful in stopping terrorism? What's the best way to maximize accountability and minimize abuse?
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With demands from Democrats that Supreme Court Justices recuse themselves from hearing certain cases, Paul Gigot and James Taranto discuss the Journal's recent interview with Justice Samuel Alito that caused an uproar in the media and on the left.
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Fitch Ratings drops U.S. debt to AA+, from AAA, which Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen calls arbitrary and unwarranted. But the country's debt is high and going higher, and no one wants to tackle Social Security or Medicare. Plus, a handful of House Republicans threaten to vote down a GOP tax bill unless it expands the deduction for state and local taxes, or SALT, which is a subsidy to California, New York and New Jersey.
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Donald Trump is arraigned in federal court on charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Does special counsel Jack Smith have more evidence pointing to the former President's state of mind than the public has seen? Plus, the transcript of Hunter Biden's former business partner Devon Archer's testimony is released, showing that Joe Biden knew more about his son's business deals than previously revealed.
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Special counsel Jack Smith charges the former President with trying to overturn the 2020 election in the runup to the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. What does the indictment allege, and how does it try to prove that Trump knew he had actually lost to Joe Biden? Given that lying to the public isn't a crime, could Trump potentially appeal the use of these laws against him all the way to the Supreme Court?
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In an effort to reignite his campaign before the first GOP primary debate, Ron DeSantis issues an economic plan that promises to set a target of 3% growth, rein in federal spending, and overhaul American education. But will the proposal's populist notes, including a pledge to dole out "strategic tax abatements," really appeal to Donald Trump's base? Or should DeSantis stick with the ideas that made Florida a success?
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While Hunter Biden's ex-business partner Devon Archer appears on Capitol Hill behind closed doors to testify about Joe Biden's involvement in his son's deals, the threat of a violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act looms over the proceedings. Plus, Democrat Rep. Jim Himes makes a bold statement about Hunter Biden's wrongdoings rarely heard from the left.
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In a superseding indictment, Special Counsel Jack Smith alleges that the former President tried to delete Mar-a-Lago security footage to cover up his retention of classified files. Does this undermine Trump's claim that he had a right to documents? Plus, Ron DeSantis plans a campaign reset after comments on Bud Light and RFK Jr.
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As President Biden's son watched in the courtroom, his plea deal fell apart when the judge in the case asked if he could face prosecution on future charges. How will this affect the President, as the White House changes its line on his son's business deals.
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The Justice Department sues Texas and Gov. Greg Abbott for installing floating barriers in the Rio Grande, as a federal judge puts President Biden's asylum policy on hold. Meantime, a new study says immigration is the only thing keeping America's labor force from shrinking. Plus, UPS and the Teamsters avoid a strike.
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The Fortune 100 is between a rock and a hard place, as Democratic state Attorneys General write a letter to defend diversity hiring targets, which Republican AGs suggest are illegal. Plus, government contracts for disadvantaged businesses also face scrutiny after the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.
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The center-right Popular Party makes gains in Spanish elections against the ruling Socialists, which may produce a hung parliament. What does the result tell us about the political trend in Europe? Plus, the Federal Reserve seems set to end its interest-rate pause and raise rates again. Good idea?
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IRS agents Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler tell Congress about interference in the investigation of Hunter Biden on tax charges. Does this put the onus on Attorney General Merrick Garland to answer questions? Plus, a new report says Covid learning loss is being exacerbated by teacher turnover and poor instruction.
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General Mark Milley says the Ukrainian effort against Russia is "far from a failure," but does Ukraine have the weapons it needs to retake territory in the east? Plus, Vladimir Putin tries to hold the world's food supply hostage as the Black Sea grain deal falls apart.
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Thirteen state attorneys general warn the Fortune 100 that the recent ruling striking down college race preferences also has implications for corporate America. Plus, Joe Biden comes up with a backup plan to forgive student loans, after the Justices overturned his first attempt, but is another legal challenge coming?
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The Senate Judiciary Committee takes up a Democratic bill to impose "ethics" and recusal rules on the Justices. But would this restore or undermine public confidence, and is it constitutional? Plus, reporters question Justice Sonia Sotomayor's book tours and Venmo reimbursements for Clarence Thomas's Christmas parties.
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Has Joe Biden brought the country back to the bad old days of the 1970s? On this episode of the Potomac Watch podcast, Paul Gigot speaks with Kim Strassel about her new book, "The Biden Malaise: How America Bounces Back from Joe Biden's Dismal Repeat of the Jimmy Carter Years." They discuss how the Biden Democrats compare to the Carter Democrats, and how Republicans can make a comeback like they did in 1980.
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The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passes in the House, with Republican provisions to override the Pentagon on diversity and abortion policy. Does this mean Sen. Tommy Tuberville will quit holding up military promotions? And what does it say about the GOP that amendments to block aid to Ukraine were voted down?
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NATO overcomes objections from Turkey to invite Sweden as its 32nd member nation, while Ukraine gets a promise of future membership, albeit without a timeline. Plus, FBI Director Christopher Wray displayed his political skills while dodging questions from House Republicans, but he didn't do the bureau's reputation any favors.
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Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan fails to stop Microsoft's $75 billion acquisition of the video-game developer Activision Blizzard, but her campaign against bigness continues. Plus, congressional Republicans want to hear from U.S. Attorney David Weiss about the Hunter Biden investigation and plea deal.
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The alliance says Ukraine will be invited to join later, when "conditions are met" but without a specific timeline, drawing the ire of Volodymyr Zelensky. Plus, Turkey says it will no longer object to Sweden's NATO accession, and Joe Biden agrees to send cluster bombs to Ukraine, while noting America's dwindling ammo stockpiles.
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On this episode of the Potomac Watch podcast, Paul Gigot speaks with North Dakota Governor and 2024 GOP Presidential candidate Doug Burgum about how energy policy failures led to the war in Ukraine, why a flat tax would make sense for Washington, if sanctions should continue on Russian oil, and why a Jan. 6 riot would not happen during a Burgum administration.
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The president is trying to bolster his economic record as 2024 nears, but what exactly does he mean by "Bidenomics," or is this merely a new gloss he's putting on his push for industrial policy? Plus, the latest jobs numbers show hiring has slowed, but probably not enough to dissuade the Federal Reserve from raising rates.
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A federal judge rules that Biden officials broke the law by pressuring Facebook, Twitter and other tech platforms to censor views the government didn't like on Covid policy and other issues. Will the ruling hold up on appeal, and what are the stakes for the First Amendment?
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With Americans uneager for a 2024 rematch between President Biden and President Trump, the group No Labels says its polling shows that 59% of voters are open to a moderate independent candidate. Could a third party really win the Electoral College, and what would be its platform? Or would its candidate be a sure spoiler?
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The Justices finish another historic year by barring racial preferences in college admissions and overturning President Biden's regulatory overreach in forgiving student loans. What does this tell us about the new conservative majority, and how much credit does Donald Trump get for his three High Court appointments?
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The Supreme Court finished its term by ruling to end Joe Biden's student-loan forgiveness program in a 6-3 decision. The move is the latest example of the Court trying to reign in executive-branch overreach. Plus, both parties weigh in, with 2024 GOP presidential hopefuls lauding the decision while Democrats vow to provide loan forgiveness by other means.
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In a landmark decision that will reach far beyond campuses, the Supreme Court rules that using race in college admissions is unconstitutional. The decision is a giant step for racial equality under the law and reinforces the plain meaning of the 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the right of state courts to review voting laws and Congressional maps. But did the Justices muddy the issue even further and open the door for more election-related challenges? Plus, Lordstown Motors files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a hit to Joe Biden's electrical vehicles policies and subsidies.
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Two IRS investigators have blown the whistle on the probe into Hunter Biden, as questions continue to mount about the deal the President's son received in pleading guilty to two tax misdemeanors. Plus, Attorney General Merrick Garland defends U.S. Attorney David Weiss's actions in the case, and the panel takes a look at the contents of Hunter Biden's tax returns.
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Vladimir Putin is still in power after a failed rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his mercenaries, but is U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken right that this shows "cracks" in support for the Russian President? And what does it mean for Ukraine's counteroffensive?
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New polling from Gallup, a year after the Supreme Court returned abortion to the political process in the Dobbs case, shows how public attitudes have and haven't changed. Plus, as GOP presidential candidates try to find their footing, Tim Scott and Mike Pence take up abortion at the Faith and Freedom Coalition conference.
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Former Special Counsel John Durham's testimony before Congress shows how too many in both political parties want prosecutors to become a tool against their opponents. Plus, Justice Samuel Alito defends himself in the Wall Street Journal against a ProPublica article, causing the press to attack the Justice instead of examining the substance.
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Charter schools "produce superior student gains despite enrolling a more challenging student population," says the latest analysis by Stanford’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes, or Credo. But will this convince union states like New York, where Gov. Kathy Hochul has failed to lift the cap on charters? Plus, an Oklahoma board approves the nation's first religious charter school, which could go to the Supreme Court.
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After a five-year investigation, Hunter Biden reaches an agreement to plead guilty to tax misdemeanors, while admitting to felony gun possession. Did President Biden's son get a sweet deal? Plus, President Trump tries to defend his handling of classified documents during an interview with Fox News's Bret Baier.
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The GOP passes a bill, with 29 Democratic votes, to stop the Energy Department's "efficiency" rules that could ban the kinds of natural-gas stoves consumers want. If the Senate takes this up, is it destined for President Biden's veto? Plus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom challenges Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to a public debate.
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In a visit to the Wall Street Journal, the former Vice President says he's running as a conservative who can bring civility back to our political debates. He's also making the case for supporting Ukraine and reforming entitlements, despite the political risks. Can he break through in the Iowa caucuses?
