

WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch
Paul Gigot, The Wall Street Journal
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 pwpodcast@wsj.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 30min
The 28-Day Shutdown Threatens Airline Delays, Food Stamps, and More
Join Kim Strassel, a Wall Street Journal columnist known for her insights into federal budgeting and congressional politics, and Kate O'Dell, an astute member of the editorial board, as they dissect the looming threat of a 28-day government shutdown. They explore its alarming impacts, from air-traffic controller paychecks to SNAP benefits. The conversation heats up with discussions on union dynamics, Republicans gaining traction on pandemic subsidies, and proposals for future funding reform. This thought-provoking dialogue navigates the chaos and strategy behind Washington's budget battles.

7 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 23min
Donald Trump Escalates His Trade War With Canada--and Ronald Reagan
Mary Anastasia O'Grady, a journalist focusing on North and Latin America, dives into the trade war between the U.S. and Canada sparked by an Ontario ad featuring Ronald Reagan. She contrasts Reagan's nuanced free trade approach with Trump's blanket tariffs. The discussion shifts to Argentina's recent elections, highlighting Javier Milei's push for free-market reforms, while also touching on the U.S.-China trade truce and its implications for global economic ties. O'Grady offers insights on balancing trade policies and regional dynamics.

8 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 27min
Donald Trump Demolishes the White House East Wing to Build a Ballroom
Joining the discussion is Bill McGurn, a former presidential speechwriter and Wall Street Journal columnist, known for his insights on historic presidential decisions. He delves into Trump’s swift demolition of the East Wing for a ballroom, surprising many with its speed and scale. McGurn explores the balance between functionality and preservation in past renovations, from Jefferson to Nixon, and highlights public reactions to this radical approach. The conversation raises questions about future presidential precedents and the evolving identity of the White House.

10 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 24min
The U.S. Sanctions Russian Oil Giants to Pressure Putin
The podcast delves into the U.S. sanctions on Russian oil giants, aiming to cripple funding for Putin's war in Ukraine. Trump’s abrupt cancellation of a meeting with Putin raises questions about his negotiating tactics. Experts discuss the unrealistic demands from Russia and how sanctions could affect global oil markets. The conversation also highlights how countries like China and India may skirt sanctions while examining the political delays in enacting these measures. Overall, the urgency for consistent enforcement and the implications for U.S. energy leverage are explored.

8 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 27min
National Guard to Chicago? Trump Appeals to the Supreme Court
Colin Levy, an editorial board member at The Wall Street Journal, dives into the heated debate around Donald Trump's request to deploy the National Guard in Chicago amidst escalating protests. He discusses the legal intricacies surrounding the defense of federalizing the Guard and the implications of recent court rulings. Levy also examines why universities are rejecting a proposed higher-education reform compact, highlighting their fears of losing independence and potential government oversight of campus policies.

Oct 21, 2025 • 26min
Will the Gaza Cease-Fire Hold? / China's Leverage on Rare-Earth Minerals
Elliot Kaufman, a keen analyst of Middle East policy, discusses the fragile Gaza cease-fire amid renewed violence and Trump's threats against Hamas. He explores how hostage releases could impact Israeli military actions and the challenges of disarmament for Hamas. Alicia Finley, an expert in economics and geopolitics, sheds light on China's rare-earth export controls and the newly signed U.S.-Australia deal aimed at countering China's influence. She emphasizes the need for multilateral cooperation to strengthen supply chains and contain mercantilism.

27 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 25min
The 'No Kings' Movement Grows, and John Bolton Is Indicted
Nationwide protests under the 'No Kings' movement reflect a surge of energy among Democrats, sparking discussions about its potential impact on the midterm elections. The panel explores how Trump's dismissive approach may affect his strategy, while concerns about voter momentum versus unfavorable conditions arise. Additionally, John Bolton faces serious legal trouble with 18 charges related to classified information, prompting debates on whether his indictment is driven by political motivations or genuine legal issues.

4 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 26min
Zohran Mamdani vs. Andrew Cuomo on the NYC Mayoral Debate Stage
Mene Ukwe Barua and Faith Bottom dive into the fiery NYC mayoral debate featuring Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo. They dissect Mamdani's confident performance and explore whether Cuomo can shift the polling dynamics against his younger opponent. Faith highlights Cuomo's outdated campaign strategies versus Mamdani's viral tactics, while the discussion covers the challenges facing the Democratic Party and implications of Mamdani's potential victory on national politics. The limits of mayoral power and the state’s role in governance also get a thoughtful examination.

8 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 25min
Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine? Trump Threatens, Putin Calls, and Zelensky Visits
Kate Batchelder-Odell, a foreign-policy analyst at The Wall Street Journal, and Jillian Melcher, a reporter with firsthand experience in Ukraine, delve into the implications of Trump’s possible decision to send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. They discuss how this could impact the battlefield, with Kate explaining the missiles' capabilities and Jillian sharing insights from Donetsk on Russian logistics. The conversation explores the risks of escalation, the importance of Western support, and how Trump's rhetoric might translate into tangible action against Putin.

12 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 29min
Race, Gerrymandering and the Constitution at the Supreme Court
Alicia Finley, an insightful opinion columnist specializing in voting-rights law, joins Barton Swaim, a sharp political analyst, for a deep dive into the complexities of racial gerrymandering. They tackle the Supreme Court's pivotal Louisiana case that questions the necessity of majority-minority districts. Key topics include the implications for political polarization, potential Republican gains in future elections, and the challenges of the Gingles precedent. Their discussion raises vital questions about the future of redistricting and representation in American politics.


