From the award-winning opinion pages of The Wall Street Journal, Paul Gigot, Kim Strassel, Bill McGurn and Kyle Peterson discuss the latest from Washington. Get critical perspective and the analysis you need on developments from the nation’s capital. Join them every weekday. Send your feedback to [email protected]

PodSkip has analyzed 25 episodes of WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch, averaging 4.1 ads per episode (8% of runtime).

Episodes

California’s Prop. 40 Wealth Tax and the Economic Stakes
Oct 16, 2026
It's pitched as a one-time 5% retroactive tax on billionaire wealth, but money is already fleeing California in response, which is why Gov. Gavin Newsom backs Prop. 42 to nullify it. Plus, the latest…
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Can Alaska Save the Senate Majority for Republicans?
Oct 15, 2026
Sen. Dan Sullivan says the road to a Republican majority in the Senate goes through Alaska, but can he overcome a challenge from not just Mary Peltola, but also the confusion caused by ranked choice…
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A Starlink Slowdown in Ukraine?
Oct 14, 2026
Ukraine says its satellite data is being throttled and hamstringing the country’s ability to defend against Vladimir Putin. Plus, NATO’s top military commander unveils a plan to defend the alliance…
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Could Texas Turn Blue, and South Carolina, Too?
Oct 13, 2026
Sen. Darline Graham avoids another serious debate misstep, but recent polls show her only a point ahead of Democrat Annie Andrews. Plus, the GOP spends millions to try to save Ken Paxton in Texas, as…
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Donald Trump’s ‘Diesel Deal’ and ‘Energy Ceasefire’
Oct 12, 2026
Donald Trump looks to end the Russia-Ukraine war by making a fuel deal with Vladimir Putin, and calls for an energy ceasefire. Plus, Donald Trump says he may resume a military campaign against the…
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Senate Candidates Debate: Medicare for All, Tariffs, Iran and Social Security
Oct 09, 2026
What did voters learn from TV showdowns in Michigan, Maine and Iowa? Republicans are on defense about tariffs, while Democrats struggle to explain abolishing health insurance. Meantime, Abdul…
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Marco Rubio Hails the Accomplishments of Western Civilization
Oct 08, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivers a speech in Greece defending the achievements of Western civilization. Plus, riots break out across France over school conditions, and the country’s…
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Can Anduril Help Fix American Shipbuilding?
Oct 07, 2026
The defense technology company is betting it can speed up production of U.S. Navy attack submarines. Christian Brose of Anduril joins Kate B. Odell to unpack the new venture announced this week with…
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Justice Samuel Alito on Originalism, ‘Speechifying’ Colleagues, and Media Caricatures
Oct 06, 2026
In a wide-ranging interview, Justice Alito talks about his legal approach; his decision to sit out the Suncor v. Boulder County climate case; the "very unfair" media portrayals; and threats to the…
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Sen. Thom Tillis on Losing Friends, Antagonizing Trump, and the GOP’s Future
Oct 05, 2026
As he eyes retirement, the North Carolinian reflects on his biggest regret, tussles with President Trump, worries for Republicans in the midterms, views on JD Vance vs. Marco Rubio, and his new book…
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Pete Hegseth Says ‘No Beardos, No Weirdos’ / Donald Trump’s AI Safety Accord
Oct 02, 2026
The Defense Secretary's speech to the troops includes a welcome focus on drone warfare, but he also picks cultural fights that drown out his larger message. Plus, Donald Trump gathers tech leaders to…
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Justice Alito Recuses From the Supreme Court’s Big Climate Case
Oct 01, 2026
Can cities and counties sue oil companies for global climate change? The Supreme Court is starting a new term with case asking that question, Suncor v. Boulder County. Alas, Justice Samuel Alito now…
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The Democratic ‘Affordability’ Ruse
Sep 30, 2026
Democratic candidates are running on the high cost of living, but their policy plans would drive up the cost of groceries, gas and houses. Plus, do Democrats really regret the excesses of “woke”?…
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Sen. John Cornyn on Jack Smith, Ken Paxton and the GOP Midterm Chances
Sep 29, 2026
Is a Texas Senate seat in danger of turning blue? Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) talks to Kim Strassel about facing off against Jack Smith, the recent legislation on college sports, and the expensive…
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How Senate Republicans Frame the Midterms / Pope Leo Draws 800,000 in France
Sep 29, 2026
