WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch
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Bill Pulte, Jay Clayton and the Surveillance Lapse of FISA Section 702
After President Trump names Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, the House fails to reauthorize the Section 702 surveillance program. What are the risks of letting that…
Donald Trump Announces an Iran Agreement After Cancelling Strikes
Donald Trump says an agreement with Iran has been made, but Iranians say the deal is not done just yet. Plus, will Republicans pass the President's defense spending request before their hold on…
Maine's Senate Choice Is Now Graham Platner vs. Susan Collins
Democratic voters nominate Platner, the progressive oyster farmer, despite a string of news stories about personal scandals, including a Nazi-linked tattoo and rough treatment of a former girlfriend.…
Spencer Pratt Loses Out to Nithya Raman in L.A., as California Keeps Counting Mail Votes
On election night Pratt was in second place to Mayor Karen Bass, and now after a week of watching his position be steadily eroded by late-arriving ballots, some Republicans are crying foul. Is there…
Are Israel and the U.S. on the Same Page on Iran?
Iran and Israel exchange missiles as the Iran war passes its 100th day, with Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu saying they want the same goals despite their disagreements. Are the two world leaders…
Matt Pottinger on Competing with China and What's Next in Iran
President Trump continues to negotiate with Tehran, but lurking behind the war in the Middle East is America's larger strategic contest with the Chinese Communist Party. How is Beijing reading events…
Congress Puts Donald Trump’s Iran Strategy on the Clock
Four House Republicans side with Democrats to pass a resolution calling for the end of hostilities in Iran unless Congress approves further action. Is Capitol Hill showing its lack of faith in…
Will Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt Emerge From California's Jungle Primary?
Late mail ballots will straggle in for days, but California could get some political competition in November, if Republicans Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt hang on in the races for Governor and Los…
The GOP Agenda Gets Stuck on Trump's $1.776 Billion Settlement Fund
Republican lawmakers are trying to pass a reconciliation bill to fund immigration enforcement, but first they want answers on Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” slush fund. Also on…
Iran Puts a Pause on Ceasefire Talks with the U.S.
Iran suspends ceasefire negotiations with the United States as airstrikes resume in the Middle East. With threats of Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, can a deal be reached on keeping it open?…
Jill Biden's Book Tour Renews Debate on Joe's Age and What Democrats Knew
The former First Lady reveals that when Joe Biden melted down during his 2024 debate with Donald Trump, she worried it might be a stroke. Yet she also insists that she saw no signs of cognitive…
Can Viral Ads Make Spencer Pratt L.A.’s Next Mayor?
Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt is using viral videos to make his case against Karen Bass and become the new mayor of Los Angeles. Plus, candidates from both parties vie for the top two spots in…
Ken Paxton Wins the Texas Primary, as Trump Makes Another Senate Gamble
Republican voters resoundingly nominate Attorney General Ken Paxton, instead of incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, but can the AG win? Democrat James Talarico will try to make the race about Paxton's…
Trump Praises Iran Talks, but What About Its Uranium and the Strait of Hormuz?
Donald Trump says the latest negotiations with Iran are "proceeding nicely," but the details of any nuclear deal remain elusive, as U.S. forces strike new Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz.…
Did Democrats Learn Anything from Losing in 2024?
A leaked campaign "autopsy" from the Democratic National Committee says Kamala Harris lost in 2024 because the Biden White House didn't help her enough and she didn't run hard enough against Trump.…
What Does Donald Trump Have Planned for Cuba?
The United States indicts Cuban leader Raul Castro, the brother of the late revolutionary Fidel Castro, for murder as it increases pressure on the current regime. Are the days of the dictatorship…
Trump's Defeat of Thomas Massie and Endorsement of Ken Paxton
Donald Trump carries a GOP challenger to a primary victory over Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, who made few friends with his quixotic positions, including on Israel and the Epstein files. Plus, Trump…
The $1.776 Billion Deal for Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
After Donald Trump ends his lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax records, the Justice Department steers nearly $1.8 billion toward targets of government "weaponization." Does this mean…
GOP Candidates Face Donald Trump’s Wrath in Primaries Contests
Senator Bill Cassidy loses in the Louisiana GOP primary after Donald Trump pushes hard for his opponent as payback for voting to convict him during his second impeachment trial. Could Thomas Massie…
Trump's China Summit, Makary's FDA Exit, and a Supreme Court Mifepristone Order
As Donald Trump leaves Beijing after meeting Xi Jinping, how much did this diplomacy accomplish? Plus, does Dr. Marty Makary's resignation at the FDA signal an agency turn? And the High Court halts…
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WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch has published 20 episodes since May 2026, covering topics in News, Society & Culture.
WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch is currently highly active with new episodes daily. Average episode length is 27m.
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