Smash The Bubble

News and opinion from both the left and the right, mixed together so you can break out of your filter bubble.

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Today's Headlines

Decapitating Amalek: Iran, Purim and the Obligation To Act in Time

The joint United States and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, 2026, did more than destroy military infrastructure. They decapitated the ideological command center of a regime that has spent four decades promising Israel's annihilation and financing Amer…

Can the Iranian Regime Hold On?

Change is coming, but It won't be fast.

Sen. Daines to Newsmax: No Afghan Nation-Building Repeat in Iran

Sen. Steve Daines told Newsmax on Tuesday that the United States will not repeat what he called the failed nation-building experiment in Afghanistan, making clear the mission in Iran is focused, forceful and limited.

Texas and North Carolina Elections Will Test Older House Democrats’ Staying Power

Starting in North Carolina on Tuesday, older House Democrats face a test of their staying power and the appetite of voters to replace them.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to Congress' options on hamstringing Trump's war powers in Iran

The Senate is set to vote on a war powers resolution as Congress challenges presidential authority over Iran military action amid growing constitutional tension.

Trump says Iran’s succession bench wiped out as Israeli strike hits leadership deliberations

Trump says U.S. military strikes eliminated Iran's leadership succession bench, raising questions about who will emerge to lead the Islamic Republic next.

As Trump Bashes Spain on Military Spending, German Chancellor Merz Piles On

Friedrich Merz has called for greater European unity, but he did not object to the president rebuking Spain and Britain in an Oval Office meeting.

State Dept. scrambles to aid stranded Americans amid attacks, airport closures

The Trump administration said it is looking to use a mix of military and chartered flights to help U.S. citizens leave the Middle East as Iran steps up retaliatory strikes.

Has Your Business Been Affected by Immigration Policies? We Want to Hear From You.

The New York Times is looking to talk to business owners whose work forces are changing because of immigration policies.

Iran Is Using Schools for Military Command and Control, and Pravda Ignores That Fact

Flashback: Presidents Don't Need Congressional Approval to Strike Dictators, Say ... UPDATE: Rubio

Supreme Court blocks redrawing of Republican’s district in New York

A state trial court ordered the state to redraw the district to include a greater number of Black and Latino voters.

Trump, Forever Wars and Iraq Syndrome

For Trump, the opposite of an endless war is not no war. It is a quick war with a clear purpose and a decisive ending.

Mamdani's Favorite Podcaster: Forget Suicide Bombings, Use Drones!

Trump Administration, in Reversal, Tries to Continue Fight Against Law Firms

The administration told a court on Monday that it was abandoning its defense of executive orders targeting the firms. But on Tuesday, the Justice Department abruptly changed its position.

You Break It, You Own It? Not for Trump When It Comes to Iran.

“We’ll see what happens with the people,” President Trump said as he appeared to be distancing himself from the longer-term consequences of the war in Iran.

Reporter's Notebook: Congressional Republicans stand by Trump on Iran military action despite campaign promise

President Donald Trump's Iran war could reshape the midterm elections as Newton's law of physics meets politics.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Sen. Johnson to Newsmax: Dems' Iran Outrage 'Galling'

Sen. Ron Johnson told Newsmax on Tuesday that Democrats' outrage over joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran is "simply galling," arguing the party's past weakness helped create the very threat that it now decries.

Holding FBI and CIA Accountable for Weaponization

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) at a Senate Judiciary Committee's nomination hearing for the Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement on February 25, 2026.

DHS sweeping Biden-era interviews with border crossers to identify potential homeland threats

Homeland Security is revetting some border crossers amid the Iran conflict to identify potential threats and sleeper cells, Secretary Kristi Noem said.

Power Beyond Realpolitik

In geopolitics, moral culture shapes whether influence is experienced as leadership or domination, cooperation or coercion.

What Is Behind the Strategy To Take Out Iran's Leadership?

Security correspondent Gordon Corera looks at what is likely to happen now that joint US and Israeli attacks have taken out some of the Iran's most senior leadership.

What Can the Texas Primary Tell Us About Democrats?

Our reporter Elaine Godfrey on getting kicked out of a Jasmine Crockett rally

A Justified Assassination

In this week’s column, I reflect on the death of Ayatollah Khamenei—and why it may be a moment for cautious celebration.

