NEW — @insidepolitics Sunday 8amET/11aET on @cnn
— Two days left! Trump's final red-state tour
— I hit the trail in Iowa: Ground Zero in the fight for House and Senate. Three House seats, a Senate seat, gov race all in play
— What Turek and Hinson said to me
— What early vote e for Senate majority
— Abdul v Haley on final weekend
— Alaska Senate controversy latest
— Trump's laundry list of campaign promises - if they win
— Bellwether House races to watch on Election Day
— Two days left! Trump's final red-state tour
— I hit the trail in Iowa: Ground Zero in the fight for House and Senate. Three House seats, a Senate seat, gov race all in play
— What Turek and Hinson said to me
— What early vote e for Senate majority
— Abdul v Haley on final weekend
— Alaska Senate controversy latest
— Trump's laundry list of campaign promises - if they win
— Bellwether House races to watch on Election Day
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Speaker Johnson, who said in March that it would be a “temporary blip” in high gas prices, told me today: “We think that turns a corner right after the election.”
“Gas prices will come down when the Strait of Hormuz is reopened. It's going to happen soon after the election,” he his party should have done more on gas prices and affordability, he said: “No,” pointing to passage of tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“We have the conditions in place for the economy to take off like a rocket,” he said.
“Gas prices will come down when the Strait of Hormuz is reopened. It's going to happen soon after the election,” he his party should have done more on gas prices and affordability, he said: “No,” pointing to passage of tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“We have the conditions in place for the economy to take off like a rocket,” he said.
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Speaker Johnson vows to seat every House Dem who wins even if Trump calls the election rigged and urges him not to in January.
“Of course, this is just nonsense narrative. We are going to follow the law.”
Vows a “no drama” ceremony.
And if Trump says not to seat Dems and 'll do my job as the Speaker of the House. The president has vowed, of course, he wants to follow the law as well. That's what's going to happen. It's a nonsense narrative that the Democrats are making up because they're trying to fool voters, and the voters are not buying that.“
“Of course, this is just nonsense narrative. We are going to follow the law.”
Vows a “no drama” ceremony.
And if Trump says not to seat Dems and 'll do my job as the Speaker of the House. The president has vowed, of course, he wants to follow the law as well. That's what's going to happen. It's a nonsense narrative that the Democrats are making up because they're trying to fool voters, and the voters are not buying that.“
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“There’s no drag at all,” Speaker Johnson tells me in Iowa about Trump and his handling of the economy impacting GOP chances at holding the House.
“It’s just like 2024.”
Says polls are wrong.
On high gas prices, which Trump and Johnson have been promising for months would be said they will “turn a corner right after the election.
“It’s going to happen soon after the election.”
“It’s just like 2024.”
Says polls are wrong.
On high gas prices, which Trump and Johnson have been promising for months would be said they will “turn a corner right after the election.
“It’s going to happen soon after the election.”
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Asked Ralph Norman why #scsen race is so close — and he took a shot at Annie Andrews, Darline Graham and Trump. He also contended Graham is not a “true conservative.” (She says she is and makes that central in her campaign speeches.)
Norman, who lost to Graham in primary and dorsement, said in a text: “The voters in South Carolina are not buying the argument that everyone has to ‘settle’ for a candidate that has been propped up by special interest groups and a Republican president spending millions of dollars spreading false narratives about why Darline Graham is qualified to be elected to the U.S. Senate for the next six years!!”
He added: “This election is about attempts to ‘force’ a candidate on the voters of S.C. And regardless of the outcome, it didn’t have to be this way as the great people living in South Carolina deserve ‘better!’”
About his son saying there’s no true conservative in the race, Norman wrote: “Warren is EXACTLY RIGHT in his statement!!! My entire family is NOT SUPPORTING her candidacy.”
Norman, who lost to Graham in primary and dorsement, said in a text: “The voters in South Carolina are not buying the argument that everyone has to ‘settle’ for a candidate that has been propped up by special interest groups and a Republican president spending millions of dollars spreading false narratives about why Darline Graham is qualified to be elected to the U.S. Senate for the next six years!!”
He added: “This election is about attempts to ‘force’ a candidate on the voters of S.C. And regardless of the outcome, it didn’t have to be this way as the great people living in South Carolina deserve ‘better!’”
About his son saying there’s no true conservative in the race, Norman wrote: “Warren is EXACTLY RIGHT in his statement!!! My entire family is NOT SUPPORTING her candidacy.”
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Darline Graham, on the trail, on why the campaign is close — and whether her primary debate comment that national security is “not my thing” is hurting her in campaign.
“I don't think it hurt me at all. I'm becoming very informed on national security,” she told me.
“I never t. It's extremely important. But what's important to South Carolinians is affordability, the price of gas, putting food on the table.”
Asked her if she spoke to Trump about her concerns about easing sanctions on Russia. Says she did.
“He knows how I feel. Yes, he knows.”
Why is the race so tight given Trump won her state three times? What does it say about her candidacy…
“I think it's the national playbook. There are Democrats who are pouring money into this state. She's spending a million dollars a week on ads, so I think that's why it's so close.”
