All Politics
Monitor BreakfastIn Democrats' strategic strike against gerrymandering, Holder leads the chargeAt a breakfast for reporters hosted by 海角大神, former Attorney General Eric Holder calls political gerrymandering 'a fundamental affront to our system of democracy.' He's heading a Democratic effort that seeks a more level playing field well beyond the next elections.
Even in his absence, McCain鈥檚 influence is strongly feltFrom his home in Arizona, GOP Sen. John McCain has maintained his voice on Capitol Hill 鈥� in part through a new generation of senators he鈥檚 mentored.
First LookRepublican memo released with support of TrumpA classified memo prepared by House Republicans accusing the FBI of misconduct regarding the investigation into connections between the Trump campaign and Russia was released despite objections from the Justice Department.
First LookVoters with disabilities face barriers to votingMillions of voting-age Americans with disabilities face numerous obstacles to cast their ballots in elections, including a recent return to paper ballots, poorly trained poll workers, and physically inaccessible polling places.聽
Nunes memo: What will determine its political effectThe memo raises questions not only about how it will affect the Russia investigation, but what happens when politics and intelligence gathering collide. The impact may not be clear until more is known about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's findings.聽
US infrastructure needs repairs. But who should pay?There is broad agreement that the nation's bridges, water mains, and airports are in need of work. But President Trump wants state and local governments combined with private partnerships to take the lead, while Democrats see a bigger role for the federal government.
First LookTrump's State of the Union appeals to a divided AmericaEmphasizing the personal stories of American citizens, President Trump spread a message of unity in his Tuesday night speech. He validated his perceived successes in his first year in office and delivered a sense of optimism to the joint session of Congress.
In immigration debate, what constitutes 'merit'?President Trump wants to shift the US immigration system from one that prioritizes family unification to one that's 'merit-based.' But how, exactly, should a prospective immigrant's 'merit' be assessed?
First LookDefying Justice Department, House Republicans vote to release classified memoThe House Intelligence committee voted to release a four-page document, drafted by Republican committee members, that purports to show the improper use of surveillance by the FBI and the Justice Department in the Russia investigation.聽
State of the Union: How 鈥楾eleprompter Trump鈥� can win the nightAmericans have grown accustomed to President Trump鈥檚 at times controversial communications via Twitter and his off-the-cuff remarks. But that presents an opportunity for the president to use a staid teleprompter speech to his advantage.
First LookInfluential GOP donors weigh benefits and risks of Trump's off-the-cuff styleAt a private Republican retreat hosted by the Koch brothers this weekend to discuss strategies for midterm elections, many donors expressed doubt about President Trump's role as a party ambassador but others admit they are 'warming up' to his approach.聽
California's big question: What happens after Jerry Brown?For the past eight years, observers say the four-term governor has been the adult in the room, modeling a method of leadership that seems to be seeping out of American politics: pragmatic governance.
First LookTrump unveils a 'centrist' citizenship plan for DreamersPresident Trump's proposal, offering a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers, in exchange for stricter legal immigration and border security, was met with criticism from both sides of the aisle.
Mueller interview poses thorny predicament for TrumpThe president says he would 鈥榣ove鈥� to sit down with the special counsel, possibly sometime in the next few weeks. But given Trump鈥檚 well-known penchant for hyperbole, his lawyers likely are worried about the potential for misstatements.
US defense strategy returns to a 鈥榞reat power鈥� focusA Pentagon strategy document sees聽competition with 鈥榬evisionist powers鈥� China and Russia as the top US concern. Security experts say a key question is how much President Trump will do to implement a vision that hinges on alliances.
First LookUS Senate seeks to end impasse on self-driving car billIn the debate over a landmark self-driving car bill in the US Senate, proponents argue self-driving cars will reduce road deaths, while those who oppose the bill express concern that the technology is not yet ready.
First LookWork requirement reenergizes Medicaid discussions in GOP statesThe Trump administration's approval of state work requirements for low-income people on Medicaid may lead more GOP states to expand their health care programs, as the stipulation speaks to a conservative ideal of self-reliance.聽
Yes, new tariff backfires on US jobs. But it鈥檚 not end of world for solar power.The Trump-imposed tariff on imported solar panels isn't as harsh as the industry had feared. The bigger challenge, some say, is possible cuts in government-funded energy research.
Does Congress need the president to take the lead?During the shutdown, President Trump kept an unusually low profile 鈥� and the hands-off approach seemed to work. But can a polarized Congress move forward on an issue like immigration without clearer direction from the president?
Shutdown saga sparks debate about how to fix 'broken' CongressIdeas such as ending the filibuster are floated as lawmakers consider whether a deliberately cumbersome system of checks and balances, designed to forge compromise, truly remains viable in today鈥檚 highly polarized environment.
