WASHINGTON
Julia Ioffe
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November 19, 2025
Trump’s Venezuela Doctrine
The president’s saber-rattling in the Caribbean reflects his instinct for both political theater and indecisiveness, as well as the competing advisors in his ear. In fact, Trump’s plan for Venezuela may be a mystery even to himself. “I think he thinks about what will make him look tough, but he doesn’t think much beyond that,” said John Bolton. “He never does.”
Peter Hamby
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November 18, 2025
Bad Luck, Chuck
Exclusive new polling from Puck and Echelon Insights reveals that while Democrats decisively won the shutdown P.R. battle, voters have definitely soured on the party’s 74-year-old Senate leader.
John Heilemann
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November 17, 2025
Not-So-Private Ryan
Congressman Pat Ryan, a Democrat from the deep purple heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, thinks his party has a lot of work to do despite its off-year election win. Herewith, he makes the case for a broad Democratic coalition, praises the pugnacity of A.O.C., and explains why Trump isn’t a lame duck—yet.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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November 16, 2025
The G.O.P.’s Epstein Sophie’s Choice
The week ahead is likely to be the hardest for Republicans this session, with a lose-lose proposition on the Epstein vote: Cross Trump, or alienate the base? And then there’s the healthcare conversation they’d much rather avoid…
Peter Hamby
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November 14, 2025
One Shutdown After Another
A wide-ranging conversation with Leigh Ann Caldwell about the deal that finally ended the government shutdown—and what happens when it runs out in January.
Julia Ioffe
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November 13, 2025
Dan Driscoll’s Army of One
J.D. Vance’s man in the Pentagon is a rare Trump appointee who commands bipartisan respect and affection. Naturally, this doesn’t sit well with his boss, Pete Hegseth, who doesn’t.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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November 12, 2025
Tick, Tick… Schumer
The embattled top Senate Democrat is once again facing calls to step down from leadership.
Peter Hamby
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November 11, 2025
How to Lose a Man in 365 Days
Hell hath no fury like a young man scorned. Gen Zyn swung right for Trump in 2024, but last week’s elections show they’re beginning to question whether the president can make life more affordable. Whether Democrats can keep them remains to be seen.
Abby Livingston
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November 10, 2025
The G.O.P.’s Mess With Texas
After an election night upset defined by major swings with Hispanic voters, some Republican operatives worry they shouldn’t have started a redistricting war with California—and that their own map may backfire.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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November 9, 2025
Can Democrats Become a Big Tent Party?
After last week, ebullient Democrats gathered in Washington to plot how to instill the lessons of the election: make room for disagreement, run younger candidates, dump the litmus tests, and hammer Trump on affordability.
Peter Hamby
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November 6, 2025
Josh Shapiro Is Done Lying Low
A candid conversation with Pennsylvania’s governor as he ramps up for reelection and beyond, including what he really thinks of Gavin Newsom, his stance on Israel, and how Democrats can win back white men.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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November 5, 2025
Trump’s Nuclear-Option Test
After an election night shellacking, the president is leaning on Senate Republicans to rid him of the meddlesome filibuster—the first real test of G.O.P. unity since Trump’s re-inauguration. Meanwhile, Republicans in competitive districts face a choice before the midterms: Stick with Trump, or start drafting the divorce papers.
John Heilemann
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November 4, 2025
Doomsday Prepping Project 2028
A bracing conversation with conservative former federal appellate Judge J. Michael Luttig on why Trump teasing a third term is no joke.
Abby Livingston
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November 3, 2025
Midnight in the Garden State of Good & Evil
A candid chat with Mike DuHaime, the veteran New Jersey Republican consultant, on the brink of the Sherrill–Ciattarelli throwdown in the Garden State.
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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November 2, 2025
’26-7
Under the stormy skies of Trump 2.0, both parties are limbering up and probing for advantage in a midterm brawl to decide control of the House—a fight neither side can afford to lose. Naturally, strategists on both sides claim the wind is at their backs.
Abby Livingston
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October 30, 2025
Maine Clown Posse
What was once a sleepy Democratic primary for a winnable Senate seat has transformed into a raging morality play between a way-too-online oysterman and a 77-year-old safe bet. “This is a layup Senate seat,” said one Democratic strategist. “Instead, our choices are a loose cannon and a grandmother.”
Leigh Ann Caldwell
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October 29, 2025
29 Days Later
News and notes from D.C. as the government shutdown enters a fifth week: a potential way out, the Trump power void, Thune’s false “rifle shot” proposal to force incremental votes, bubbling questions about Schumer, and why some Democrats are eyeing November 21 as their date of maximum leverage.