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Patricia Murphy

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Don’t call Speaker Nancy Pelosi “crazy” lest people assume you’ve lost your mind, Murphy writes.

Nancy Pelosi may be many things. But ‘crazy’ isn’t one of them

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 17, 2020 at 6:00am
Constituents gesture during a town hall in New Jersey’s 7th District in 2017. The pandemic has limited opportunities for members to hold such in-person meetings, and that is not a healthy development, Murphy writes.

Congress returns from its August recess with America on mute

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 9, 2020 at 6:00am
A school bus lot on New York Avenue Northeast in Washington on Friday. Public schools face a reopening dilemma that would not have existed had Congress thought to rescue them before businesses, Murphy writes.

Stop saving businesses and start saving schools

By Patricia Murphy
Posted July 28, 2020 at 6:00am
A woman votes in Lorton, Va., in 2018. Suburban women turned away from congressional Republicans that year, and they are likely to repeat that this November, Murphy writes.

The moms are not all right

By Patricia Murphy
Posted July 8, 2020 at 6:00am
Protests against police brutality, such as this one in D.C. on June 6, offer Congress a chance to be a solution, and not another problem, Murphy writes.

If Congress can’t pass police reform now, we just don’t need a Congress

By Patricia Murphy
Posted June 23, 2020 at 6:00am
People march past Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on May 30 during a protest in response to the police killing of George Floyd.

On primary day in Georgia, a chance to pick up where MLK left off

By Patricia Murphy
Posted June 9, 2020 at 5:30am
UNITED STATES - MARCH 3: Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., talks with reporters after a meeting of the House Democratic Caucus in the Capitol on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

The crucial privacy debate happening in the shadows of the coronavirus

By Patricia Murphy
Posted May 21, 2020 at 5:30am
As Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie learned the hard way recently, the days of the deficit hawk in Washington are not just numbered, they may be over, Murphy writes.

Is there any amount Congress can’t spend to save us?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted May 5, 2020 at 6:00am
South Carolina Republican Bob Inglis has no regrets about his 2008 vote for the so-called bank bailout of 2008 that later cost him his House seat.

He voted for a massive stimulus and lost his seat. He says he’d do it all again

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 25, 2020 at 6:00am
President Donald Trump talks to reporters about the coronavirus Tuesday on Capitol Hill. Trump may want to remember that trust in a leader is earned in moments of crisis, and surrendered just as easily, Murphy writes.

Nothing to fear but Trump himself

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 12, 2020 at 5:00am
With the future of his legacy at stake, former President Barack Obama must speak up on who he thinks is best equipped to win in November, Murphy writes.

Now would be a good time for Barack Obama to say something

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 3, 2020 at 5:30am
The weight on Joe Biden’s shoulders is especially acute this year without his two sons at his side, Murphy writes.

Joe Biden’s lonely burden

By Patricia Murphy
Posted February 19, 2020 at 5:30am
If Democrats are serious about beating President Donald Trump, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg may be their best hope, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Goodbye, Iowa. Hello, Bloomberg

By Patricia Murphy
Posted February 5, 2020 at 5:30am
To see how a Senate trial would work under nonpartisan circustances Murphy suggests the 2010 case of Judge Thomas Porteous Jr., center, in which Jonathan Turley, right, acted as lead defense counsel. (Tom Williams/Roll Call file photo)

Senate got its man in last impeachment trial

By Patricia Murphy
Posted January 13, 2020 at 6:00am
New Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler’s teamis prepared to spend $20 million of her own money for the 2020 cycle alone. (Marcus Ingram/Getty Images file photo)

Who is Kelly Loeffler?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted January 6, 2020 at 5:00am
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., stands near the statue of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Capitol Rotunda before a memorial service for Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., in October. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Don’t go yet, John Lewis. We need you.

By Patricia Murphy
Posted December 30, 2019 at 11:04am
During impeachment hearings, career diplomat Marie Yovanovitch told of being called back as the ambassador to Ukraine in the middle of the night and, later, of being “shocked and devastated” to learn that President Donald Trump had told Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that she was “going to go through some things.” (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Thank you for your (government) service

By Patricia Murphy
Posted December 23, 2019 at 6:01am
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., and Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., after a meeting to announce a spending deal on Thursday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

What’s the shocking secret sauce to progress on the Hill? Impeachment

By Patricia Murphy
Posted December 16, 2019 at 5:30am
Nancy Pelosi has shown she’s a master of her own reactions, Murphy writes, but how will she manage the boiling rage of half of her caucus? (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Democrats have an anger management problem

