WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

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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The U.S. President expresses firm support for Israel as it prepares for its ground campaign targeting Hamas in Gaza. But will that support hold if there are civilian casualties? Plus, GOP Rep. Jim Jordan spent the weekend trying to find 217 votes to become the next House Speaker. Will he get there? 

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Israel to affirm U.S. support and send a message to countries like Iran. But can the U.S. handle the two military campaigns in Israel and Ukraine simultaneously? Plus, Donald Trump bumbles into the crisis with an attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a declaration that the Hezbollah militia is "smart."

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On this episode of the Potomac Watch podcast, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Mark Dubowitz talks about how Israel underestimated Hamas, the impact of a potential second front opening in Israel's north, and the central role played by Iran. Will President Biden now change his Iran policy?

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South Carolina lawmakers say they drew the state's new House map using political data alone, but the local NAACP claims the First District is a racial gerrymander. Plus, Kari Lake drops her "Stop the Steal" act as she announces a 2024 run for Senate in Arizona, but have voters who rejected her last year already forgotten?

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Hamas's terrorism has left hundreds dead, including 14 Americans, President Biden says, with other U.S. citizens taken to Gaza as hostages. The U.S. is sending ammunition to Israel, while directing the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier to the region, but will this wake up Washington, including leaderless House Republicans?

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For the first time in 50 years, Israel has declared war in response to Hamas' shocking attacks, including killing hundreds of citizens and taking civilian hostages. So what will be the response from Joe Biden and the United States? Plus, how deep is Iran's role in the conflict? 

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New Yorkers like Kathy Hochul and Eric Adams keep crying for help on the migrant flow, as President Biden says a 2019 appropriation gives his administration no choice but to build 20 miles of barrier in Texas. Plus, Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise jockey for Speaker of the House, as Donald Trump injects himself into the story.

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The Justices begin their new term by reviewing whether the unaccountable funding mechanism used by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, is also unconstitutional. Plus, does a "tester" plaintiff under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, have standing to sue hotels and inns that she never plans to visit?

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Eight GOP rebels join 208 Democrats to oust the Republican leader, sending the House into disarray. Was this motivated by policy as the malcontents claim, or was it personal as Mr. McCarthy says? Plus, can the GOP unite enough to elect a successor and govern? 

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