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Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts in the classified document indictment brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith, then later shot back at his critics during an appearance in Bedminster, N.J. Is this how the 2024 campaign is going to look? Plus, the left wants Judge Aileen Cannon removed from the Trump case, and former Vice President Mike Pence explains to the Wall Street Journal Opinion page why he can't defend Donald Trump's actions.
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The Fourth Circuit upholds Virginia Tech's official Bias Intervention and Response Team, which encourages anonymous reports from students. But is the dissent by Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III a signal flare for the Supreme Court? Plus, the CPI report shows 4% inflation.
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Donald Trump denounces the Biden Administration's charges against him for mishandling documents, but former Attorney General Bill Barr says the charges are serious and strong. Does Trump have a good defense, and how will this affect the 2024 election campaign?
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Special Counsel Jack Smith unveils 37 counts against Donald Trump related to classified material, including at Mar-a-Lago. Is this a double standard, after Hillary Clinton wasn't charged for her email server, and how will the indictment shake up the GOP race for 2024?
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The former Vice President and former New Jersey Governor launch their presidential campaigns with direct criticism of the former President. Will it work? Plus, relatively unknown North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum jumps into the race focusing on the economy, energy and national security.
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Flooding between Russian invaders and Ukrainian defenders might complicate any counteroffensive, to say nothing of the humanitarian disaster. Plus, Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy spar over whether supplemental military funds must fit under the debt-ceiling deal's spending caps.
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The Republican presidential contest gets new entrants, but what do the former Vice President and New Jersey Governor bring? Plus, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu declines to run, while urging the GOP to unite around a candidate who can beat Donald Trump.
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The Justices rule 8-1 against the Teamsters, who allegedly called a strike intentionally when it could have wrecked Glacier Northwest's concrete-delivery trucks. Plus, the Democratic Senate votes for a resolution to undo Joe Biden's student debt-forgiveness plan.
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The Speaker pushed the debt-ceiling bill through the House, winning policy victories from President Biden in the bargain. What does that herald for what the GOP can accomplish for the rest of this Congress?
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Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy make an agreement to avoid national default, raising the country's debt limit while restraining spending and adding work requirements to aid programs. Despite some GOP dissent, is this a deal that Republicans should pass?
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She calls the gubernatorial election a "sham," but Kari Lake's loss to Katie Hobbs was big enough not to trigger a recount, and she widely underperformed other Republicans. That doesn't excuse Maricopa County's printer problems on Election Day, however. Plus, the Supreme Court agrees to hear a challenge to Joe Biden's student-loan forgiveness plan.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With Republicans criticizing their own candidate for Speaker of the House while Democrats unify around their new leadership, the GOP isn't acting like it has the majority in the House next year. Why is Kevin McCarthy having a hard time getting the votes to lead his party? Plus, the House and Senate vote on bills to avoid an economy-crippling rail strike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With Republicans set to take over the House in a little more than a month, Democrats want one more spending blowout, as a Dec. 16 deadline looms for funding the government. Meantime, lawmakers are also considering the Electoral Count Act, the National Defense Authorization Act (or NDAA), and maybe even the debt ceiling.
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Contrary to his reputation as a pro-union Democrat, President Biden calls on Congress to impose a labor deal on America's railroads, as a way to avert an economically damaging strike. Plus, Georgia voters turn out in huge numbers for the Senate runoff between Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker, while Donald Trump's absence could improve the GOP's chances.
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Demonstrations have broken out in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, as the government and state-run media tries to squash any opposition to China's zero-tolerance Covid policy. Plus, the U.S. eases sanctions on Venezuela as Chevron is allowed to pump oil in the country again.
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From school applications to medical forms, Americans are often presented with checkboxes and asked to identify their racial backgrounds. But where did these six standard labels come from, and do they still describe an increasingly diverse country? Law professor David Bernstein answers those questions and more, as the public awaits the outcome of the Supreme Court's case on racial preferences at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.
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President Biden asks the Supreme Court to let him forgive billions of dollars in student debt, but until then his payment moratorium will continue through June 2023. How much longer can he use emergency powers for this, and might a Republican House do anything to stop it? Plus, Justice Samuel Alito is accused of prematurely revealing the outcome of a 2014 case, but the evidence seems thin.
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Ron DeSantis, Mike Pompeo, Nikki Haley, and other prominent Republicans speak at a GOP conference in Las Vegas, and they don't sound very cowed by President Trump's early announcement of a 2024 campaign. Plus, the White House quietly celebrates Joe Biden's 80th birthday, as questions continue about whether he plans to run for a second term.
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The Attorney General's decision won't give him the political insulation he wants, but does it mean an indictment is more likely? Plus, President Biden signs the U.S. up to pay climate reparations to the world's poor countries.
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NATO says the blast that killed two Polish farm workers probably came from a Ukrainian defense system, not a Russian strike, but Vladimir Putin ultimately bears responsibility for it. Plus, law schools at Yale and Harvard say they will no longer participate in annual rankings published by U.S. News and World Report, which might be an effort to get ahead of the Supreme Court's ruling on racial preferences.
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Nearly nine days after Election Day, Republicans in the House crossed the threshold needed to take control and paved the way for Kevin McCarthy to become the Speaker of the House. But will he be able to unite his party in a way Nancy Pelosi was able to unite Democrats, and what is her legacy as she steps down from the Democratic leadership?
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His announcement speech at Mar-a-Lago featured the usual Trumpian boasts, plus deflection of blame for the GOP's failures last week on Election Day. But do Republican voters want Donald Trump back, especially given the rise of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis? And if Trump lost the GOP primary in 2024, would he sabotage the winner?
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His announcement speech at Mar-a-Lago featured the usual Trumpian boasts, plus deflection of blame for the GOP's failures last week on Election Day. But do Republican voters want Donald Trump back, especially given the rise of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis? And if Trump lost the GOP primary in 2024, would he sabotage the winner?
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She was probably Donald Trump's best chance for a "Stop the Steal" candidate to win on Election Day. But according to the exit polls, Kari Lake lost independent voters, lost moderates, and even lost 9% of Republicans. Plus, Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan flops in court again, this time at the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
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She was probably Donald Trump's best chance for a "Stop the Steal" candidate to win on Election Day. But according to the exit polls, Kari Lake lost independent voters, lost moderates, and even lost 9% of Republicans. Plus, Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan flops in court again, this time at the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Democrats secured control of the Senate by winning 50 seats, and they still look to claim another in Georgia. But with control of the House still up in the air, could Kevin McCarthy face a challenge for Speaker of the House as Mitch McConnell tries to remain Minority Leader? Plus, Republicans' poor performance with independents was a major factor in Democrats gaining ground on Election Day.
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Democrats secured control of the Senate by winning 50 seats, and they still look to claim another in Georgia. But with control of the House still up in the air, could Kevin McCarthy face a challenge for Speaker of the House as Mitch McConnell tries to remain Minority Leader? Plus, Republicans' poor performance with independents was a major factor in Democrats gaining ground on Election Day.
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A federal judge in Texas vacates President Biden's plan to forgive student debt, calling it an "unconstitutional exercise." But will this ruling hold up on appeal, or should the President's critics keep an eye on a similar case in the Eighth Circuit? Plus, the latest inflation report shows prices up 7.7% year over year, which is down slightly but still way too high for comfort.
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A federal judge in Texas vacates President Biden's plan to forgive student debt, calling it an "unconstitutional exercise." But will this ruling hold up on appeal, or should the President's critics keep an eye on a similar case in the Eighth Circuit? Plus, the latest inflation report shows prices up 7.7% year over year, which is down slightly but still way too high for comfort.
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Two days after Election Day, control of the House and Senate is still in doubt, as Donald Trump's hand-picked candidates mostly lost what could have been winnable seats. Plus, Joe Biden takes a victory lap despite possibly losing both chambers of Congress, and a listener asks who should campaign for Herschel Walker in the Georgia Senate runoff election.
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Two days after Election Day, control of the House and Senate is still in doubt, as Donald Trump's hand-picked candidates mostly lost what could have been winnable seats. Plus, Joe Biden takes a victory lap despite possibly losing both chambers of Congress, and a listener asks who should campaign for Herschel Walker in the Georgia Senate runoff election.
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Republicans started Election Day with hopes of winning the House and Senate by a decisive majority, but a strong GOP victory was nowhere to be found. What happened? Plus, Ron DeSantis emerges as the biggest election winner with a huge re-election victory as Florida Governor, even as Donald Trump's hand-picked GOP candidates lost big on Tuesday.
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Republicans started Election Day with hopes of winning the House and Senate by a decisive majority, but a strong GOP victory was nowhere to be found. What happened? Plus, Ron DeSantis emerges as the biggest election winner with a huge re-election victory as Florida Governor, even as Donald Trump's hand-picked GOP candidates lost big on Tuesday.
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If Republicans take the House and possibly the Senate, as most projections and polling suggest, then a divided government will block President Biden's progressive ambitions. But how else would a GOP Congress change the dynamic in Washington? Plus, Donald Trump promises a big announcement on Nov. 15, putting himself front and center ahead of Election Day.
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If Republicans take the House and possibly the Senate, as most projections and polling suggest, then a divided government will block President Biden's progressive ambitions. But how else would a GOP Congress change the dynamic in Washington? Plus, Donald Trump promises a big announcement on Nov. 15, putting himself front and center ahead of Election Day.
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As Election Day nears, Republicans are well positioned to win the majority in the House, while the Senate remains a tossup. Is the GOP overestimating how successful their night will be, and are Democrats second-guessing their strategy a little too late? Plus, Donald Trump puts Ron DeSantis in his sights as he nears a decision on 2024, and Joe Biden claims it's time to shut down coal, much to the ire of Joe Manchin.
