The Black Swan Election Inside Trump’s Unlikely Victory
Earlier this month, at Harvard’s Institute of Politics during the quadrennial campaign managers’ conference, I spent nearly an hour with two of the key architects behind Donald Trump’s stunning presidential victory: co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita and chief pollster Tony Fabrizio….
Brian Schatz to Democrats: Ditch the Jargon and Listen to Voters
Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) has the easygoing charm of his home state, but don’t let that fool you. At 52, Schatz is a seasoned political operator who has already spent 12 years in the U.S. Senate. As he ascends the…
Republican Power Struggle: Cotton Edges Out Cornyn for Senate Intelligence Chair
Senate Republicans are abuzz with discussions about elevating Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee—a prestigious position that would reward the Texan after his loss in last month’s GOP leadership race. However, one significant hurdle looms: Sen….
Ben Wikler: The Right Choice to Lead the Democratic Party in a Critical Moment
As Democrats prepare for the challenges ahead with Donald Trump and his MAGA allies, the choice of the next Democratic National Committee chair has become a critical decision. Among the prominent contenders, one name stands out as the consensus choice…
The Year of Exceptionalism: Donald Trump’s Unprecedented Legal Journey
2024 has been a year like no other, packed with seismic headlines and historical moments. The conviction of Donald Trump, an assassination attempt weeks later, and the unexpected collapse of Joe Biden’s reelection bid—followed by the brief ascendancy of Kamala…
Joe Biden’s Parting Insult
President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden almost feels like a calculated shock — a Sunday night surprise that blindsided Washington and reignited controversy. While Biden’s intention may not have been to provoke outrage, the pardon carries…
Joe Biden’s Most Personal and Difficult Decision Yet
In the wake of President Joe Biden’s Justice Department decisions, Donald Trump is returning to the White House, while Biden’s son Hunter faces the real prospect of prison. This extraordinary moment has set the stage for an unprecedented personal and…
Here are the GOP Senators Best Positioned to Challenge Trump
President-elect Donald Trump’s swift cabinet appointments have sent a clear message: loyalty to Trump himself and a knack for showcasing that loyalty on national television are the ultimate qualifications. But the real drama will unfold as Senate Republicans decide how…
Trump’s Cabinet Gambit: How History and Power Favor His Picks
Donald Trump’s recent Cabinet choices have left many aghast, but history suggests the former president may be on solid political ground in nominating some of the most controversial and unqualified individuals ever proposed for high office. Understanding why requires revisiting…
Why Matt Gaetz Might Actually Become Attorney General
Gaetz won’t get confirmed; everybody knows that, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Thursday, echoing a sentiment shared across Washington after President-elect Donald Trump’s bombshell nomination of Matt Gaetz for attorney general. The announcement drew reactions ranging from disbelief to…
Can Trump Be the New Reagan?
Eight years ago, I watched Donald Trump’s first presidential victory unfold during a breakfast gathering with European policymakers at POLITICO’s Brussels office. The reaction that morning was a mix of shock and disbelief. Fast forward to today, and while anxiety…
The Master Strategist: Susie Wiles’ Quiet Ascent to Trump’s Inner Circle
On Thursday evening, news broke that Susie Wiles had been appointed as Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff—a move that felt inevitable to those familiar with her trajectory, yet surprising to many who had never heard her name. To…