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Welcome to our VIP feature for Hot Air as well as a members-only show in the Hughniverse! Duane Patterson and I are now doing a Week in Review show for Friday evenings, exclusive to members in both platforms. Duane has been the Generalissimo behind the Hugh Hewitt Show for more than two decades, and we have partnered on weekly commentary since 2007.
What stories topped your priority lists this week? Duane's magnum opus yesterday on Iran kicks off our early wrap-up this week, as Duane will be traveling tomorrow. Action heated up this week in the Hormuz Crisis, not to mention travel itineraries, according to some sources. Has the Big Basiji Bug-Out begun? If so, we haven't seen any moves by the Iranian people to take advantage of the situation, although as Ed explains, that's understandable given the mixed signals from Donald Trump and the Gulf states.
Speaking of which, Trump says he's done seeking a deal with the IRGC. Is that itself a negotiating pose or a real change in approach? Duane thinks Trump has finally stopped seeking a deal, but I argue that three nations have vested interests in keeping the regime in place, for some legit reasons but mainly for profit. Trump will get pressured to return to the table, and that will test his declaration that he's done talking with the IRGC.
Plus: What impact does the Venezuelan oil deal have on this crisis?
We then turn to domestic politics as the GOP's midterm convention approaches. Democrats have made it easy for Republicans in this cycle by exhausting Trump as an organizing principle, and also by making socialism the question of this election. Abdul El-Sayed's priorities this week make the Republican case against radicalism even more clear, and he's hardly the only extremist in the field. We also address the numbers from the latest Harvard-Harris CAPS poll to shine some optimism on what should be a difficult midterm election.
Be sure to watch it all, and extend the conversation in the comments!
