Outside the Beltway

Peaceful protests were once again followed by nighttime clashes.

“Now this campaign is over, what is the will of the people? What is our mandate?”

Some surprising poll numbers.

Is Trump really an outlier?

President Trump is historically unpopular and has consistently trailed Joe Biden. He could still win.

Even Republicans are wondering if President Trump is at his “Katrina moment.”

Iowa Republicans have had enough of being represented by a racist buffoon.

Outside agitators, including white supremacist groups, are shaping public perception of the George Floyd protests.

Thinking about support for Trump and considering how recent events may influence that support.

At last week’s debate, Beto O’Rourke handed Republicans and gun rights advocates a nicely wrapped gift with his claim that he would seize guns from otherwise law-abiding Americans.

A disturbing story that’s almost certainly not what it first appears.

The 76-year-old Democratic frontrunner’s penchant for gaffes is raising questions about his fitness to govern.

There’s an inherent tension in our national ethos.

Wherein I explore the notion that ignorance is bliss.

A WaPo writer takes a round-about path to demonstrate the obvious.

Another white supremacist attack raises disturbing questions about our information environment.

Steve King isn’t backing down from his history of white supremacy and racism. And he’s also running for re-election.

Bret Stephens’ piece this week adds up to not much.

Trump’s words matter.

America’s tradition of unlimited free expression increases the danger of violence.

There is a frustration and a growing sense that the American political system is illegitimate.

Madison was right about politicians and ambition. He just didn’t see the how it would all play out.

An essay from earlier in the year by Jacob T. Levy underscores some of the points I recently tried to make about democratic norms in the current era.

It is a fair question. But judging the Trump administration on tax cuts, Gorsuch, and the DJIA is to ignore a lot of profound problems.

Responsible governance from the Golden State?