“I don't think it hurt me at all. I'm becoming very informed on national security,” she told me.
“I never t. It's extremely important. But what's important to South Carolinians is affordability, the price of gas, putting food on the table.”
Asked her if she spoke to Trump about her concerns about easing sanctions on Russia. Says she did.
“He knows how I feel. Yes, he knows.”
Why is the race so tight given Trump won her state three times? What does it say about her candidacy…
“I think it's the national playbook. There are Democrats who are pouring money into this state. She's spending a million dollars a week on ads, so I think that's why it's so close.”
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New — Hakeem Jeffries knocking on the door of House majority.
Can’t something go wrong?
Says he assumes “Republicans are going to try to come up with any diabolical scheme to prevent November 3rd from being a free and fair election.”
So that’s the only way he thinks they can rom the very beginning,” he said
Jeffries defends pouring $$ into Trump + 10 districts, says Ds are “strongly positioned to win districts that Donald Trump won comfortably in 2024.”
Says GOP may pick up 1-2 seats from redistricting.
“The Republican dummymander in places like Texas and Florida are falling apart…There's no circumstance where Republicans are gaining five seats in Texas, and no circumstance where they're netting four seats in Florida. Here in California, we're going to net five seats.”
Jeffries asked about polling saying Dems have lost trust of voters: “We have a decisive issue advantage across the board.”
Jeffries downplays Dem divisions especially if he gets a paper-thin majority. And if progressives urge him to make commitments on ICE or Israel to win speakership?
“We're focused on November 3rd, not January 3rd”
On keeping door open to Trump impeachment: “This is why you just wait until the facts present themselves. .. But it makes no sense, one way or the other, to do anything other than make clear we're committed to holding the crooks accountable.”
Suggests he’ll vote to impeach Hegseth when House returns after election
Refuses to discuss what he thinks of possibly becoming first Black speaker.
“I don't want to get out ahead.”
Can’t something go wrong?
Says he assumes “Republicans are going to try to come up with any diabolical scheme to prevent November 3rd from being a free and fair election.”
So that’s the only way he thinks they can rom the very beginning,” he said
Jeffries defends pouring $$ into Trump + 10 districts, says Ds are “strongly positioned to win districts that Donald Trump won comfortably in 2024.”
Says GOP may pick up 1-2 seats from redistricting.
“The Republican dummymander in places like Texas and Florida are falling apart…There's no circumstance where Republicans are gaining five seats in Texas, and no circumstance where they're netting four seats in Florida. Here in California, we're going to net five seats.”
Jeffries asked about polling saying Dems have lost trust of voters: “We have a decisive issue advantage across the board.”
Jeffries downplays Dem divisions especially if he gets a paper-thin majority. And if progressives urge him to make commitments on ICE or Israel to win speakership?
“We're focused on November 3rd, not January 3rd”
On keeping door open to Trump impeachment: “This is why you just wait until the facts present themselves. .. But it makes no sense, one way or the other, to do anything other than make clear we're committed to holding the crooks accountable.”
Suggests he’ll vote to impeach Hegseth when House returns after election
Refuses to discuss what he thinks of possibly becoming first Black speaker.
“I don't want to get out ahead.”
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NEW @insidepolitics on @CNN 8aET/11aET
- 9 days! Obama tears into Trump on the stump
- Trump’s DOJ goes after Alaska
— My sitdown with Hakeem Jeffries on the trail in Cali: His decision to push into deep-red districts, his warning about November, how he'd handle a divided caucus nt. What he says about potential of becoming first Black speaker.
— The reach states: MS, SC, MN — are they really in play?
@bresreports @daveweigel @alaynatreene
- 9 days! Obama tears into Trump on the stump
- Trump’s DOJ goes after Alaska
— My sitdown with Hakeem Jeffries on the trail in Cali: His decision to push into deep-red districts, his warning about November, how he'd handle a divided caucus nt. What he says about potential of becoming first Black speaker.
— The reach states: MS, SC, MN — are they really in play?
@bresreports @daveweigel @alaynatreene
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As John Sununu distanced himself from Trump today in his new ad, he also told me a couple weeks ago that he stood by his 2024 op-ed with a headline that Trump is a “loser,” said it was time to end trade war with Canada and said he would vote to effectively end Iran war.
“I would et us out of Iran, keep the Strait open”
And said he didn’t want Trump to campaign with him
“I would et us out of Iran, keep the Strait open”
And said he didn’t want Trump to campaign with him
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New from #kssen — How the battleground is shifting as GOP mounts rescue mission to prop up Roger Marshall.
Millions poured on air as Dems, for now, narrowly outspending GOP. Adam Hamilton raises 11 times more than Marshall in previous quarter.
Hamilton not shying away from e he won by double digits.
“I prayed for him. God, please give him wisdom….And I will tell you just because you're a pastor does not mean your prayers are answered.”
But running away from national Dems.