By Patricia Murphy
Posted December 9, 2019 at 6:00am
Sen. John McCain waves to supporters at an opposition rally in Kyiv, Ukraine, in December 2013. No Republican has stepped in to replace the late senator as a top advocate for Ukrainian democracy, Murphy writes. (Yuriy Dyachyshyn/AFP via Getty Images file photo)

The missing voice of John McCain in impeachment and Ukraine

By Patricia Murphy
Posted November 18, 2019 at 5:30am
He was neither nominated nor appointed to the job, but that hasn’t stopped Rudy Giuliani from acting as de facto secretary of State since Donald Trump’s election, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

How America’s mayor became America’s State Department

By Patricia Murphy
Posted November 11, 2019 at 5:00am
With the new rules in place regarding relationships between lawmakers and their staff, California Rep. Katie Hill had no choice but to resign, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Why Katie Hill had to go

By Patricia Murphy
Posted November 4, 2019 at 5:30am
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House on Oct. 10. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)

Impeachment is already a gold mine. Shut down fundraising until it’s over

By Patricia Murphy
Posted October 28, 2019 at 6:00am
Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney answers questions during a briefing at the White House on October 17. He and other staffers were caught off guard by President Donald Trump's tweet attacking a senior U.S. diplomat as she testified in the impeachment proceeding. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Mick Mulvaney, from Washington reformer to chief of graft

By Patricia Murphy
Posted October 21, 2019 at 6:00am
Russia is far from done with destabilizing our democracy, Murphy writes. The Senate Intelligence Committee, led by Richard M. Burr, right, and Mark Warner, made that clear in its latest report on 2016 election interference. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

The most important document you may ever read

By Patricia Murphy
Posted October 15, 2019 at 6:00am
New York Democrat Lindsey Boylan, left, with her spirited primary challenge likely pushed House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler into publicly supporting an impeachment inquiry, which Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced last month, Murphy writes. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Women's Forum of New York, Tom Williams/CQ RollCall)

The women trying to impeach Trump — and the men making it so damn hard

By Patricia Murphy
Posted October 7, 2019 at 5:00am
Institutionalists like Nancy Pelosi embrace the workings of the oversight process like a warm hug and deploy them like a Tomahawk missile, Murphy writes. (Doug Mills/The New York Times pool photo)

Welcome to her wheelhouse — Trump’s living in Pelosi’s world now

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 30, 2019 at 5:00am
House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler was just one of the many characters with politics on their minds during the Corey Lewandowski hearing last week, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Why Congress would be better off holding no hearings at all

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 23, 2019 at 6:00am
Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s “comfort level with who she is” comes across in her speeches, former Al Gore speechwriter Eric Schnure tells Murphy. President Donald Trump is another effective communicator, Schnure says, with his ability to speak “visibly.” (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call file photos)

Writing a speech for the boss? Two White House pros show you how to nail it

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 20, 2019 at 6:00am
Attacking former Vice President Joe Biden for his age is just politically dumb given who the most reliable voters will be next year, Murphy writes. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Joe Biden is old. Who cares?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 16, 2019 at 5:30am
Walmart’s decision to halt sales of handguns and certain ammunition in its stores is just the latest example of corporate America leading on public policy, Murphy writes. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

With Washington missing in action, Walmart for President

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 9, 2019 at 5:30am
Georgia Democrat Lucy McBath last year won a suburban Atlanta seat once held by Newt Gingrich, a sign of the state’s shifting demographics. Republicans are determined to take the seat back next year. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Why Georgia will be the wildest ride in politics heading into 2020

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 5, 2019 at 5:00am
Democratic candidates should stop cudgeling each other and keep their eye on the presidential prize, Murphy writes. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Democratic voters just want to beat Trump. Why are their leaders making it so hard?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted August 23, 2019 at 6:00am
A demonstrator holds a sign on the East Front of the Capitol during the student-led March for Our Lives rally on Pennsylvania Avenue to call for action to prevent gun violence in March 2018. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

How about a crime bill for white people instead of black people?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted August 7, 2019 at 6:00am
Former Vice President Joe Biden needs to show the same fire and finesse onstage this week that California Sen. Kamala Harris did when she attacked him in their debate last month, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photos)

Biden vows to be less polite with Harris in Detroit debate. That won’t be enough

By Patricia Murphy
Posted July 29, 2019 at 5:30am
The years of executive experience that, from left, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee bring to the table should still matter, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call file photos)