After Abandoning Law Firm Executive Orders, Trump Admin Reverses Course and Pursues Fight

A day after abandoning its efforts to enforce executive orders that targeted some of the world's most elite law firms, President Donald Trump's administration abruptly reversed course on Tuesday and said it would proceed with the court fight.

The ‘Crazy’ Plot to Release the Epstein Files

How an unlikely duo of lawmakers partnered with victims to try to hold the powerful accountable

Veterans Affairs Department Cut Thousands of Roles for Doctors and Nurses

The Trump administration has eliminated health care positions left vacant after a wave of resignations and retirements at the V.A. last year.

Iran Says It's 'Closed the Strait of Hormuz' - Inquiring Minds Respond 'With What?'

Islamism: Shooting the Messenger

The British establishment tends to deflect attention from the dangers of Islamism by attempting to silence those who point them out.

The End of Strategic Ambiguity

The Islamic Republic’s assault on the Gulf will forge the new Middle East.

Trump’s Favorite Voter-ID Bill Would Probably Backfire

Congressional Republicans are trying to pass a strict “election integrity” law that seems almost custom-designed to disenfranchise their own supporters.

Vice President Kamala Harris, a former US senator from California who previously served as the state's attorney general, could be the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party ticket after receiving President Joe Biden's support t…

Margins of Error

Look closely at almost anything and you'll find data—lots of it. But what are those numbers really saying about who we are and what we believe? Harry Enten is on a mission to find out.

Meet the woman steering Biden's bipartisan winning streak on Capitol Hill

The Biden administration managed to rack up a long list of major legislative wins in its first two years despite facing one of the most closely-divided Congresses in history. From bipartisan action on infrastructure, gun safety and same-sex marria…

Trump to attend White House correspondents’ dinner after years of boycotts

The president, who has skipped the event throughout his presidency, said he accepted the invitation after being asked “very nicely.”

Everything you need to know about Biden's student loan forgiveness program

President Joe Biden's federal student loan forgiveness program, which promises to deliver up to $20,000 of debt relief for millions of borrowers, is on hold indefinitely as legal challenges work their way through the courts.

Trump Predicts Oil Prices Will Drop After Conflict Ends

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that oil prices and financial markets have been rattled by escalating tensions in the Middle East but predicted energy costs will fall sharply once the conflict subsides. Speaking during a White House meeting wi…

An Hour of Reckoning

Iran has never been weaker and America has never been more poorly led.

Labor Secretary’s Top Aides Forced Out

The two aides to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer had been on leave during an investigation of misconduct at the department.

Ford and G.M. Face a Dilemma as China Excels in Electric Vehicles

General Motors, Ford and other established automakers risk becoming relics if they don’t catch up to Chinese carmakers and technology companies in electric vehicles and self-driving cars.

The First Couple of a Dysfunctional DHS

A forthcoming book reveals new details about Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski.

WATCH: Clintons sharply divided on Trump testimony in closed-door House Epstein probe

Video reveals Hillary Clinton called for Trump to be deposed in the Epstein probe, while Bill Clinton remained muted as details of his own testimony and a GOP clash emerge.

The Democrats Who Got Weird During the State of the Union

They found a bizarre, crass way to push back against Trump.

Sherrod Brown Is Grinding It Out

The aggressively rumpled former senator from Ohio is back. Will working-class voters follow?

Arrest and Moral Pageantry

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Mick Jagger, and the theatre of degradation.

After Trump’s Iran Decision

The real dilemma is not between war and negotiation. It is between episodic action and sustained architecture.

The fine print of the Respect for Marriage Act

Let's start with the positive: Republicans and Democrats are coming together to protect same-sex marriage from the Supreme Court.

Justice Dept. abandons defense of orders targeting law firms

President Donald Trump’s executive orders imposing sanctions on several law firms had been struck down by judges. His administration is abandoning its appeals.

Checking in on Pravda...

The Case For--and Against--Striking Iran

The term "fog of war" usually describes the murkiness that combatants experience in conflict zones. For our purposes, it might also apply to the messages coming out of the White House over the past day or so.

The Rare-Earth Reckoning

How America outsourced the materials of modern power-and what it will take to get them back

Inside the Clintons’ depositions on Epstein and Maxwell

Former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton appeared last week before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee.

‘America Doesn’t Want My Children or Grandchildren’

The Cruz family spent years building a life in New York. Then the risks of staying became too great.

When the Can Finally Stops Getting Kicked Down the Road

The End of Australian Exceptionalism

The surge in support for Australia’s populist right-wing party One Nation suggests that immigration restrictionism has become increasingly popular with voters: a political trajectory that echoes that of many other Western nations. 