“The Democratic brand is in trouble everywhere across the United States, and and Chuck Schumer becomes the sort of archetype for that,” Hamilton told me
Marshall tries to nationalize the race and warns of a Dem majority, but struggles on Iran questions.
“I think you guys need to talk about something that Kansans want to be talking about right now,” Marshall said to me, pivoting to an attack on Hamilton instead
Millions poured on air as Dems, for now, narrowly outspending GOP. Adam Hamilton raises 11 times more than Marshall in previous quarter.
Hamilton not shying away from e he won by double digits.
“I prayed for him. God, please give him wisdom….And I will tell you just because you're a pastor does not mean your prayers are answered.”
But running away from national Dems.
“The Democratic brand is in trouble everywhere across the United States, and and Chuck Schumer becomes the sort of archetype for that,” Hamilton told me
Marshall tries to nationalize the race and warns of a Dem majority, but struggles on Iran questions.
“I think you guys need to talk about something that Kansans want to be talking about right now,” Marshall said to me, pivoting to an attack on Hamilton instead
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New @InsidePolitics Sunday: 16 Days to go.
I hit the trail in a new battleground with control of Senate at stake: Kansas
What GOP Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton told me — and why both parties now view the race as a toss-up.
8aET/11aET @CNN
I hit the trail in a new battleground with control of Senate at stake: Kansas
What GOP Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton told me — and why both parties now view the race as a toss-up.
8aET/11aET @CNN
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Asked Sen. Roger Marshall if it’s time to end the Iran war given how it’s impacting his constituents in Kansas, and he told me: “I think what you should be talking about is my opponent, that he's a child sex predator protector, that he's protected a predator.”
“I think you guys thing that Kansans want to be talking about right now.”
Hamilton has denied this.
Asked him again about Iran: “I've given you my comments on Iran before. Look, I want this war to be over as quickly as possible.… Like Eisenhower, I hate war.”
Marshall has voted against efforts to limit Trump’s war powers in Iran.
“I think you guys thing that Kansans want to be talking about right now.”
Hamilton has denied this.
Asked him again about Iran: “I've given you my comments on Iran before. Look, I want this war to be over as quickly as possible.… Like Eisenhower, I hate war.”
Marshall has voted against efforts to limit Trump’s war powers in Iran.
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Adam Hamilton on tying Trump to Roger Marshall in a deep-red state that the president won overwhelmingly three times.
Voters are “frustrated with the president. They're really frustrated with Roger Marshall because they say: ‘Our senator is supposed to stand up for us.’ … The pretty low here in Kansas right now.”
On KS voters who are concerned that elected him would give Dems the Senate: “But here's the question I ask: Are you better off as Kansas if we have two Republican senators representing Kansas or if we have Jerry Moran, who seems to be doing a pretty good job on the Republican side, and I'm working as a moderate Democrat on the Democratic side.”
Voters are “frustrated with the president. They're really frustrated with Roger Marshall because they say: ‘Our senator is supposed to stand up for us.’ … The pretty low here in Kansas right now.”
On KS voters who are concerned that elected him would give Dems the Senate: “But here's the question I ask: Are you better off as Kansas if we have two Republican senators representing Kansas or if we have Jerry Moran, who seems to be doing a pretty good job on the Republican side, and I'm working as a moderate Democrat on the Democratic side.”
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After Trump today went after Adam Hamilton’s stewardship of his church and Vance previously questioned his faith, the Kansas Dem candidate called it ‘sad and pathetic.’
"I follow Jesus. I guess I would ask the question, ‘Do the policies of Vice President Vance and Donald Trump, us of the Gospels?’ And the answer is no. I don't know what gospels they're reading, but it's not the Jesus of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John."
"I follow Jesus. I guess I would ask the question, ‘Do the policies of Vice President Vance and Donald Trump, us of the Gospels?’ And the answer is no. I don't know what gospels they're reading, but it's not the Jesus of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John."
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NEW -- @insidepolitics 8aET/11aET
-- Deep dive into House and Senate map, latest numbers and money moves
-- Bernie Sanders stumps with Jackson, Dem money in Kansas, Trump's attacks against El-Sayed
-- Live interview with Jessica Killin, Democrat trying to flip a Trump +9 Colorado pouring in on both sides
-- The toss-up governor races
-- AI ads dominate airwaves
-- Deep dive into House and Senate map, latest numbers and money moves
-- Bernie Sanders stumps with Jackson, Dem money in Kansas, Trump's attacks against El-Sayed
-- Live interview with Jessica Killin, Democrat trying to flip a Trump +9 Colorado pouring in on both sides
-- The toss-up governor races
-- AI ads dominate airwaves
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Ryan Mackenzie, a swing-district R, stands by Trump’s tariff and Iran policies amid rising costs — and squares his attacks on his Dem opponent, Bob Brooks.
On if he wants voters to pretend that Trump is on the ballot (as the president has been saying), says his “policies and on the ballot”
On if he wants voters to pretend that Trump is on the ballot (as the president has been saying), says his “policies and on the ballot”
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What Susan Collins said to me last month when asked if it were a mistake to confirm Brett Kavanaugh. Said she didn’t agree with Dobbs vote. But says he’s qualified to be a justice.
