From the award-winning opinion pages of The Wall Street Journal, Paul Gigot, Kim Strassel and Bill McGurn discuss the latest from Washington. Get critical perspective and the analysis you need on developments from the nation’s capital. Join them every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Paul Gigot, The Wall Street Journal
Listeners of WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch that love the show mention: wsj, potomac, editorial, i'm a liberal, many reviewers, right of center, center right, legislation, alicia, insightful conversations, thank you paul, nyt, peterson, talking heads, principled, issues of the day, well reasoned, political issues, moderate, moderator.
The WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch podcast is an excellent source of calm and informative discussion about American politics from a conservative perspective. The authoritative voice of the Wall Street Journal shines through in each episode, providing a fair and honest appraisal of both the Trump and Biden administrations. The trio of hosts, including Kim Strassel, Kyle Peterson, and Bill McGurn, offer insightful commentary and multiple perspectives on political issues, avoiding polarizing thinking or speech. Their balanced approach to reporting is refreshing in today's media landscape.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the diversity of viewpoints presented by the hosts. They make a genuine effort to explore various perspectives on political issues, offering an in-depth analysis that goes beyond mere soundbites. Their reasoned and common-sense approach to politics sets them apart from other media outlets and helps listeners gain a deeper understanding of complex issues.
However, one downside to the podcast is that some listeners may find certain hosts less engaging than others. While Kim Strassel offers excellent insights with her support for conservative policies, some listeners feel that Alicia (?) brings down the show. This personal preference may impact how enjoyable or informative some episodes are for certain individuals.
In conclusion, The WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch podcast is highly recommended for those seeking thoughtful and informed discussions about American politics from a conservative perspective. The experienced political analysts provide fact-based assertions that are well-substantiated, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking for a balanced view of current events. Despite minor personal preferences regarding individual hosts, the overall quality and depth of analysis provided by this podcast make it worth listening to regularly.

The Justices lift a hold on President Trump's effort to make the postal service a ballot regulator, but the case is only starting. Plus, Meta settles a bellwether trial for $18 billion, plus changes such as time limits for teens on Instagram. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Gigot talks with producer Michael Pack about the Journal's new documentary looking back on the August 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, through the stories of the soldiers and diplomats who saw it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Ryan's Big Idea to Revamp American Welfare The former Speaker of the House joins Potomac Watch to discuss new state experiments to help more Americans move off of food stamps and Medicaid. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GOP voters in South Carolina pick Darline Graham or Ralph Norman; Michigan's El-Sayed won't pivot; and Texas and Iowa Senate seats are now tossups. Plus, Education Secretary McMahon pushes universities on admissions, tuition and diversity of mind. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The President threatens a 50% tariff on cars and parts from Canada, while the U.S. Treasury launches 'Operation Economic Outcast' against Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

South Carolina Senate hopeful Darline Graham flubs a question about Taiwan, but are other politicians just as confused about this vital national security issue? Plus, the Walt Disney Company's ABC sues the FCC on First Amendment grounds. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump holds off taxing more imports, including hockey sticks and building materials, saying an agreement is near. But what about his USMCA trade deal? Plus, he extends a Jones Act waiver, letting U.S. fuel be shipped freely to California. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

State legislator Angie Nixon manages a surprise victory in Florida's Democratic Senate primary, but is a candidate who supports a 5% annual wealth tax a gift to Republicans in the state? Meanwhile, President Trump pulls back on U.S. military exercises with South Korea and says he can manage U.S. interests with his own personal relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Byron Donalds leads for the Republican nomination, while David Jolly is the Democratic favorite. Meantime, socialist candidates are popping up in Florida, too. Plus, Alaska's race for Senate has two men named Dan Sullivan, and that's only the start. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Congress worries about military readiness in the Middle East, but are Democrats willing to approve the funds to fix the problem? Plus, social media companies get the Big Tobacco treatment in a new round of lawsuits. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announces support for the Delivery Protection Act, to force Amazon to hire its own drivers in the Big Apple. Plus, a legal challenge claiming a botched rollout temporarily halts the mayor's pied-a-terre tax. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Justice Department accuses Duke Law of illegal race preferences and flouting the Supreme Court. Haverford College settles claims of a hostile environment for Jewish students. And the University of Michigan ends grades for first-semester freshmen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong loses her bid to be the Democratic candidate for governor in Wisconsin, but only by a few thousand votes. What will the Democratic Party learn from her defeat, and is Milwaukee county executive David Crowley really a "moderate"? Plus, Darlene Graham heads to a run-off in South Carolina to hold her late brother's Senate seat. