The Non-ending Joe Manchin Saga

Is the stalwart of Senate bipartisanship interested in governing?

The Battle For Senate Control In 2020 Appears To Favor Republicans

In the battle for Senate control in 2020, the conditions appear to favor Republicans. At least for now.

Should NeverTrumpers Become Democrats?

A considerable number of Republican have effectively left our party over Donald Trump. Should we go all the way?

The Do Nothing Senate

Other than confirming a lot of Trump Judges, the Senate has not been getting much work done so far this year.

The Economy Didn’t Help Republicans In The Midterms

The economy may be doing well, but that didn’t help Republicans in the midterms.

Women Helped Propel Democrats To Victory

Whether as candidates or as voters, Democrats can thank women for many of their victories on Tuesday.

Democrats Grab Hold Of House, Republicans Make Gains In Senate In Mixed Results Midterm

As expected, the midterm elections ended up being a split result that gives Democrats and Republicans alike reason to celebrate.

No ‘Blue Wave’ But Democrats Retake House

The 2018 midterms were mostly about Donald Trump. The results were idiosyncratic.

2018 Midterm Projections

For better or worse, here are my projections for the midterm elections.

Two Days Away, A Split Decision Congress Seems Likely

With less than forty-eight hours to go until voters head to the polls, the odds are pointing to a Democratic House and a Republican Senate.

Judge Lets North Dakota Voter ID Law That Discriminates Against Native Americans Stand

A Federal Judge is letting a North Dakota Voter ID law that clearly discriminates against Native Americans stand.

Democrats Poised To Win Back The House, But Fall Short In The Senate

With one week to go before Election Day, Democrats seem well-positioned to gain control of the House while Republicans seem likely to hold on to the Senate.

Three Weeks Out, Polls Indicate A Divided Congress In January

With three weeks to go until Election Day, it’s looking like we’ll end up with a Congress divided between Democrats in the House and Republicans in the Senate.

Trump’s Trade Chickens Coming Home To Roost

After nearly a year, Trump’s trade policies are having their inevitable negative impact inside the United States.

Trump Continues To Stoke The Political Fire Of The Kavanaugh Confirmation

With four weeks to go until Election Day, Donald Trump and the Republicans are continuing to stoke the divisions laid bare by the Kavanaugh nomination.

Senate Set For Key Vote On Kavanaugh Nomination

As the Senate prepares for a key procedural vote on the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh this morning, the Judge’s fate remains up in the air. However, signs are pointing to reasons for Republican optimism.

F.B.I. Completes Kavanaugh Background Check, Senate Moves Forward On Vote

The F.B.I.’s updated background check is complete and will be reviewed by Senators beginning today. As a result, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is moving forward toward a final vote on the Kavanaugh nomination later this week.

White House Has No ‘Plan B’ If Kavanaugh Nomination Fails

The GOP has no alternative but to push forward with the Kavanaugh nomination, because they don’t have a viable alternative at this point.

Kavanaugh Confirmation Vote On Hold Pending Renewed F.B.I. Investigation

Surprise developments yesterday led to a pause in the confirmation process for Brett Kavanaugh. Where it goes from here is unclear.

Republicans Proceeding Forward With Kavanaugh Nomination In Doubt

Republicans intend to “plow through” on the Kavanaugh nomination even after yesterday’s hearing, but it’s not clear that they have the votes to confirm him.

New Allegations Begin A Crucial Week For Brett Kavanaugh

New allegations of sexual misconduct mark the start of a crucial week for the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

Kavanaugh’s Defenders Aren’t Helping

Prominent supporters of the embattled Supreme Court nominee, including the President, are doing him no favors.

Kavanaugh Nomination At An Impasse Over Hearing On Sexual Assault Charges

The status of Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation remains up in the air, as does the question of whether or not Christine Blasey Ford will appear for a hearing on Monday morning.

Republicans Join Call For Delay In Kavanaugh Vote Pending Investigation

Cracks are beginning to show in the previously united Republican front on the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation notwithstanding what appear to be credible allegations of sexual assault.

California Woman Accusing Brett Kavanaugh Of Sexual Assault Comes Forward

A woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh of having assaulted her when he was 17 and she was 15 has come forward. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

The Year Of The Political Women By The Numbers

A look at the numbers behind the influx of women into electoral politics this year.