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As Election Day nears, Republicans are well positioned to win the majority in the House, while the Senate remains a tossup. Is the GOP overestimating how successful their night will be, and are Democrats second-guessing their strategy a little too late? Plus, Donald Trump puts Ron DeSantis in his sights as he nears a decision on 2024, and Joe Biden claims it's time to shut down coal, much to the ire of Joe Manchin.
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With the midterms only four days away, the focus is on the House and Senate, but what else is being decided on Election Day? Ballot initiatives across the country include questions on abortion, electric vehicles, ranked-choice voting and union power. Meantime, state Supreme Court Justices are facing voters in several places.
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With the midterms only four days away, the focus is on the House and Senate, but what else is being decided on Election Day? Ballot initiatives across the country include questions on abortion, electric vehicles, ranked-choice voting and union power. Meantime, state Supreme Court Justices are facing voters in several places.
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Six days before the November midterm elections, Joe Biden gives an address warning about the dangers to democracy but seems to only identify Republicans as the danger. Plus, the Federal Reserve raises its rates again despite Wall Street's growing concern that it's going too far, too fast.
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Six days before the November midterm elections, Joe Biden gives an address warning about the dangers to democracy but seems to only identify Republicans as the danger. Plus, the Federal Reserve raises its rates again despite Wall Street's growing concern that it's going too far, too fast.
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Democrats thought the overturning of Roe v. Wade would drive soccer moms their way, but The Wall Street Journal's latest poll says white suburban women have moved 27 points against them since August. Top of mind for voters seems to be inflation and the economy, plus crime, as Joe Biden schedules a primetime address to discuss threats to democracy.
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Democrats thought the overturning of Roe v. Wade would drive soccer moms their way, but The Wall Street Journal's latest poll says white suburban women have moved 27 points against them since August. Top of mind for voters seems to be inflation and the economy, plus crime, as Joe Biden schedules a primetime address to discuss threats to democracy.
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Paul Gigot speaks with legal scholar Ilya Shapiro about the Supreme Court's oral arguments Monday on racial preferences in college admissions. What did we learn about how the Justices are leaning, and what would a ban on preferences mean for schools and other institutions?
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With only eight days left before the 2022 November midterm elections, Kim Strassel speaks with Wall Street Journal Opinion columnist and political strategist Karl Rove about why Republicans seem to be surging in the closing days, the contests to pay attention to, and why the attack on Paul Pelosi should be condemned by both Republicans and Democrats.
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After months of speculation and legal wrangling, Elon Musk closes the deal on Twitter and starts by firing its top executives. What does Musk mean when he says free speech should live on Twitter, and will Donald Trump fire up his old account? Plus, listeners ask why U.S. test scores are sliding and whether Republicans will continue supporting Ukraine if they win the midterm elections.
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The President hails Thursday's report that the economy grew 2.6% in the third quarter, but will it be enough to overcome inflation and falling real incomes? Plus, what can Republicans accomplish if they retake Congress with Biden still in the White House?
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When does early voting become too early? Nine million ballots for the 2022 election are already cast, sometimes before the candidates even had a chance to debate. In Pennsylvania, John Fetterman's health becomes a factor in his debate with Mehmet Oz. In Florida, Ron DeSantis is non-committal on finishing a four-year term. And in New York, Lee Zeldin and Kathy Hochul tangle over crime.
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After trying to frame the 2022 midterms around abortion, Democrats are trying to shift their focus to issues like crime and the economy. But aren't Democratic policies on those issues part of the reason voters are unhappy? Plus, Joe Biden's latest gaffe about student loan forgiveness once again puts the president's role in November elections in the spotlight.
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The National Assessment of Educational Progress announced the sharpest decline in math and reading test scores ever for fourth- and eighth-grade students. Is this another sign of the damage done by lockdowns, and how will this grim news play in the midterm elections? Plus, the U.K. has its third prime minister this year, as Rishi Sunak takes over after Liz Truss and Boris Johnson.
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Steve Bannon is sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress after he defied a subpoena from the Jan. 6 committee. Hours later, Donald Trump is sent his own subpoena by the Jan. 6 inquiry. What's the precedent here on executive privilege and the Fifth Amendment? Plus, listeners send in questions on inflation relief checks and student loan forgiveness.
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After only 44 days in office, Liz Truss resigned as U.K. Prime Minister amid panic in her ruling Conservative Party. But was it her proposed tax cuts that caused her downfall, or was she a scapegoat for previous policy failures? Plus, Joe Biden tries to keep gas prices down in an effort to boost Democratic election hopes.
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Three weeks from the midterm elections, the GOP's prospects for taking the House and Senate seem to be rising. President Biden pledges that his first bill in 2023 will be to protect abortion access, but the issues that are top of mind for voters include inflation and crime. One example is the race for Governor in New York, where Lee Zeldin is closing fast on incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul.
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With Xi Jinping poised this week to win another term as China's leader, the country's course seems set for confrontational nationalism, and perhaps an attempt to take Taiwan by force. But the U.S. seems woefully unprepared for a new Cold War, as the Pentagon misses recruitment targets and Congress focuses on social spending instead of buying ships and airplanes.
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Jury deliberations began in the federal trial of Igor Danchenko for his part in the 2016 Russia collusion narrative and the Steele dossier. What have we learned from the evidence at trial, and what does special counsel John Durham do next? Plus, the new U.K. chancellor reverses Prime Minister Liz Truss's proposed tax cuts as the ruling Tories melt down politically.
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As the House inquiry into the Capitol riot begins to wrap up, Rep. Liz Cheney moves to subpoena testimony from Donald Trump. But is he unlikely to agree, and what new information does she expect he would provide? Plus, Joe Biden extends the Covid-19 public-health emergency, and listeners weigh in on the DACA program and whether answering pollsters is a patriotic duty.
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The last consumer-price report before the November midterm election shows inflation is still running hot at 8.2%. What does it mean for the economy, for the Federal Reserve, and when voters go to the polls in four weeks?
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The Supreme Court hears a challenge to Proposition 12, a California law that says meat sold in the state must be produced under specific rules of animal confinement. But does the Constitution let California regulate farm production elsewhere? Plus, the Labor Department sets its sights on freelancers and the "gig economy."
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Vladimir Putin launches missile strikes against civilian targets in Ukraine after the weekend explosion of a key bridge linking Crimea and Russia. But the attacks don't seem to have weakened Ukrainian resolve to fight, and the West is promising more military aid. Are we at a hinge point in the war?
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With Republicans eager to take control of the Senate in the November 2022 midterms, the picture is still blurry. In which states does the GOP have the safest bets, and which ones are still in the air? Plus, will this election prove a referendum on Joe Biden, or could GOP "candidate quality" get in the way?
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The White House says it will release millions of barrels in additional oil reserves, and it's reportedly thinking about loosening U.S. sanctions against Venezuela. But if President Biden wants more oil, why aren't American producers the answer? Plus, the September jobs report shows a cooling of the labor market, but should the Federal Reserve take its foot off the brake?
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A federal appeals court rules that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, was unlawful when President Obama created it in 2012. What happens to the Dreamers already protected by the policy? Is this heading to the Supreme Court? And is there any hope in Congress for an immigration deal that both protects the Dreamers and fixes the border crisis?
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Facing a trial in Delaware about his $44 billion deal, Elon Musk now says he will go through with the purchase. But what does he have in mind for Twitter? Meantime, the Supreme Court accepts a case touching on the Section 230 protections of internet sites, while bigger challenges percolate in Texas and Florida.
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A federal judge rules that Georgia's voting system isn't unconstitutional, which further undermines Abrams's narrative that Gov. Brian Kemp stole the state's 2018 gubernatorial election using voter suppression. Plus, listeners weigh in on a potential congressional stock-trading ban, as well as the debate over the Supreme Court's legitimacy.
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The Justices will hear cases on racial gerrymandering, interstate commerce, the administrative state, election law, and race-based admission preferences for college, among other issues that are sure to court controversy. Plus, an appreciation of the life and legal career of Judge Laurence Silberman.
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House Democrats unveil a bill to ban Congress and other federal officials from trading individual stocks, but would it also deter good people from running for public office or accepting presidential appointments? Plus, as Joe Biden trims his student-loan forgiveness plan to avoid another lawsuit, is he tacitly admitting that he's exceeding his legal authority?
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While the world refuses to recognize Russia's annexation of four regions of Ukraine, the U.S. pledges $1.1 billion in additional military aid. But how long will it take for these weapons and other supplies to arrive? Plus, the panel discusses the political and climate implications of Hurricane Ian, the possible sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline, and answers a listener's email about student-loan forgiveness.
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With a government shutdown looming, Sen. Joe Manchin withdraws his permitting proposal, while Sen. Chuck Schumer blames Republican obstruction. But does Manchin have only himself to blame? Plus, a lawsuit against Joe Biden's plan for student-loan forgiveness might solve the legal standing problem for the President's critics.
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Congress's process for counting the Electoral College has been broken for years, and this dysfunction helped produce the Jan. 6 riot. At long last, however, lawmakers might do something about it, as the House passes a bill to update the 1887 Electoral Count Act. How does this bill limit phony objections to election results? What does it say about the Vice President's role? And will the Senate get on board?
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The West Virginia Senator's long-promised permitting bill will soon come to a vote, but he's struggling to find enough support to overcome a bipartisan filibuster. Why is he having so much trouble? Plus, Al Gore tries to engineer a coup against World Bank President David Malpass in the name of climate change.
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N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James makes good on a campaign promise by filing a civil lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and three of his children for overestimating property size. Is politics overshadowing the rule of law? Plus a Democratic campaign finance bill is blocked by Senate Republicans over concern it’s an attempt to limit political speech. Plus, listener emails.
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What's next after Putin calls up of as many as 300,000 reservists? Plus, the Federal Reserve and other central banks keep raising interest rates. Is a recession inevitable?
