Leigh Ann Caldwell

Mark Kelly, retired Navy captain and Arizona senator, offers national security perspective. Abby Livingston, Texas politics reporter, breaks down surprising primary results. Leigh Ann Caldwell, national affairs reporter, analyzes congressional reactions and public opinion. They debate the risks and rationale for the Iran strikes. They unpack Texas primary upsets, Trump endorsements, and Kristi Noem’s Capitol Hill troubles.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, Chief Washington Correspondent at Puck, shares her insights on the intense civil war between centrists and progressives in the Democratic Party. She discusses the alarming leadership void that hampers the party's progress and debates whether Hakeem Jeffries should consider a government shutdown as a tactic to hold Donald Trump accountable. The conversation also touches on the shifting strategies of Democrats in a digital age and the perilous negotiations surrounding government funding, showcasing the complex political landscape.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, Puck’s chief Washington correspondent and former reporter for major networks, dives deep into the chaos of Capitol Hill. She discusses the fallout from Chuck Schumer's controversial spending bill decision, sparking discord among Democrats. The dynamic between Bernie Sanders and AOC captures attention with its populist messaging, even as Republicans struggle with rising anti-DOGE sentiments at town halls. Caldwell reveals the GOP's reluctance to respond to Trump's impeachment calls, showcasing the current turmoil and shifting alliances in U.S. politics.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a Capitol Hill political reporter and analyst, breaks down the intense ICE fight and the procedural maneuvering to reopen the government. She discusses how Trump might be needed to corral GOP votes. She also explores Stephen Miller's outsized influence, why some Republicans worry his deportation strategy could be a midterm liability, and why he likely won’t be removed.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, political reporter known for on-the-ground national politics coverage. She walks through the clash over Trump's State of the Union and GOP messaging struggles. She recounts the combustible National Governors Association meeting and how governors juggle governing with 2028 ambitions. Short, sharp scenes of Washington friction and political maneuvering.

Join Naftali Bendavid, White House editor for The Washington Post, and Leigh Ann Caldwell, co-author of The Early Brief newsletter, as they dive into the political fallout from Biden's pardon of his son Hunter. They discuss the complex implications of this maneuver, including divided opinions within the Democratic Party and the likelihood of more preemptive pardons. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing Pete Hegseth's nomination for Defense Secretary amidst allegations and how Trump's political maneuvers could reshape Republican dynamics.

Zolan Kanno-Youngs, NYT White House correspondent; Ashley Parker, Atlantic staff writer; Leigh Ann Caldwell, Puck chief Washington correspondent; and McKay Coppins, Atlantic staff writer. They trace Stephen Miller's rise from Capitol Hill to the White House. Short scenes cover his early years, performative rhetoric versus conviction, alliances with Sessions, his reach across policy areas, and how he aims to reshape national identity.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a seasoned political reporter known for her insights into Capitol Hill, joins to dissect the impending government shutdown. She highlights key pressure points, including the looming Thanksgiving travel crunch and vulnerable federal programs like SNAP and military pay. Caldwell also explores how House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have surrendered power to Trump, raising concerns over congressional relevance and the long-term impacts of this shift on both parties.

Idrees Kahloon, Atlantic staff writer on economics and international affairs; Stephen Hayes, conservative editor and national security commentator; Leigh Ann Caldwell, Capitol Hill correspondent; Peter Baker, NYT White House reporter. They discuss why Trump publicly shames allies, Mark Carney’s Davos warning about rules-based order, the Greenland back-and-forth, Canada’s trade risks, NATO strains, and the prospect of striking Iran.

This discussion features Peter Baker, Chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, who delves into the implications of Project 2025 on presidential authority. David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic, outlines its social conservative goals and strategic architects. Leigh Ann Caldwell from Puck highlights shifting congressional power and immigration enforcement changes. The panel critiques Trump’s contradictory stance on Project 2025, revealing internal conservative divisions and predicting future socio-political moves related to civil rights and immigration.