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

Through Violent Memes on Social Media, Trump Promotes the War on Iran

A series of White House social-media videos turn the carnage in Iran into gleeful entertainment.

The Logic of the Antiwar Crowd Is Bizarre

David French Thinks It Is Uncivil to Think that James Talarico Is an Awful Christian

What Does Unconditional Surrender for Iran Look Like?

‘We Need to Do McCarthyism to the Tenth Power’

Conservative influencers are pushing for a return to the dark days of 1950s inquisitions.

Iran’s Risky Gamble

The war with Iran is reshaping the entire Middle East from the Gulf States to Lebanon with surprising speed.

Thune Is in a Vise as Trump and the Far Right Demand a Fight on SAVE America Act

The majority leader is getting pounded for not pushing hard enough, but he says the votes just aren’t there to circumvent the filibuster.

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?

‘Titanic’ statue of Trump and Epstein on the Mall draws praise, scorn

The statue, depicting them embracing on a copy of the Titanic bow, is the third placed on the Mall by the artists depicting a connection between Trump and Epstein.

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.

Trump: 'Practically Nothing' Left to Bomb in Iran

President Donald Trump said Wednesday the war with Iran could end "soon," because there is "practically nothing left to target" after a series of U.S. and Israeli strikes.

The Soft Disinformation Contagion

How we learned to reason poorly with accurate data.

The Pete Hegseth Exception

Nearly a year after a national-security scandal erupted on my iPhone, no one in the Trump administration has faced consequences.

Government appeals judge’s order barring search of Post reporter’s devices

The Justice Department appealed a judge’s order that blocked officials from searching a Washington Post reporter’s electronic devices in a leak investigation.

Why Trump Changed His Mind on Kristi Noem

Congressional questions about contracts, ads, and extramarital sex ended her tenure.

Bill Targets Bonuses of Executives at Failed Banks

Senior executives blamed for the collapse of a major bank would be forced to give up bonuses and other compensation under new bipartisan legislation that was to be introduced Wednesday.

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.

Senate Advances Housing Bill as GOP Pushback Emerges

The Senate on Tuesday cleared a key procedural hurdle for legislation aimed at making homeownership more affordable, though the measure still faces resistance from some Republicans.

Trump’s Actions in Iran and Venezuela Show Limits of U.S. Sanctions

America’s vast economic powers are able to wear down an adversary’s economy but are insufficient to topple leaders on their own.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Letters to the Editor

Friday 27 February – Friday 6 March

Oregon Universities Are Struggling, Portland State Needs to Cut Millions

Trump ally Clay Fuller advances in Georgia fight for MTG’s former seat

Georgia 14th Congressional District runoff features Republican Clay Fuller, backed by Trump, facing Democrat Shawn Harris April 7 after Harris led with 37% and Fuller earned 35%.

Trump Administration Restarts Global Entry Program

The program for people traveling internationally came back online at 5 a.m. on Wednesday. It had been paused amid the shutdown of the Homeland Security Department.

Trump in G7 Call After IEA Oil Stocks Decision: 'We Are Having a Tremendous Impact'

President Donald Trump praised the "tremendous impact" of decisions being made on Wednesday as leaders of the Group of Seven Nations met to discuss war in Iran and its economic consequences, according to a short videoclip shared by the French pres…

Sen. Rick Scott: Will 'Take A While' to Control Strait of Hormuz

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said Wednesday it could take time for the United States to secure the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East as tensions tied to the Iranian conflict continue to threaten global shipping lanes.During an appearance on CNN's "N…

Trump to tout economic agenda on tour as Iran war stirs prices, GOP dissent

The Ohio and Kentucky stops are meant to promote economic gains, but rising oil prices and Republican dissent over Iran threaten to complicate the message.

17 Democratic States Sue Over Trump Demand Colleges Provide Race Data

The Trump administration wants colleges and universities to share information about the race and gender of applicants to make sure they’re not using racial preferences in admissions.

I Recognize the Look on Liam Ramos’s Face

The 5-year-old was briefly held at Dilley, where families are sent after ICE roundups.

Out on the Wily, Windy Moors...

Emerald Fennell’s misbegotten adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’ destroys the very structure of Emily Brontë’s classic story.

Why Did the UK Police Repeatedly Decline to Investigate Claims About Epstein and Prince Andrew?

The police in London interviewed Virginia Giuffre three times over her allegations about Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Ghislaine Maxwell, but never began a criminal investigation.

Trump posts support for Massie primary challenger ahead of Kentucky visit

President Donald Trump continues blasting Rep. Thomas Massie and backing GOP primary challenger Ed Gallrein ahead of a Wednesday visit to Kentucky.

Hmmm: UK Bans Pro-Iran 'Al-Quds' March Over Terror Fears

LIVE RESULTS: Special Election for MTG Seat in Georgia

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.

DOJ leader swats back DNC election security suit, mocks demands as kid’s ‘tooth fairy’ wish list

DOJ official mocks DNC lawsuit over election security records as "frivolous," comparing it to "tooth fairy" wishes in dismissive social media response.