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On this episode of Potomac Watch, Paul Gigot sits down with economist and former Senator Phil Gramm about his new book The Myth of American Inequality, why government has failed to truly address the poverty problem in America, and why Republicans could learn from Democrats' understanding of "nitty-gritty" economic programs.
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When Joe Biden announced his plan for forgiving student debt, Democrats thought they had a winning issue to run on in the November midterm elections. But Republicans are exposing problems with the plan and polls show Americans think it is unfair. Plus, another Federal Reserve rate hike is on the horizon, but will it be enough?
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom has challenged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to a debate, which could be a preview of the 2024 presidential election. Could DeSantis use the opportunity to show why he'd be a better candidate than Donald Trump? Plus, Joe Biden says the pandemic is over, and Sen. Joe Manchin's permitting deal could be in jeopardy.
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Justice Elena Kagan echoes Democratic criticisms of the Supreme Court, saying that judges lose legitimacy if they become political. But isn't that the argument against Roe v. Wade in the first place? Meantime, Chief Justice John Roberts points to the Constitution and asks, if the Court can't legitimately interpret it, then who will?
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While Texas Governor Greg Abbott continues to send busloads of migrants to Democratic strongholds, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis flew another group of migrants into Martha's Vineyard. Is this purely a political stunt, or is it highlighting the problems of "sanctuary city" policies? Plus, the Biden administration makes a tentative deal to avert a railway strike that could have further damaged the economy.
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By proposing legislation to ban abortion nationwide at 15 weeks, with exceptions, Sen. Lindsey Graham might think he is drawing a line that Republicans can defend. But didn't conservatives argue for years after Roe v. Wade that abortion is a state issue? And won't this let Democrats change the subject from their own unpopular abortion proposals? Plus, Democrats get the Senate opponent they wanted in New Hampshire, as retired General Don Bolduc wins the GOP nomination.
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New Hampshire's GOP Senate primary pits a mainstream candidate, Chuck Morse, against a retired general who has voiced conspiracy theories, Don Bolduc. So why are Democrats spending money to help Bolduc? Because they don't think he can beat Sen. Maggie Hassan. Plus, new figures show that consumer prices rose 8.3% year over year, which is not good news for Joe Biden.
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Are the major gains by Ukrainian troops against Russia in northeastern Ukraine a turning point in the seventh-month war? Vladimir Putin faces difficult choices, and he's capable of anything, including the use of a tactical nuclear weapon. How would NATO respond?
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As the United Kingdom mourns the loss of its seven-decade monarch, King Charles III pledges to follow in her footsteps. But can he rise to the occasion to become a unifying figure for the U.K. and the Commonwealth? Plus, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen goes to Michigan to defend President Biden’s economic record.
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To the surprise of many, Ukraine seems to be making gains after being at war with Russia for over six months. Could Vladimir Putin turn to more desperate measures in order to secure victory, including nuclear escalation? Plus, the U.S. pledges more financial and military aid to Ukraine, and leaders here and abroad try to come up with solutions to the worldwide energy crisis.
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Governor Gavin Newsom signs a bill to create a state council that will oversee fast-food restaurants and might raise the minimum wage as high as $22 an hour. Could the unintended consequences include higher prices and restaurant closures? Plus, how does this fit into Newsom's rumored plans to run for President?
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While Liz Truss takes over as prime minister of the United Kingdom, the country is facing economic woes and an energy crisis. Will she be able to deliver growth and make a success of Brexit, as was pledged by her predecessor, Boris Johnson? Plus, Europe could be in for a long winter as Russia indefinitely stops the Nord Stream 1 natural-gas pipeline.
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New results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, show the damage done by lockdowns and remote learning, but are public officials or teachers unions now admitting that they were wrong? Plus, listeners write in on Alaska's ranked-choice voting system, student loan forgiveness, and the erosion of trust in government.
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During an address in Philadelphia, Biden says he is trying to stop an extreme force that threatens American democracy. But is this just political rhetoric, meant to insert Donald Trump into the November midterms? Plus, do the August jobs numbers show an overall economic turnaround, or is a recession still a possibility?
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A new Wall Street Journal poll shows Democrats gaining ground as the fall campaign gets underway. What's behind the party's comeback, and what can Republicans do to counter it? Plus, Sarah Palin's defeat in an Alaska special election for the House highlights the impact of ranked-choice voting.
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The Justice Department explains in a court filing that the FBI's raid on Mar-a-Lago found more than 100 classified documents, including three that were apparently in Donald Trump's office, not the club's locked storage area. But does this get prosecutors closer to justifying a criminal indictment? Plus, Michigan voters might face an all-or-nothing referendum on abortion rights on the November ballot.
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The Federal Trade Commission files a lawsuit to block Meta, formerly Facebook, from merging with a virtual-reality app developer. But is the government really defending fair competition here, or is the FTC merely skeptical of large companies, per se? Plus, Mark Zuckerberg explains Facebook's thinking in throttling the 2020 story about Hunter Biden's laptop.
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Did the Federal Reserve Chairman’s speech on Friday finally convince investors that the central bank means what it says about getting inflation back down to 2%? Plus, Europe faces a winter energy crisis, with implications for Ukraine and lessons for America.
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A Florida judge releases the affidavit used to justify the FBI's raid on Mar-a-Lago, but how much new information does it provide the public, given the heavy redactions? Plus, the Potomac Watch team answers listener emails on the 2022 elections and President Joe Biden's plan to forgive student loans.
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The President cancels student-loan debt for some 43 million Americans at a cost of half a trillion dollars. But even he had previously doubted he could do this without approval by Congress, which never appropriated a dime for it. Will it work politically for Democrats?
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Democrats claim midterm election momentum after they win a special election for Congress in New York where Republicans were favored. Has the Supreme Court's decision on abortion rights changed the political climate enough for Democrats to hold the House in November? Plus, Joe Biden unilaterally forgives student debt without Congressional approval.
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Tuesday's House primary in Manhattan is a battle of East Side versus West Side, Rep. Jerry Nadler vs. Rep. Carolyn Maloney. If Democrats regret this choice, they have only themselves to blame. Meantime, Floridians consider whether Nikki Fried or Charlie Crist is best equipped to take on Gov. Ron DeSantis. Plus, a magistrate judge asks to see proposed redactions to the FBI affidavit related to the search of President Trump's Mar-a-Lago.
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Republican candidates endorsed by Donald Trump won several of the primaries for Senate in key states. But now they're struggling in the general elections, and they're counting on the Super Pac affiliated with Senate Minority Leader McConnell to save their campaigns.
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Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is using the agency's Covid-19 pandemic failures to justify an overhaul focused on "action" and "equity." But is this truly the kind of tough medicine that the CDC needs, or does the bungled response to monkeypox demonstrate that it hasn't learned its lessons?
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Republican support for the former President seems to be rising since the FBI search of his home last week. Plus, former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg pleads guilty to tax fraud while working for the Trump Organization.
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Nineteen state Attorneys General tell the investing giant BlackRock that it seems to be pushing a social agenda over financial returns. How did ESG investing sneak so far into the economy, and is this the start of a backlash? Plus, Rep. Liz Cheney isn't going quietly after her primary loss in Wyoming, and will Alaska's ranked-choice voting system deliver a win to Sarah Palin?
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Tuesday's elections include the hotly anticipated primary in Wyoming between Rep. Liz Cheney and challenger Harriet Hageman, which has become a referendum on the Jan. 6 committee and Donald Trump. Plus, Sarah Palin looks for a comeback in Alaska amid debate about the state's new ranked-choice voting system, and the Inflation Reduction Act heads to Joe Biden's desk.
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Joe Biden's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan last August was a tragedy for that country and a humiliation for the U.S. A year later, what are the consequences of that decision? Did the damage to U.S. credibility undercut deterrence against Vladimir Putin as he contemplated his invasion of Ukraine?
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The details of the search warrant on Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home revealed little, and the list of items seized includes vague references to "Top Secret Documents." Are we any closer to getting the full story, and should Attorney General Merrick Garland say more? Plus, could this come down to a dispute over the President's broad power to declassify documents?
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The Justice Department and New York Attorney General accelerate their legal pursuit of the former President. But do they want to block him from running for President again, or keep the public focus on him so he stays the face of the GOP in 2022 and 2024?
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Prices are up 8.5% from July 2021, the Labor Department says, but President Biden wants to talk about the monthly figure. So is inflation really cooling? Will Democrats take credit, though the House has yet to pass the Inflation Reduction Act? And might the Federal Reserve slow its pace on interest rates? Plus, Tim Michels wins the GOP gubernatorial nod in Wisconsin with the help of Donald Trump's endorsement, and Rep. Ilhan Omar narrowly beats a primary challenge in Minnesota.
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A day after the FBI executed a search warrant on President Trump's home in Florida, there are still more questions than answers. What could have prompted such an unprecedented move by the Justice Department, and what are the ramifications if this proves to be prosecutorial overreach? Plus, the GOP primary in Wisconsin once again puts the focus on the certification of the 2020 election.
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Democrats are celebrating their victory in passing the tax, climate and health bill through the Senate, hoping it will help them keep their majorities in Congress in November. But will Americans like the bill as they learn what's in it, and will really reduce inflation?
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After more than a week of silence, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says she won't block the reconciliation bill, but she does want changes, including a 1% tax on stock buybacks. Plus, the panel responds to listeners' emails on Republican primaries, inflation, and the proposed changes to the Electoral Count Act.
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Tensions remain high after Nancy Pelsoi's visit to Taiwan, including Chinese military exercises around the island and boycotts of Taiwanese goods. Did anything good come from the visit, and how ready is the U.S. military to defend Taiwan? Plus, the Senate approves the entry of Sweden and Finland into NATO, with an odd dissent from Sen. Josh Hawley.