Governor who? Hickenlooper, Inslee and Bullock are at 1 percent. Combined

By Patricia Murphy
Posted July 22, 2019 at 6:30am
By going after Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other House Democrats, Saikat Chakrabarti, left, chief of staff to New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, broke a cardinal rule of the unwritten Hill staffer code, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Does Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez need a ‘chief of change’ or a change of staff?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted July 19, 2019 at 6:30am
Presidential candidate Cory Booker waves as he marches in the Boulder City Damboree Celebration in Nevada on July 4. Many of those who meet him are invariably won over, Murphy writes, but with 24 candidates in the race, how do you scale that kind of in-person connection? (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

The Democratic field is trying to win over black voters. Cory Booker already knows how

By Patricia Murphy
Posted July 15, 2019 at 6:30am
Yes, Joe Biden worked with segregationists to pass legislation. No, that doesn’t mean he was a monster, Murphy writes. It means he was a senator. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Working with the enemy? Biden was just doing his job

By Patricia Murphy
Posted June 22, 2019 at 9:00am
Last week, Steny Hoyer found out just how unpopular a congressional pay raise can be — but it’s the only thing that can stave off a Congress of the super-rich, Murphy writes. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Want a more diverse Congress? Bite the bullet and raise the pay

By Patricia Murphy
Posted June 17, 2019 at 5:30am
South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s presidential race has inspired many, Murphy writes, but if the goal is to make a difference in people’s lives, he would have been better off running for the Indiana Legislature. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Democrats running for president should run for the Senate. The state Senate.

By Patricia Murphy
Posted June 10, 2019 at 6:30am
Speaker Nancy Pelosi is no dummy, Murphy writes. She’s keeping her caucus from repeating impeachment mistakes of the past. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

5 reasons Nancy Pelosi is absolutely right about impeachment

By Patricia Murphy
Posted June 3, 2019 at 5:00am
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., a Democratic presidential candidate, traveled to Atlanta last week to rally for abortion rights in the wake of the state passing a law restricting them. The issue has returned to the political fore as several states pass laws to restrict abortion. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

The politics of abortion surge to forefront of 2020 debate

By Patricia Murphy
Posted May 20, 2019 at 5:00am
President Donald Trump’s trade actions are testing American farmers in ways they never imagined, Murphy writes, even though that’s exactly what he campaigned on. (Win McNamee/Getty Images file photo)

‘Grimmer by the day’ — Farmers’ love for Trump in peril

By Patricia Murphy
Posted May 14, 2019 at 5:05am
Anyone who rides the Red Line to work won’t be surprised to know that mass transit in the U.S. gets a D-, Murphy writes. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Today I’m getting boring. Please, Congress, join me

By Patricia Murphy
Posted May 7, 2019 at 5:00am
Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden greets supporters at a campaign rally at Teamsters Local 249 Union Hall on Monday in Pittsburgh. Biden began his first full week of campaigning for president by speaking on how to rebuild America's middle class. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

Joe Biden’s Washington is vanishing. Does America want it back?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted April 30, 2019 at 5:00am
New lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., insist they’re not for capital “S” socialism, but for a living wage, health care for all, and affordable or free education, Patricia Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Trump’s warning you: The socialists are coming!

By Patricia Murphy
Posted April 17, 2019 at 5:00am
People for and against abortion gather outside the Supreme Court in 2018. When Jen Jordan testifies before the Judiciary panel on Tuesday, the state senator from Georgia won’t shy away from her own grief and pain, Murphy writes. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images file photo)

She miscarried 8 times. Today she’s telling Lindsey Graham why abortion should remain legal

By Patricia Murphy
Posted April 9, 2019 at 5:02am
Joe Biden has shown an immense capacity to learn from his mistakes, Murphy writes. That’s rare in Washington today. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Joe Biden can change. Will Democrats let him try?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted April 2, 2019 at 5:04am
Democrats can thank Attorney General William Barr for saving them from themselves, Murphy writes. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Mueller and Barr just did Democrats a gigantic favor

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 26, 2019 at 5:03am
Your days on the Hill may be long, but the years will be short, former staffers warn. Above, staffers take the stairs in the Hart Senate Office Building in 2013. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

8 things I wish I’d known when I worked on Capitol Hill

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 22, 2019 at 5:01am
Veteran strategists underestimated Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ayanna S. Pressley, Murphy writes. Now Democrats are getting their very own tea party after all. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Democrats get their very own tea party after all

