US of Ed

"Right now it's this battle he had with Trump, rather than his larger-, things he contributed to the American people."

As what seemed at times like the lone dissenting voice in what the Republican party has become under Trump, how will John McCain be best remembered? Also looking at threats against the World Trade Organization, North Korea, Cohen fallout, and Donald Trump can no longer Google himself in peace. Meanwhile, what does the Democrats changes for superdelegates mean for a rising youth movement within the party?

"He doesn't listen to his lawyers, at all, and that's going to be his downfall."

A horror week for the White House as Paul Manafort found guilty on eight counts and former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen pleading guilty to other charges, with Cohen's lawyer saying he is willing to speak about any and all things Donald Trump to the Mueller investigation. Trump's 'witch hunt' reaction somewhat stymied by a surprise push-back from Jeff Sessions, reasserting the independence of the Justice Department. Also, in policy news, a slowdown for carbon emission targets and immigrant army recruits.

"Donald Trump is on a long holiday inside the White House... the government is on autopilot."

John Brennan's security clearance, a snub for John McCain, and Trump at war with a former Apprentice star, a perfect storm of smallness and petty behavior from the Commander-in-Chief this week. Meanwhile, Turkey's tumble raises nuclear concerns and a surprising lesson from the Chinese economy. Also talking Unite the Right flop, midterm nominations, and a new report makes The Wall look like even more of a distant dream.

"The problem I see right now is that the Democrats might become exhausted, just by trying to counter all the craziness of Trump."

Ohio's special election at the time of recording still too close to call but even if Republicans come away with a razor thin majority, are Democrats the real winners? California facing its largest ever wildfires, what are the causes behind this inferno that might have been overlooked? Also, Trump tweets portents of war at Iran, allies and LeBron James, and the Manafort trial continues with Rick Gates as star witness.

"It's the president's attitude, the law is for lesser people, income taxes are for lesser people. He runs the government, it is his wall, and on and on and on."

Another chaotic week at the Trump White House as the president seems to be struggling under the strain of the ongoing Mueller investigation. Trump is also threatening a government shutdown if he doesn't get his way, and playing out the same routine with Iran that he did for North Korea to less apparent success. Also talking tax cuts, Jeff Sessions' 'Religious Liberty Task Force' and the opening days of the Manafort trial.

"Now it's Iran, before it was North Korea. These are all-, a person who has a very short attention span and has a great need for enthusiastic applause behind him no matter what the cost."

Somehow, impossibly, Donald Trump's scandals continue to stack up this far into his presidency, with Russia and the NRA, hush money for affairs, and surreal totalitarian comments making headlines this week. Not even an all-caps near-declaration of war with Iran could distract from the circus. Attempting to wrap our heads around it along with talk on Rod Rosenstein, $12 billion in aid for farmers, and Trump finally concerned by Russia election interference... on behalf of Democrats.

"You, Russia, bring peace in Syria, and we let you have the Ukraine. That's the deal that's on the table."

Fallout from Trump's tricky turns of phrase following his meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Are we missing the bigger picture of Trump's business dealings with Russia? And what ominous 'verbal agreements' did the president make that Russians now want to hold the Americans to? Also talking Puerto Rico, Obama stepping up to the plate for Democrats, and the latest in the Russia and Manafort investigations.

"Mr Trump won, this tough talk got tough action."

Donald Trump caught other NATO members by surprise this week but is there a method to the madness? He's also travelling through the UK and set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin next week. Meanwhile, is Brett Kavanaugh's nomination the best deal the Democrats can get, and they should take it while they can? Also talking China tariffs, another swing at Obamacare, a rise in hate crimes, and a bizarre American aversion to breastfeeding.

"This would be the most outrageous, and perhaps the most dangerous thing that Trump could do."

Scandal-ridden EPA Head Scott Pruitt is the latest Trump appointee to resign, a reflection of the eat or be eaten inner nature of the current government that does not seem likely to improve. Meanwhile, a proposal to pull the US out of the World Trade Organization threatens global markets and markets within the US that are already left wanting. Also talking Mexico's new president, Obamacare keeps on keeping on, Russian interference and the fallout from the Capital Gazette shooting.

"Truth of the matter is this is a violation of the Constitution... The President cannot receive any emoluments, which is a big word, while he is in office."

Victory in the Supreme Court for Trump and news the Justice Anthony Kennedy will be retiring means Republicans get another pick on the bench. Meanwhile, news that 38 Trump trademarks have been approved in China and that The Trump Organization refuses to share how much its receiving in foreign revenue with Congress means American interests could be for sale at bargain prices. Also talking family separations, Russia, North Korea, some roundly criticised remarks from Maxine Waters, and a potential Trump visit to Australia.