Politics

Israel Divide Reshapes How Some Jewish Democrats Give

In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

Senate Confirms Todd Blanche, Trump's Former Defense Lawyer, as Attorney General

Updated on: August 8, 2026 / 12:57 PM EDT / CBS News

Vance says 'crazy' el Sayed would hurt middle class and auto industry

Vice President JD Vance took a swing at Michigan’s Democratic Senate candidate, leftist Abdul el Sayed, calling him “crazy” in an interview on Saturday morning.

Dan Caine looking for 'off-ramp' for Iran war due to limited military options: Report

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine is reportedly looking for an “off-ramp” to the Iran War and discussing his concerns about the options available for escalating the conflict in private conversations.

How Grassley got Blanche’s AG nomination back on track

Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general was on thin ice when Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reached out with a plea.

Bill Maher calls Francesca Hong 'Debbie Downer' for views on Thanksgiving

Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher called Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong a “Debbie Downer” and said her policy about Thanksgiving is “not popular.”

U.S. pledges $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia as new president vows to "defeat narco-terrorism"

August 8, 2026 / 10:39 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

How Trump’s Priorities May Impact the Midterms

Panelists joined to discuss the president’s continued interest in renovating landmarks in the nation’s capital.

New York authorities warn about gold bar scam targeting older adults

State’s attorney general says scammers have made off with more than $100m in past two years

Hunter Biden admits pardon was 'not good' for the American people

Former President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden spoke about his father’s decision to pardon him at the end of his presidential term in a Friday interview, saying it was not “good for” the U.S. Constitution, his father’s legacy, or the American people.

Democrats plan Trump investigations over impeachment if they win House, sources say

Senior Democrats have discussed using hearings, subpoenas and document requests to obtain records from entities tied to Trump's orbit, the sources said.

Trump posts video targeting Murkowski over vote against Blanche confirmation

President Donald Trump took aim at Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) on Truth Social Saturday morning, railing against the GOP senator for not voting to confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General.