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 12, 2019 at 5:03am
Cox Radio reporter Jamie Dupree was in the room for both the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings and Brett Kavanaugh’s 27 years later. (Courtesy John Nolen/CBS News)

Jamie Dupree is still telling stories, even without his voice

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 5, 2019 at 5:03am
Can Democrats keep their cool as they investigate the president? The first big test comes this week with Michael Cohen, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

The perils of investigating a complete buffoon

By Patricia Murphy
Posted February 26, 2019 at 5:03am
When Stacey Abrams described a “systemic breakdown” in the electoral process, there were no Republicans around to hear her, Murphy writes. (Jessica McGowan/Getty Images file photo)

There was just one thing missing from this voter reform hearing — a Republican

By Patricia Murphy
Posted February 20, 2019 at 5:02am
It’s not fair to compare female candidates exclusively to one another, Murphy writes. But Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren haven’t exactly distanced themselves from the last woman to run for president. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Hillary Clinton is running again, sort of

By Patricia Murphy
Posted February 12, 2019 at 5:03am
At last year’s State of the Union, the president spoke of “one American family.” It wasn’t long before that heartwarming message went up in a puff of Twitter smoke, Murphy writes. (Win McNamee/Getty Images file photo)

Dr. Jekyll, Mr. State of the Union

By Patricia Murphy
Posted February 5, 2019 at 5:02am
Speaker Nancy Pelosi made it clear during her shutdown standoff with the president that raising five children had prepared her for the job, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

A ruthless, head-patting grandma finally gets her due

By Patricia Murphy
Posted January 29, 2019 at 5:02am
The famously poll-tested Hillary Clinton promised she would “fight,” Murphy writes. But Donald Trump went even further. “We’re going to win so much you’re going to be tired of winning,” he said. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

The shutdown is exactly what voters asked for

By Patricia Murphy
Posted January 23, 2019 at 5:02am
Passengers wait in a TSA line on Jan. 9 at JFK airport in New York City. With TSA agents going unpaid during the partial government shutdown, many are forced to call in sick to work hourly jobs elsewhere to pay the bills. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Time for Republican senators to override the shutdown

By Patricia Murphy
Posted January 15, 2019 at 5:03am
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is bringing star power back to the Democratic Party, but in Congress, as in life, fame can be both a blessing and a curse, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

As Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez flies high, eyes are rolling on the ground

By Patricia Murphy
Posted January 8, 2019 at 5:04am
If you think 2018 was bad, just wait for 2019. Above, Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, walks past the annual Christmas sign in the basement of the Capitol on  Dec. 11. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Happy New Year, Republicans! It’s Downhill From Here

By Patricia Murphy
Posted December 18, 2018 at 5:04am
Paul D. Ryan’s time as speaker is coming to an end, and everyone’s reviewing the tape. It wasn’t all bad for the gentleman from Janesville, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Paul Ryan: The Good, the Bad and the Truly Disappointing

By Patricia Murphy
Posted December 11, 2018 at 5:02am
George H.W. Bush went from “no new taxes” to just the opposite. But his willingness to change course was proof of his unwavering strength, Murphy writes. (Laura Patterson/CQ Roll Call file photo)

From Bush’s Lips to Our Ears: To Heck With Campaign Promises

By Patricia Murphy
Posted December 4, 2018 at 5:01am
Nancy Pelosi speaks to kids during Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day in April. Her current quest for the speaker’s gavel is a master class in getting things done, Murphy writes. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Nancy Pelosi’s Leadership Lessons for Bossy Girls Everywhere

By Patricia Murphy
Posted November 27, 2018 at 5:02am
When it comes to counting votes in Congress, Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly shown she has few equals, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Cue the ‘Jaws’ Soundtrack, Pelosi Is Hunting for Votes

By Patricia Murphy
Posted November 20, 2018 at 5:03am
That Dan Crenshaw survived his injuries to eventually run for Congress must feel like a miracle, Patricia Murphy writes. (Courtesy Crenshaw for Congress)

Thank you, Dan Crenshaw

By Patricia Murphy
Posted November 13, 2018 at 5:02am
As goes Georgia, so goes the country. Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams is essentially the face of the resistance, Murphy writes. (Jessica McGowan/Getty Images file photo)

