A warning about primaries: Some positions are more popular than others

Plus: Mr. Zelenskyy goes to Washington and Giuliani ordered to pay $148 million

View this email online Dec. 16, 2023 This week, we looked at recent polling, Zelenskyy's latest pitch and Trump’s long shadow in Iowa and N.H. The Big Picture: Making The Case Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The nature of primaries is candidates focus on what the base wants, and they hope to make a pivot in the general election. As an adviser to Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign said, positions get “Etch-a-sketched.” Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t. It often depends on how skilled a candidate is and how far out of step or in line with the general public a candidate is with the starting position in a primary. As the latest NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll found, some GOP primary positions are more popular than others. But it can often depend on how those positions are talked about and sold that can make the difference. — Domenico Montanaro, NPR’s senior political editor/correspondent Read More Newsletter continues after sponsor message ICYMI: Top Stories Drew Angerer/Getty Images Mr. Zelenskyy goes to Washington – again: The Ukrainian president visited Washington this week as part of a last-ditch effort to convince Republican lawmakers to support more aid for his country. It’s a critical moment for Ukraine in its fight against a Russian invasion: The White House says current aid funding will run out by the end of the month. But Republicans insist any further funding must be accompanied by significant border policy changes.  The House formalized its impeachment inquiry by a vote of 221-212, along party lines. In practical terms, the move won’t change much about the ongoing investigations already being conducted by the House Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means committees. But it is a sign that House Republicans are intensifying their scrutiny, and politically, a formal impeachment inquiry is a major victory for the far right.  Rudy Giuliani has been ordered to pay $148 million in damages to two former Georgia election workers in a defamation trial. Wandrea "Shaye" Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, told a jury how 2020 election conspiracies spread by Giuliani and former President Donald Trump turned their lives upside down, and drew violent and racist harassment. "I was afraid for my life," Moss said during her testimony on Tuesday. Abortion back at SCOTUS: The Supreme Court this week agreed to review a lower court decision that would make it harder to access mifepristone, a commonly used abortion pill. In April, a district court judge and onetime anti-abortion activist in Texas imposed a nationwide ban on the drug, ruling that the FDA had improperly approved it 23 years ago. Within minutes, a different district court judge in Washington State issued a contrary ruling. So now SCOTUS will have to clear up the confusion.  A question at the heart of American democracy: Is a former president completely immune from federal prosecution for crimes he committed in office? The special counsel investigating January 6th is asking the Supreme Court to weigh in. Lawyers working for Jack Smith have asked the court for an “immediate review,” as their case against Trump for interfering in the 2020 election is slated to go to trial in March.  Trump’s long shadow in Iowa and New Hampshire: GOP presidential hopefuls are crisscrossing the early states ahead of their nominating contests next month. But despite their best efforts, all of the candidates not named Donald Trump are struggling to break through. Iowa Public Radio’s Clay Masters and New Hampshire Public Radio’s Josh Rogers have more. — Lexie Schapitl, NPR Politics producer Help Keep the Conversations Going.   Support the NPR Network and stand for trustworthy journalism that keeps you informed, enlightened, and connected. Your donation fuels in-depth reporting, unbiased insights, and thought-provoking stories that matter.  Join us in sustaining an essential source of knowledge and perspective for a brighter future. Act now with your support today.  Donate Going Deeper: Free Speech & College Campuses Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images The Israel-Hamas war has sparked demonstrations, rallies and protests across the country. On college campuses, that’s ignited a debate over free speech and antisemitism.  Colleges are grappling with difficult questions: When does speech become harassment? What happens when chants like “from the river to the sea” mean different things to different people? And at a time of such intense turmoil, how can you make a campus feel safe for all of its students? 🎧 Learn more on the NPR Politics Podcast. — Lexie Schapitl, NPR Politics producer The Shot: Skiing Santas Marina French/Sunday River This holiday season, many Americans will be decorating Christmas trees, lighting menorahs, building gingerbread houses and savoring time with family and friends. And across the country, many people will be celebrating with less conventional — but no less beloved — local traditions. Like hundreds of skiing Santas in Newry, Maine. NPR’s Rachel Treisman has this sampling of unique holiday celebrations. — Lexie Schapitl, NPR Politics producer Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from St. Louis Public Radio (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: nprpolitics@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. 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