WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

Joe Biden says he'll use his last months in office to push for "reform" of the Supreme Court, possibly including term limits, while Justice Elena Kagan comes out in favor of an "enforcement mechanism" for its ethics code. What are the pitfalls of these ideas, and will Kamala Harris, as the Democratic nominee for president, endorse them as the November election nears? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2024

Joe Biden uses an Oval Office address to the nation to explain why he is no longer seeking a second term in office, despite claiming a record successful enough to warrant one. Plus, Benjamin Netanyahu addresses Congress, with some notable absentees, and calls out anti-Israel protesters as “useful idiots” of Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2024

The Democrats' new presumptive nominee travels to the swing state of Wisconsin, where she hammers Donald Trump’s legal issues and presents a vision for America that includes much more government. But is this a salable message with moderate voters? Plus, New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez announces that he'll leave office after his conviction last week on corruption charges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

The assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pa., is the Secret Service's biggest failure in a generation, but when Congress calls its director to testify on Capitol Hill, she doesn't offer many substantive answers. What are some of the biggest questions that remain? Plus, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries set up a House task force to investigate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

Joe Biden's campaign finally bows out of the election, as Democrats unite around Kamala Harris to become their party’s nominee for President. But how will she fare against Donald Trump? On this episode of All Things with Kim Strassel, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna explains the merits of an open convention, his endorsement of Kamala for the top job, and his rationale for having two women on the ticket in November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

President Biden finally bends to pressure from fellow Democrats and ends his bid for a second term, endorsing his Vice President to succeed him. Why are Democrats uniting so quickly behind her, and how will the Trump campaign respond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2024

Donald Trump softened his tone, at least for a while, in his nomination acceptance speech in Milwaukee. Will it win over swing voters? Plus, Democratic grandees push President Biden to withdraw as the Democratic nominee lest they go down to defeat with him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2024

The Republican nominee for vice president gives his speech in Milwaukee, touching on his difficult upbringing, the "Mamaw" who raised him, and why voters should pick Donald Trump. Yet he also puts the GOP split on display by attacking the Nafta trade deal and blaming high housing prices in part on "Wall Street barons." Plus, more speculation about Joe Biden's departure, as his polls worsen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2024

From the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI, Paul Gigot, Kim Strassel and Kyle Peterson discuss how Donald Trump’s former rivals, including Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, took to the stage to a seemingly newly energized and unified GOP. Plus, questions still continue about the role J.D. Vance would have in a Trump administration and Democrats mull new and creative ways to possibly replace Joe Biden as the nominee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

Kim Strassel sits down with House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI. The Ohio Rep. gives the latest on Congress's oversight of the investigation into the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, thoughts on what the choice of Sen. J.D. Vance as the Vice Presidential nominee means for the Republican party, and updates on the House's impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden and his family business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2024

How did Sen. J.D. Vance shift from being a self-described “Never Trumper" to Donald Trump’s running mate? From the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI, Paul Gigot, Kyle Peterson, and Kim Strassel discuss what the Vice Presidential nominee is saying about his past criticisms and what the choice means for the future of the GOP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2024

From the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI, Paul Gigot, Kyle Peterson and Kim Strassel discuss the state of the GOP after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump's life now that the former President is officially the nominee. Plus, Joe Biden calls for unity during an address to the nation, but will any of the messaging from the Democrats change when talking about Donald Trump? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2024

With only days to go before the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump still hasn't picked his newest apprentice. Three finalists are Doug Burgum, Marco Rubio, and J.D. Vance, though could there also be a wild card? Plus, Joe Biden holds a news conference to reassure Democrats that he's capable of serving four more years, but the calls keep coming for him to step aside. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2024

Paul Gigot interviews political scientist Ruy Teixeira about the Democratic Party debate over whether to dump President Biden from their 2024 ticket. Can Biden survive and beat Donald Trump? If the President bows out, is Kamala Harris the best choice, or should Democrats have an open convention? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2024

The president's forceful speech at this week's NATO summit, promising more air defenses for Ukraine, won't stop Democrats from worrying that he should step aside and cancel his re-election campaign. Plus, as the media tangles with Biden's press secretary about doctors visiting the White House, speculation rises about invoking the 25th Amendment to declare him unable to serve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

Ahead of the Republican convention in Milwaukee next week, the party publishes a 16-page platform with a Trumpian spin. But Democrats are focused instead on a 900-page manifesto by the Heritage Foundation called Project 2025. Which is the best guide to a second Donald Trump term? Plus, NATO holds a summit in Washington, as the alliance steps up on Ukraine aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2024

Is next week’s Republican National Convention a chance for the party to unify after fractures during the primary? On the inaugural episode of the All Things with Kim Strassel podcast, RNC Chairman Michael Whatley explains why the party is rallying behind the theme “Make America Once Again”; the GOP's 2024 approach to election integrity; why it doesn't matter if it's Joe Biden or a replacement at the top of the Democratic ticket; and why even he doesn’t know who will be Donald Trump’s running mate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2024

