What’s next for Democrats — in November and 2027: From the Politics Desk
In today’s edition, “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker looks at Democrats’ recent primary results and digs into what they might mean for governing next year. Plus, President Donald Trump and Vice. . .
In today’s edition, “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker looks at Democrats’ recent primary results and digs into what they might mean for governing next year. Plus, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance answer questions on the war with Iran. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here. — Scott BlandWhat’s next for Democrats?Analysis by Kristen WelkerRecent Democratic primaries have exposed some deep and important divisions within the party, shaping not just midterm strategy but also how Democrats might govern if they win. Progressivesrode a wave of energyto squeak out anarrow victory in Michigan, where DemocratAbdul El-Sayedbecomes one of the movement’s most important figures as he battles in a must-win Senate race this fall. And they scored another feather in their cap in Minnesota, whereLt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s victorymakes her the front-runner to be the state’s next senator. But while that progressive energy is unmistakable on the left, they don’t have an undeniable mandate within their party. El-Sayed won by a hair, and Wisconsin’sFrancesca Hongfumbled a big polling lead in the state’s gubernatorial primaryin her own narrow loss this week. That’s why some progressives are tacking toward the center to appeal to swing voters — like how Flanagan didn’t directly tell meon Thursday’s “MTP Now”whether or not she supported abolishing ICE (she’s called to “rip apart” the agency). It’s why other Democrats like new Wisconsin governor nomineeDavid Crowleyhave emphasized theneed for his party to have a “big tent”in order to win in November. These fascinating intraparty debates over issues like immigration, the economy, healthcare, Israel policy and data centers transcend the campaign trail. If Democrats get their wish and take back the House or the Senate, these debates will set up important governing questions for party figures like Minority LeaderHakeem Jeffries, who hopes to become the next speaker of the House. How will leaders like Jeffries balance the energy in the burgeoning progressive wing of the party heading into 2028? And what will that mean for some of the top progressive priorities on healthcare, immigration and criminal justice — issues that have energized the left but that Republicans have used to argue the whole Democratic Party is captive to progressives?I’ll speak about this, and more, with both Jeffries and California Democratic Rep. Ro Khannaon Sunday’s “Meet the Press. ” On top of that, Attorney GeneralTodd Blanchewill sit down with me just days after his confirmation. I hope you’ll join us. Trump and Vance sound off on the Iran warPresidentDonald Trumptoday dismissed concerns from families of service members aboutthe grim conditionsaboard the USS Abraham Lincoln,Julie Tsirkin,Rebecca ShabadandMosheh Gainswrite, amid anxiety about whether deployments have been overextended in the Middle East due to the Iran war. Ininterviews with NBC Newsandotheroutlets, family members of some of the thousands of people aboard the ship have described a lack of supplies and food and an overall deteriorating mental health situation with multiple sailors having attempted to jump overboard. NBC News asked Trump, who was speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, whether the deployments had gone on for too long and whether he was worried about troops’ mental health. “No. No. No — not nearly long enough,” Trump said. Trump also told reporters Friday that the Lincoln is “moving right now or very shortly” and that “it’s being replaced with another very similar ship. ” TheUSS George Washington is expected to replace the Lincolnin the Middle East, a U. S. official told NBC News. Meanwhile,Alexander Smithwrites that keeping gas prices lowis now the United States’ “goal No. 1” in the Iran war, Vice PresidentJD Vancehas said, as Washington threatened an indefinite naval blockade andsignaled it would soon intensify economic pressure on Tehran. “I know that oil is down today and it’s way down from the highs in the early days of the conflict,” Vance told Fox News yesterday, before the latest uptick. “That’s goal No. 1 — keep oil and gas cheap for Americans all over our country. ”He added: “Obviously, goal No. 2 is ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon. ” Tehran insists it has no desire to develop one. Trump and his team have offered various reasons for starting the conflict with Iran, initially saying they wanted to support mass anti-government protests, before prioritizing a desire to defang Iran’s nuclear program and even topple the regime. Oil and gas was flowing relatively freely worldwide before the U. S. -Israeli attack, sparking a conflict that has increasingly centered on the tussle for control of the Strait of Hormuz — a waterway through which some 20% of the world’s energy supplies traveled prior to the war. 🗞️ Today's other top stories✅ Primary colors:GOP Rep. Russell Fry, who unsuccessfully ran for Senate in South Carolina’s special primary election earlier this week, endorsed Sen. Darline Grahamin the runoff to fill her late brother’s seat. Read more →🎯 Political opportunity:DemocratBrian Poindexterhas built a unique coalition around the establishment andBernie Sandersis sticking to his working-class message in a suddenly competitive Ohio race against GOP Rep. Max Miller. Read more →❌Non-endorsement:Florida Gov. Ron DeSantismade it clear that he’s not supporting the re-election campaign of Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla. , who is under investigation by the Justice Department and the House Ethics Committee. Mills has denied wrongdoing. Read more →🚐Van-dal life:A woman accused of vandalizing the World War II Memorial has been arrested in Washington, U. S. Attorney for the District of ColumbiaJeanine Pirroannounced today. Read more →🥂Having a ball:PresidentDonald Trumptoday asked the Supreme Court to allow him to continue construction of a sprawling ballroom adjacent to the White House. Read more →That’s all From the Politics Desk for now. Today’s newsletter was compiled by Scott Bland. If you have feedback — likes or dislikes — email us atpoliticsnewsletter@nbcuni. comAnd if you’re a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign uphere.