Smash The Bubble

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

more info

Today's Headlines

Ezra Klein’s Feeble Liberalism

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

Latino Democrats Fight to Fend Off Upstart Challengers

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is defending four key incumbents in primary races centered on how aggressively Democrats are combating ICE and President Trump.

Hezbollah Enters War, Gets Instant Regret; UPDATE: Intel Chief Killed

Trump: ‘I got him before he got me’ after killing Iran’s Supreme Leader

Trump says he authorized strike killing Iranian leader Khamenei before Tehran, Iran, could act on alleged assassination plots against him and officials.

BREAKING: UK Approves Use of British Bases; UPDATE: Gulf Cooperation Council Signals It Will Join

1 in 4 Americans back Trump’s Iran strikes, most say he’s too quick to use force: poll

New poll shows 27% of Americans approve U.S. military strikes on Iran ordered by Trump, with Republicans supporting 55%-32% while Democrats oppose 73%-7%.

Oversight demands DOJ answers on foreign funding of agitator groups as Iran, anti-ICE protests continue

House Oversight Committee requests DOJ briefing on foreign funding behind anti-ICE protest groups.

Nothing Says 'Heaven' to a Dead Ayatollah Like a Flock of Little Girls

Rep. Steube to Newsmax: Expect 'Bipartisan Support' in Iran War Powers Vote

Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., told Newsmax on Monday that while it may not be overwhelming, President Donald Trump can expect "bipartisan" support in this week's anticipated war powers vote in Congress over his attack on Iran.

Supreme Court Appears Skeptical of Law Banning Drug Users From Owning Guns

A majority of the justices voiced concerns that the law may be overbroad, lumping together occasional drug users with addicts who threaten public safety.

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.

Paxton: Texas Transition Ban Includes Mental Health Care

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has determined that mental health professionals licensed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council are considered "healthcare providers" under state law and are subject to restrictions tied to Texas' ban on…

Labor Secretary’s Tenure Marked by Frequent Travel and Internal Tumult

Lori Chavez-DeRemer is under investigation internally after allegations of misconduct and misuse of department funds.

The White House Urges Republicans to Ignore Trump’s Diversions

They will let Trump be Trump, but everyone else needs to stay focused on the economy.

Has Trump Made 'Forever War' Impossible?

The long buildup to the U.S.-Israeli attack upon Iran produced an almost unprecedented amount of fatuous comment. Many warned of a potential "forever war" and a morass reminiscent of Iraq and Afghanistan. President Trump, though, has devised a new…

What Can the Texas Primary Tell Us About Democrats?

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

Trump says US mission in Iran is 'ahead of schedule,' vows to 'easily prevail' over regime

President Donald Trump said the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran is ahead of schedule, with the regime's military leadership eliminated in about an hour.

Trump pursues Iranian decapitation without a plan for what comes next

The U.S. has a fraught track record of toppling autocratic regimes and securing peaceful democracies — even when it has vision for the day after.

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.

Is Iran the World's Most Inexplicable Country?

Is Iran the world's most inexplicable country?

Trump Won't Rule Out Sending Troops to Iran

President Donald Trump said Monday he is not ruling out sending U.S. ground troops - "boots on the ground" - into Iran "if they were necessary," as he touted the early success of Operation Epic Fury and predicted the conflict would conclude within…

The Democrats Who Got Weird During the State of the Union

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

Prediction markets point to Talarico-Paxton showdown in Texas Senate race

Traders on Kalshi are increasingly betting that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico will secure their parties’ Senate nominations ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

Pence Praises Iran Attack, Trump's Decisiveness

Former Vice President Mike Pence on Monday praised the attack on Iran by U.S. and Israeli forces, calling President Donald Trump's actions a "logical and just response to a decadeslong campaign of bloodshed against Americans and our allies."

The Bond Market Is Telling You Something

I've been tracking economic trends and reading economist reports for three decades. The post-COVID period ranks among the most unclear of my career when it comes to economist consensus.

How To Think About Trump's War With Iran

To think clearly about Middle East wars, you need to hold multiple thoughts in your head at the same time. It's a complicated, kaleidoscopic region where religion, oil, tribal politics and great power politics interweave in every major story. If y…

Airline Stocks Tumble as Iran War Expands Across the Middle East

Higher fuel prices and lower demand for international flights are expected to eat into airlines’ profits.

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…

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.

Dems Thrown Into Disarray Over Military Action in Iran

Lawmakers from Sanders to Mark Kelly offer mixed feelings on Trump's action and killing of Iranian supreme leader

Tariff Lawsuits Returned to Trade Court to Determine Next Steps

A U.S. appeals court on Monday returned the lawsuits that led to most of President Donald Trump's tariffs being struck down to the U.S. Court of International Trade, which could determine the process for refunding more than $130 billion to importers.

