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Leigh Ann Caldwell, Peter Hamby, Julia Ioffe, Marianna Sotomayor, John Heilemann, & Abby Livingston
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Sunday through Thursday
Puck’s daily political newsletter from Washington—featuring Leigh Ann Caldwell, Peter Hamby, Marianna Sotomayor, Julia Ioffe, John Heilemann, and Abby Livingston—on what’s really happening in this town, from the White House to the Pentagon to Capitol Hill, K Street, the campaign trail, and beyond.
THE LATEST ARTICLES
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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July 27, 2026
Tim Scott’s Hunger Games
Supposedly the G.O.P.’s nicest guy, Scott has developed a reputation for running two of the Senate’s most dysfunctional offices—consumed by high turnover, internal rivalries, and a string of costly political missteps. Some Republicans wonder whether his portfolio has grown beyond his abilities.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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July 21, 2026
Clayton’s FISA Leverage & Trump’s South Carolina Test
A rocky hearing hasn’t stopped Jay Clayton’s advance toward intelligence chief—and his confirmation could unblock the FISA surveillance tool Democrats have held up. Meanwhile, a crowd is forming to replace Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, where Trump’s endorsement of the senator’s sister is testing his grip on the party.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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July 21, 2026
Dave McCormick’s Power Play
A spicy conversation with Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick on choking out Iran, reversing Biden-era energy policies, and his unlikely friendship with fellow senator, and fundraising partner, John Fetterman.
Leigh Ann Caldwell & Marianna Sotomayor
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July 20, 2026
Troy Jackson Ascendant & Arizona’s Primary Heat
News and notes on the left’s midterm maneuvering: Troy Jackson’s progressive power play in Maine, a bitter Democratic primary in Arizona, and an exclusive poll that hints at a potent new message for November.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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July 20, 2026
The Accidental Senator
Jon Ossoff has seemingly reinvented himself as a ready-made 2028 presidential candidate, from his new suits and beefier physique to his studied, Obama-like cadence. Inside the Senate, however, colleagues describe a very different Ossoff: quiet, studious, and with surprisingly few close friends in Washington.
Leigh Ann Caldwell & Marianna Sotomayor
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July 14, 2026
Thune’s Senate Warning & The Israel Aid Divide
Fiscal hawk Ron Johnson is set to inherit Lindsey Graham's Budget Committee gavel, with the leverage to make John Thune's life harder over the SAVE America Act. Meanwhile, a House vote to block $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel is forcing a Democratic reckoning.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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July 13, 2026
Graham’s Placeholder & Trump’s $382M Question
Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Lindsey Graham's sister to hold his Senate seat as South Carolina braces for a crowded scramble to replace him on the ballot. Meanwhile, Republican leaders are still waiting to learn whether Trump will unlock MAGA Inc.'s $382 million war chest ahead of November.
Leigh Ann Caldwell & Marianna Sotomayor
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July 12, 2026
Lindsey Graham Aftershocks & Trump’s Housing Bill Boycott
The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham has given way to a succession scramble in South Carolina. Meanwhile, Republicans are fuming that Trump’s tantrum over their housing affordability bill may hand Democrats the majority.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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July 12, 2026
Plat Earthers
After Graham Platner’s flameout in Maine, Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed is the progressive left’s best—and last—chance to prove they can win a Senate seat in a purple state.
Leigh Ann Caldwell & Marianna Sotomayor
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July 8, 2026
G.O.P Shutdown Anxiety & McConnell’s AWOL Politics
Senate Republicans are anxious about a possible preelection government shutdown instigated by Democrats. Plus, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pushes Mitch McConnell’s team on health updates.