The Senate debates college sports, data centers, and stock trading, as the GOP tries to send a final message to voters before the November election. Plus, Pope Leo gets a warm welcome in secular…
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An Inside Look at the Drone War in Ukraine
Sep 28, 2026
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated how modern warfare is changing by using data and drones. Jillian Melchior tells Paul Gigot about what she saw at a command center in Ukraine and how the U.S…
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Wrapping Up the Trump-Xi Summit / The President vs. the White House Press Corps
Sep 25, 2026
Donald Trump's meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping result in an extended trade truce, as Beijing presses the U.S. on its stance regarding Taiwan. Meantime, a federal judge halts Trump from…
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A Standoff of Presidents at the U.N.
Sep 24, 2026
President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered defiant speeches targeting each other at this week's U.N. General Assembly, giving no indication that a peace agreement is near or…
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What’s on Trump’s Agenda With Xi?
Sep 23, 2026
President Trump will host China’s Xi Jinping for meetings and a state dinner at the White House. But behind all the pomp, will he press Beijing to stop supporting Iran? And will Trump hold back…
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Donald Trump's U.N. Speech on Iran and 'Super Intelligence'
Sep 22, 2026
He gets applause for saying Iran can't be allowed nuclear weapons, while dismissing the idea of any global regulator for artificial intelligence. While in New York, he also holds diplomatic meetings…
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Sen. Ted Cruz on Justice Thomas and the Supreme Court’s Future
Sep 21, 2026
Sen. Ted Cruz sits down with Paul Gigot to discuss why the current makeup of the Supreme Court is the best in his lifetime, his thoughts about running for president, and his new book, “Going Further…
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The Houthis Seize a Red Sea Chokepoint / Rep. Salazar's Immigration Warning to Trump
Sep 18, 2026
Iranian proxies send oil prices up again, as the Houthis threaten Red Sea shipping, while an Iraqi militia strikes Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline. Plus, a GOP congresswoman in Florida tells Trump…
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Mitch Daniels on Life Lessons from Politics and Academia
Sep 17, 2026
Paul Gigot speaks with former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels about the future of the Republican party, the changes he made while president of Purdue University, and his new book, “Impatience Is a…
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The Facts on the Ground in Ukraine
Sep 16, 2026
Kate Odell speaks with Jillian Melchior from Lviv about Russia's new jet-powered drones and how Ukraine is using real-time battlefield pictures to hold the line on the front. Plus, can a bill moving…
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Trump's USPS Plan for Mail Ballots Loses at the Supreme Court
Sep 15, 2026
The Justices won't revive Trump's proposal for the U.S. Postal Service to regulate ballots, as border czar Tom Homan says there's no plan to send ICE to the polls. Plus, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh weighs…
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Will an AI Slowdown Calm Fears About its Development?
Sep 14, 2026
The CEOs of companies building artificial intelligence call for a developmental slowdown and regulation, while Donald Trump says China will win if the U.S. slows down.  Hosted by Simplecast, an…
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Lessons Learned and Changes Made 25 Years After 9/11
Sep 10, 2026
Dan Henninger, Bill McGurn and Paul Gigot recall their experience on 9/11 and whether the war on terror succeeded. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about…
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‘In the War Room’ After Six Months of Conflict with Iran
Sep 10, 2026
Iran still poses a threat to oil products flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, but where does the U.S.-Israel alliance stand after October 7? Elliot Kaufman joins Paul Gigot to discuss the current…
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A Trump Plan to Pay Stay-at-Home-Moms?
Sep 09, 2026
Press reports suggest the Trump Administration is drafting a proposal to spend federal welfare dollars on stay-at-home parents. Plus, a new report from the American Enterprise Institute reveals what…
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The GOP's Midterm Convention / Ex-Aides Turn On Sen. John Fetterman
Sep 08, 2026
Republicans prepare to gather in Dallas, amid concerns of a possible blue wave in November, with Senate seats at risk in Iowa, Alaska, and maybe Texas, where James Talarico leads Ken Paxton. Plus…
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