Former President Carter Warns His Party Against Drifting To The Left

Former President Jimmy Carter is warning his party against drifting too far left as we head into the midterms and, beyond that, the 2020 campaign cycle.

McConnell Throws A Monkey Wrench Into Senate Democratic Re-Election Plans

Mitch McConnell has a plan that could pose problems for Democrats fighting for re-election.

The Kavanaugh Nomination Heads Toward Its Inevitable Outcome

The nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh is, effectively, assured. Democrats should be careful about how much further they push their opposition.

Kavanaugh Sails Through First Day Of Questioning Unscathed

Day One of questions for Judge Brett Kavanaugh went about as you’d expect.

As Hearings Begin, Support For Kavanaugh Nomination Falls Along Party Lines

The confirmation hearings for Judge Brett Kavanaugh begin today, but the outcome seems foreordained.

Kavanaugh One Step Closer To Confirmation

Judge Brett Kavanaugh reportedly told Senator Susan Collins that he considers Roe v. Wade
“settled law.” This will likely be enough to get her support and that of another holdout Republican Senator.

Confirmation Hearing For Brett Kavanaugh To Begin September 4th

Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination appears to be on track for confirmation before the new Supreme Court term begins in October.

The Democratic Party’s Progressive Wing Falls Short

Tuesday’s election results were a defeat for the progressive effort to remake the Democratic Party in their image.

Koch Political Network Distancing Itself From Trump’s Republican Party

A powerful political network is distancing itself from the Trump-dominated Republican Party.

Senate Democrats Throwing In The Towel On Kavanaugh?

Senate Democrats appear to be recognizing that there’s basically nothing they can do to stop the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

Early Polling Finds Public Lukewarm On Kavanaugh Nomination

Initial polling on Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court find the public more divided than they have been for other recent SCOTUS picks, but that’s unlikely to impact the fate of his nomination.

Bill Nelson Looking Vulnerable In Florida

Rick Scott is pulling in impressive fundraising numbers, giving Democrats reason to worry that they’ll have another Senate seat to worry about in November.

On Kavanaugh, Democrats Lack A Coherent Message And A Coherent Strategy

At least in these early days, Democrats appear to lack a coherent message, or a coherent strategy, to propel any effort to block Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court.

Trump Nominates Judge Brett Kavanaugh To Replace Anthony Kennedy

A selection that is likely to keep the Senate GOP united and red-state Democrats up for re-election under pressure to vote to confirm.

Jeff Flake Just Made It Easier For Trump’s Supreme Court Pick To Be Confirmed

Retiring Arizona Senator Jeff Flake says that he will not seek to block President Trump’s nominee to replace Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court.

Trump Administration Hands Democrats A Gift On Pre-Existing Condition Coverage

The Trump Administration’s new legal position on coverage for people with pre-existing conditions could pose political problems in the fall.

Republicans Growing Confident Of Holding The Senate

Republicans are at least a bit more confident that they’ll hold on to the Senate this year.

Gina Haspel Confirmed As C.I.A Director

As expected, Gina Haspel was confirmed as C.I.A. Director yesterday despite her controversial record when it comes to torture.

Red State Democrat Doug Jones To Vote Against Haspel Nomination

At least one red state Democrat will be voting against Gina Haspel.

Gina Haspel Nomination To Be C.I.A. Director Has A Clear Path To Confirmation

With a third Democrat crossing the aisle to support her, Gina Haspel now has the votes she needs to become the next C.I.A. Director.

Haspel Faces Questions About Torture, But Her Confirmation Seems Assured

Gina Haspel faced some tough questions from Democrats regarding her role in the C.I.A.’s post-9/11 torture programs, but she’s likely to be confirmed anyway.

Mike Pompeo Confirmed As America’s 70th Secretary Of State

Not surprisingly, Mike Pompeo was confirmed as America’s 70th Secretary of State today. Now, the hard work begins.

Mike Pompeo’s Path To Foggy Bottom Becomes Clearer

For better or worse, Mike Pompeo will be confirmed as the 70th Secretary of State by the end of this week.

Mike Pompeo Will Probably Be Confirmed As Secretary Of State, But He Shouldn’t Be

Despite facing headwinds in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mike Pompeo will probably be confirmed as the next Secretary of State. That’s unfortunate.