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Tuesday's Republican primary between Kari Lake and Karrin Taylor Robson still isn't over, and it could get ugly if the margin ends up exceedingly narrow. Plus, how to parse primary results in Missouri and Michigan, an anti-abortion referendum fails in Kansas, and the devil is in the details when looking at the Schumer-Manchin permitting deal.
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With inflation near 9% and Joe Biden in the White House, Republicans seemed bullish about taking back the Senate in November's elections. But as voters in Arizona and Missouri go to the primary polls, the GOP's untested candidates elsewhere seem to be struggling. Plus, Donald Trump's and Mike Pence's dueling endorsements reveal the Republican divide.
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The official Congressional scorekeeper finds the bill would raise taxes on nearly everyone. Will Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema go along? Plus, moderate House Democrats might vote for a bill that doesn't have the state and local tax deductions they were insisting on.
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His tax-and-spend agreement with Sen. Chuck Schumer is delighting Democrats and frustrating Republicans, but what is Manchin getting in the bargain? The West Virginian says Democratic leaders have promised him reforms to federal permitting. But no details are public, and Joe Biden is already busy undoing Donald Trump's effort to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970.
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The U.S. economy shrank for the second straight quarter, and should we call it a recession or stagflation? Plus, Senators Joe Manchin and Chuck Schumer make a deal on taxes and spending, making Senate Republicans look like chumps.
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Speaker Nancy Pelosi hasn't confirmed reports that she plans to visit Taiwan, but Joe Biden, the U.S. military, and the Chinese foreign ministry are all weighing in on the idea. What could a visit like that accomplish, and how might China respond if it actually happens? Plus, Russia attacks the port in Odessa shortly after signing a grain deal with Ukraine, and two candidates remain in the race to replace Boris Johnson as British Prime Minister.
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Six employees of Democratic members of Congress are arrested for occupying Sen. Chuck Schumer's office to campaign for climate-change legislation. Does this tactic make any sense, and is it the kind of thing that could get worse if congressional offices continue to unionize? Plus, what does it say about the Democratic Party's division between progressives and moderates?
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The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates again, even as the economy is slowing. Elizabeth Warren and Larry Summers square off on whether the Fed is right to keep tightening money. Who's right?
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The House inquiry into the Capitol riot uses its final summer hearing to show that Donald Trump refused to send help once the violence began. What evidence did the committee reveal, and where is it going from here? Plus, does Steve Bannon's conviction for contempt of Congress raise the pressure on other witnesses to testify?
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Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Susan Collins unveiled their proposal to update the 1887 Electoral Count Act in the wake of the chaos on Jan. 6. Will the new legislation get the 60 votes needed to fix the antiquated law that's been exploited by both parties? Plus, Joe Biden tests positive for Covid-19 and a look at how a semiconductor bill is expanding in the Senate thanks to Sen. Chuck Schumer.
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Under pressure from progressives, Joe Biden is weighing whether to declare a national emergency to fight climate change, as well as an emergency to protect abortion access. What powers do such declarations unlock, and would they be vulnerable to legal challenge? Plus, a legal gun owner stops a mass shooting in an Indiana mall, upending the political debate over gun control and the Supreme Court's rulings on the Second Amendment.
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Congress debates billions in subsidies for the semiconductor industry, ostensibly to prevent China from dominating the field. But isn't industrial policy a fool's errand, especially given the volatile nature of computer technology? Where is the Republican opposition to this bill?
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With a controversial fist bump and claims of confronting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the killing of Jamel Khashoggi, Joe Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia ended with criticism, mostly from his own party. But was any progress made to end the world energy crisis? Plus, Sen. Bernie Sanders accuses Sen. Joe Manchin of "sabotaging" Joe Biden's agenda, but Manchin might be doing more good for Democrats than they realize.
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After this month's 9.1% inflation figure, the West Virginia moderate says he won't support a reconciliation bill with climate spending and tax increases. But what does Manchin mean when he says he can still vote for a deal on prescription drugs? Plus, listeners write in with questions about codifying Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court leak, the Covid-19 emergency, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom's chances in 2024.
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During his first trip to the Middle East as President, Joe Biden's plan to keep a nuclear weapon out of the hands of Iran diplomatically is met with strong pushback from Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Is a show of force the only solution? Plus, Joe Biden's energy policies have caused him to have to sit down with leaders in Saudi Arabia, despite the country's record on human rights and murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
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As inflation hits another 40-year high, the White House says the new figures are already "out of date." But how will they affect the Federal Reserve's thinking on interest rates, and is a recession with high unemployment required to get inflation under control, as the economist Larry Summers suggests? Plus, Chuck Schumer and Joe Manchin are still looking for a reconciliation deal for Democrats to approve.
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The Biden Administration reportedly plans to extend the Covid-19 public health emergency, which is currently set to end July 15. That means continued pandemic eligibility rules for Medicaid and food stamps, but the emergency has to end sometime, and the unemployment rate is 3.6%. Plus, Donald Trump weighs an early announcement of a 2024 presidential campaign, which could shake up the November midterms.
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In the latest twist in a long saga, Elon Musk abandons his plan to buy Twitter. What does that mean for the social-media site and its progressive censorship of alternative views? Plus, why Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated last week, was a great friend of America and the cause of freedom in the Pacific.
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After announcing it would order Juul vaping products off the market, the Food and Drug Administration has stopped short. But it's hard to miss the contradiction in the scrutiny on vaping, as the country also liberalizes its marijuana laws. Plus, Joe Biden signs an executive order to protect access to abortion after the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade.
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After leading the historic Brexit movement and showing strong support for Ukraine after the invasion by Russia, Boris Johnson stepped down amid a swirl of controversy. But was it the lockdown party scandal that did him in, or was it his economic and energy policies? Plus, what can American conservatives learn from his fall?
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First it was the pandemic, then it was Vladimir Putin, and now President Biden is blaming greedy gas-station owners for high prices at the pump. When will he admit his own policies might be the problem? Plus, listeners write in with questions about Biden's age, the presidential prospects of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and the party politics of abortion laws.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs new gun restrictions for "sensitive places," plus a "good moral character" standard for concealed-carry permits. But is the state flouting the Supreme Court's opinion in its gun ruling last month? Plus, the Marshal of the Court asks state and local officials to stop the protests outside the Justices' homes.
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The President is calling for an "exception" to the Senate's filibuster to codify abortion rights, and he previously said the same thing about voting legislation. Doesn't he think Republicans will return the favor when they retake power? Plus, the Supreme Court ends its term with rulings on the "Remain in Mexico" policy and Native American reservations in Oklahoma.
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The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against the Environmental Protection Agency, saying it overstepped its authority in trying to limit emissions in the name of fighting climate change. So if this decision puts more power in the hands of lawmakers on Capitol Hill, why are Democrats like Chuck Schumer so vehemently criticizing it? Plus, Joe Biden heads to Europe to praise NATO's unity against Russia, and the panel answers a listener's email about presidential criticisms of the Supreme Court and the Dobbs leak.
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White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson testifies that President Trump knew members of the crowd were armed before the Capitol riot, but is the committee getting closer to showing that crimes were committed? Attorney General Merrick Garland has said he is watching closely, but unlike the committee's hearings, any trial would be an adversarial process with a vigorous defense.
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Republican voters are choosing an opponent for Governor Kathy Hochul, but could blue New York really turn red? Plus Democrats meddle in GOP primaries in Illinois and Colorado, and the Supreme Court's opinion upholding a football coach's right to pray on the field could have major implications for church and state.
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With the Supreme Court ruling in favor of religious schools in Maine and a football coach's right to pray in public, plus the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade, the conservative legal movement are winning cases at an unprecedented rate. So why now? And will Democrats plan on going as far as they can to fight these decisions, including threatening the impeachment of Justices?
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In a historic 6-3 ruling, the Justices uphold Mississippi's ban on abortions after 15 weeks, while a 5-4 majority reverses Roe v. Wade to send abortion policy back to the states. President Biden responds that Congress could pass a national abortion law, but would that be unconstitutional? And will rallying the Democratic base on this issue upend the November elections?
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In a 6-3 decision led by Justice Clarence Thomas, the Supreme Court struck down a New York law on issuing concealed-weapons permits by saying it was in violation of the Second Amendment. So where does that leave Joe Biden and others who opposed the ruling? Plus, the Senate advances a bipartisan gun safety bill despite complaints from some Republicans, including Donald Trump.
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Officials from Arizona and Georgia testify that Donald Trump's legal team provided no evidence in 2020 for his claims that the election had been stolen. So why does Trump continue to repeat disproven theories? Plus, the Supreme Court rules in favor of religious parents excluded from Maine's school-choice program.
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Voters go to the polls in Virginia and Alabama, as a Republican Senate candidate in Missouri, former Gov. Eric Greitens, faces backlash for a "RINO hunting" ad. Plus, Joe Biden considers whether to call for a holiday on the 18.4-cent federal gas tax. But could that get through Congress, and with gas prices near $5 a gallon nationwide, would voters even give Biden credit for savings of 18.4 cents?
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As Joe Biden's approval numbers sag, Democrats begin saying that his age means he should step aside in 2024. Why the sudden change, since this question was treated as taboo in 2020, and where would Democrats turn if Biden declined to run for re-election? Plus, Sarah Palin leads a 48-candidate field in a race for Alaska's only House seat.
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As Donald Trump roars back at the House inquiry into the Capitol riot of Jan. 6, 2021, why isn't Congress moving more swiftly to head off a repeat by repealing the Electoral Count Act? Plus, why are investigators now seeking the testimony of Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas?
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The January 6th Committee examines how much pressure Donald Trump put on Mike Pence to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Plus, the Capitol Police casts doubts on claims from Democrats that Republicans led "reconnaissance tours" of the Capitol days before the riots, and the White House says oil companies have a "patriotic duty" to lower gas prices.
