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National Journal

@nationaljournal.com
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Helping organizations effectively navigate policy and politics. www.nationaljournal.com

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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 5h
Some MAHA influencers are calling for the chair of the Senate MAHA Caucus, Sen. Roger Marshall, to go further in pushing for the base’s priorities, with one even suggesting he should step down from the post. By Nancy Vu (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/733064/mah...
nationaljournal.com
MAHA influencers have doubts about their Senate leader
Some influencers are calling for the head of the Senate MAHA caucus, Roger Marshall, to push harder for the base’s priorities.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 6h
The Senate on Wednesday was unable to advance legislation that would at least send a strong signal to state regulators that consumers should not have to bear the costs of the additional electricity needed for data centers. David Lightman reports (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/733061/sen...
nationaljournal.com
Democrats block Ratepayer Protection Act, leaving data-center policy uncertain
With Congress hurtling toward the midterms, Senate Democrats claimed the data-center bill amounted to little more than political messaging.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 6h
With the president’s uniquely Trumpian approach to voters, this has become an election without any clear precedent. George E. Condon Jr with the latest White House File (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/733062/how...
nationaljournal.com
How Trump makes a tall task even taller
The president faces a challenge that's befuddled most of his predecessors: How to message a midterm campaign. But they never made it about themselves.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 29/09/2026
The battle for control of state legislatures in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin is coming down to razor-thin margins, with races increasingly feeling the pressure from national headwinds. @abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/733046/fou...
nationaljournal.com
Four states where legislative chambers could flip
Democrats have an opportunity to make significant inroads in state capitals.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 29/09/2026
If enough farmers become angry with the Republicans over tariffs and high diesel and fertilizer prices, could their votes deliver control of Congress to the Democrats? Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/733045/rur...
nationaljournal.com
Rural voters' disaffection with Trump could mean big changes on the ag committees
Farm leaders see a world in which Shontel Brown leads the House panel and Michael Bennet helms the Senate panel.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 28/09/2026
A critical question in this election is whether disgruntled Republicans hold their noses and vote for the GOP candidates despite their dismay with President Trump. Or do they simply stay home? Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races: www.nationaljournal.com/s/733036/mar...
nationaljournal.com
Margin-of-error races as far as the eye can see
This is your regular reminder that close races tend to break in one direction.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 28/09/2026
Critics point out that while Sen. Jon Husted's data center bill does send a congressional message to shield consumers from additional costs, it doesn’t require anyone to do anything. David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/733033/dem...
nationaljournal.com
Dems say Husted's data-center bill is toothless. Will it matter?
Members in both parties may be content to show voters that they can take any action on AI.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 28/09/2026
Two years after Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, some state leaders worry that recovery is slowing, especially as it’s increasingly politicized in a consequential election year. By @zachblackburn.bsky.social and @nenonicolosio.bsky.social (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/733025/two...
nationaljournal.com
Two years after Helene, Western North Carolina voters reevaluate hurricane response
The hard-hit Appalachian region ponders its choices for the House and Senate.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 24/09/2026
President Trump’s pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration faced pointed questioning from both Republicans and Democrats on the Senate health committee Thursday—complicating her path forward in the upper chamber. By Nancy Vu (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/733013/sen...
nationaljournal.com
Senators grill Trump FDA pick on abortion, vaccines
Heidi Overton broke with the administration on vaccine rhetoric, but offered little insight into her own views on the abortion drug mifepristone.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 24/09/2026
In this free Q&A, Eric Wilson talks to Erika Filter on how to optimize campaign sites for the age of AI. Read here: www.nationaljournal.com/s/733010/qa-...
nationaljournal.com
Q&A with Eric Wilson
The tech researcher on how to optimize campaign sites for the age of AI.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 24/09/2026
With many state legislatures still out of session until the new year, news in the states this past week has focused on legislative proposals and legal actions. Hannah Thacker with the latest Outside the Beltway (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/733011/bil...
nationaljournal.com
Bills, dam bills, and statistics: State legislatures craft their wish lists
Lawmakers take their time out of session to draft next year’s legislation.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 23/09/2026
With 41 days left until the midterm elections, President Trump has made 12 campaign stops in 2026, below his pledge of visiting 35 battleground races. Erika Filter reports (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732992/tru...
nationaljournal.com
Trump behind schedule on pledge to visit 35 battlegrounds
With less than 50 days until the midterms, President Trump will need to jet-set to make good on his promise to downballot candidates.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 23/09/2026
Through their seven earlier meetings—five in Trump’s first term and two so far in the second term—Xi has been all-business, never reciprocating the kisses blown his way by Trump. George E. Condon Jr. with the latest White House File (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732990/the...
