Axios

Virtually every Democratic primary candidate this cycle, from the most progressive to the most moderate, wants voters to know one thing: How much of a "fighter" they are.

Why it matters: It is the culmination of a year's worth of liberal grassroots fury over what they see as President Trump's many transgressions and the Democratic establishment's lackluster response.

President Trump will not be on the ballot this year, but you might not know it based on the ads being run by Republicans in competitive congressional primaries.

Why it matters: Even as his approval rating droops amid rising gas prices and a sluggish economy, the president is still one of the most potent forces in Republican politics.

President Trump can't abandon NATO on his own, but he can still turn the relationship toxic as he rails at American allies who sat out his Iran war.

The big picture: America has been the backbone of the transatlantic alliance since 1949, but experts warn Trump's rhetoric and behavior threaten to undermine NATO's mutual trust even if the U.S. remains a member.