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Faced with 8.6% inflation, the Federal Reserve raises interest rates by 75 basis points, the largest increase since 1994. But instead of acknowledging Washington's mistakes, Joe Biden continues to blame oil companies and Vladimir Putin for rising prices at the gas pump. Plus, Donald Trump's influence is tested by this week's primaries in South Carolina, as the GOP flips a Hispanic district in Texas.
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Twenty Republicans and Democrats announce a framework for gun legislation in response to the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. How does the plan balance the Second Amendment with proposals like expanded background checks and "red flag" laws? Plus, the House finally moves on a bill to increase security for the families of Supreme Court Justices, and a listener suggests one way President Biden could lower the temperature.
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Jillian Melchior from Kyiv and Adam O'Neal join Paul Gigot with the latest on Russia's artillery offensive that is gaining ground in eastern Ukraine. The country needs more missiles and artillery, which have been slow to arrive from the U.S. and Europe.
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Consumer prices are up 8.6% since last year, with big numbers for food and energy, but also worrying "core" inflation. How long can Joe Biden keep blaming Russia for what he is still calling "Putin's price hike"? Plus, the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot makes its primetime debut with evidence against Donald Trump, but perhaps without achieving what Democrats hope.
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When an armed man was arrested outside Brett Kavanaugh's home, many focused on elected officials who have contributed to creating such a volatile and dangerous political atmosphere. So why has the House not voted on a bill to protect the families of Supreme Court Justices, and why has the press underplayed the incident? Plus, the January 6 Committee's hearings begin in primetime with questions about what new information the American people will learn about that fateful day.
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San Francisco voters oust District Attorney Chesa Boudin, as Rick Caruso leads the race for Mayor of Los Angeles, pending a runoff with progressive Rep. Karen Bass. Is California ready for a more moderate direction, and could Rick Caruso be L.A.'s version of former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg? Plus, average gas prices nationwide are hitting record highs, and new OPEC oil production is unlikely to help.
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San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin faces a recall election, as ex-Republican Rick Caruso gains ground in the race for Mayor of Los Angeles. Is this the end of the progressive calls to "defund the police" and go easy on criminals? The panel also surveys other primaries, from Iowa to New Jersey. Plus, Dr. Mehmet Oz is finally declared the GOP nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania.
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Potomac Watch's Paul Gigot speaks with Ilya Shapiro about his decision to resign as the executive director of Georgetown Law’s Center for the Constitution, despite being recently reinstated. Shapiro takes listeners inside the original decision to suspend him for an outspoken tweet, and takes a look at the upcoming Supreme Court decision which could alter the future of Roe v. Wade.
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In a televised speech, President Biden says the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, should prompt the U.S. to ban "assault weapons," raise the purchase age to 21, expand background checks, and more. But where will courts draw the line on the Second Amendment, and what kind of compromise is possible in a 50-50 Senate?
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As the United Kingdom celebrates Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, discussions about who will be next to ascend to the throne have begun. Plus, while Janet Yellen admits she underestimated the damage done by inflation, Joe Biden proposes a three-point plan to tackle the problem.
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A Washington, D.C., jury acquits Hillary Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann of lying to the FBI. But how much did the trial by Special Counsel John Durham reveal about the attempt to discredit Donald Trump in 2016? Plus, parsing Joe Biden's muddled message on sending missiles to Ukraine, and responding to listener emails on the White House's plan to forgive student loans.
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Is the West losing interest in helping Ukraine stand up to Vladimir Putin's aggression? The European Union is imposing a ban on Russian oil imports. But President Biden says the U.S. won't send Ukraine any missiles that could strike Russian territory, and the tanks promised by Germany apparently haven't arrived. Plus, many Republicans in Congress voted against the latest aid package.
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Federal courts are ruling on the laws that Florida and Texas passed last year to curb censorship on social-media sites. What are those judges saying about free speech and the First Amendment, and is this likely headed to the Supreme Court? Plus, Elon Musk casts new doubt on his deal to purchase Twitter.
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The Congressional Budget Office releases a report showing that while tax revenues are booming, they aren't keeping up with Washington's appetite to spend money. What will it take to wake up Congress? Plus, Joe Biden reportedly plans to forgive $10,000 in federal student debt per borrower, leading a listener to ask if any student-loan reforms are on the way.
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The horrific shooting that killed 19 children in Uvalde, Texas, has re-opened a debate over mental illness, safety precautions at schools, police readiness, and gun control. Plus, Beto O'Rourke uses the massacre to boost his campaign for Texas governor, and controversy surrounds the NRA convention scheduled for Houston on Friday.
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Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger easily triumphed over two Republican primary challengers who were endorsed by Donald Trump. Does that suggest Trump's influence over the GOP is waning, as voters move on from his claims about a stolen election in 2020? Plus, the panel discusses races in Texas and Alabama and responds to a listener email about what President Biden's overreach means for the November midterms.
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As voters go to the polls in Georgia, Vice President Mike Pence is rooting for incumbent Governor Brian Kemp, while President Donald Trump has strongly supported a Republican challenger, David Perdue. But the polls suggest GOP voters are no longer focused on Trump's 2020 loss, but on finding the best Republican who can beat Democrat Stacey Abrams in November. Plus, what to look for in Texas and Alabama as the primary results arrive.
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On his Asian trip the President seems to suggest a change in U.S. policy, but the White House quickly walks it back. Plus, why did the Administration omit Taiwan from its new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework?
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Trial testimony reveals that Hillary Clinton personally approved a plan to plant a false story about Russia's Alfa Bank and the Trump campaign in 2016. Plus, Donald Trump recommends Mehmet Oz declare victory before all the votes have been counted in Pennsylvania, and the contest between Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and David Perdue enters the homestretch.
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Joe Biden tries to end the nationwide baby formula shortage, but were government programs the cause of the crisis in the first place? Plus, a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine passes Congress, but a group of Republicans vote no. Were they right?
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Pennsylvania's hotly contested GOP Senate primary is still undecided, with Mehmet Oz and David McCormick potentially headed toward a recount. Could Donald Trump's endorsement have been the deciding factor? Plus, Pennsylvania Republicans nominate Doug Mastriano for Governor, while progressive candidates surge, and Rep. Madison Cawthorn loses after becoming plagued by scandal.
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Michael Sussmann, charged with making a false statement to the FBI, goes to trial in federal court, the first case stemming from Special Counsel John Durham's probe into the 2016 Trump/Russia investigation. But if Sussmann duped the FBI, what does it say about how the bureau handled its business? Plus, Jeff Bezos picks a fight with President Biden over raising the corporate tax rate. Does the Amazon founder have a point about taxes not being the solution to inflation?
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Years-old tweets, outside money groups and an endorsement from Donald Trump all are factors in a three-way race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. So who will come out on top after Tuesday's primary: Kathy Barnette, David McCormick, or Dr. Oz? Plus, Republicans raise concerns about the electability of the frontrunner for the GOP nomination for Governor.
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The stock market is on a rollercoaster, and traders of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin have watched $1 trillion in value disappear in six months. Is there a risk here of economic contagion, and is Jerome Powell less likely to blink now that he's secured a second term as Federal Reserve Chair? Plus, Rand Paul holds up $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, and the House Jan. 6 Committee subpoenas Republican Congressmen, including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
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Democrats in the Senate fail to pass a bill expanding abortion, losing Joe Manchin in the process. Was the vote smart politics, and how is the abortion issue playing out inside and outside the Supreme Court? Plus, Finland and Sweden are poised to join NATO, which isn't what Vladimir Putin had in mind by invading Ukraine.
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The House of Representatives votes to let its staffers unionize. But how is this supposed to work in practice, and if Congress wants to retain and attract talented aides, why not simply give them a raise? Plus, the inflation picture doesn't improve for Joe Biden, and Elon Musk says Donald Trump's ban from Twitter was "morally wrong."
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With new inflation data coming this week, Joe Biden again points the finger at supply chain issues and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But does he have any new ideas to ease inflation before the November elections, and why does he keep bringing up Republican Sen. Rick Scott? Plus, an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island, N.Y., votes down a plan for unionization.
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After the leak of the Supreme Court draft opinion reversing Roe v. Wade, the political debate grows heated as demonstrators visit the homes of Justices and the Senate prepares to vote on a law that would override 50 state abortion laws. Plus, where does the war in Ukraine stand on what was supposed to be Vladimir Putin's victory day?
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The conservative Supreme Court Justices who might overturn Roe v. Wade were asked about the 1973 precedent during their Senate confirmation hearings. What did they actually say, and how does it compare to the language that liberal Justices have used to parry questions about gun rights? Plus, with a mixed jobs report and the Federal Reserve raising rates, what are Americans to make of Joe Biden's economy?
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President Biden says the repeal of Roe v. Wade will lead to a string of lost rights for Americans. Is this accurate and a winning political strategy, and could Republican lawmakers on the state level feel the pressure to address abortion as they haven't before?
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J.D. Vance wins the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Ohio, showing that President Trump's endorsement still has weight for GOP voters. Yet Democratic candidate Rep. Tim Ryan, in contrast to others in his party, doesn't seem to think that running against Trumpism is a winning strategy. Plus, as the rhetoric around Roe v. Wade heats up, should the Supreme Court expedite its official ruling, instead of doing business as usual?
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A leaked draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito shows that the High Court might be preparing to strike down Roe v. Wade, which would return abortion policy to the states. How much can we read into this draft, which dates to February? Will the Court investigate the leak? And what could overturning Roe mean for the midterm elections? Plus, Ohio and Indiana hold primaries that will test Donald Trump's sway with Republican voters.
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Why is the Biden administration creating a Disinformation Governance Board, and will it promote more mistrust than it prevents? Plus, Nancy Pelosi leads a delegation to Ukraine as Joe Biden requests $33 billion in aid for the country to resist Russia's invasion.
