A weekly window on the American political scene hosted by the Monitor's politics editors.
USA | Politics | Politics Watch
Why Biden’s 'drop by' with Belarus opposition leader mattersThe president signaled support for democracy over autocracy, after failing to meet with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya last week.
Time to bring back the ‘talking filibuster’? Watch Joe Manchin.The West Virginia Democrat is leveraging his influence in the 50-50 Senate – even signaling a willingness to alter a controversial rule he supports. He says it gives the minority party a voice.
Why did Capitol security fail on Jan. 6?Top security officials engaged in finger-pointing at the first congressional hearing on the U.S. Capitol attack. But at least senators agreed on who caused it, with one notable exception.
Impeachment 2.0: bipartisan, yes, but the fallout could be hugeMany Republicans who voted to impeach or convict former President Donald Trump are feeling the intra-party consequences – even if it's not yet clear how heavy they will be.
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How does GOP solve a problem like Marjorie Taylor Greene?The new congresswoman's controversies have forced GOP onto a political tightrope – yet another example of how fractious Congressional caucuses can be.
Why it’s still (very much) Donald Trump’s Republican PartyAll that talk about the ex-president starting a third party? Not happening. He’s working hard to keep Republicans loyal – and help the party retake the House and Senate in 2022.
On Inauguration Day, America hits the reset buttonPresident Donald Trump ended his four years in office with flourish and a hint of mystery – bequeathing multiple crises to new President Joe Biden. But Inauguration Day also saw displays of bipartisanship.
Why corporations are rethinking political donationsBig banks, big tech, and other major companies are pausing political contributions, primarily to Republicans, after election results were challenged. But Sen. Rick Scott has special reason for concern.
For Democrats, the Cheneys are unlikely heroesBoth the former vice president and his daughter, Rep. Liz Cheney – a rising GOP star – played key roles in pushing back on President Trump’s effort to undo President-elect Biden’s victory.
Why Biden isn't just 'getting the old gang back together'Many of the president-elect's Cabinet picks featured in the Obama administration. But Joe Biden's White House will mix experience with unprecedented diversity.
Why President Trump's grip on Washington may lingerWith little more than a month left in office, the president is planning his encore act in politics. His voice may stifle successors in the Republican party and in the White House.
The Georgia conundrum and what it says about TrumpPresident Trump will campaign Saturday in Georgia with the state's two Republican senators ahead of their runoffs. But his appearance begs a question: If the system is rigged, as he claims, why vote at all?
On Trump, Biden, and McCain: some observations on civilityNot long ago, Joe Biden and John McCain won a prize for “civility in public life.” Now the practice is in even shorter supply – but not completely gone.
When Republicans push back on TrumpFrom ‘Fox & Friends’ co-host Brian Kilmeade to Georgia’s secretary of state, conservatives aren’t necessarily moving in lockstep with President Trump. That’s what democracy is about.
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In Los Angeles, as Palisades Fire burns, resilience begins to take hold
America’s changing pews: Who shows up at church on Sunday?
Cover StoryThis police unit put away its riot gear. Now it walks and talks with protesters.