“I believe that Kavanaugh was qualified to be on the Supreme Court. Do I like his decision on Roe hat I didn't.”
“I believe that Kavanaugh was qualified to be on the Supreme Court. Do I like his decision on Roe hat I didn't.”
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How Senate Dem candidates respond when asked if they’d vote for Chuck Schumer as leader.
Will you support him to become leader?
Sherrod Brown: “I don't know. I'm not, I'm not doing punditry.”
Would you vote for him?
Roy Cooper: “Well, first, I've got to get elected. Second, s to anyone.”
Does your party leadership in the Senate need to go? Chuck Schumer specifically.
Chris Pappas: “I've said I'd wait to see once the dust settles from this election who I'll support and who's running. But we need new voices at the table.”
So Schumer should be replaced?
Abdul El-Sayed: “I'd love to see Chris Van Hollen as leader.”
Why do you want him out, Schumer?
Troy Jackson: “I think mostly just because I think it's time for new ideas.”
(Schumer says he’s running again for leader, and is very likely to win the secret-ballot election after the midterms)
Will you support him to become leader?
Sherrod Brown: “I don't know. I'm not, I'm not doing punditry.”
Would you vote for him?
Roy Cooper: “Well, first, I've got to get elected. Second, s to anyone.”
Does your party leadership in the Senate need to go? Chuck Schumer specifically.
Chris Pappas: “I've said I'd wait to see once the dust settles from this election who I'll support and who's running. But we need new voices at the table.”
So Schumer should be replaced?
Abdul El-Sayed: “I'd love to see Chris Van Hollen as leader.”
Why do you want him out, Schumer?
Troy Jackson: “I think mostly just because I think it's time for new ideas.”
(Schumer says he’s running again for leader, and is very likely to win the secret-ballot election after the midterms)
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In a district Trump won by 10 points, the Dem running there — Johnny Garcia — not shying away from tying his opponent to Trump, says it’s not a liability to run as a D there and says he plans to vote for Jeffries as speaker. (A sign of how Trump-district Ds see the environment.)
trict to campaign there this week. “It isn’t going to work,” Garcia says of Trump asking voters to pretend like he’s on ballot.
trict to campaign there this week. “It isn’t going to work,” Garcia says of Trump asking voters to pretend like he’s on ballot.
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New — A dive into #nhsen as John Sununu tries to defy national environment in comeback bid
- In interview, Sununu breaks with Trump on tariffs — says should "never" have picked a trade fight with Canada - and Iran war. Says he'd vote to limit Trump's war powers. "I would support t of Iran"
- Stands by 2024 op-ed that had a headline that Trump was a "loser” and not asking for Trump to campaign with him.
- In interview, Pappas sounds alarm about huge GOP $$ coming into state and distances himself from his own party.
On the toxicity of Dem brand: "It's not in a good place nationally”
— Both men confront questions about the sharp attacks they’re facing on air (Sununu accused of enriching himself, Pappas’ husband’s past lobbying career and his votes.)
- In interview, Sununu breaks with Trump on tariffs — says should "never" have picked a trade fight with Canada - and Iran war. Says he'd vote to limit Trump's war powers. "I would support t of Iran"
- Stands by 2024 op-ed that had a headline that Trump was a "loser” and not asking for Trump to campaign with him.
- In interview, Pappas sounds alarm about huge GOP $$ coming into state and distances himself from his own party.
On the toxicity of Dem brand: "It's not in a good place nationally”
— Both men confront questions about the sharp attacks they’re facing on air (Sununu accused of enriching himself, Pappas’ husband’s past lobbying career and his votes.)
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NEW -- @insidepolitics Sunday 8amET/11aET on @CNN
- I hit the trail in #nhsen. Can Sununu defy the environment and flip a Dem seat? What he told me about Trump, Iran, tariffs. What Pappas said about his party and the Sununu brand
- Trump tries to boost Husted
- How the GOP is A look at the new ads
- Alito weighs retirement. A lame-duck confirmation?
- What Dem candidates say when asked if they'll back Schumer for leader. And how he's responding.
- I hit the trail in #nhsen. Can Sununu defy the environment and flip a Dem seat? What he told me about Trump, Iran, tariffs. What Pappas said about his party and the Sununu brand
- Trump tries to boost Husted
- How the GOP is A look at the new ads
- Alito weighs retirement. A lame-duck confirmation?
- What Dem candidates say when asked if they'll back Schumer for leader. And how he's responding.
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New from John Cornyn to me on Ken Paxton
On if he’s running a good campaign: “I think it's hard to outrun all the baggage,” citing lack of indy support
Why is he having a hard time?
“I think because of all the things we talked about in the primary, which were true.” (Cornyn a cheater in primary.)
“You can spend a lot of money, and there is a lot of money being thrown at the race, but if you have a have a bad candidate, it's hard to win…It's going to be hard to change people's minds this late in the game.”
