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.

Lord Ashcroft: Would victories for Johnson and Trump herald the triumph of conservatism?

My research suggests that parties of the centre-right should be cautious about mistaking transactional voter support for deeper allegiance.

Lord Ashcroft: My perspective on the US and UK elections

And how we reached what seems like an unusually grim and shambolic time in national life.

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.

Ryan Bourne: In America, public spending conservatism is being lost. It could happen in Britain.

Former Government advisers see an opportunity to steer the party towards a “bigger government” vision for the party they’ve always spoiled for.

Gareth Lyon: Post-Boris. The Prime Minister is more Lyndon Johnson than his jokey former self.

And just like Kennedy’s successor, he must match a serious time with a focus on delivery, not just promises.

Dominic Walsh: What would No Deal mean for trade beyond the EU?

While trade deals have taken on an important political and symbolic value, their benefits are typically smaller and slower to materialise than many realise.

Ben Roback: The racism row. Trump has set a trap for the Democrats – but risks also falling into it himself.

The White House attack on “the squad” risks turning out Democratic voters as a natural by-product of seeking to turn out Republicans.

Ben Roback: Was Trump the real winner of the first Democratic debates?

A confused and crowded field will ensure the President has plenty of ammunition to throw at whoever emerges to challenge him in 2020.

Garvan Walshe: How Trump’s blunders give Iran the chance for “nuclear breakout”

The United States’ weakened capabilities and frayed alliances both play in Tehran’s favour at a crucial and sensitive time.

Ben Roback: Trump’s inaccurate view of ‘Londonistan’ only underscores the dire state of transatlantic relations

The arrival of a new Prime Minister might offer some opportunity to reset the relationship.