All Politics
Is Speaker Mike Johnson ‘full MAGA’? Not necessarily.President Trump has dubbed the new speaker “MAGA Mike.” But the narrative around Mike Johnson may not be so simple. He reflects trends within the Republican Party that preceded Mr. Trump’s rise.
First LookRep. Dean Phillips launches primary challenge to Joe BidenA three-term Minnesota congressman has announced a primary challenge of President Joe Biden. Dean Phillips, who for months urged other top Democrats to run, says he's hoping to prevent a possible loss to Donald Trump next year.
House speaker ordeal: How will it play in swing districts?After three weeks and four nominees, U.S. House Republicans finally elected a speaker on Wednesday. Voters in swing districts like one in Virginia were chagrined by the ordeal. But will that matter come election time?
Trump’s lawyers plead guilty. What does that mean for Georgia case?Three of Donald Trump’s lawyers pleaded guilty in Georgia. The significance depends on the power of their testimony and whether other defendants cooperate.
How Mike Johnson went from ‘who?’ to House speakerAfter a historic impasse, House Republicans Wednesday selected a new speaker, Mike Johnson of Louisiana. He is inexperienced in leadership and faces divisive and difficult issues – but he has the unanimous backing of his GOP colleagues.
Speaker fight: GOP has weaponized chaos – against itselfTwo weeks have passed with House Republicans unable to elect a speaker, amid signs of rancor within their conference. Has an ethos of brinkmanship gone too far?
Iran, tormentor of US presidents, tests Joe BidenFrom the 1979 hostage crisis to support for Islamic militants, Iran has afflicted U.S. presidents. Now it’s testing President Joe Biden in the Israel-Hamas war, as well as in Ukraine.
First LookBiden wants $105 billion for wars, humanitarian aid. Can he get it?Congressional chaos and opposition will be a hurdle for President Joe Biden as he pushes for $105 billion in funding for Israel, Ukraine, border security, humanitarian assistance, and countering China.
First LookTrump lawyer pleads guilty in 2020 election case. What about others?In a “significant win” for the district attorney prosecuting Donald Trump’s fraudulent election claims, lawyer Sidney Powell pleads guilty to six misdemeanors. She will serve probation, pay a fine, and must write an apology letter to Georgians.
Speaker election falters. Should an interim post become Plan B?The fact that discussion has turned to the idea of an interim speaker of the House speaks to the remarkable place this Congress now finds itself in – with no real precedent and no clear guidelines.
GOP fails to elect a speaker. This time it’s not due to hard-liners.In a show of backbone that surprised many, moderate Republicans declined to coalesce behind hard-liner Jim Jordan, so as not to reward tactics that brought on the chaos of the past few weeks.
First LookMigrant influx strains ‘right-to-shelter’ system in Massachusetts, NYCBoth New York City and Massachusetts have “right-to-shelter” provisions. But with an influx of migrants arriving to the U.S., both are scrambling to find alternatives as their housing systems reach capacity.
Why Republicans seem stuck in selecting a new House speakerTurmoil over the House speakership stems from personalities, polarization, and a GOP identity crisis, but also from broader institutional neglect in Congress.
Matt Gaetz has made enemies. That’s part of his pitch.As House Republicans seek to elect a new speaker, still simmering in the background is anger about how the prior one was ousted. But will they kick out one of their peers over it?
After attack on Israel, why US leadership matters profoundlyThe Hamas attack on Israel has strongly reinforced the United States-Israel relationship, which only a short while ago was seen as ebbing. Now President Joe Biden is unequivocal in his backing, and in Congress, bipartisan majorities are pledging support.
As GOP faction challenges Ukraine policy, does Biden have an answer?Amid weakening support for the Ukraine war effort, it’s a dramatic shift in Washington that has Kyiv and Western leaders most concerned.
What’s at stake in Trump’s fraud trial – and other civil casesFormer President Donald Trump’s attendance at the start of a civil court case this week could be a preview of how he handles future trials.
First LookColumbus Day dispute: A once-removed statue reappears in Rhode IslandA Christopher Columbus statue was relocated to Johnston, Rhode Island, after removal from the state’s capital three years ago. Critics say it celebrates genocide, while Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. argues it celebrates Italian heritage and history.
The first Democratic primary is approaching. But where?A Democratic Party dispute over which state’s primary election should come first – in New Hampshire or South Carolina – could affect voter participation and enthusiasm.
Help wanted: What will it take to be next House speaker?As the “people’s house” searches for a new speaker, one challenge is that the need for leadership is paired with pressure from an anti-establishment Republican base “more willing to blow up the place,” as one analyst puts it.