nationaljournal.com
The Trump-Xi bromance only runs one way
All the ceremonial flyovers and chocolate cakes can't get the Chinese president to return Trump's compliments ... or behave on the international stage.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 22/09/2026
Sixteen of the 19 participants in the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee last week said they anticipate higher rates in 2026. David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732971/why...
nationaljournal.com
Why more rate hikes are likely on the way
Fuel prices will continue to stoke inflation, which means the Fed's work is far from done.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 22/09/2026
Certainly there are similarities between the 2026 midterms and the 2018 midterms, but where we are 20 years later looks remarkably like 2006. Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732972/thi...
nationaljournal.com
This midterm isn’t 2018 all over again. It’s 2006.
Democrats are poised to win states they usually don’t as Republicans run away from a deeply unpopular president.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 21/09/2026
While many have long predicted that Democrats will enjoy a “blue wave” election, Charlie Cook thinks of it more as a “red undertow,” which will pull many Republicans under and significantly trim the margins for many others. Read the latest Off to the Races: www.nationaljournal.com/s/732961/the...
nationaljournal.com
There is no ‘blue wave,’ but there is a ‘red undertow’
Where the election is about Trump, he's creating a current that could pull Republicans under. But in some key races, he's not the focus.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 21/09/2026
State Sen. Cindy Holscher is trying to carve a moderate lane in a state where Democrats have never held the governor’s mansion for more than two consecutive terms. @abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732958/dem...
nationaljournal.com
Democrats’ secret weapon in Kansas: Data centers
As they try to keep the governor's mansion blue in a red state, opposition to data centers may be the bipartisan issue Democrats need.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 17/09/2026
The latest dose of bad news for Republicans came from a survey of 800 likely voters in Alaska, showing former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola leading Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan by 5 points, 46 to 41 percent. Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races: www.nationaljournal.com/s/732937/ala...
nationaljournal.com
Alaska poll is the latest demoralizing blow for GOP
Democrats last won a Senate seat there in 2008, and they last scored a gubernatorial victory in 1998. They could win both this year.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 17/09/2026
While artificial intelligence and data centers dominate national policy discussions, state legislatures have been working on a wide range of topics. Hannah Thacker with the latest Outside the Beltway (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732934/flo...
nationaljournal.com
Flock cameras and bootleggers: State legislatures tackle a wide range of issues
While all eyes are on data centers, the states still have a long list of other matters to consider.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 17/09/2026
Leading up to Election Day, @nenonicolosio.bsky.social will compile district-level polls that test this year’s Senate and GOV contests, giving a look at how statewide contenders fare against their House counterparts on their district turf. Read here for free: www.nationaljournal.com/s/732935/iho...
nationaljournal.com
Hotline’s district-level statewide race poll tracker
Ever wonder how well a Senate candidate is doing in your congressional district? The answer may already be in a House race poll near you.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 16/09/2026
Few others expect the president will be able to make good on this promise to campaign for the midterms. Instead, they believe the calendar and they believe his track record. George E. Condon Jr. with the latest White House File (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732906/tru...
nationaljournal.com
Trump promised 35 rallies. GOP candidates may get 5-minute phone calls instead.
MAGA voters are less enthusiastic when Trump isn't on the ballot. So is he.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 16/09/2026
Trump's surgeon general nominee Nicole Saphier’s answers seemed to satisfy some Republicans, including HELP Chairman Bill Cassidy and Sen. Lisa Murkowski. By Nancy Vu (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732907/tru...
nationaljournal.com
Trump’s surgeon-general nominee breaks with the administration on vaccine rhetoric
In Senate testimony Wednesday, Nicole Saphier walked a difficult line between voicing support for immunization, while giving space to those who want to push back against mandates.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 16/09/2026
The Senate’s top health committee is expected to consider President Trump’s pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration just weeks before the November elections, a move that reopens the conversation on abortion. By Nancy Vu (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732896/sen...
nationaljournal.com
Senate health committee expected to consider antiabortion FDA nominee ahead of midterms
The panel is planning to hold Heidi Overton's nomination hearing as soon as next Thursday.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 16/09/2026
There are two important ways to look at the unanimous decision by the Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed’s rate-setting panel, to raise the target rate a quarter-point to 3.75 percent to 4 percent. By David Lightman (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732905/fed...
nationaljournal.com
Fed raises rates for first time in 3 years. What does that mean for consumers?