What Stacey Abrams Will Tell Us About America Tonight

By Patricia Murphy
Posted November 6, 2018 at 5:02am
After news broke that a serial bomber sent explosive devices to more than a dozen targets, President Donald Trump’s first comments were to defend himself on Twitter, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Presidents Once Provided Comfort and Leadership in Crises. Now They Tweet and Tongue-Lash

By Patricia Murphy
Posted October 30, 2018 at 5:02am
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., (Photo By Sarah Silbiger/CQ Roll Call)

Speaker Pelosi? Maybe. Tea Party Redux? Not if She Can Help It

By Patricia Murphy
Posted October 23, 2018 at 5:03am
Democrat Beto O’Rourke historic fundraising numbers set off alarm bells in the GOP that the Texas Senate race was not one to be ignored, Murphy writes. Above, O’Rourke arrives for a rally in Lockhart, Texas, on Oct. 1. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Is Beto O’Rourke the Next Jon Ossoff?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted October 16, 2018 at 5:05am
Maine Sen. Susan Collins’ defense of Sen. Dianne Feinstein in her floor speech Friday, she offered her colleagues one way forward to fix the stalemate they find themsleves in, Murphy writes. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

After the Kavanaugh Trauma, the Senate Needs an MRI

By Patricia Murphy
Posted October 9, 2018 at 5:02am
Back in 2013, then-Minority Leader Mitch McConnell warned Senate Democrats not to blow up the filibuster. “You’ll regret this,” he said. More prophetic words were never spoken, Murphy writes. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

The Senate Already Went Nuclear. This Must Be Nuclear Plus

By Patricia Murphy
Posted October 2, 2018 at 5:01am
Sen. Mazie Hirono dropped some choice remarks on her Judiciary Committee colleague. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Don’t Call Mazie Hirono a Badass. Call Her a Leader.

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 25, 2018 at 5:02am
Responses by some male Republican lawmakers to the allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh show that many still don’t understand what it takes for a woman to come forward and tell her story, Murphy writes. (Sarah Silbiger/CQ Roll Call)

Kavanaugh’s Fate Lies in Women’s Hands — As It Should Be

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 18, 2018 at 5:04am
Members of the House and Senate stand behind their leadership on Sept. 11, 2001, during a statement on the terrorist attacks in New York and at the Pentagon. (Scott J. Ferrell/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Congress Handled 9/11 and Anthrax. Now It Brings Catastrophe on Itself

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 11, 2018 at 5:01am
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, here with Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer in February, acknowledged the cooperation of Democrats in the progress made on fiscal 2019 spending bills. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Just When You Least Expect It — A Congress That (Sort of) Works

By Patricia Murphy
Posted September 4, 2018 at 5:02am
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., here in June 2010 with Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., whom he refused to attack during the 2004 presidential campaign when Kerry came under fire for his actions during the Vietnam War. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

What John McCain Didn’t Do

By Patricia Murphy
Posted August 28, 2018 at 5:04am
Sheep line up for judging at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2011. This year’s fair was decidedly lacking in star power on the Democratic side, Murphy writes. And that spells trouble for 2020. (Tom Williams/Roll Call file photo)

Dems Had a Lackluster Showing at the Iowa State Fair. That’s a Bad Sign for 2020

By Patricia Murphy
Posted August 21, 2018 at 5:04am
There’s no shortage of things for senators to do while in town this month, Murphy writes. Above, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., arrives at the Capitol for a vote in April. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

7 Ways the Senate Can Spend the Rest of August

By Patricia Murphy
Posted August 14, 2018 at 5:04am
Ohio Democrat Danny O’Connor’s only path to victory in the 12th District is by winning over enough “Dannycrats,” some of whom backed the president in 2016, Murphy writes. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Why Democrats Need the ‘Dannycrats’ in Ohio’s 12th and Beyond

By Patricia Murphy
Posted August 7, 2018 at 5:04am
GOP Rep. Tom Reed joined with a Democratic colleague in the Problem Solvers Caucus to introduce a plan to “break the gridlock,” and it’s a pretty great idea, Murphy writes. But since when does problem-solving need its own support group? (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Change the Rules Already, So We Can Get Back to the Congressional Chicken Caucus

By Patricia Murphy
Posted August 3, 2018 at 5:03am
Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle’s beleaguered campaign for governor suffered another hit when President Donald Trump endorsed his opponent in Tuesday’s GOP primary runoff. (Moses Robinson/Getty Images file photo)