How Trump assassination attempts played into his decision to attack Iran

President Donald Trump acknowledged for the first time a personal rationale for attacking Iran: “I got him before he got me.”

From ‘America First’ to ‘Always America Last’

Trump promised to stop wars. His grip on his base is being questioned now that he’s started one.

Mamdani putting NYPD 'between rock and a hard place' in move that could ultimately help his goal: expert

Manhattan Institute fellow analyzes how Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response to "Snowballgate" and Queens shooting signals lack of support for NYPD officers.

The notable legal clouds that continue to hang over Donald Trump

All eyes are on former President Donald Trump, who has launched another White House bid.

Rubio Lays US Rationale Down on Operation Epic Fury; Media Hears 'Israel'

DHS blasts Spanberger on potential release of illegal migrant with 30+ arrests currently charged with murder

DHS clashes with Virginia governor over accused murderer's release. Immigration dispute erupts after illegal immigrant with 30+ arrests charged.

Podcast #326: Catching a Serial Killer

Managing Editor Iona Italia speaks with Maureen Callahan about her book "American Predator", which chronicles the crimes of serial killer Israel Keyes.

How Kyrsten Sinema's decision makes Democrats' 2024 Senate map tighter

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema decided to shake up the political world on Friday by becoming an independent. The former Democrat is still caucusing with the party in the Senate, so the Democratic caucus still has 51 members. Now, instead of 49 Democr…

Noem Testifies Before Senate on Immigration

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified in the Senate on Tuesday in her first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis. Noem's appearance in front of the Judiciary Committee also comes after a w…

I Used to Beat Up Sex Offenders. Now I Question the Mob.

An ex-prisoner reflects on Jeffrey Epstein, the Epstein files, Prince Andrew, and the rise of online conspiracy theories.

Democrat in key Senate primary says she ‘regrets’ vote on Laken Riley Act, draws GOP backlash

Democratic Rep. Angie Craig faces intense backlash after expressing regret for supporting the Laken Riley Act, sparking criticism as she runs for Minnesota Senate.

U.S. won’t rule out sending ground troops into Iran

The Pentagon is bracing for more casualties as it wages a massive campaign to eliminate Tehran’s arsenal but acknowledged that U.S. forces cannot intercept all incoming fire.

What to Watch in Tuesday’s Primary Elections in Texas, Arkansas and North Carolina

Midterm season is kicking off with hard-fought Senate and House primary contests that include battles over political style and ideology, age and scandal.

Vance 'Didn't Take Persuading'

Tuesday on RealClearPolitics - Joined by RCP White House Reporter, Phil Wegmann, and Retired General John Teichert:

‘Elaine From Atlantic … She Needs to Leave’

Representative Jasmine Crockett claimed I wasn’t kicked out of her rally. Here’s the audio.

Kimmitt: For Iran's Future Look to Venezuela, Syria

Syria and Venezuela offer a template for war termination. Set aside secondary ambitions and focus on essentials. Don't demand friendship or ideological alignment. Demand compliance with core American security interests, backed by the credible thre…

Trump’s Iran strikes get legal cover as scholars say Article II playbook spans Obama era and beyond

Legal scholars say President Donald Trump's authority to act against Iran's imminent threat tracks constitutional precedent, with Marco Rubio defending the operation.

Why I Got Thrown Out of a Jasmine Crockett Rally

The crowd was fired up. The candidate was on her game. And I was escorted out by armed guards.

Too Good To Check: Did US, Israel Wipe Out Iran's Ruling Mullahs?

All Hail Pete Hegseth

Every Now and Then Someone Stands Far From the Maddening, Proggy Crowd

Rep. Zinke to retire, providing a possible opening for Democrats in Montana

The Republican lawmaker and former Trump Cabinet secretary said injuries he sustained as a Navy SEAL have made it more difficult to serve.

CNN Political Briefing

The political news you need to know, in 10 minutes or less. Hosted by David Chalian.

Cornyn Learning There's More to Politics Than 'Electability'

Texas GOP voters tell me Sen. John Cornyn seems like he's from 'a different time' as Attorney General Ken Paxton leads polls, with Republicans craving a fighter over

Rep. Burlison to Newsmax: Clinton Deposition Raised More Questions Than Answers

Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., said on Newsmax Tuesday that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton repeatedly claimed a lack of memory during hours of closed-door testimony regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling the experience "r…

What Tuesday’s big midterm contests will reveal about Trump and Democrats

New congressional maps will debut in Texas and North Carolina as Republicans try to defend their majorities and Democrats hope they can flip both chambers.

