All Politics
First LookArizona voters head to polls as state mourns McCainThe Arizona primary comes just days after the death of six-term Sen. John McCain. The vote highlights anew the shift in the Republican Party since his 2008 presidential bid. Voters in Florida and Oklahoma also head to the polls Tuesday to cast their primary ballots.
Who made you an expert? Is America's distrust of 'elites' becoming more toxic?America’s willingness to overlook credentials – to think anyone can do anything – has been a unique element of its exceptional success. But political polarization is turning it into something toxic.
First LookWho will fill McCain's seat? It's complicated.Sen. John McCain was a towering but divisive figure in Arizona politics. Gov. Doug Ducey must name a Republican replacement to fill his seat until the next general election in 2020 and hopefully beyond. But with a party in turmoil the choice could prove difficult.
Remembering John McCain: the quintessential patriotThree Monitor reporters share their interactions with and observations on the Arizona senator and his lifetime of service – including his wry humor, famous temper, and bipartisan striving.
As GOP scandals multiply, Democrats frame a careful message on corruptionCleaning up corruption can be a powerful campaign platform, and recent news has given Democrats a clear opening. Still, history shows it isn’t always a top concern for voters – and can even run the risk of backfiring.
The pain – and comfort – in Trump associates’ convictionsThe most devastating day in President Trump’s tenure seems unlikely to deter his supporters. And as long as Mr. Trump’s voters stick with him, Republicans in Congress are likely to as well.
GOP moderates sit down with Kavanaugh as they prepare for critical voteConfirming US Supreme Court justices is one of the Senate’s most consequential tasks. GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski are interviewing Judge Brett Kavanaugh this week while still plowing through paperwork – and not tipping their hands.
First LookStates quickly tap federal funds to strengthen election systemsAhead of the midterms, states are spending millions of federal dollars to improve voting systems amid Russian threats. More than a quarter of the money will go to buy new voting equipment, although not all of that will be installed by Nov. 6
First LookMicrosoft says Russian hackers are behind fake US political sitesIn previous court filings, Microsoft outlined how a network of fake sites are designed to trick victims into installing malicious software. Ahead of midterm elections, five sites spoofing US conservative groups and the Senate have been uncovered and shutdown.
In clash over clearances, questions about long-term effectsCountry over party has, for the most part, been a bulwark for the intelligence community. In a crisis, such loyalty is paramount. Today, mutual recrimination is testing that imperative as never before.
The ExplainerHow November midterm elections could change the state of playOn. Nov. 6, voters head to the ballot box for the first midterm elections under President Trump. Both parties are billing them as crucial for the direction of the country. At stake: the Republican legislative agenda and the stability of the Trump administration.
First Look'Pink wave' continues as more women than ever win primariesA record number of women are running and winning primaries ahead of US midterm elections, coming on a wave of increased enthusiasm among women voters. The November ballots could go a long way to improving the nation's record of female representation.
Monitor BreakfastWhat Corey Lewandowski told us about Donald Trump’s Rolls-RoycePresident Trump’s first campaign manager remains a confidant. At a Monitor Breakfast, Lewandowski told stories that show the president is just like us - sort of.
First LookTrump cancels military parade, citing 'ridiculously high' price tagThe estimate for the parade – $92 million – was more than three times the initial number proposed by the White House. President Trump blamed local DC politicians for the high cost.
First LookFemale veterans find a new way to serve: run for officeA crop of female veterans, mainly Democrats and many of them mothers, are running for office in this year's midterm elections. They boast expertise in national security and veterans issues, with a track record of thriving in institutions dominated by men.
First LookTrump revokes former CIA director's security clearanceThe move was an unprecedented act of retribution against a vocal critic and politicizes the government's security clearance process. President Trump said he was protecting classified information, while Former CIA Director John Brennon called the revocation an attempt to scare critics into silence.
Monitor BreakfastWhat price loyalty? How cast-aside aides retain Trump's ear.A spate of memoirs by former Trump aides has raised questions over loyalty to the boss and what it means to retain a seat at the president's kitchen cabinet.
First LookJury hears closing arguments in Manafort trialClosing arguments have been delivered in Paul Manafort's trial, with the prosecution arguing the case boils down to "Mr. Manafort and his lies." Manafort's trial for tax evasion and bank fraud is the first to emerge from special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.
First LookPrimary roundup: Republicans stick to Trump picks, Democrats diversifyAfter Tuesday night's crop of primaries, two patterns emerged: Democrats are seeking diverse candidates while Republicans are looking for Trump loyalists.
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