Details on the Two Teens Who Tossed Bombs Outside Gracie Mansion

CNN Political Briefing

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

House Republicans struggle to craft legislative agenda ahead of midterms

At a retreat in Florida, the House GOP plotted its next steps — but the path ahead is murky, and elections are looming.

Things Are About to Get Ugly in Texas

A runoff, resentments, and the question of whether a Democrat can win statewide

FDA launches new AI-powered system to track drug and vaccine side effects nationwide

FDA launches new AI-powered system to track drug and vaccine side effects in real time, replacing outdated databases and saving $120 million annually.

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…

The United Nations Is Going Broke

Too often, the UN’s valuable field work is overshadowed by cynical political posturing. As a result, collecting annual dues from member states has become more difficult.

Media and Democrats Freak Out That Pentagon Gave Troops a Nice Meal

US Warns Civilians to Avoid Iranian Naval Ports

The U.S. military on Wednesday warned civilians to leave port facilities where Iranian naval forces are operating, adding that U.S. forces could not guarantee their safety.

Mayor Mamdani Reaffirms He's a Radical Leftist

Mayor Mamdani is off to a terrible start, with even the weather turning against him.

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.

Podcast #327: Will Post-Islamist Iran Get a Royal Restoration?

Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Iranian-Canadian human-rights activist Kaveh Shahrooz about whether Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the last Shah of Iran, might rise to power as a new Prince of Persia.

WSJ: IEA Proposes Massive Strategic Oil Release to Counter Iran; UPDATE: US Destroys 16 Iran Minelayers

Trump Is Expected to Endorse Cornyn

Republican strategists hope the endorsement will make the Texas Senate race less expensive and less competitive.

Trump Documents Missing in Epstein Files Highlight DOJ’s Missteps

In late July, an F.B.I. agent asked colleagues to get started on a sensitive task relating to Jeffrey Epstein, listing the names of 14 prominent men, with President Trump at the top.

RFK Jr.’s advisers had a plan to target covid shots. Then it fell apart.

Some members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel have publicly questioned the safety and manufacturing of the shots, including raising a debunked theory that DNA contaminants in the vaccines are harmful.

Musk Is Enticed by the Lunar Siren

Elon Musk should remain focused on Mars; diverting to the Moon would be a mistake.

US destroys 16 Iranian mine boats as Strait of Hormuz oil showdown escalates

U.S. forces destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz as oil traffic stalls through the critical shipping corridor amid rising tensions.

NEW: Cornyn Calls to End Filibuster Over SAVE Act

Illegal immigrant’s two decades of unlawful votes expose the real 'threat' to democracy: Experts

After an illegal alien was discovered to have been voting, immigration experts that loss of voter confidence represents the true “serious threat" to American democracy.

Reporter's Notebook: Trump's SAVE Act ultimatum runs into Senate reality

Trump demands Senate Republicans pass SAVE America Act requiring proof of citizenship to vote, but GOP leaders say they lack votes for filibuster.

Vaccine Advisers Drop Plan to Question MRNA COVID Shots

A key U.S. federal vaccine advisory panel has dropped a push against COVID mRNA vaccines, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter.

Dan Schueftan on Gaza, Iran & the Future of Israel

Israel faces not a solvable conflict but a permanent condition—one requiring deterrence, “violent maintenance,” and historic patience—while confronting both regional enemies and a cultural battle in the West.

Whistleblower claims ex-DOGE member says he took Social Security data to new job

The Social Security inspector general’s office is investigating allegations that the former DOGE engineer took sensitive data on a thumb drive in a major potential security breach, said people familiar with the process.

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…

House GOP leader launches Senate bid as Trump taps Markwayne Mullin for DHS

GOP Rep. Kevin Hern launches his Oklahoma Senate bid to replace DHS nominee Markwayne Mullin, vowing to be a "loyal ally" to President Trump’s "America First" agenda.

White House tells House GOP to avoid mass deportation talk ahead of midterms

White House tells GOP House members to avoid talk of “mass deportations” ahead of the midterms, backing away from public discussion of a key campaign pledge.

‘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.

The Impossible Predicament of the Uninsured

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

Democrats ask what happened to millions earmarked for Trump’s library

ABC, Meta, Paramount and X reportedly agreed to pay at least $63 million in settlements with the president. The original fund was dissolved last year.

We Visited 'Ground Zero' for Hospice Fraud: Los Angeles, CA

A CBS News analysis of records for every hospice operating in Los Angeles County finds indications of fraud are growing.

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…

Tuesday’s Final Word

Why Populism is Rising in Australia: Immigration and One Nation Surge

Australia has long been considered politically stable compared with Europe and the United States. But according to political scientist Eric Kaufmann, that period of “Australian exceptionalism” may be coming to an end.

Safety Board to Hold Hearing on 2 Fatal Ford Crashes

The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a March 31 hearing to determine the probable cause of two fatal crashes involving Ford Motor's hands-free advanced driver assistance system BlueCruise.

Trump Administration to Announce New Trade Investigations

The investigations into unfair trade practices will likely lead to tariffs on foreign countries, as the administration works to replace the import taxes struck down by the Supreme Court.