A rate increase comes as consumers and financial markets struggle with a weakened economy.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 15/09/2026
Chris Klomp, President Trump’s pick for deputy health secretary, faced tough questioning from Democrats looking to tie the nominee to HHS Sec. Kennedy’s moves upending the country’s vaccine systems. By Nancy Vu (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732894/rfk...
nationaljournal.com
RFK Jr.’s top aide gets grilling from Democrats ahead of expected confirmation vote
Chris Klomp faced tough questions Tuesday on vaccines and Trump’s drug-pricing deals.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 15/09/2026
Every farm and food group imaginable seems to be in Washington this week to lobby for quick action on the farm bill and/or decisions from the Trump administration on food regulations. Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732891/is-...
nationaljournal.com
Is a new farm bill a dead letter?
Farmers and anti-hunger advocates are pleading with members for a new five-year authorization. It may not work.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 15/09/2026
Before a single vote was cast in the general election, two senators, 12 House members, and a governor lost reelection this year in one of the more tumultuous primary seasons in recent memory. @nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732892/mea...
nationaljournal.com
Measuring the anti-incumbent wave
From the Capitol to the governor’s mansion, incumbents across the country have seen support from their respective parties' voters dwindle.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 15/09/2026
The best predictor of the outcome of any senatorial, congressional, or gubernatorial general election is the outcome in the previous presidential election. Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732879/sun...
nationaljournal.com
Sununu, Marshall represent the GOP's best- and worst-case scenarios
Trump carried 20 of the 22 Republican-held Senate seats now up for reelection by double digits. It may not help.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 14/09/2026
The bond markets and lending marketplaces are reeling thanks to inflation driven by soaring oil prices, yet the stock market and employment continue to see steady gains. David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732876/is-...
nationaljournal.com
Is this the moment Warsh asserts his independence?
The new Federal Reserve chief is widely expected to preside over a rate hike at this week's meetings.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 10/09/2026
Long before Trump took to the podium, it was clear what the Republicans wanted to do. The goal was to demonize Democrats as un-American and too dangerous to put in office. George E. Condon Jr. with the latest White House File (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732854/rep...
nationaljournal.com
Republicans' love-hate politics
On the first day of their midterm convention, Republicans heaped adoration on President Trump, while branding Democrats as sick, insane, dangerous, radical, and weird.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 10/09/2026
Dropouts, doppelgangers, and convicted felons have tested Alaska’s unique election system this cycle. By Erika Filter (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732852/ala...
nationaljournal.com
Alaska’s ranked-choice-voting crisis
Ballot shenanigans have put the state's unique election system in the spotlight.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 09/09/2026
At the 25th anniversary of 9/11, an increasing proportion of our population doesn’t remember it. It’s in the history books, but not a visceral memory of a devastating moment in time. Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732817/how...
nationaljournal.com
How to 'never forget' 9/11 when a whole generation has nothing to remember
Public opinion data provides a link to the past as firsthand memories fade.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 09/09/2026
Gubernatorial candidates are tripping over themselves to capitalize on the public backlash to Flock cameras, the controversial system of automated license-plate readers that have put voters in an uproar. @abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732839/wha...
nationaljournal.com
What the Flock is up with these cameras?
Gubernatorial candidates define their stances, and race to win the moment, on the issue of the controversial license-plate readers.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 08/09/2026
The back-to-school, post-Labor Day period is usually when gasoline prices go down, as demand drops and refineries produce a less expensive, cold-weather product. Not this year. David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732827/mig...
nationaljournal.com
Might gasoline prices drop in the fall? Not likely.
Fuel prices usually decline in autumn as demand eases. But international tension, notably the Iran war, is expected to keep prices up.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 08/09/2026
Prediction markets are poised to further complicate a confusing election-information system, leaving courts, state governments, and election officials scrambling to catch up. Erika Filter reports (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732826/the...
nationaljournal.com
The risky bet of prediction markets
Election administrators worry that a volatile election cycle could get even more complicated as prediction markets continue to operate with little oversight.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 03/09/2026
Efforts by the next Congress could set the stage for a larger health care platform for Democrats if they win control of Congress in this year's midterms and then the presidency in 2028. By Nancy Vu (unlocked) www.nationaljournal.com/s/732796/hou...
nationaljournal.com
House Dems look to repeal Medicaid cuts, restore Obamacare subsidies
Efforts for the next Congress could set the stage for a larger health care platform for Democrats should they win control of Congress this year and the presidency in 2028.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 03/09/2026
The majority of state legislatures are out of session, but a few states had a busy week as summer wrapped up. Hannah Thacker with the latest Outside the Beltway (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732794/how...
