| From Karen Tumulty’s examination of the resistance put forth this week by Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to the GOP’s “big, beautiful bill.” Over “more than 26 sleepless hours,” Democrats pummeled Republicans with amendment after amendment in an attempt to strip their budget proposal of its cuts to Medicaid, which would leave millions of Americans without health coverage. Of course, “every one of the amendments failed, as Democrats knew they would,” Karen explains. They are, after all, the weakened minority. But that doesn’t mean they can’t put up a good fight, she continues: “In the committee’s meeting room, Democrats put names and stories that number,” evoking powerful anecdotes of vulnerable Americans who rely on Medicaid. They came teeth bared and claws sharpened, Karen remarks, sparking a “battle over Medicaid” that “Republicans will likely wish … they had never started.” More politics President Donald Trump is wrapping up his three-nation Middle East tour this week, and The Post’s David Ignatius, Damir Marusic and Josh Rogin have lots to say about this “glitzy” trip. In the latest Prompt 2025 newsletter (which you can sign up for here), the trio discusses unexpected wins from Trump’s travels — namely, the president’s “unconventional” decision to engage with Syria’s new government and lift sanctions on the country. “It would be unthinkable for any other president to meet a former al-Nusra leader and call him ‘attractive,’” says Josh. David meanwhile applauds Trump’s “creative, break-the-mold actions,” which he believes could improve U.S. relations with the region. Josh expresses greater anxiety, however, that Trump’s footwork to charm the Middle Eastern leaders was performed on shaky ground. He notes that the president’s advisers on the region have “scant diplomatic experience” — which he argues reduces the chance of a successful Iran nuclear agreement — and that Trump is prioritizing superficial, risky deals with “brutal dictatorships” instead of promoting democracy. Chaser: Fareed Zakaria writes that Trump’s newfound openness to negotiating with Iran “could bring a new level of peace and stability to the Middle East.” Smartest, fastest It’s a goodbye. It’s a haiku. It’s … the Bye-Ku. Trump’s souvenirs from his trip: New friends, investments — ah, but no peace deals. Plus! A Friday bye-ku (Fri-ku!) from reader Connie S.: Students earned high grades Covid came and crushed it down Bye, bye, cap and gown *** Have your own newsy haiku? Email it to me, along with any questions/comments/ambiguities. Have a great weekend! |
