Steve Kornacki explains why New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary results may take several days

President Trump's recent airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities is sparking debate over its legality, particularly because he didn’t seek approval from Congress—raising concerns about executive overreach. However, past precedents suggest courts may avoid weighing in, leaving the decision to the messy realm of politics rather than legal clarity.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Iran—it’s part of a much older tug-of-war between presidents and Congress over who controls military action. If leaders keep bypassing lawmakers, it could further erode checks on presidential power, setting a risky precedent for future conflicts.

Donald Trump believed he had successfully navigated the complexities of Middle East policy, but by Tuesday, he was back to his usual outbursts—frustrated and seemingly overwhelmed by the region's relentless challenges. The article suggests that the volatile nature of Middle Eastern politics has, once again, proven too much for his transactional approach.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Trump—it’s a reminder of how the Middle East has confounded U.S. leaders for decades. The region’s deep-seated conflicts and shifting alliances often defy quick fixes, and Trump’s struggles highlight how even bold promises can crumble under reality. For readers, it’s a window into why lasting peace in the region remains so elusive.

Steve Witkoff, Trump's top Middle East envoy, is furious about what he calls "treasonous" leaks to the media. Reports revealed that recent U.S. strikes on Iran only delayed its nuclear program by a few months—far less than the administration may have hoped. Witkoff didn’t hold back, slamming the leaks as a betrayal, though he didn’t dispute the accuracy of the intel itself.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about spilled secrets—it’s a messy mix of geopolitical tensions and internal drama. If the leaks are true, it suggests the strikes weren’t as effective as hoped, which could embolden Iran and fuel criticism of the administration’s strategy. Plus, Witkoff’s fiery language hints at bigger frustrations over who’s talking to the press and why.

Progressive underdog Zohran Mamdani has pulled off a stunning upset in New York City’s mayoral primary, forcing former Governor Andrew Cuomo to concede. Mamdani, a left-wing candidate, is calling it a "historic" win, signaling a potential shift in the Democratic Party’s power dynamics as it struggles to regroup after recent losses. Meanwhile, the abrupt resignations of two major labor union presidents add another layer of chaos to the party’s internal turmoil.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a mayoral race—it’s a bellwether for the Democratic Party’s future. Mamdani’s victory suggests growing momentum for the progressive wing, while Cuomo’s defeat marks the fall of a once-dominant political heavyweight. With labor unions also in flux, the party’s roadmap for 2024 just got a lot messier. For New Yorkers, it’s a sign that change—whether welcomed or contentious—is coming.

Buffalo’s acting mayor, Christopher Scanlon, just got knocked out of the race for the Democratic mayoral nomination by State Senator Sean Ryan, who claimed victory in Tuesday’s primary. It’s a shake-up for the city’s leadership, with Ryan now likely to become the next mayor unless a Republican pulls off an upset in the general election.

Editor’s Note: Buffalo’s political landscape is shifting. Scanlon had been holding down the fort after the last mayor resigned, but Ryan’s win signals voters might want a fresh direction. Since Buffalo is heavily Democratic, this primary was basically the deciding round—so Ryan’s got a clear path to City Hall. Worth watching how his policies differ from Scanlon’s, especially on big local issues like development and public safety.