Is he lazy?
“I'll let people decide on their own about that.”
Why not help him raise $?
“Well, for all the reasons that we pointed out in the primary. The risk for Republicans is if we nominate flawed candidates in November, we risk losing. … This is the way that majority parties become minority parties by nominating candidates that are less than appealing to a general election electorate.”
Does Paxton deserve to be a senator?
“I'll let the voters decide that”
Will you vote for him?
“I'll support the ticket.”
On if he’s running a good campaign: “I think it's hard to outrun all the baggage,” citing lack of indy support
Why is he having a hard time?
“I think because of all the things we talked about in the primary, which were true.” (Cornyn a cheater in primary.)
“You can spend a lot of money, and there is a lot of money being thrown at the race, but if you have a have a bad candidate, it's hard to win…It's going to be hard to change people's minds this late in the game.”
Is he lazy?
“I'll let people decide on their own about that.”
Why not help him raise $?
“Well, for all the reasons that we pointed out in the primary. The risk for Republicans is if we nominate flawed candidates in November, we risk losing. … This is the way that majority parties become minority parties by nominating candidates that are less than appealing to a general election electorate.”
Does Paxton deserve to be a senator?
“I'll let the voters decide that”
Will you vote for him?
“I'll support the ticket.”
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GOP split on Iran:
Murkowski: “I think it has complicated the midterms considerably.”
Tillis: “The American people are pretty forgiving to a point, but they want results..Any time you got economic uncertainty going into October of an election cycle, generally speaking, it's for the president to bring the Iran war to an end?
Ricketts: “A country that chants death to America cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.”
Tuberville: “Our people in Alabama know that they voted for President Trump..”
They're willing to pay higher prices?
Tuberville: “Sure they are.”
Will you vote to check Trump’s war powers?
Husted: “I don't plan to have America change course until we're successful.”
Murkowski: “I think it has complicated the midterms considerably.”
Tillis: “The American people are pretty forgiving to a point, but they want results..Any time you got economic uncertainty going into October of an election cycle, generally speaking, it's for the president to bring the Iran war to an end?
Ricketts: “A country that chants death to America cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.”
Tuberville: “Our people in Alabama know that they voted for President Trump..”
They're willing to pay higher prices?
Tuberville: “Sure they are.”
Will you vote to check Trump’s war powers?
Husted: “I don't plan to have America change course until we're successful.”
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Grateful to hit my 3-year-anniversary in the chair for @insidepolitics Sunday this weekend
— New, 37 days out: A dive into midterm battlegrounds. Who has edge heading into November
— What Cornyn told me about Paxton
— Live interview with GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden, n and how Rs are handling the war
— Culture wars return
— New, 37 days out: A dive into midterm battlegrounds. Who has edge heading into November
— What Cornyn told me about Paxton
— Live interview with GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden, n and how Rs are handling the war
— Culture wars return
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New — Hakeem Jeffries on the midterms 38 days away.
— Predicts Dems take House but steers clear of calling it a wave
— Downplays big GOP spending advantage
— On Dem leaders’ low approval rating: “We're not running a popularity contest.”
— Says of Jared Golden backing Mike Lawler red Golden about that,” and attacks Lawler and vows Conley will win
— says “yes” he wants Trump on campaign trail
— says “absolutely,” they’ll stop Iran war if Dems win the House
— Predicts Dems take House but steers clear of calling it a wave
— Downplays big GOP spending advantage
— On Dem leaders’ low approval rating: “We're not running a popularity contest.”
— Says of Jared Golden backing Mike Lawler red Golden about that,” and attacks Lawler and vows Conley will win
— says “yes” he wants Trump on campaign trail
— says “absolutely,” they’ll stop Iran war if Dems win the House
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Sen. Tommy Tuberville says Alabamans are willing to pay higher gas prices to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
“Our people in Alabama know they voted for President Trump.…
They willing to pay higher prices?
Tuberville: “Yeah, sure they are.
“He explains it well. o do? We want to have them have a nuclear weapon, or do we want to pay higher prices?”
“Our people in Alabama know they voted for President Trump.…
They willing to pay higher prices?
Tuberville: “Yeah, sure they are.
“He explains it well. o do? We want to have them have a nuclear weapon, or do we want to pay higher prices?”
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Seth Bodnar, independent candidate in #mtsen, has a problem: Dem candidate in the race is still in and a poll shows she’s pulling in 16% and he’s only down 8% to the R.
He disputes he has no path in a three-way race, defends his claim he won’t caucus with either party if he wins candidates make), talks about his camp going after Dem for “MAGA views”
On Dem leaders’ rock-bottom poll numbers: “They’re not listening and and they’re not answering the concerns of voters across the country.”
He disputes he has no path in a three-way race, defends his claim he won’t caucus with either party if he wins candidates make), talks about his camp going after Dem for “MAGA views”
On Dem leaders’ rock-bottom poll numbers: “They’re not listening and and they’re not answering the concerns of voters across the country.”