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old DSA member who wants public grocery stores, is the Democratic favorite, but is she electable against Republican Tom Tiffany? Plus, Darline Graham has GOP competition for her late brother Lindsey's seat in South Carolina. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the next steps in Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza, while Iran insists on charging tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, Vladimir Putin tests the U.S. and Europe with a spate of drone incursions into NATO territory. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Senators race to handle Todd Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General, the late Lindsey Graham's Russia sanctions bill, a deal to fund the government, and more. Plus, the FDA clears Replimune's melanoma drug and Moderna's mRNA influenza shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The insurgent progressive sneaks past Rep. Haley Stevens, amid big polling error, prompting new debate on socialism and the future of the Democratic Party. But his appeal beyond his base remains untested, and GOP nominee Mike Rogers is battle tested. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will open soon, but is his purported deal a capitulation that would allow Iran to control a vital waterway? Kate B. Odell interviews Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery about his new book "Axis of Aggressors," and Iran's larger cooperation with China, Russia and North Korea. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The polling frontrunner is El-Sayed, who wants to pass Medicare for All and abolish ICE. Why won't mainstream Democrats, such as Stevens, take on these arguments directly? Plus, do primary voters care about electability? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump again decides not to escalate the conflict with Iran, saying the regime now wants to make a deal. Plus, Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche wins the support of key Republican Senators after he promises in writing not to resurrect the anti-weaponization fund. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump renews strikes on Iran, after it launches ballistic missiles at U.S. forces, an attack that was thankfully intercepted. Plus, what to make of the leaks that Trump held off a major escalation because of concerns about munition supplies? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The economy grows a tepid 1.5% in the second quarter, despite the boom in spending for AI. Plus, the Kevin Warsh Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady for the second meeting in a row. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sen. Rand Paul releases pages of the government scientist's diary from the Covid-19 pandemic, but Fauci refuses to answer questions. Plus, Ukraine's President Zelensky visits Washington, as the Senate moves to put sanctions pressure on Putin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The President urges the GOP to nuke the Senate's 60-vote rule now, even as Fetterman flips and says Democrats were wrong about the filibuster. Plus Maine nominates Troy Jackson and Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed tries to distance himself from socialism. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Recent primary results show Democratic Socialists and other progressives on the rise heading into the November midterm elections. But can the Democratic establishment do anything to stop a takeover of their party? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The White House vents frustration that Sen. John Thune can't pass the SAVE America Act, as New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill says a glitch added 6,600 noncitizens to the voter rolls. Plus, the House passes a bill to curb Congress's stock trading. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As President Trump surges military forces to the Middle East after nearly two weeks of nightly bombing, the Houthis hit two Saudi Arabian tankers in the Red Sea. Are the U.S. and Iran headed toward greater escalation? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani admits he lacks the legal authority to arrest the Israeli prime minister. But what does the episode say about the Democratic socialist's worldview? Plus, what can the GOP still accomplish this year in Congress? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chatter about 2028 picks up, as the Vice President presents a worldview skeptical of free-market economics, including in his book "Communion" and on the Joe Rogan podcast, while the Secretary of State offers the public a different vision. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Iran strikes a U.S. base in Jordan, while three more Americans killed brings the total number of U.S. casualties to 17 during the conflict. Plus, who is Andy Burnham, Britain's newest prime minister and its seventh in 10 years? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Republicans try for a third reconciliation bill, what's in the House's new $95 billion budget framework? Plus Donald Trump gives a prime-time address on election security, calling for voter ID, citizenship checks, and broad limits on mail ballots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The White House wants to renegotiate trade terms with Canada and Mexico, creating uncertainty for businesses, including auto makers. Plus, the Gordie Howe Bridge is finally set to open in Detroit, though a crony political intervention was no help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testify about rising security threats, as the Court seeks more money from Congress. Plus, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces the Senate as he tries to get confirmed to the job permanently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump reinstates his naval blockade of Iran and pledges to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, with or without its help. Yet his initial talk of charging a 20% toll confused his message, and if oil prices rise will he make his case to voters? