WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

In this discussion, Ilya Shapiro, a constitutional scholar and Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, dives into the complexities of the Supreme Court's upcoming term. He explores Donald Trump's presidential powers regarding independent agency firings and global tariffs. Ilya also debates the implications of various landmark cases, including those on transgender rights in sports and potential shifts in campaign finance laws. The hosts question whether the Court is genuinely aligned with Trump's interests, revealing a nuanced legal landscape.

Kim Strassel, an insightful political analyst and Editorial-page columnist at The Wall Street Journal, joins Mane Ukwe Berua, an editorial board member, to dissect the ongoing government shutdown. They explore the Senate's failed funding votes and the Democrats' push for extending pandemic-era ObamaCare subsidies. The duo debates whether Republicans might negotiate on these subsidies and discusses potential political fallout. They also delve into the implications for federal workers and the administration's strategy to reshape civil service during this stalemate.

Alicia Finley, a healthcare journalist known for her insights on drug pricing and policy, dives deep into the Trump administration's new initiative, ‘TrumpRx.’ She discusses the potential implications of selling discounted drugs directly to consumers and questions whether it's driven by genuine need or political theatrics. The conversation also touches on Pfizer's agreement to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. in exchange for tariff relief and the broader issues of drug pricing, competition with generics, and the risks of government involvement in the market.

Kate Batchelder-Odell, an editorial board member at The Wall Street Journal focused on policy and strategy, and Alicia Finley, a health-care policy columnist, discuss the brewing government shutdown. They analyze the political implications of Senate negotiations and Schumer's challenge to Republicans about extending pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies. The conversation dives into the potential market distortions created by expanded subsidies, the impact on employer coverage, and the broader implications for health-care policies amidst a shutdown.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu unveil a bold peace plan for Gaza, tackling Hamas disarmament and proposing a transitional government. The discussion probes the likelihood of Hamas's acceptance and the role of regional support from Arab states. Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth gathers military leaders to advocate for restoring traditional military standards and addressing recruitment challenges. The conversation also critiques the disconnect between military rhetoric and actual strategic resources, particularly concerning China.

Joining the conversation is Suzy Welch, a Professor of management at NYU Stern and former editor of Harvard Business Review. She delves into Generation Z's distinct workplace values, emphasizing flourishing, voice, and altruism. Welch contrasts these with hiring managers' traditional focus on achievement and work-centricity, revealing a mere 2% overlap. They discuss the impact of the pandemic and cultural shifts on Gen Z's priorities and predict how businesses may need to adapt to attract younger workers, highlighting implications for competitiveness and education.

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, known for his insights on fiscal policy, dives into the ins and outs of government shutdowns. He discusses his proposed 'Eliminate Shutdown Act,' aiming for automatic 14-day funding extensions. Johnson highlights the costly impacts of shutdowns on taxpayers and argues that these measures could promote bipartisanship and reform. He also critiques the idea of banning Congressional stock trading, suggesting that transparency laws are a better approach. A riveting conversation on politics and funding!

Jillian Melcher, a journalist with firsthand experience from Ukraine's eastern front, discusses the evolving dynamics of the Ukraine conflict. She breaks down Trump's recent shift in rhetoric regarding Ukraine's chances against Russia. Melcher highlights the challenges of personal diplomacy with Putin, emphasizing ideological motivations behind the Russian aggression. Her insights shed light on battlefield conditions, Ukrainian resilience, and the implications of NATO's deterrence strategy amidst ongoing air incursions.

Alicia Finley, a public-health columnist at The Wall Street Journal, and Kate Batchelder-Odell from the editorial board dive into the controversy surrounding Tylenol use during pregnancy and its alleged link to autism. They analyze claims made by Donald Trump and RFK Jr., questioning the validity of the research supporting those assertions. The discussion also includes the implications of alarmist messaging on public trust and maternal health, as well as scrutiny of FDA decisions regarding melanoma treatments.

Harvard economist Roland Fryer, a prominent figure in education reform, discusses the urgent crisis in U.S. education, where many 12th-graders fall below basic math levels. He emphasizes that effective strategies are known, highlighting five key practices that have succeeded in schools like those in Houston. Fryer critiques current equitable grading policies and advocates for linking student effort to outcomes. He also addresses the need for strong leadership and the political obstacles hindering meaningful reforms in school choice and funding.