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New — On the trail with Susan Collins and Troy Jackson in #mesen.
“It’s not about me. It's about her,” Jackson told me.
Collins has repeatedly defied the national environment, but Canadian tariffs, Trump’s numbers and high costs loom over campaign at critical time.
Collins her high unfavorable numbers — says “no matter where I’ve been…the reaction has been terrific” for her as she crisscrosses state and campaigns on her influence, chairmanship, seniority and deal-cutting.
Collins cites how unpopular Canadian tariffs are in Maine but notes she’s won exemptions for road salt and concrete - which Jackson mocks.
Collins: “I don't believe that the Canadian tariff issue is going to decide the race.”
Jackson predicts it will. “People are hurting.”
Jackson discusses his evolution from a Republican to Dem with progressive views — and even expressing staunch anti-abortion views in 2010.
“I might have made some votes that I'm not proud of now,” he said.
Collins will be on ballot for first time since Dobbs and doesn’t believe she made a mistake in voting to confirm Kavanaugh.
“I believe that Kavanaugh was qualified to be on the Supreme Court. Do I like his decision on Roe v. Wade? It's obvious that I didn't, Manu,” she said.
On whether national environment is too much for Collins or if she can defy it again.
“It’s not about me. It's about her,” Jackson told me.
Collins has repeatedly defied the national environment, but Canadian tariffs, Trump’s numbers and high costs loom over campaign at critical time.
Collins her high unfavorable numbers — says “no matter where I’ve been…the reaction has been terrific” for her as she crisscrosses state and campaigns on her influence, chairmanship, seniority and deal-cutting.
Collins cites how unpopular Canadian tariffs are in Maine but notes she’s won exemptions for road salt and concrete - which Jackson mocks.
Collins: “I don't believe that the Canadian tariff issue is going to decide the race.”
Jackson predicts it will. “People are hurting.”
Jackson discusses his evolution from a Republican to Dem with progressive views — and even expressing staunch anti-abortion views in 2010.
“I might have made some votes that I'm not proud of now,” he said.
Collins will be on ballot for first time since Dobbs and doesn’t believe she made a mistake in voting to confirm Kavanaugh.
“I believe that Kavanaugh was qualified to be on the Supreme Court. Do I like his decision on Roe v. Wade? It's obvious that I didn't, Manu,” she said.
On whether national environment is too much for Collins or if she can defy it again.
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“Do you uses AI?”
Hirono: ‘No’
Do you use AI?
Durbin: “Maybe five or six times just to see how it works.”
Blumenthal: “I use AI more through my staff than I do myself.”
Hawley says he’s a “very late” adapter
The scant understanding among members on AI amid calls for Congress to act:
Hirono: ‘No’
Do you use AI?
Durbin: “Maybe five or six times just to see how it works.”
Blumenthal: “I use AI more through my staff than I do myself.”
Hawley says he’s a “very late” adapter
The scant understanding among members on AI amid calls for Congress to act:
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VP Vance privately told Rs to ‘just talk about Abdul El-Sayed’ if their own opponents aren’t ‘that crazy.”
Asked El-Sayed about Rs linking Ds to him. “Fine, talk about me. Do you know what I'm gonna be talking about? Gas, groceries, how hard it is to see a doctor.”
On if he iddle and disavow Piker in the general:
“This conversation is so far removed from what people are talking about every day in Michigan.”
Says people “don’t care” what Piker says and won’t campaign w him in general.
In talks to campaign with Obama.
Signals he needs Dem/Schumer $$ on air
Will he tell Schumer he won’t back him for leader?
“I'm looking forward to a productive meeting”
Asked El-Sayed about Rs linking Ds to him. “Fine, talk about me. Do you know what I'm gonna be talking about? Gas, groceries, how hard it is to see a doctor.”
On if he iddle and disavow Piker in the general:
“This conversation is so far removed from what people are talking about every day in Michigan.”
Says people “don’t care” what Piker says and won’t campaign w him in general.
In talks to campaign with Obama.
Signals he needs Dem/Schumer $$ on air
Will he tell Schumer he won’t back him for leader?
“I'm looking forward to a productive meeting”
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Mitch McConnell, appearing frailer and his voice slower, tells reporters: “I must admit, after two years, two decades, actually dodging your questions, I wasn't sure how many of you would be here today, but I'm glad to see you.”
"Time to get back to work, finish the job for this ork on the farm bill... As I think you know, I have an ongoing issue in NATO and backing up our good friends who are totally in the fight against the Russians.”
He didn’t answer any questions.
"Time to get back to work, finish the job for this ork on the farm bill... As I think you know, I have an ongoing issue in NATO and backing up our good friends who are totally in the fight against the Russians.”
He didn’t answer any questions.
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Speaker Johnson says of AI regulation: “The reflex of legislative bodies is to cover things up with red tape.”
I asked him about Trump saying there should no guardrails other than himself.
"That'll be part of the discussion the president has with the AI providers and all of us eeting” in the next week or two.
“What the president is referring to is the necessity of maintaining our edge over international competitors.”