Opinion: Georgia Runoffs Offer Clues for November and Beyond

By Patricia Murphy
Posted July 24, 2018 at 5:02am
President Donald Trump shows off a World Cup football given to him by Vladimir Putin. The president is fiddling as computer networks burn, Murphy writes. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Opinion: As Trump Hangs Dan Coats Out to Dry, Russia Hacks On

By Patricia Murphy
Posted July 17, 2018 at 5:03am
Abortion rights supporters demonstrate outside the Supreme Court in 2016. A return to the spotlight for Roe v. Wade during the confirmation debate could re-energize women who assumed the issue was decided long ago, Murphy writes. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Opinion: GOP Should Beware of Roe v. Wade Becoming the Fight

By Patricia Murphy
Posted July 10, 2018 at 5:02am
California Rep. Maxine Waters should stick to “Aunt Maxine” and show voters the way amid President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, Murphy writes. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Opinion: Where Have You Gone, Aunt Maxine?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted June 26, 2018 at 5:03am
President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up to the media as he is greeted by Canadian Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau during the G-7 official welcome Friday in Quebec City. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Opinion: Trump’s Gigantic Trade Straw Is Breaking the GOP’s Back

By Patricia Murphy
Posted June 12, 2018 at 5:00am
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents serve an employment audit notice at a 7-Eleven convenience store on Jan. 10, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Chris Carlson/AP file photo)

Opinion: The Wall or the Economy? Time for the GOP to Pick

By Patricia Murphy
Posted June 5, 2018 at 5:01am
Crosses line the lawn in front of Santa Fe High School on Monday in Santa Fe, Texas, where a 17-year-old student opened fire with a shotgun and pistol, killing 10 people. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Opinion: Moms, Guns and 2018

By Patricia Murphy
Posted May 22, 2018 at 5:01am
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and staff make their way from the Capitol Visitor Center to the Capitol in December. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Opinion: I’m Sorry You’re Not Sorry

By Patricia Murphy
Posted May 15, 2018 at 5:02am
Don Blankenship, who is running for the Republican nomination for Senate in West Virginia, conducts a town hall meeting at Macado’s restaurant in Bluefield, W.Va., on Thursday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Opinion: The Case for Ugly Primaries

By Patricia Murphy
Posted May 8, 2018 at 5:02am
The Rev. Patrick J. Conroy, chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, blesses the walnut tree during a tree planting ceremony in memory of Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., on April 18. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Opinion: A New Religious Schism — What’s the Chaplain’s Job?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted May 1, 2018 at 5:03am
President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron head for Marine One following a tree-planting ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in April. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images file photo)

Opinion: Negotiating Advice From Capitol Hill to Emmanuel Macron

By Patricia Murphy
Posted April 24, 2018 at 5:01am
Principles abandoned. Lawmakers fleeing. If Sen. Barry Goldwater could see the Republican Party now, he wouldn’t recognize it, Murphy writes. (Courtesy the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division)

Opinion: When the Party of Conscience Slinks From the Fight

By Patricia Murphy
Posted April 17, 2018 at 5:02am
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for his meeting with Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., in the Hart Building on Monday. Zuckerberg is on Capitol Hill to testify before the House and Senate this week. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Opinion: The Real Facebook Scandal

By Patricia Murphy
Posted April 10, 2018 at 5:01am
After Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin was forced out, he described the culture in D.C. in a New York Times op-ed as “toxic, chaotic, disrespectful and subversive.” (Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images file photo)

Opinion: It Shouldn’t Be This Hard to Serve Your Country

By Patricia Murphy
Posted April 3, 2018 at 5:00am
A group from Pittsburgh marches down the West Front of the Capitol on Saturday to join the student-led “March for Our Lives,” calling for action to prevent gun violence. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Opinion: Will the Marches Make a Difference?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 27, 2018 at 5:05am
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., says she has ample support among Democrats to become the next speaker. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Opinion: Some Dems Want to Dump Nancy Pelosi. Are They Nuts?

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 22, 2018 at 5:02am
Tuesday’s special election in Pennsylvania’s 18th District between Republican Rick Saccone, left, and Democrat Conor Lamb was too close to call. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Opinion: Why the Pennsylvania Special Election Is Not So Special

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 13, 2018 at 5:02am
Trump supporters attend a rally in North Carolina in 2016. The president’s tariff plan may be sweeping, unfinished and potentially damaging, Murphy writs, but for people who have seen their jobs sent overseas, it looks like a promise kept. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Opinion: Donald Trump Has Already Won His Trade War

By Patricia Murphy
Posted March 6, 2018 at 5:02am