All Politics
With no deal in sight, shutdown reveals depth of ‘trust deficit’Lack of trust can hinder any negotiation, but it’s especially harmful in politics, where compromise is increasingly portrayed by activists on both sides as capitulation.
Think Trump is a gift to cartoonists? They beg to differ.In an era of tribalism and rage, helping people see things from a different perspective is harder than it looks. Through humor and satire, cartoonists hope they can help the country get to a better place.
Ocasio-Cortez gains instant stature in Congress, and social media is a keyAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez has drawn attention, in part, for her use of social media. The congresswoman represents a new kind of politician maximizing this direct line to the public.
The Trump effect at two: Have views of an unconventional presidency shifted?Supporters see his norm-busting approach as good for the country at the same time that critics view it as dangerously unstable. Is he sowing chaos or being unconventionally effective?
When she picks up gavel again, Pelosi will preside over a very different HouseReturning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been a polarizing political figure. But one part of her legacy has echoed beyond policy and partisanship: her role as a trailblazer for women.
Rising hopes for democracy in the American heartlandIt’s a trying time for the American republic, but in my travels for the Monitor this year I saw encouraging signs from Kansas to Kentucky.
The deep roots of America’s rural-urban political divideRural voters are an often-mentioned base of support for Donald Trump and Republicans generally. But there's a deeper story behind the rural-urban divide in US politics – and a danger in oversimplifying it. Fifth in our “Democracy Under Strain” series.
Christmas shutdown: Why Washington let the government closeThe latest government shutdown hinges on a single issue: border wall funding. But as Congress grows more divided and compromise becomes increasingly scarce, lawmakers may increasingly turn to shutdowns as a negotiating tool.
Controversial. Chaotic. But not a do-nothing Congress.You might have expected a rare one-party-controlled Congress to have accomplished a lot. But what it did get done – including some bipartisan work – came despite deep political disruption.
First LookTrump insists on border wall as government heads for shutdown – againAfter a public fight with Congressional Democrats last week where President Trump said he would accept responsibility for a shutdown of the federal government, he is now blaming Democrats. Mr. Trump is insisting on $5 billion for a border wall, which faces Senate opposition.
First LookTrump administration uses USDA to tighten SNAP requirementsAfter senators refused to include additional work requirements to SNAP in the farm bill, the Trump administration is working to limit states' ability to exempt recipients from having to obtain employment or job training before receiving aid.
Trump has his narrative. This week US institutions pushed back.Congress, the news media, and judicial officials shook up President Trump’s agenda this week. The Trump Foundation is disbanding, and a judge took former Trump adviser Michael Flynn to task.
FocusWhy Big Tech’s congressman is betting on IowaTiny Jefferson, Iowa, is energized by the promise of a few dozen well-paying tech jobs. Its unexpected ally: a politician from California who says innovation isn’t just for places that sport an Amazon or Google HQ.
First LookAs holidays approach, Trump appears to back off border wall demandsThe White House has shifted its rhetoric on border wall demands, with Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders indicating Dec. 18 that President Trump doesn't want to shut down the government and will look for funding elsewhere.
She went toe to toe with Schwarzenegger. Now Karen Bass is ready to take on Trump.The incoming head of the Congressional Black Caucus talks with the Monitor about investigating the president, protecting voting rights, and whether African-American women are being taken for granted by the Democratic Party.
We know Michael Flynn lied to the FBI. But why?Speculation abounds over Michael Flynn's motives for deceiving federal agents. One analyst suggests that the best explanation is usually the simplest one.
First LookTrump's first term increasingly defined by accusations of graftThe subject of three separate criminal investigations by federal prosecutors, and the resignation of several Cabinet members on charges of corruption, President Trump's political agenda struggles to gain foothold against allegations of abuses of power.
First LookPartial government shutdown threats still circling CongressDespite strong resistance from Congress, the White House is calling for a $5 billion payment to fund the construction of a border wall. The impasse will result in a partial shutdown if the two sides do not come to an agreement.
Many farewell speeches, one message: Senate must learn to cooperateTo watch these senators from the press gallery is to be reminded of their genuine interest in serving their constituents – and of the challenge of politics today, our congressional correspondent writes.
First LookPelosi makes a deal with dissenters on upcoming speakershipNancy Pelosi made a deal with Democrats craving new leadership to limit her likely upcoming term as Speaker of the House to four years. She is expected have the votes necessary to become Speaker – and the most powerful Democrat in government – in January.
