Abbreviated Pundit Roundup: A lousy deal for the U.S. and grief for Trump

Key Points:

• Jonah Shepp critiques Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, arguing that Trump initiated a needless and costly war and then made a poor deal to end it, resulting in a strategic failure for the U.S.
• Analysts note Trump’s unpredictable negotiation style, likened to Nixon’s “madman theory,” complicates diplomatic efforts with Iran, which interprets his actions as strategic tests rather than literal threats.
• White working-class voters, once a strong base for Trump due to economic management, are increasingly disillusioned amid rising inflation, posing a significant risk to Republican electoral prospects in upcoming elections.
• In Maine, ranked choice voting results have Bobby Charles and Hannah Pingree winning their respective gubernatorial primaries, while Matt Dunlap secured the Democratic nomination for the 2nd Congressional District, setting up a general election against Republican Paul LePage.
• Historical and political commentary highlights Trump’s enduring obsession with Obama, including repeated references to Obama’s Iran deal and the long-standing “birther” conspiracy, reflecting ongoing political and personal rivalry.