nationaljournal.com
How state legislatures ended their summer
Legislators are out of session, but not out of work.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 02/09/2026
Trump would have been far better served if he had actually talked to Democrats. They’re the only ones with experience at midterm conventions—and the bruises to show for it. George E. Condon Jr. with the latest White House File (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732781/pla...
nationaljournal.com
'Places for mischief': A brief history of midterm conventions
Despite what Trump says, there have been three such gatherings in the modern era, all for Democrats. They were disastrous.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 02/09/2026
The Democratic Senate primary is still New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas’ race to lose, but there’s some speculation in the final weeks that the race is getting closer than expected. Read Hotline's New Hampshire Primary Primer (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732780/iho...
nationaljournal.com
Hotline's primary primer: New Hampshire
Everything you need to know about the Granite State's primaries.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 02/09/2026
The former presidential candidate and brief DOGE co-chair has proposed to restructure Ohio’s expansive public college and university system to address declining enrollment and rising tuition. By @abby-turner.bsky.social (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732768/can...
nationaljournal.com
Can Ohio Democrats take Vivek Ramaswamy back to school?
The Republican's proposal to consolidate Ohio's historic university system gives Dems an opening in the gubernatorial race.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 01/09/2026
The marquee race in the Bay State is with Markey—Sen. Ed Markey (D), that is. Read Hotline's primary primer for Massachusetts (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732734/iho...
nationaljournal.com
Hotline's primary primer: Massachusetts
More generational change could come in the Democratic caucus.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 01/09/2026
If you ask 10 different people to define the working class, you will get 10 different definitions. Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732767/wor...
nationaljournal.com
'Working-class' has become a meaningless political designation
Abuse of the term has rendered it useless for anything except rhetoric.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 31/08/2026
Republicans should brace themselves: The three most plausible election outcomes are that it will be bad, really bad, or truly horrible. Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races: www.nationaljournal.com/s/732758/whe...
nationaljournal.com
When a nightmare scenario becomes the most likely scenario
Things are now officially bad for Republicans. It's just a matter of degree.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 31/08/2026
Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts is experiencing déjà vu in Tuesday’s primary. @nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732756/mar...
nationaljournal.com
Markey seeks to avoid Moulton’s lava
The Massachusetts octogenarian is dipping back into his 2020 playbook.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 31/08/2026
As employers make personnel decisions, they must consider: What path will energy prices follow? Will consumers continue to buy at a robust pace? Will tariffs slow supply chains? David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732755/cou...
nationaljournal.com
Could a rate hike end the current period of employment stability?
Like other economic indicators, job data is fraught with mixed signals.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 31/08/2026
ConnectBlue aims to connect Democratic campaigns and advocates with creators and publishers in a trusted environment. By @dcdufour.bsky.social (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732744/exc...
nationaljournal.com
EXCLUSIVE: Startup kickstarts grassroots rapid response for Dems
ConnectBlue founder Bart Myers sees Democratic media as distrustful and disjointed. He’s trying to change that.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 25/08/2026
ConnectBlue aims to connect Democratic campaigns and advocates with creators and publishers in a trusted environment. By @dcdufour.bsky.social (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732744/exc...
nationaljournal.com
EXCLUSIVE: Startup kickstarts grassroots rapid response for Dems
ConnectBlue founder Bart Myers sees Democratic media as distrustful and disjointed. He’s trying to change that.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 20/08/2026
The legislation for capping insulin prices still lacks a companion measure in the House, while the White House remains mum on whether it will support the bill. By Nancy Vu (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732733/pat...
nationaljournal.com
Path forward on capping insulin prices remains unclear
A Senate bill still lacks a companion measure in the House, and the White House remains mum on whether Trump would support it.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 20/08/2026
Election officials are preparing for a host of situations, including last-minute changes to the law, court orders, and extreme weather events. By Erika Filter (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732730/ele...
nationaljournal.com
Facing pressure from Trump, election officials hope for the best but prepare for the worst
States are bracing themselves for all outcomes on Election Day, even as President Trump’s proposed changes falter.
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National Journal @nationaljournal.com · 19/08/2026
President Trump may more accurately be called micro-manager in chief. And, in his case, that makes him a macro-spender on weapons, ships, and gadgets the Pentagon never wanted. George E. Condon Jr. with the latest White House File (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/732718/how...
nationaljournal.com
How Trump's fixation on old-school aesthetics could cost the Navy billions
'It’s fair to say this is the first president who thinks his election certificate also made him the marine architect of the Navy.'
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