The Unexpected Winners From Trump’s New Global Tariff

The president’s flat 10 percent tariff is most beneficial to nations that previously faced the highest rates. But it’s not clear how much that will prompt a new surge in imports.

Russia's and China's Web of Allies Is Being Dismantled in Real Time

Iran strikes spark accusations of bad-faith diplomatic negotiations

U.S. officials said they were negotiating with Iran in good faith, even if hours later they joined Israeli military strikes that targeted the Iranian government.

Israeli, US Officials: Strike on Iran Delayed by 1 Week

The U.S. and Israel delayed strikes on Iran by a week due to intelligence and operational considerations, according to senior U.S. and Israeli officials who spoke with Axios.

Are Democrats Making a Huge Mistake Blasting Trump on Iran?

Five Testy Moments From the Acrimonious Texas Senate Primaries

Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, the Democratic and Republican races have become increasingly personal and contentious.

Gas prices could jump as Middle East tensions threaten global oil supply

Gas prices could rise 25-50 cents per gallon as Middle East tensions threaten global oil supplies after strikes on Iran killed Supreme Leader Khamenei.

The Impossible Predicament of the Uninsured

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

As Kennedy Turns From Vaccines, MAHA Allies See a ‘Betrayal’

As the midterm elections approach, the health secretary is focusing on “real food.” Anger is rising among some of his supporters.

Gavin Newsom a Lot More Complicated Than You Think

One thing you can say for California Gov. Gavin Newsom: He's not afraid to tick people off.

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.

Bistro Beegeoux: Sunday Roast Chicken Dinner

Adams unloads on Mamdani over Iran, says he’s choosing ‘tyrants over victims’

Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams criticizes successor Zohran Mamdani over Iran strikes response, calling critics of military action "morally hollow" defenders.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Trump subpoena, administration probes taking shape, House Democrats say

If they take control of the chamber after the midterms, Democrats are planning to summon Trump to testify and launch an array of probes of the administration.

Trump to IRGC: Surrender for Immunity, or Prepare to Die; Urges Iranians to 'Seize the Moment'

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

For Dem Contenders, Iran War Presents Opportunity & Risk

Each potential candidate felt the need to comment in the war's first 24 hours. But what to say? Or, more specifically, how, precisely, to oppose President Donald Trump?

‘Elaine From Atlantic … She Needs to Leave’

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

Power Beyond Realpolitik

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

Hegseth Lays Out 3-Part Mission: Conflict 'Not Endless'

Pete Hegseth outlines three-part mission against Iran during Pentagon briefing, rejecting endless war comparisons while detailing Operation Epic Fury objectives.

After Trump’s Iran Decision

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

Rep. Self to Newsmax: Stop 'Bellyaching' on Capitol Hill Over Iran Strikes

Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, appeared on Newsmax to urge fellow lawmakers critical of Saturday's joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran to stop "bellyaching" and stand behind American troops in harm's way.

Rep. Meuser to Newsmax: Restricting War Powers Now Would Embolden Iran

Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., on Monday defended U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend as lawful and necessary as the House prepared for a bipartisan vote later this week on a war powers resolution that could constrain President Donald Trump...

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.

The Cost of Indifference

The sad and curious case of the chronic fatigue syndrome. 

DHS remains unfunded as Iran sleeper cell fears spike nationwide amid security warnings

DHS remains unfunded amid rising Iran sleeper cell fears following Austin bar shooting. Officials warn of potential cyberattacks and lone wolf threats.

Trump’s Suddenly High-Stakes State of the Union

The president is visiting Congress in a dramatically different place from where he was a year ago.

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. 

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.

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…

Is Killing Bad Guys All It Takes?

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

U.S. Sends More Troops to the Mideast as Iran War Expands

Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said more troops and fighter jets were heading to the region. He acknowledged the possibility of an extended campaign.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Carville Trashes Trump -- Maybe Carville Should Sit This One Out

Republicans Cite Iran Attacks to Pressure Democrats on Shutdown

GOP lawmakers ensured there was enough money for the immigration crackdown, but the funding pause threatens other Homeland Security work.

An Unwise and Unconstitutional Attack on Iran

More war isn't the answer. If it were, the past 70 years would have produced a better outcome than what we see today.

Sherrod Brown Is Grinding It Out

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

Oil prices soar amid worries of sustained war in Iran

The war in the Mideast has effectively halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to push up gas prices and raise the cost of other goods.

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…

Mamdani Needs To Get Serious About Protecting NYers

In such perilous times, New York needs a mayor who has our backs. But on every issue, Zohran Mamdani is out of touch, out of his depth and out to lunch.

Why John Cornyn, a Senate GOP stalwart, could lose his Texas primary

The four-term senator is determined to prevail Tuesday against two challengers who view him as a relic of the George W. Bush era. The race could go to a runoff in May.

