WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

The former Vice President's past with Donald Trump proved too much of a distraction from his message of classic conservatism, and he hadn't qualified for next week's GOP presidential debate. But as Nikki Haley surges, is further Republican consolidation coming? Plus, the Supreme Court is set to hear two cases on whether public officials may block constituents on social media. 

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The President's sagging poll numbers finally lure a Democratic primary opponent, as Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips files for the ballot in New Hampshire. But is Biden as weak as Phillips seems to think, and where do the two men disagree on substance? Plus, Jenna Ellis becomes the third attorney tied to Donald Trump to plead guilty in the Georgia 2020 election case.

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The U.S. economy grew a robust 4.9% in the third quarter, but how long can this keep going amid higher interest rates? Plus, the United Auto Workers union makes a deal with Ford to go back to work, putting pressure on other auto manufacturers to come to an agreement. 

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Three weeks after a Republican revolt deposed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, House Republicans finally find a consensus replacement, Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Who is he, how did he get the job, and will he prove able to govern, as the House faces another funding deadline to prevent a government shutdown, amid bipartisan calls for military aid to Israel and Ukraine?  

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Violent crime dropped 1.7% nationwide in 2022, the headlines say, but not all states are doing the same. In California such offenses are up 13% since 2019, while in Florida they're down 32%. What do these numbers say about the way that Gov. Gavin Newsom and Gov. Ron DeSantis are handling public safety, especially since the two presidential aspirants have agreed to debate?

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As world troubles grow, Nikki Haley has been gaining support in the GOP presidential polls. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is fighting back, but Barton Swaim says he is clearly more comfortable on domestic issues. Plus, Kim Strassel talks about the latest candidates for Speaker of the House.

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In an Oval Office address, President Biden makes the case that supporting Israel against Hamas, as well as Ukraine against Russia, is in America's national interest, while calling for more security assistance from Congress. Plus, House Republicans are back to square one, after Jim Jordan's bid to be Speaker fails a third time on the floor, with more votes turning against him.

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Three weeks remain until Virginia's statehouse elections, and if Republicans take full control of Richmond, they can pass a broad legislative agenda, including repealing the state's mandate for electric vehicles, or EVs. Could a GOP win also propel Gov. Youngkin into the 2024 presidential race? Plus, another day without a Speaker of the House, after Jim Jordan can't find the votes.

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President Biden lands in Israel, meets with Benjamin Netanyahu, and says that the U.S. believes an explosion at a Gaza hospital was an errant missile from a Palestinian terrorist group. Plus, Jim Jordan fails to win a second vote for Speaker of the House, leaving Republicans looking for alternatives, including an expanded role for Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry. 

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Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan issues a gag order to stop Donald Trump from disparaging prosecutors and witnesses, but will that hold up on appeal, and does it play into his 2024 campaign of grievances? Plus, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan fails to be elected Speaker of the House on the first ballot, amid lingering hard feelings in the GOP about the treatment of Kevin McCarthy and Steve Scalise.

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