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With seven months to go before the November elections, Democrats want to shore up young voters by forgiving up to $50,000 a person in student loans. President Biden says he is considering it, although he has a lower dollar figure in mind. But is this even legal? And would it create a backlash from voters who didn't go to college at all, or who already worked hard to pay off their debt?
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The economy shrank by 1.4% in the first quarter. Does it signal stagflation or a recession ahead? And how should the Federal Reserve respond?
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As Putin halts natural gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria, Europe needs to move fast to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels. American frackers could potentially fill Europe's energy gap, but President Biden and Congress need to act if they want to increase U.S. exports anytime soon. Plus, Germany finally provides some heavy weapons to Ukraine, while a Russian general exposes Putin's larger military ambitions.
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The Justices hear oral arguments in Biden v. Texas, a case challenging the White House plan to end President Trump's "Remain in Mexico" policy for migrants. Meantime, Democrats are sprinting to oppose President Biden's proposal to stop Title 42 border expulsions. Plus, Elon Musk reaches a deal to buy Twitter, but the ramifications of the sale are yet to be seen.
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The Republican leader wants to be the next Speaker of the House, but can he govern a fractious Republican caucus if the GOP takes the majority in November? One obstacle will be the demands of fealty from Donald Trump. Plus, the 2020 election takes center stage in a debate between Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and challenger David Perdue.
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The Florida Legislature, at the urging of Gov. Ron DeSantis, has voted to end a special tax district that lets Disney World run its own government. It's a response to Disney's criticism of the state's "don't say gay" bill. But is this worrying political retaliation, a lesson for CEOs to stay out of politics, or maybe both?
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Don't discount the possibility that Vladimir Putin could drop a tactical nuclear weapon in Eastern Europe, the CIA director recently warned. So why does President Biden's budget propose to cancel a U.S. cruise missile that could launch a similar American nuclear weapon from a submarine? Plus, Joe Biden announces another $800 million of military aid for Ukraine.
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As Russian forces escalate their offensive in Ukraine's Donbas region, Volodymyr Zelensky says the war would have been over already if allies had sent Ukraine the necessary weapons to win. Joe Biden has pledged more military aid, but is it too late? Plus, the runoff election in France between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen enters its final days.
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A federal judge rules against the Centers for Disease Control's mask rule for airlines, trains and even Ubers. Will the Biden Administration appeal, or is it quietly relieved to have the policy ended? Plus, the Republican National Committee decides not to participate in debates hosted by the Commission on Presidential Debates, but this doesn't mean the end of candidates sparring on TV.
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The White House decision to rescind Title 42, the Trump-era immigration policy, has Democrats running for political cover as border chaos spreads.
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The Biden Administration has approved another $800 million in military assistance to help Ukraine prepare for the next phase of Vladimir Putin's invasion. But will these weapons get into the right hands in time for them to be effective? Plus, Twitter enacts a "poison pill" provision in an effort to stop Elon Musk from buying out the social-media giant.
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Despite strong job creation and low unemployment, Joe Biden's job approval keeps falling. Is soaring inflation the cause? Plus, Finland and Sweden consider joining NATO in reaction to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
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The Democratic Party is considering whether to change how it chooses presidential nominees. In part this is a response to the chaos of the 2020 Iowa caucuses, but Democrats also want earlier primaries in states that reflect the diversity of the party. Plus, Republicans are confident about making big gains in the 2022 midterm elections, but Mitch McConnell says don't underestimate the GOP's ability to mess things up.
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Consumer prices are up 8.5% since last year, a four-decade high, and the White House is blaming Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. But elevated inflation isn't limited to energy, and Joe Biden's plan to allow more sales of E15 gasoline, a higher-ethanol blend, is unlikely to make much difference. Plus, Elon Musk decides not to join the board of Twitter after all.
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Emmanuel Macron will once again face a runoff against far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, but could inflation and the Russia-Ukraine conflict result in a different outcome than the one in 2017? Plus, Volodymyr Zelensky asks the U.S. and its allies for more military aid, and Donald Trump endorses television host Dr. Mehmet Oz for Senate, much to the chagrin of many of the former President's supporters.
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Now that the billionaire Elon Musk owns a 9.2% stake and a seat on the board of Twitter, are changes coming to the social-media giant? Plus, Musk is at the top of the Forbes billionaires list, but the numbers show why Joe Biden's pledge to make them pay their "fair share" would only cover a fraction of the spending that progressives want.
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The Biden administration plans to end a Trump-era policy which turns away those trying to enter the country illegally at the border. Some Senate Democrats want an extension of Title 42 until the President comes up with a new policy, but does Joe Biden have one? Plus, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wants to bus migrants to the U.S. Capitol and the panel discusses the lessons learned from Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation to the Supreme Court.
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Returning to the White House for the first time since 2017, Barack Obama stood with Joe Biden to celebrate the signing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. But do his claims hold water that the law worked as intended, and why haven't Republicans offered a better alternative to the ACA? Plus, the Biden administration extends a freeze on repaying student loans.
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With Mitt Romney, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins planning to support Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, her confirmation to the Supreme Court seems secure. What's their strategy, and will this buy any Senate goodwill for the next Republican High Court nominee? Plus, a California judge blocks a law requiring diversity quotas for corporate boards.
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After evidence of atrocities committed by the Russian army surfaced in the town of Bucha, Ukraine, Joe Biden called for Vladimir Putin to face trial for war crimes. How will the horrific images change the West's response to the war, and what is Russia's new war strategy as its forces retreat from trying to take Kyiv?
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With President Biden's poll numbers sagging, progressive Democrats think he should go big today to secure a victory in the November midterm elections. But what exactly do Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others want Biden to do, and would ideas like forgiving student loans be popular? Plus, a judge rejects New York's gerrymander, as Tennessee changes its residency rules a week before the House filing deadline.
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Joe Biden announced the release of up to 180 million barrels of oil reserve to tackle soaring gas prices. But is this a viable solution to what the administration is calling "Putin's price hike at the pump?" Plus, Democrats are calling for the resignation of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas over his wife's texts to Mark Meadows, and David Weil loses a confirmation vote for a position at the Department of Labor.
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Federal judge David Carter has ruled that Donald Trump most likely criminally obstructed Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, the day of the Capitol riot. But does the burden of proof in a civil case like this suggest real legal jeopardy? Plus, Sen. Joe Manchin opposes Joe Biden's billionaire tax, and the panel answers a listener's email about whether Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson will be a reliably liberal jurist.
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President Biden unveils his 2023 budget proposal, including a "minimum tax" on billionaires that would treat their unrealized stock gains as income. But how is this supposed to work in practice? Does Biden's talk of increased military spending live up to the reality of the threats the U.S. is facing? And has he given up on Build Back Better?
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The President concluded a speech in Poland saying the Russian president "cannot remain in power," but his advisers quickly said regime change in Moscow is not U.S. policy. Was it a gaffe, or did Biden mean it? Plus, the text messages of Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, are leaked to the Washington Post.
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Rising gasoline prices and Russia's invasion mean that energy security and costs matter more than climate policies.
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In an address to Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a direct plea to Joe Biden for him to take the lead in helping Ukraine defend against Russia and Vladimir Putin. But will his words and striking visuals push President Biden to give Zelensky the defenses he needs? Plus, Georgia plans to adopt a flat income tax, vying with other states to attract new businesses and residents.
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As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to address Congress to ask for assistance to fight Russia, refugees from Ukraine have been flowing into other parts of Europe. So what can the U.S. and other countries do to help? Plus, the panel discusses how the Federal Reserve has found itself in a no-win situation on various fronts.
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Despite calls for stronger actions to help Ukraine fight the forces of Vladimir Putin, Joe Biden has followed Congress and Europe more often than not. Is this a strategy, or is this part of who the President is? And how is the GOP handling the duty of being the loyal opposition in a war? Plus, the Biden administration pushes another nuclear deal with Iran despite a weekend missile attack.
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In another move to crush Vladimir Putin's economy, Joe Biden announces a plan to sever permanent normal trade relations with Russia, as well as to block imports of seafood and vodka. Is this another step away from globalization? Plus, Covid-19 funding goes missing from Congress's spending bill, as a new Wall Street Journal poll spells bad news for the White House and Democrats.
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As Russia stepped up its attacks on Ukraine, including a strike on a maternity hospital in the city of Mariupol, the consumer-price index reached 7.9%, a high not seen since January 1982. So how is Joe Biden handling the difficulties he's facing both home and abroad? Plus, the panel answers a listener email about the nature of deterrence vs. escalation during the Russia/Ukraine conflict.
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With another funding deadline looming in Washington, Congress takes up an omnibus spending package that runs 2,741 pages. It includes more money for defense and aid for Ukraine, but congressional earmarks also make an inglorious return. Plus, the Supreme Court refuses to block a redistricting map in North Carolina, while opening the door for a similar case later.
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After much debate, President Biden announces a formal ban on Russian oil imports to the U.S. But did Congress force him to make that move, and are Americans ready for even higher prices at the gas pump? Plus, the EPA's power to regulate carbon emissions goes before the Supreme Court.
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Oil prices hit $123 a barrel as momentum builds to block Russia's energy exports. Plus, the rush to get weapons to Ukraine, including fixed-wing aircraft.
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To punish Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Washington has proposed a bill to block imports of Russian oil. Sen. Joe Manchin says it would be worth the extra price at the gas pump, but would voters punish Democrats in November? Plus, a strong jobs report signals good news for Joe Biden, but inflation still looms over the American economy.
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The Biden administration is celebrating the effect economic sanctions have put on Russia and Vladimir Putin. But does Joe Biden deserve the credit, or did European leaders really make the push for the move? Plus, the panel discusses the need to send more weapons to Ukraine and what China's role is in the conflict.