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.

Democrats Need a Simple Agenda

Support for an expansive Project 2029 rests on a flawed theory of how to win back workers. Democrats instead should try a straightforward, muscular plan for change.

How Trump Decided to Go to War With Iran

President Trump’s embrace of military action in Iran was spurred by an Israeli leader determined to end diplomatic negotiations. Few of the president’s advisers voiced opposition.

The ‘Crazy’ Plot to Release the Epstein Files

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

The First Couple of a Dysfunctional DHS

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

'Property of Allah': Austin Mass Shooter Might Have Terror 'Nexus' To ...

We texted 1,000 Americans about U.S. strikes in Iran. Here’s what they said.

Fifty-two percent of Americans oppose the strikes, and two-thirds say the Trump administration hasn’t clearly explained the goals of the military action.

U.S. troops killed amid Iranian counterattack, fueling air defense fears

U.S. forces say they have hit 1,000 targets over the past two days in a race to take out Iran’s ability to threaten American personnel and allies across the Middle East.

Trump: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet

Gen. Wesley Clark to Newsmax: Iran War 'Entirely Different' From Iraq, Afghanistan

The U.S. war against Iran is "entirely different" from past conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gen. Wesley Clark told Newsmax on Monday. Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander said Operation Epic Fury is…

Retired general who once led Air Force Research Laboratory goes missing

Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William McCasland, 68, went missing in Albuquerque on Friday, with authorities issuing a Silver Alert due to medical concerns.

FBI probing whether Iran attack motivated Austin shooter who killed 2

Authorities are investigating whether the shooter who killed 2 people and wounded 14 others was motivated by the U.S. attack on Iran.

Iran’s security chief accuses Trump of ‘Israel First’ policy, 'delusional fantasies' in region

Iran's Security Chief Ali Larijani accuses Trump of sacrificing American lives for 'Israel First' ambitions as U.S. troops head to the Middle East.

Rep. Mace to Newsmax: Congress Moving Too Fast on Iran War Vote

Following Saturday's joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said Congress is moving toward a war powers vote before lawmakers have all the facts. In a Monday morning appearance on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Mace backed...

HUGE: What Most People Have Missed About US Use of Low-Cost Drones in Iran

Nine Intellectual Virtues

Either universities appoint and promote professors who display and disseminate intellectual virtues, or they reward those who exemplify and cultivate intellectual vices.

Trump leaves room to claim victory — or avoid blame — in recorded Iran strike messages

Trump has taken an approach to selling U.S. citizens on military action in Iran that contrasts with his predecessors, seeking to avoid completely owning it.

Germany's Merz to Visit Trump as Mideast War Rages

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz left Monday for Washington where he is set to become the first European leader to visit President Donald Trump since the U.S. and Israel launched their war against Iran.

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.

Podcast #325: Why We Need to Talk About Transgender School Shooters

Jonathan Kay speaks with journalist Adam Zivo about the 10 February school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia—a mass murder perpetrated by a trans-identified male gunman who was initially identified by police and journalists as a woman.

Could a Supreme Court Case Help Hunter Biden Get His Law License Back?

The former president’s son says he is watching closely as the justices on Monday hear a case testing the constitutionality of the federal gun law used to convict him.

An Hour of Reckoning

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

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.

Trump’s Iranian Dilemma

President Donald Trump must choose between a military strike on Iran, whose consequences no one can predict, and a deal that would leave the Islamic Republic still able to attack its own citizens, menace Israel, and export terrorism worldwide.

Trump says US sank 10 ships in Iran strike, ‘last, best chance’ to act

President Donald Trump Monday said the United States and Israel’s joint military operation against Iran was "our last, best chance to strike" to "eliminate the intolerable threats" posed by Tehran.

US surges forces to Middle East as Pentagon warns Iran fight ‘will take some time'

War Secretary Pete Hegseth discusses U.S. military operations against Iran as more American forces deploy to the Middle East in escalating campaign.

Texas Primary Early Voting Figures Show High Democratic Turnout

More than 1.3 million voters cast ballots in the Democratic primary during the early voting period that ended Friday. Many counties hadn’t yet reported their data.

Trump Awards Medal of Honor to 3 US Army Service Members

President Donald Trump recognized three U.S. Army soldiers with the Medal of Honor at the White House on Monday, with two of the commendations being awarded posthumously. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson was recognized for actions dur…

The Myth of the Post-Industrial Economy

If the West wants to compete and survive, it must revive manufacturing.

Graham Platner picks up second U.S. senator endorsement in crucial Maine race

Platner faced early controversy over social media posts and a tattoo. His Democratic opponent, Gov. Janet Mills, has the support of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York).

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.