“This is not something that can be rushed into,” he added, calling for a “deliberate discussion” about “what role, if any,” the government can play.
I asked him about Trump saying there should no guardrails other than himself.
"That'll be part of the discussion the president has with the AI providers and all of us eeting” in the next week or two.
“What the president is referring to is the necessity of maintaining our edge over international competitors.”
“This is not something that can be rushed into,” he added, calling for a “deliberate discussion” about “what role, if any,” the government can play.
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New from battleground #ncsen:
Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley see a tightening race amid GOP onslaught on airwaves, with $50M in final weeks more than almost every other state.
“This is going to be anywhere from a one to three percent race,” Cooper told me.
Rs hammering Cooper e deal he cut as governor. Cooper defends deal and hammers Whatley over appointing sex offender to spot on NC GOP.
I asked Whatley about that appointment, and he downplayed his role and attacked Cooper over crime.
On Iran and tariffs, Whately won’t say he’s 100% behind Trump but is careful not to break with him. Trump to stump for Whatley this week.
Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley see a tightening race amid GOP onslaught on airwaves, with $50M in final weeks more than almost every other state.
“This is going to be anywhere from a one to three percent race,” Cooper told me.
Rs hammering Cooper e deal he cut as governor. Cooper defends deal and hammers Whatley over appointing sex offender to spot on NC GOP.
I asked Whatley about that appointment, and he downplayed his role and attacked Cooper over crime.
On Iran and tariffs, Whately won’t say he’s 100% behind Trump but is careful not to break with him. Trump to stump for Whatley this week.
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New — 51 days.
— Huge GOP $$ pours into TX as firewall strategy takes shape
— On the trail in #NCsen. What Whatley and Cooper told me about a state Trump won three times. And how the GOP attacks on Cooper’s crime record are landing.
— AI fears and what Washington is/isn’t doing nate map and spending
@chucktodd @bresreports @tamarakeithNPR
— Huge GOP $$ pours into TX as firewall strategy takes shape
— On the trail in #NCsen. What Whatley and Cooper told me about a state Trump won three times. And how the GOP attacks on Cooper’s crime record are landing.
— AI fears and what Washington is/isn’t doing nate map and spending
@chucktodd @bresreports @tamarakeithNPR
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New @insidepolitics 8aET/11aET on @cnn
-- Trump convention plans detailed, MAGA Inc begins to spend but how much?
-- A dive into NH and the Senate map. How the money has shifted in recent days
-- Fetterman responds for the first time to WSJ story. What he told me.
-- 2028ers on teps.
-- Momentum builds for rules on college sports as outcry grows. Can Senate pass bill this month?
-- Trump convention plans detailed, MAGA Inc begins to spend but how much?
-- A dive into NH and the Senate map. How the money has shifted in recent days
-- Fetterman responds for the first time to WSJ story. What he told me.
-- 2028ers on teps.
-- Momentum builds for rules on college sports as outcry grows. Can Senate pass bill this month?
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Speaker Johnson defensive about his past projections about the Iran war, including repeatedly saying it’s just a skirmish that would be over in short order and cause just a “temporary blip” in gas prices.
More than six months in, asked him if the public should judge him on his ere off base?
“That is one of the stupidest questions you've ever asked,” he snapped.
Johnson said: “I have nothing to do with the prosecution of the war across the globe.”
Asked the speaker about him selling this to the public and the cost of war to taxpayers:
More than six months in, asked him if the public should judge him on his ere off base?
“That is one of the stupidest questions you've ever asked,” he snapped.
Johnson said: “I have nothing to do with the prosecution of the war across the globe.”
Asked the speaker about him selling this to the public and the cost of war to taxpayers:
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Asked Speaker Johnson if he supports GOP Rep. Max Miller’s reelection bid.
“Yes,” he said. “He has been a great member of Congress. He has some issues in his personal life he's working through.”
Says there’s an Ethics Committee probe and “we have to let due process play out.”
eelect amid domestic abuse allegations, which he denies
“Yes,” he said. “He has been a great member of Congress. He has some issues in his personal life he's working through.”
Says there’s an Ethics Committee probe and “we have to let due process play out.”
eelect amid domestic abuse allegations, which he denies
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New — Chris Pappas, as polls show tightening #nhsen, on Dem fears about a crucial GOP pickup. “The party needs to focus on New Hampshire,” Pappas says.
“What works in New York City doesn’t necessarily work in New Hampshire,” Pappas says of DSA and says he wouldn’t campaign w nfidence in Chuck Schumer? He won’t say.
“He has got to make a decision about what his future is.”
On if he’s OK with AIPAC’s endorsement ?
“I welcome the support of individuals.”
“What works in New York City doesn’t necessarily work in New Hampshire,” Pappas says of DSA and says he wouldn’t campaign w nfidence in Chuck Schumer? He won’t say.
“He has got to make a decision about what his future is.”
On if he’s OK with AIPAC’s endorsement ?
“I welcome the support of individuals.”
