Politics: Trump’s threat to North Korea contrasts with calm reassurances of other administration officials

In a new poll, half of Republicans say they would support postponing the 2020 election if Trump proposed it   Democracy Dies in Darkness     The most important politics stories today   Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images Trump's threat to North Korea contrasts with calm reassurances of other administration officials The president had discussed escalating his rhetoric, but his promise of "fire and fury" was not formally vetted through the national security process. By Philip Rucker and Karen DeYoung  •  Read more » Analysis In a new poll, half of Republicans say they would support postponing the 2020 election if Trump proposed it A significant number of Republicans would support flagrant violations of democratic norms. By Ariel Malka and Yphtach Lelkes  •  Monkey Cage  •  Read more »   Analysis President Trump’s claim that low-skilled immigration placed ‘substantial pressure’ on U.S. workers Trump exaggerates the impact of low-skilled immigration on native workers' wages. By Michelle Ye Hee Lee  •  Fact Checker  •  Read more »   With drug overdoses soaring, states limit the length of painkiller prescriptions At least 17 states have moved to curb the number of opioids doctors can prescribe, hoping to curb addiction and abuse. By Katie Zezima  •  Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT   FBI conducted predawn raid of former Trump campaign chairman Manafort's home The search warrant, carried out July 26, shows newly aggressive techniques by the special counsel. By Carol D. Leonnig, Tom Hamburger and Rosalind S. Helderman  •  Read more »   Even in North Korea crisis, retired general John Kelly is an apolitical force in a White House divided by ideology Kelly, a 45-year Marine Corps veteran, is leading Trump's West Wing without an ideological agenda, officials say. Kelly has also become one of several key generals whose advice Trump has come to rely on. By Robert Costa and Philip Rucker  •  Read more »   Much-lampooned ultrasound bill revived in race for Va. lieutenant governor "I can't think of a more intrusive thing that a government can do," candidate Justin Fairfax says. By Laura Vozzella  •  Virginia Politics  •  Read more »   A win in rural Iowa has Democrats talking By David Weigel  •  PowerPost  •  Read more » Obama warned Trump on North Korea. But Trump's 'fire and fury' strategy wasn't what Obama aides expected. The president's escalating rhetoric and shifting approaches to Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program has confused and alarmed allies and rivals> By David Nakamura and Anne Gearan  •  Read more » With 'fire and fury,' Trump revives fears about his possession of nuclear codes "The thought of Donald Trump with nuclear weapons scares me to death." By Marc Fisher and Jenna Johnson  •  Read more »   Rep. John Conyers might have broken rules with staffer's pay, watchdog says The ethics case raises questions about severance payments for congressional aides. By Elise Viebeck  •  PowerPost  •  Read more »   Analysis Trump’s claim that U.S. nuclear arsenal is ‘now far stronger and more powerful’ Actually, nothing has changed in the nuclear arsenal since Trump took office. His staff is still writing a policy. By Glenn Kessler  •  Fact Checker  •  Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT   Liberals gather in Atlanta to plan Trump resistance strategy The focus is now squarely on beating back the president's policies. By David Weigel  •  PowerPost  •  Read more »   Trump takes issue with McConnell’s accusation that he had ‘excessive expectations’ for Congress The president fired back at the Senate majority leader on Twitter. By John Wagner  •  Post Politics  •  Read more »   Analysis Rhetorical ‘fire and fury’ can help the U.S. globally — if the president has enough backing at home Resolute statements work only when they're credible. By Roseanne McManus  •  Monkey Cage  •  Read more »   Recommended for you   DemocracyPost Opinions and commentary that illuminate the challenges facing democracy around the world. Sign Up »         Share Politics:       Twitter      Facebook Trouble reading? Click here to view in your browser. You received this email because you are signed up for Politics PM. For additional free newsletters or to manage your newsletters, click here. We respect your privacy. If you believe that this email has been sent to you in error or you no longer wish to receive email from The Washington Post, click here. Contact us for help. ©2017 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071