Despite calls from Democrats that he withdraw as a candidate for re-election, President Biden says he's committed to remaining and is appealing to his base of black and union voters to back him against what he calls the media and donor "elites" in the party. Will that be enough to fight off the critics? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2024

The political rhetoric against the Supreme Court reached new highs this week, after the Justices ruled that the presidency has immunity for official actions. But look at the statistics: 45.8% of cases in the 2023-24 term were unanimous, including some big cases, and only half of the High Court's 6-3 decisions this year were split along ideological lines. Yet voters won't hear those figures from Joe Biden, as he runs against Donald Trump, and the Supreme Court, in November's election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2024

Rep. Lloyd Doggett becomes the first Democrat in Congress to call on the 81-year-old president to withdraw from the 2024 election, while two more are saying he'll lose in November. What is Biden doing to try to calm Democrats, and if he stepped aside would Vice President Kamala Harris be a shoo-in, or could she face a real contest at the party's summer convention? Plus, Donald Trump and RFK Jr. distract from Biden's problems by making puzzling statements of their own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024

In a 6-3 decision, the Justices abolish "Chevron deference," a doctrine that told judges to defer to regulatory agencies on the meanings of ambiguous laws. Does this really spell the end of expertise in Washington, as Justice Elena Kagan argues in dissent? Plus, the Supreme Court sends back to lower judges two laws in Florida and Texas that regulate social-media websites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2024

In a 6-3 decision, the Justices say that presidents, including Donald Trump, have immunity from prosecution for official acts, but not unofficial ones. What does this mean for the Jan. 6 case brought by special counsel Jack Smith? Plus, the High Court rules that Jan. 6 rioters can't be charged with obstructing Congress, and that homeless camping isn't constitutionally protected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2024

Wall Street Journal columnist Kim Strassel tells listeners about her new podcast launching the week of July 8, featuring a newsy analysis of the workings of D.C. (and beyond) and a fresh look at the overhyped and overlooked events of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2024

The 81-year-old president's poor performance confirmed what many voters already believe, which is that he's too old to do the job for another four years. Is it too late for Democrats to replace him at the top of the ticket, and does it have to be with Kamala Harris? Plus, what about the policy questions that Donald Trump dodged on Ukraine, his plans for mass deportations, and more? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2024

The Justices rule 6-3 in SEC v. Jarkesy that it violates the Constitution's right to a trial by jury for the securities agency to try fraud cases in internal proceedings. Plus, as Joe Biden and Donald Trump prepare to meet on the debate stage for the first time in 2024, what does each candidate need to accomplish, and will it matter that CNN is muting the microphones to stop crosstalk? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

In a 6-3 decision on legal standing, the Justices reject a First Amendment challenge to government pressure on social sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, to remove disputed user posts, including on Covid-19. Plus, two federal judges appointed by President Obama block another student-loan forgiveness promise by Joe Biden, in rulings against the administration's SAVE plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

Gov. Jeff Landry signs legislation requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public-school classroom in the state, but the ACLU sues, citing the First Amendment's ban on "establishment of religion." Plus, New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman, an antagonistic member of the Squad, faces a tough primary challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

Whoever wins the presidential election will have a chance to rewrite American tax policy in 2025, as Donald Trump's individual tax cuts that passed in 2017 are set to expire. Biden wants to raise taxes by $5 trillion over 10 years, while Trump says he wants to cut them further. Will that difference matter as the campaign goes on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2024

The Justices uphold a law that prohibits gun possession by people who are subject to certain restraining orders for domestic violence, with an 8-1 majority in U.S. v. Rahimi saying that this does not infringe the Second Amendment. Plus, the High Court rules on a tax case, Moore v. U.S., that critics say could open the door to a progressive wealth tax on unrealized gains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2024

As the first presidential debate nears, the Biden campaign spends $50 million on an ad calling Donald Trump a convicted criminal. Is it working? A new poll shows Biden in the lead for the first time in months, and how will that influence the debate strategy for both candidates? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2024

The president takes executive action to offer legal status to 500,000 people who entered the country illegally but married U.S. citizens. How much does Biden's order weaken deterrence for future migrants, is it vulnerable to legal challenge as an abuse of discretion, and does such "pen and phone" governance make real immigration legislation less likely, by letting Congress off the hook? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

Donald Trump's recent musings on tax policy include proposals to exempt tips, impose huge tariffs to replace the current income tax, and cut the corporate tax rate to 20%, from today's 21%. What of this is good tax policy, versus a political effort to win swing voters, and how does it compare with Joe Biden's ideas, including his recent proposal to raise the corporate rate to 28%? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2024

As the Supreme Court term nears its end, Paul Gigot interviews Manhattan Institute scholar and author Ilya Shapiro about the rulings so far and the cases still pending, including immunity for Donald Trump. Plus, Joe Biden and the Democrats start to run against the current Court in the election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2024

Democrats strangely refuse to declare victory, after the Justices unanimously reject a challenge to the FDA's regulation of the abortion pill mifepristone. Plus, the High Court sides with Starbucks in a dispute over the legal standard for NLRB injunctions, and it rules that the ATF cannot ban rifle "bump stocks" by redefining the law so that they qualify as machine guns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2024

Parties of the right made major gains in elections for the European Parliament, especially in France and Italy. What's behind the surge for the right and the losses for the green left? Plus, the leaders of the G-7 meet in Italy, though all but Italy's Giorgia Meloni may be political lame ducks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2024

Posing as conservative fan at a Washington event, an activist audiotapes conversations with Justice Alito and his wife, as well as Chief Justice John Roberts. Their remarks on flags and U.S. polarization have been presented in the media as shocking, but are they really? Plus, the High Court rulings coming soon include big cases on Trump's immunity, guns, Jan. 6 and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

After only three hours of deliberating, a federal jury in Delaware convicts Hunter Biden of three felony counts for buying and possessing a handgun while he was a drug addict in 2018. Does Hunter have a shot at appealing under the Second Amendment and the Supreme Court's precedent in Bruen? Plus, Joe Biden says he will respect the outcome and won't issue a pardon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

Has Donald Trump’s felony conviction changed the minds of any potential voters? And is painting his opponent as a felon going to help Joe Biden? Paul Gigot speaks to Democratic pollster Doug Schoen about why the contest is still going to be about the issues, including the southern border and foreign policy, and the risks for both candidates in this month's presidential debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2024

The school system sues UAW Local 4811, which represents 48,000 graduate teaching assistants and other workers, for striking on behalf of pro-Palestine campus protesters. At the same time, the UAW recently lost an election at Mercedes-Benz in Alabama. Should unions, and Democrats, be worried about this kind of divide between hard hats and progressive activists? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

Joe Biden unveiled his plan for a cease-fire for Israel’s war in Gaza, but Hamas has refused to accept it so far. Will the president be able to get both sides to come to an agreement in time for Election Day? Plus, Hezbollah continues to attack villages in northern Israel and the International Atomic Energy Agency censures Iran for not cooperating with its inspectors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2024

The president's new policy will supposedly block asylum claimants who cross the southern border when the average number of daily encounters is 2,500 or more. But will migrants simply go to ports of entry, are legal challenges likely, and will this be enough to satisfy voters in November that Biden is taking immigration seriously? Plus, listeners write in on Hunter Biden’s gun trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

The prosecution and the defense make their opening arguments in the federal trial of Hunter Biden for buying and owning a gun while addicted to illegal drugs in 2018. No one is above the law, the feds tell the Delaware jury, but is this a case of selective prosecution, how has Joe Biden's Justice Department handled it, and is a presidential pardon likely in store for the First Son? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

The White House made a policy adjustment by allowing Ukraine to use American weapons to attack targets inside Russia, but the plan still includes limitations on the use of the most effective U.S. weapons systems. Plus, a major political figure calls for an American rearmament as global threats to national security increase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2024

The GOP's presidential candidate is convicted of 34 felonies in New York, for falsifying business records in connection with 2016 hush money to Stormy Daniels. Could Trump's defense team have done anything differently? How serious are his prospects for appeal? Has Joe Biden already said too much about the trial? And how is this verdict likely to affect the 2024 election? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

In a letter to two Senators, Justice Samuel Alito explained why he is obliged to hear cases related to Donald Trump under the Supreme Court's code of conduct. What's behind the campaign to tarnish the reputations of the conservative members of the Court? Plus, 14 pro-democracy activists are convicted by a Hong Kong court under trumped up national security charges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2024

The former Republican governor of Maryland left office with sky-high approval, and if Larry Hogan can now win a Senate seat with a centrist pitch, it would upset expectations about party control after the 2024 elections. Plus, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declares victory after the state's GOP primary runoffs, saying he has won enough votes in the Legislature to pass his school-choice plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court upholds a U.S. House map in South Carolina that was challenged as a racial gerrymander, with an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that also explains the high bar for future lawsuits to prove that a map was drawn using race. Plus, why is the EPA giving millions of dollars to a "climate justice" group with left-leaning views on capitalism and Palestine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2024

The International Court of Justice, part of the United Nations, issues a ruling that seemingly tells Israel to halt its operations in Rafah. But will this ruling carry any weight, and what about the Oct. 7 hostages still held by Hamas? Plus, the latest alleged scandal at the Supreme Court is that Justice Samuel Alito's vacation home flew a historical flag that dates to the Revolutionary War. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

After a primary season in which Donald Trump and NIkki Haley traded sharp barbs, Ms. Haley now states that she will be voting for the former President in November. Is she bidding to be a player in the veepstakes, or is it more about her future in the GOP? Plus, the witness list in Hunter Biden's felony gun trial comes to light, and Joe Biden appears to be using the U.S. Treasury as a way to secure votes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2024

After testimony by Michael Cohen and a brief defense by Donald Trump's legal team, the New York trial nears its conclusion, with closing arguments and jury deliberation expected next week. Has Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg proved his case and provided enough evidence to convict, particularly given that these 34 bookkeeping felonies also require a second crime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024