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NEW -- @insidepolitics 8aET/11aET
- GOP frets Talarico's big money on Texas airwaves as Paxton awaits MAGA Inc.
- El-Sayed's apology in Michigan
- My interview with Dem Chris Pappas as poll shows Sununu ahead in #nhsen. Sleeper of the cycle?
-#masen primary Tuesday
- A deep dive ap
@jonahdispatch @alaynatreene Carrie Dann
- GOP frets Talarico's big money on Texas airwaves as Paxton awaits MAGA Inc.
- El-Sayed's apology in Michigan
- My interview with Dem Chris Pappas as poll shows Sununu ahead in #nhsen. Sleeper of the cycle?
-#masen primary Tuesday
- A deep dive ap
@jonahdispatch @alaynatreene Carrie Dann
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The second Dan Sullivan makes it on the four-person general election ballot in #aksen, CNN projects.
GOP fears Dan J. Sullivan, the retired teacher, will siphon away votes from the senator, Dan S. Sullivan, and give a boost to Democrat Mary Peltola in closely contested race
GOP fears Dan J. Sullivan, the retired teacher, will siphon away votes from the senator, Dan S. Sullivan, and give a boost to Democrat Mary Peltola in closely contested race
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New — Dan Osborn, independent seeking huge upset against Pete Ricketts in #nesen, says he never voted for Trump in his three elections and wrote in candidates in those races. No comment on other presidential candidates he’s supported over years.
Sharply critical of Big Beautiful agrees he’s in line with Dems on major issues.
“I think a good idea is a good idea.”
He gives Trump and Schumer both “F” grades.
Insists he won’t caucus with either party if he wins.
But what about getting on Senate committees, which are assigned by caucuses.
"People are going to be knocking on my door….Certainly a bridge that I'm going to cross when I get there,” he said
Sharply critical of Big Beautiful agrees he’s in line with Dems on major issues.
“I think a good idea is a good idea.”
He gives Trump and Schumer both “F” grades.
Insists he won’t caucus with either party if he wins.
But what about getting on Senate committees, which are assigned by caucuses.
"People are going to be knocking on my door….Certainly a bridge that I'm going to cross when I get there,” he said
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New — @insidepolitics on @cnn. 8aET and 11aET
— New front in trade war with Canada, in midterm environment dominated by affordability concerns
— How battleground Rs are responding
— Live intvw with Dan Osborn, independent in #nesen race
—Trump’s endorsement power put to test ry. Can Norman defeat Darline Graham?
— Latest in key Senate races in shifting environment
— IndyCar race day around the Mall
— New front in trade war with Canada, in midterm environment dominated by affordability concerns
— How battleground Rs are responding
— Live intvw with Dan Osborn, independent in #nesen race
—Trump’s endorsement power put to test ry. Can Norman defeat Darline Graham?
— Latest in key Senate races in shifting environment
— IndyCar race day around the Mall
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Tim Scott, chairman of the NRSC, with a bullish midterm projection: “I think we could have a 54-seat majority.”
Sees MN and NH in play for GOP.
Will NRSC spend $$ in Texas? “It's going to be very well funded. We have no actual reasons to be concerned about Texas.”
And about on Paxton as corrupt? “Texas will vote for Paxton, and we will continue to expose the insanity of Talarico,” he said.
Says El-Sayed winning primary is “making it easier” to flip seat.
Why use his full name — Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed — in attack ads?
“I go by Timothy Eugene, and so I get called that all the time. … It's about what he stands for.”
Sees MN and NH in play for GOP.
Will NRSC spend $$ in Texas? “It's going to be very well funded. We have no actual reasons to be concerned about Texas.”
And about on Paxton as corrupt? “Texas will vote for Paxton, and we will continue to expose the insanity of Talarico,” he said.
Says El-Sayed winning primary is “making it easier” to flip seat.
Why use his full name — Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed — in attack ads?
“I go by Timothy Eugene, and so I get called that all the time. … It's about what he stands for.”
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New — @InsidePolitics, 8aET/11aET
— My sit down with Sen. Tim Scott, NRSC chairman, on the Senate map
— Key primary week: #wigov, #mnsen, #scsen
— A messy end ahead of recess as Senate leaves town and Trump’s top priority stalls
— Vance and Trump
— Action on NIL and hemp on Hill
ttalev @burgessev
— My sit down with Sen. Tim Scott, NRSC chairman, on the Senate map
— Key primary week: #wigov, #mnsen, #scsen
— A messy end ahead of recess as Senate leaves town and Trump’s top priority stalls
— Vance and Trump
— Action on NIL and hemp on Hill
ttalev @burgessev
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New — Will Lawrence, who won a critical Dem primary in a swing House district in Michigan after divisive three-way fight, on whether he can bring Dems together and appeal to swing voters with his progressive views.
Says he’s not a DSA member. So when did he leave DSA?
“In the bership lapse.”
So how does he differ from the socialists:
Says he’s not a DSA member. So when did he leave DSA?
“In the bership lapse.”
So how does he differ from the socialists:
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