Israel's US Ambassador to Newsmax: Trump Struck Iran to Stop Nuclear Missiles

Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said on Newsmax on Tuesday that President Donald Trump decided to strike Iran because Tehran was on the verge of producing multiple nuclear weapons and could soon have mounted them...

Fareed explains why AI's massive energy demands are straining the power grid, but also why AI could enable big breakthroughs in sustainability and clean energy.

I.M.F. Warns Iran War Could Hurt Global Economy

Inflation fears over higher energy prices could force central banks to take action, a top fund official said.

Pete Buttigieg in the Wilderness

He has a beard, a splitting maul, and a house in Michigan. Is that enough to convince America that he’s a man of the people?

State Department has helped over 130 Americans evacuate Israel during war with Iran, official says

A State Department official told Fox News that the State Department has so far helped more than 130 Americans evacuate Israel during the war with Iran.

The Impossible Predicament of the Uninsured

My aunt couldn’t afford to go to the hospital. She ended up there anyway.

Supreme Court sides with Christian parents in battle over school trans policies

At issue is a California law prohibiting school policies that require employees to report students’ sexual orientation and gender identity to parents.

Texas Primary Could Rewrite the Democrat Playbook

The closely watched Democratic primary for Senate in Texas, which has turned into a battle between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico, is not just testing what style of candidate Democrats prefer heading into 2026, but also two di…

How Anonymous Bettors Cashed In on the Iran Strike, Just Hours Before It Happened

Polymarket users placed hundreds of bets of at least $1,000 predicting an imminent American strike, raising concerns about insider trading.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

Go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting players in politics.

Rubio Remarks Blow Open MAGA's Israel Divide

MAGA's ascendant "America First" wing erupted after Secretary of State Marco Rubio effectively blamed Israel for drawing the U.S. into war with Iran.

Justice Dept. reverses course and seeks to defend orders targeting law firms

The Trump administration had moved to drop its defense of President Donald Trump’s executive orders sanctioning law firms. A day later, it abruptly backpedaled.

White House rationale for war keeps shifting

The president and top aides have offered varying justifications for attacking Iran — from regime change to preemption to eliminating its nuclear program and ballistic missiles.

Monday's Final Word

In the wake of the Republican National Convention earlier this month, Fareed speaks with historian Niall Ferguson about how and why the modern-day GOP has changed since the Reagan era of the 1980s.

The Politicization of Parenting Is Unfortunate

For better or worse, parents may have to choose a side.

Trump to Iran: 'Too Late' to Talk Now; Most Military Sites Hit

Oil and Natural Gas Prices Extend Rally as Iran Attacks Escalate

Energy prices continued to rise on Tuesday as attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran intensified, along with the country’s response.

Trump says Iran is 'running out of launchers' as regime is 'being decimated'

President Donald Trump said Iran is "running out of launchers" to conduct missile strikes because "they’re being decimated," according to Politico.

Toppling a Tyrant

The assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei has opened a narrow window for regime change in Tehran.

Guns and ganja: Supreme Court skeptical of federal law banning firearm possession for regular marijuana users

Texas man's challenge to federal firearm law for drug users reaches Supreme Court, with justices questioning scope of restrictions on cannabis users.

Lawmaker Seeks Review of Streaming Sports Fees

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, urged the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to examine whether federal law governing sports broadcasting still serves consumers as streaming costs climb.

Trump: US Will Cut All Trade With Spain

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the United States would cut off all trade with Spain after the European country refused to let the U.S. military use its bases for missions linked to strikes on Iran.

Ezra Klein’s Feeble Liberalism

Liberals must act aggressively to uphold the values of free society.

Sen. Cornyn to Newsmax: Texas Primary Will Decide Trump Agenda

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told Newsmax Tuesday that the Republican primary for his Texas Senate seat will determine whether President Donald Trump's second-term agenda succeeds, as voters head to the polls in a closely watched contest.

Judge: Trump Effort to End NYC Congestion Pricing Unlawful

A judge on Tuesday said the U.S. Transportation Department effort to force an end to Manhattan's congestion pricing program was illegal, a blow to President Donald Trump's attempts to eliminate the charge.