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lindsey Graham will be remembered as a man who loved politics and as an advocate for a muscular, principled U.S. foreign policy. Why was he so influential, and what happens in the Senate after losing one of its most consequential members? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The next test for leftist Democrats is Michigan's race between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens. Plus, Alaska's top court puts Dan J. Sullivan back on the ballot, as Donald Trump ousts the leaders of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner announces he's leaving the race by denying the allegations against him and railing against establishment Democrats. Plus, GOP donor Ken Griffin says he'd support Marco Rubio over JD Vance for president in 2028. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump now says talks with Iran are a waste of time, since its leaders are liars and cheats, as the U.S. military hits 80 targets in response to the regime's strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. What are Trump's options for next steps? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Graham Platner is reconsidering his Senate campaign in Maine after being accused of forcing himself on a woman in 2021. If he drops out soon, Democrats can pick another nominee, but who? And could any replacement beat Republican Sen. Susan Collins? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NATO summit kicks off this week in Turkey, with President Trump airing his complaints about European allies and their defense spending. But is the U.S. sending mixed messages about its own military posture in Europe? Plus, Donald Trump shocks the sports world by calling for a review of a red card against U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun, who is now eligible to play in a major match against Belgium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On its 250th anniversary, why does the Declaration of Independence still matter, and what are the threats to the U.S. today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denver's 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette loses her primary to 29-year-old Melat Kiros, a socialist who says 9/11 was inevitable and the U.S. should quit sending Israel even defensive arms. While a few mainstream Democrats are starting to oppose this hostile takeover of their party, most appear willing to accommodate it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justices say the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship, striking down President Trump's order to exclude children of illegal aliens and temporary visitors. Plus, transgender athletes don't have a constitutional right to play women's sports, and a limit on "coordinated" political spending fails the First Amendment.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justices issue four major rulings on executive power, voting law and the Fourth Amendment, with mixed majorities in each one. The Court says Donald Trump can fire the heads of independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission with one exception--the Federal Reserve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justices say 6-3 that the law gives the Trump Administration unreviewable authority to tell immigrants with Temporary Protected Status, including about 360,000 Haitians and Syrians, that they must go home. Plus, Hawaii's law prohibiting guns by default on private property fails the Second Amendment test. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump and Senate Republicans clash on war powers and the filibuster, and a recent closed-door meeting was especially testy. Plus, the President delays signing a housing bill until Congress approves the Save America voting bill, which lacks the voters to pass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The state's Democratic primary nominates three more socialist House candidates, including Darializa Avila Chevalier, who says every deportation is wrong, calls proudly to abolish ICE, and wants to pass national rent control. How will mainstream Democrats respond, and could this hard left turn help the GOP win the midterms? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justices unanimously agree that pot consumption alone isn't enough to justify a loss of Second Amendment rights, though they offer few hints about harder cases involving harder drugs. Plus, will Congress reinforce religious liberty, after a 6-3 ruling against a Rastafarian whose head was shaved by prison guards? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns, and his successor Andy Burnham would be the seventh PM in 10 years. What's driving the instability, and what are the lessons for the U.S.? Plus, the U.S.-Iran talks go ahead, despite threats from both sides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why were some scientists blacklisted and censored for questioning the need for lockdowns during the Covid pandemic? And why did some in Washington encourage it? Paul Gigot speaks with the Wall Street Journal's James Taranto and executive producer Michael Pack about the new documentary “The Lockdown Dissidents," the lessons learned and how to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump explains that oil and stock prices drove his decision to sign the memorandum of understanding with Iran, in a surprising admission of U.S. weakness. What concessions did the U.S. make to Iran, and what did it get in return.? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices