78 and stubbornly optimistic

The Mamdani machine

The Daily Kickoff covers New York and Maryland primary results, the controversial U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, and shifting diplomatic dynamics regarding Lebanon, Hezbollah, and 2028 presidential contenders.

Mike Johnson defends administration’s deal with Iran despite skepticism from Senate Republicans

Breaking with many Senate Republicans who have expressed skepticism about various elements of the Trump administration’s memorandum of understanding with Iran, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the deal on Tuesday. House Republicans returned to Washington on Tuesday for the first time since the deal with Iran was finalized. “We need to keep forward with good... <a href="">Read More</a>

Prospective 2028 Democrats rally against Trump’s Iran agreement

Among the Democrats mulling a presidential run in 2028 — a group that is ideologically divided, each with their own diagnosis about what’s wrong with the Democratic Party and how to fix it — there was a unified reaction in February when President Donald Trump decided to attack Iran: opposition to a war they viewed... <a href="">Read More</a>

Socialist sweep in New York as Mamdani candidates prevail

It’s New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s party now — even if not everybody in the Big Apple feels invited. The mayor’s candidates for Congress jumped out to early leads Tuesday night, with former City Comptroller Brad Lander comfortably defeating Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), a stalwart opponent of President Donald Trump who nonetheless lost support... <a href="">Read More</a>

Micah Lasher, experienced lawmaker with close ties to Jewish community, wins race to replace Nadler

New York state Assemblymember Micah Lasher, a Jewish Democrat, claimed victory on Tuesday night in a hard-fought primary for a coveted House seat in the heart of Manhattan, according to the Associated Press. Lasher had won 39% with most of the vote tallied by the time his race had been called. He prevailed over a... <a href="">Read More</a>