WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

Paul Gigot, The Wall Street Journal

From the award-winning opinion pages of The Wall Street Journal, Paul Gigot, Kim Strassel, Bill McGurn and Kyle Peterson discuss the latest from Washington. Get critical perspective and the analysis you need on developments from the nation’s capital. Join them every weekday. Send your feedback to pwpodcast@wsj.com

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 22 min
The U.S. Hits Iran Again, as the Regime Widens its Aggression
Donald Trump renews strikes on Iran, after it launches ballistic missiles at U.S. forces, an attack that was thankfully intercepted. Plus, what to make of the leaks that Trump held off a major escalation because of concerns about munition supplies? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Thursday · 27 min
The Economy Slows, as the Fed Keeps Rates Steady
The economy grows a tepid 1.5% in the second quarter, despite the boom in spending for AI. Plus, the Kevin Warsh Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady for the second meeting in a row. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Wednesday · 26 min
Fauci Takes the Fifth on Capitol Hill
Sen. Rand Paul releases pages of the government scientist's diary from the Covid-19 pandemic, but Fauci refuses to answer questions. Plus, Ukraine's President Zelensky visits Washington, as the Senate moves to put sanctions pressure on Putin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tuesday · 23 min
Donald Trump Pushes to End the Filibuster, as Sen. John Fetterman Defends It
The President urges the GOP to nuke the Senate's 60-vote rule now, even as Fetterman flips and says Democrats were wrong about the filibuster. Plus Maine nominates Troy Jackson and Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed tries to distance himself from socialism. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Monday · 27 min
How Progressive Democrats Became Power Players
Recent primary results show Democratic Socialists and other progressives on the rise heading into the November midterm elections. But can the Democratic establishment do anything to stop a takeover of their party? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
July 24 · 26 min
Trump vs. Thune, New Jersey's 400 Noncitizen Voters, and Congressional Stock Trading
The White House vents frustration that Sen. John Thune can't pass the SAVE America Act, as New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill says a glitch added 6,600 noncitizens to the voter rolls. Plus, the House passes a bill to curb Congress's stock trading. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
July 23 · 24 min
The Houthis Complicate a Possibly Escalating Iran War
As President Trump surges military forces to the Middle East after nearly two weeks of nightly bombing, the Houthis hit two Saudi Arabian tankers in the Red Sea. Are the U.S. and Iran headed toward greater escalation? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
July 22 · 23 min
Mamdani Drops His Threat to Handcuff Bibi
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani admits he lacks the legal authority to arrest the Israeli prime minister. But what does the episode say about the Democratic socialist's worldview? Plus, what can the GOP still accomplish this year in Congress? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
July 21 · 21 min
JD Vance and Marco Rubio: Who's the Future of the Republican Party?
Chatter about 2028 picks up, as the Vice President presents a worldview skeptical of free-market economics, including in his book "Communion" and on the Joe Rogan podcast, while the Secretary of State offers the public a different vision. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
July 20 · 23 min
The War With Iran Escalates and Andy Burnham Is Britain's Newest PM
Iran strikes a U.S. base in Jordan, while three more Americans killed brings the total number of U.S. casualties to 17 during the conflict. Plus, who is Andy Burnham, Britain’s newest prime minister and its seventh in 10 years?
July 17 · 30 min
The GOP's Reconciliation 3.0 and Trump's Speech on the SAVE America Act
As Republicans try for a third reconciliation bill, what's in the House's new $95 billion budget framework? Plus Donald Trump gives a prime-time address on election security, calling for voter ID, citizenship checks, and broad limits on mail ballots.
July 16 · 25 min
Trump Won't Renew His USMCA Trade Deal, as Michigan Gets a New Bridge to Canada
The White House wants to renegotiate trade terms with Canada and Mexico, creating uncertainty for businesses, including auto makers. Plus, the Gordie Howe Bridge is finally set to open in Detroit, though a crony political intervention was no help.
July 15 · 24 min
The Supreme Court Wants a Security Upgrade / Todd Blanche's Confirmation Hearings
Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testify about rising security threats, as the Court seeks more money from Congress. Plus, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces the Senate as he tries to get confirmed to the job permanently.
July 14 · 23 min
Trump Blockades Iran Again, While Saying the U.S. Will Guard Hormuz
Donald Trump reinstates his naval blockade of Iran and pledges to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, with or without its help. Yet his initial talk of charging a 20% toll confused his message, and if oil prices rise will he make his case to voters?
July 13 · 28 min
The Legacy of Sen. Lindsey Graham and How Will His Death Affect the Senate?
Lindsey Graham will be remembered as a man who loved politics and as an advocate for a muscular, principled U.S. foreign policy. Why was he so influential, and what happens in the Senate after losing one of its most consequential members?
July 10 · 27 min
Michigan’s Democratic Senate Debate / Trump Fires the Election Assistance Commission
The next test for leftist Democrats is Michigan's race between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens. Plus, Alaska's top court puts Dan J. Sullivan back on the ballot, as Donald Trump ousts the leaders of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
July 9 · 25 min
Raging Against the Machine, Graham Platner Exits the Maine Senate Race
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner announces he’s leaving the race by denying the allegations against him and railing against establishment Democrats. Plus, GOP donor Ken Griffin says he'd support Marco Rubio over JD Vance for president in 2028.
July 8 · 25 min
Trump Calls Iran's Leaders 'Scum' and Says the Ceasefire Is ‘Over’
Donald Trump now says talks with Iran are a waste of time, since its leaders are liars and cheats, as the U.S. military hits 80 targets in response to the regime's strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. What are Trump's options for next steps?
July 7 · 21 min
Democrats Quit Defending Graham Platner After a New Accusation
Graham Platner is reconsidering his Senate campaign in Maine after being accused of forcing himself on a woman in 2021. If he drops out soon, Democrats can pick another nominee, but who? And could any replacement beat Republican Sen. Susan Collins?
July 6 · 27 min
Trump’s Red Card Intervention and Mixed U.S. Signals Before the NATO Summit
The NATO summit kicks off this week in Turkey, with President Trump airing his complaints about European allies and their defense spending. But is the U.S. sending mixed messages about its own military posture in Europe? Plus, Donald Trump shocks the sports world by calling for a review of a red card against U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun, who is now eligible to play in a major match against Belgium.

WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

The U.S. Hits Iran Again, as the Regime Widens its Aggression

The Economy Slows, as the Fed Keeps Rates Steady

Fauci Takes the Fifth on Capitol Hill

Donald Trump Pushes to End the Filibuster, as Sen. John Fetterman Defends It

How Progressive Democrats Became Power Players

Trump vs. Thune, New Jersey's 400 Noncitizen Voters, and Congressional Stock Trading

The Houthis Complicate a Possibly Escalating Iran War

Mamdani Drops His Threat to Handcuff Bibi

JD Vance and Marco Rubio: Who's the Future of the Republican Party?

The War With Iran Escalates and Andy Burnham Is Britain's Newest PM

The GOP's Reconciliation 3.0 and Trump's Speech on the SAVE America Act

Trump Won't Renew His USMCA Trade Deal, as Michigan Gets a New Bridge to Canada

The Supreme Court Wants a Security Upgrade / Todd Blanche's Confirmation Hearings

Trump Blockades Iran Again, While Saying the U.S. Will Guard Hormuz

The Legacy of Sen. Lindsey Graham and How Will His Death Affect the Senate?

Michigan’s Democratic Senate Debate / Trump Fires the Election Assistance Commission

Raging Against the Machine, Graham Platner Exits the Maine Senate Race

Trump Calls Iran's Leaders 'Scum' and Says the Ceasefire Is ‘Over’

Democrats Quit Defending Graham Platner After a New Accusation

Trump’s Red Card Intervention and Mixed U.S. Signals Before the NATO Summit