Impossible, But True: CNN Gets Worse, Says Mamdani Was Target of Terrorist Attack

Trump touts 5-0 sweep by endorsed candidates in Tuesday primary elections

Trump's endorsed candidates had good results in Tuesday elections, as ex-White House fellow Clay Fuller advances to a Georgia runoff in April.

Collision with Reality

The Supreme Court has just invalidated Trump’s tariff agenda. But the economics were already doing that.

Senators seek review of Justice Department’s handling of Epstein files

A bipartisan group of senators raised concerns in a letter to the Government Accountability Office that the department failed to redact names and photos of victims.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Why Europe Still Misreads America

Why Germans fear American religion, and what this reveals about Europe.

House GOP urges Trump to choke off Iran ally's oil profits as Middle East turmoil spikes US gas prices

House Republicans are urging President Trump to block profits from a major Russian oil company as Iran turmoil pushes gas prices higher across the U.S.

U.S. at Fault in Strike on School in Iran, Preliminary Inquiry Says

Outdated targeting data may have resulted in a mistaken missile strike, according to the ongoing military investigation, which undercuts President Trump’s assertion that Iran could be to blame.

A Strike Against Beijing

Operation Epic Fury is not just about Iran.

Trump’s pick advances in race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Clay Fuller, a district attorney, led among Republicans to replace the former congresswoman in deep-red Georgia, while Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) fended off a primary challenge.

Tracking who Trump is appointing to fill key administration roles

Follow President Trump’s progress filling over 800 positions, among about 1,300 that require Senate confirmation, in this tracker from The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service.

World Leaders Will Release 400 Million Barrels of Oil to Stabilize Prices

The planned release by members of the International Energy Agency is the largest such coordinated action on record.

Push to Tax Millionaires Gains Ground in Blue States

Chuck Collins figures he won life's lottery by inheriting vast sums of money through his great-grandfather Oscar Mayer's processed meat company, but rather than fight to protect every dime Collins has helped push to hike taxes on the ultrarich lik…

Pete Hegseth’s Moral Unseriousness

The defense secretary appears unable to approach matters of life and death with even the slightest bit of reverence or humility.

171 million travelers face airport delays as Democrats' DHS shutdown hits TSA staffing, Scalise warns

Airports across the U.S. are seeing long security lines as the DHS shutdown impacts TSA staffing, with 171 million travelers expected to fly in coming weeks.

Joe Rogan Says Trump’s Supporters Feel ‘Betrayed’ by Iran War

The influential podcast host described the conflict as a sharp reversal from the policies the president had campaigned on.

Ed Martin faces disciplinary proceedings over actions as D.C. U.S. attorney

The senior Justice Department official faces disciplinary proceedings over a letter he sent to Georgetown University’s law school about its DEI practices.

We'll Block the Senate Until SAVE Act Passes

House Republicans threaten to block Senate legislation until Majority Leader John Thune passes the SAVE America Act requiring voter ID and citizenship proof for elections.

Cornyn reverses on filibuster stance to push Trump's SAVE Act in Senate

Sen. John Cornyn urged Republicans Wednesday to consider filibuster reform to advance Trump's voter ID bill, reversing his past stance as White House urges passage.

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.

Jill Biden Memoir Revisits Joe Biden's 2024 Exit

Former first lady Jill Biden broke her silence about Joe Biden's decision to abruptly end his 2024 presidential reelection bid under pressure from Democrats concerned about his age, health and viability against Republican Donald Trump in a rematch…

How Cancer Took Me Down an Obamacare Rabbithole

Tuesday, March 10th on RealClearPolitics - joined by RCP Contributor Richard Porter: 00:00 Trump Says Iran is a

Neither Party Is Interested in Heterodoxy

They talk a big game about big tents and pluralism, but partisan fealty and ideological conformity always win out.

Reconsider Your Failing Strategy, Mr. President

Strategic ambiguity, if that's what this is, can be a double-edged sword.

Trump Ends Biden's Drug Price Nightmare

President Trump's healthcare policies protect patient choice and restore trust while addressing ongoing public health challenges effectively.

Arizona Is Now at the Center of Election Investigations

Both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are probing the results of the 2020 election in Arizona.

V.A. Begins Drive to Put Homeless Veterans Into Guardianship

A joint effort with the Justice Department creates new authority to compel veterans into institutional or involuntary care.

AI Can Do Work. Can It Do a Job?

Why passing the bar doesn't make AI a lawyer

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.

Van Hollen, Booker Roll Out Plans to Eliminate Income Taxes for Millions

A new competition over tax cuts is emerging inside the Democratic Party as potential presidential contenders unveil proposals aimed at allowing millions of Americans to pay little or no federal income tax.

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.

Judge: Epstein Accusers May Depose Leon Black in BofA Suit

Billionaire Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black could be deposed as part of a civil lawsuit brought against Bank of America by women who accuse the bank of facilitating their sexual abuse by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, court…

Why I'm Sticking With Trump

In case anyone is wondering if I regret my vote. I don't.