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Joe Biden began his address to Congress with a message for Vladimir Putin about Ukraine, but then he pivoted to issues like inflation, where many of his proposals were reminiscent of his failed Build Back Better plan. So what was the takeaway for the American people? And what about the Republican response by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds?
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While Joe Biden prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, Russia's attacks in Ukraine begin targeting civilian areas. What can the U.S. and NATO do to help, and what about establishing a no-fly zone? Plus, will the President declare victory over Covid-19 during his speech, and will he reframe Build Back Better as a way to tackle inflation?
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Vladimir Putin stirred outrage around the world when he ordered Russia's nuclear forces into “special combat readiness.” How serious should this threat be taken? Plus, the panel discusses the impact of economic sanctions on Russia and answers a listener email about NATO troop deployments.
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Russian troops trying to conquer the capital city of Kyiv have met stiff resistance, as Western nations tighten sanctions on Vladimir Putin. Meantime, President Biden nominates D.C. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. How might her confirmation change the ideological makeup of the Supreme Court?
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Putin returns the world to its pre-World War II disorder when the strong prey on the weak. The U.S. and Europe failed to deter him, but can they make him pay enough a price to stop him now?
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President Biden has put sanctions on Russian elites, financial institutions and sovereign debt, but will that be enough to deter Vladimir Putin from invading the rest of Ukraine? Plus, Florida Senator Rick Scott releases his vision for a Republican governing agenda, but his argument that "all Americans should pay some income tax" is already being attacked in a Democratic radio ad.
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Validimir Putin sends his military forces over the border into Eastern Ukraine, after delivering a bellicose speech denying Ukraine's legitimacy and claiming that NATO might use it as a springboard to attack Russia. Can the U.S. and its allies hang together on a sanctions regime strong enough to deter further invasion?
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Governor Gavin Newsom announces a new "endemic" Covid-19 policy for California, which is also lifting its indoor mask mandate. If blue states are removing even the strictest of rules, why aren't President Biden and the CDC making similar moves nationally? Plus, Texas sues over mask rules in airports and on planes.
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Governor Gavin Newsom announces a new "endemic" Covid-19 policy for California, which is also lifting its indoor mask mandate. If blue states are removing even the strictest of rules, why aren't President Biden and the CDC making similar moves nationally? Plus, Texas sues over mask rules in airports and on planes.
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After criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, the IRS plans to stop using facial recognition to authenticate taxpayers online. Didn't the IRS already have its hands full, with millions of tax returns backlogged and struggles to implement last year's advance payments for the child tax credit? Plus, California lets single-payer healthcare legislation expire again, as the state's wealthy rise up to defend solar-panel subsidies.
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Former Vice President Mike Pence says Donald Trump is wrong to argue that his VP could have overturned the 2020 election. Who's right, and what does this debate say about the messy Electoral Count Act of 1887? Also, the RNC votes to censure Rep. Liz Cheney and Rep. Adam Kinzinger for participating in the House's Jan. 6 committee. But shouldn't the GOP be more focused on winning the November midterms?
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Nancy Pelosi says this $350 billion bill will help the U.S. beat China in the 21st-century economy. Republicans say the legislation includes typical Democratic priorities, under the guise of maintaining an advantage over Chinese leader Xi Jinping. So what's really in the bill? Plus, Joe Biden celebrates the recent job numbers as free Covid-19 tests begin to arrive at homes.
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As U.S. troops are being deployed to Eastern Europe to respond to Russia's military moves near Ukraine, Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was killed during a nighttime raid in Syria by U.S special forces. So will ISIS continue to be a threat to the region? Plus, the world turns its attention to China as the Olympics get underway, and Joe Biden visits New York City to meet with Mayor Eric Adams to discuss measures to fight crime.
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The state Legislature's redistricting proposal could help Democrats pick up four House seats, while contorting the 10th District held by Rep. Jerry Nadler. But doesn't this partisan map go against the "fair" districts that Democrats have been calling for? Plus, the panel discusses how Sen. Ben Ray Luján's absence will affect Biden's agenda and responds to a listener email about banning lawmakers from trading stocks.
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Both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have proposed bills to restrict stock trading by lawmakers. Nancy Pelosi says members of Congress should be able to participate in the "free market economy," which has drawn pushback from Sen. Josh Hawley. But does his plan, along with Sen. Mark Kelly's idea to require blind trusts, make sense? And what about the insider trading laws that already exist?
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At a recent rally, Donald Trump said he would consider pardons for January 6th protestors he feels have been treated unfairly by the justice system. But with Lindsey Graham calling such an action "inappropriate," is the former President playing into Nancy Pelosi's hands for the midterms? Plus, Democrats look to turn their fortunes around in Congress by possibly passing a budget and securing another liberal seat on the Supreme Court.
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Newly elected New York Mayor Eric Adams says the nation's largest city is dealing with "a sea of violence." What can he do to turn things around, especially given the lenient approach being pursued by Manhattan's progressive prosecutor, District Attorney Alvin Bragg? Plus, scrutinizing Adams's stances on noncitizen voting and charter schools.
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With Joe Biden reaffirming his campaign pledge to nominate a black woman to the Supreme Court, the panel takes a look at who could be up for the nomination, and what the confirmation process might look like. Plus, a scandal involving "lockdown parties" has put Boris Johnson's job as Prime Minister in jeopardy, but that's not the only reason he's in trouble.
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The Supreme Court's senior liberal justice, Stephen Breyer, intends to step aside later this year, according to news reports Wednesday. Who is Joe Biden likely to nominate to replace him, and how might this change affect the dynamic on the nation's highest court? Plus, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin tells parents to "trust the legal process" as the judiciary considers his ban on mask mandates in schools.
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The Justices have agreed to hear two cases on racial preferences by Harvard and the University of North Carolina. Current precedent says that schools may use race as a "plus" factor when evaluating students, but how far does that go? Also, is Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's political future in danger after her censure by Arizona's Democratic Party?
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As world leaders try to devise a strategy to counter a possible invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken promises "massive consequences" for any acts of aggression by Vladimir Putin. But will strong sanctions be enough, or will they just provoke the Russian president even more? Plus, how much is the military buildup on the Ukraine border contributing to falling stock prices?
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This week the Biden administration launched a new website for Americans to sign up and receive free Covid tests sent to their homes. But with the Omicron variant peaking, is this too late to be truly effective? Plus the panel addresses new CDC numbers regarding booster shots, possible tension between Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, and a listener email about the Senate filibuster.
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During Joe Biden's surprisingly long press conference to mark his first year in office, the President stunned many with his comments about a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine and whether the legitimacy of the 2022 midterm elections will come into question. But did he signal a change in course for an administration with such low approval numbers? Plus, what is Chuck Schumer's next move after his plan to change the filibuster rule failed as expected?
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Democrats are charging ahead with a plan to alter the Senate's rules to pass a federal election code, but would a talking filibuster give Schumer what he wants? And is Mitch McConnell right that this won't be "a harmless action," even if it fails? Plus, the Republican National Committee wants to change the way presidential debates are organized.
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Federal prosecutors have charged 11 people, including a leader of the Oath Keepers militia group, with seditious conspiracy for their actions leading up to the Capitol riot last year. What does the indictment say, and is Attorney General Merrick Garland bending to political pressure to deliver stronger charges? Plus, the House's committee on Jan. 6 weighs its options after Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy refuses to cooperate.
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Joe Biden has announced a plan to start sending face masks and Covid-19 tests to hundreds of millions of Americans to reduce the virus's spread. But if the Omicron variant peaks soon, is it too late for these policies? Plus, Kamala Harris lacks a clear answer on whether it's time for a different approach, as Biden's poll numbers hit new lows.
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The Justices blocked a vaccine-or-testing rule by OSHA, aimed at businesses with over 100 workers, while keeping a mandate on healthcare staff. What do these rulings mean, as the Biden administration wrestles with the Omicron variant? Plus, Senator Kyrsten Sinema's defense of the filibuster seemingly sinks the Democratic election bill.
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President Biden's speech Tuesday in Georgia called for nuking the Senate filibuster to pass H.R.1, which he said was a response to "Jim Crow 2.0," "voter suppression" and "election subversion." But who is the President trying to convince when he says you're either on his side or Jefferson Davis's side? Plus, inflation hits 7% and the panel responds to a listener email about teachers in Chicago returning to school.
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As Americans see prices rise at the meat counter and gas pump, Democrats are trying to pin the problem on big business. Is there anything to this, or is inflation being caused by economic factors like shortages of supplies and labor? Plus, Chicago public school teachers will return to work this week, as Mayor Lori Lightfoot takes a tough line on their "illegal walkout."
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Bernie Sanders on education and Kamala Harris on the wage gap.
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Executive privilege and Don McGahn's testimony.
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Trump and Iran and his new immigration policy.
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John Durham's FBI review and Alabama's new abortion law.
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Trump, tariffs, China trade and 2020.
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James Comey and the FBI. Plus, impeachment remains in the air for Democrats.
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The law and politics of Congress vs. Trump.
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Trump bets on tariffs to close a China trade deal.
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A bad look for Bob Mueller, while Bill Barr promises to investigate the investigators.
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William Barr faces the Senate over Robert Mueller.
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What Joe Biden's campaign rollout says about his 2020 strategy.
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The Democratic impeachment dilemma, and 3% growth returns.
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Joe Biden's entrance into the Democratic 2020 field.
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To impeach or not to impeach: That is the Democratic question.
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The Mueller report and its many implications.
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Is Bernie Sanders the real Democratic front-runner?
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Pete Buttigieg's appeal, and Trump vs. Ilhan Omar.
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The impact of Bill Barr's announcement, and the arrest of Julian Assange in Great Britian.
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Bill Barr digs into the 2016 spying on the Trump campaign, and Netanyahu wins again.
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Trump fires his immigration-enforcement team.
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