Ben Roback: Trump wants to rush America’s response to COVID-19 – but the states might stop him

If America’s governors, county commissioners, and mayors are pursuing their own more aggressive measures, his calls will fall on deaf ears.

Ben Roback: How coronavirus could derail Trump’s economy-focused campaign

The White House and US Government must get a tighter grip and treat it as a public health crisis, not a campaign platform.

Ben Roback: Namaste Trump! He says India is now “America’s premier defence partner”. That’s bad news for Johnson.

At the very same time that the Government is orchestrating a comprehensive security and defence review, that comment will have caused grave concern.

Ben Roback: Introducing the real winner from the Democrat primaries to date. Trump.

His campaign team are likely to be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of facing off against Sanders.

Irish complacency is Sinn Fein’s opportunity

An extremist party is gaining support – from those wishing to protest housing shortages and hospital overcrowding.

Ben Roback: Huawei – Trump’s reaction matters, but don’t discount the feeling in Congress

The Prime Minister may be able to ignore disgruntled Tories, but the US legislature will play a critical role in any new trade deal.

Ben Roback: Can Johnson pull off a triumph – and bridge the gap between Trump and the EU on Iran?

What role do we want to play? Elsewhere, will we join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, or rebuff it at Washington’s insistence? What will we do about Huawei?

Ben Roback: Scant sign of festive cheer as Republicans and Democrats wage an impeachment war

Donald Trump’s approval ratings in the next month may signal whether he is heading for the fate of Bill Clinton or Richard Nixon.

Ben Roback: Trump should be seen but not heard

The visit has the potential to be an electoral gift to an increasingly desperate Labour Party. For Downing Street, a successful trip by the President will be one that causes as few political headlines as possible.

Ben Roback: 2020. Mayor Pete surges in Iowa.

Still a long shot for the candidacy, this development means that Buttigieg is a name you will be hearing much more about in the weeks and months to come.

Ben Roback: Impeachment and scandals – the backdrop to the 2020 election is set

“Read the transcript” has become the à la mode at Trump rallies, replacing previous favourites including “Lock her up” and “Build the wall”.

Lord Ashcroft: With a year to go, my latest research looks at Trump’s chances of getting a second term

A portion of his 2016 voters are unimpressed and wavering – but the President’s fate is not settled. Particularly as the Democrats are yet to agree a candidate.

Ben Roback: Trump and Syria. If your guiding principle is to withdraw from the world stage, his decision is quite sensible

“Sometimes you gotta let them fight, like two kids in a [parking] lot and then you pull them apart,” he said.

Ben Roback: Johnson and Trump – digging in and clinging on

Both leaders are firing up their bases and seeking out all-or-nothing confrontations with their political enemies.

Ben Roback: A lesson from Bolton’s departure. With this President, it’s personality, not policy, that counts – his own.

Trump is now on his fourth National Security Adviser. By the time the election comes, expect him to be on his fifth or sixth.