Mitt Romney sounds one last alarm on Trump  —  Ever since the rise of Donald Trump, many folks involved in politics have theorized about how we got here — and done a little introspection about whether anyone could have stopped him.  —  But my assumption is that there are three people alive today …

Trump rages as former acolytes turn against him under legal heat  —  Donald Trump's wealth, power and fame acted like a magnet for new associates keen to enter his orbit.  But now, key figures who sought a share of his reflected glory are turning against him to save themselves.

Cautions on ABC's Huge Mark Meadows Scoop  —  For more than six months, access journalists in DC have been trying to confirm how much Mark Meadows cooperated with Jack Smith.  —  Today, ABC has a huge scoop reporting that Meadows testified at least three times, one time — before a grand jury — with immunity.

A Coup on His Resume  —  A note for historians (and psychologists): … The Bulwark is a reader-supported publication.  To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.  —  Trump reminded the GOP that he remains the apex predator in the party.

Take four: Can Mike Johnson get 217?  —  The wonkish Louisiana conservative appears poised to break the House GOP's speaker stalemate.  —  Twenty-two days.  Fourteen candidates.  Four nominees.  Three floor votes (and counting).  —  Could House Republicans finally be on the cusp of a breakthrough in their search for a speaker?

10/25/23 ☀️ Punchbowl News AM  —  We have a new GOP speaker nominee.  The fourth in three weeks.  And the second in just one day.  But this time may be different.  —  Late Tuesday night, the House Republican Conference tapped Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) as its speaker designate.