On Politics: Khashoggi Case Jeopardizes Trump’s Plans to Punish Iran

The White House needs Saudi Arabia’s help to impose harsh new sanctions on Iran, and the presumed killing of Jamal Khashoggi is complicating matters. [Trouble seeing this email? View in browser]( [The New York Times]( [The New York Times]( October 17, 2018 | Morning Edition Good Wednesday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today. _____________________ • The White House is worried that the apparent killing of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi — and Saudi Arabia’s changing account of his fate — could derail plans to cut off Iranian oil exports, a move that requires Saudi help. [Read the story](. • At least four suspects identified by Turkey in the disappearance of Mr. Khashoggi have connections to the Saudi crown prince. [Read how]( undermines]( theory that he was killed in a rogue operation](. ADVERTISEMENT • “Here we go again with you’re guilty until proven innocent.” President Trump accused Saudi Arabia’s critics of presuming guilt in the Khashoggi case, as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with [Saudi leaders to discuss the crisis](. • Mr. Trump referred to the pornographic film actress Stephanie Clifford as “horseface” in a tweet, adding to his long history of [demeaning women](. [R]( more about his remarks](. • In the tightest House races, Democrats have raised three times as much money from small donors as Republicans. [Read about what’s behind the gap](. • A century-old tax code provision could give the Democrats access to Mr. Trump’s long-sought returns if they gain control of the House in November. [But would it be worth the political fallout?]( • Republicans took over the House in 2010 in part by ringing alarm bells about the swelling deficit. This year it has grown to $779 billion, and [Republican]( ignoring the issue](. • For women who opposed Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh’s confirmation, two political paths have emerged: [resignation and withdrawal, or activism and engagement](. • Is it possible to be against abortion and a Democrat? [One woman in Missouri tried to find out](. • Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, an endangered Democratic incumbent, ran an ad criticizing her opponent for comments about sexual abuse. [I]( backfired](. _____________________ Today’s On Politics briefing was compiled by Margaret Kramer in New York. Check back later for On Politics With Lisa Lerer, a nightly newsletter exploring the people, issues and ideas reshaping the political world. Is there anything you think we’re missing? Anything you want to see more of? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at [onpolitics@nytimes.com](mailto:onpolitics@nytimes.com?te=1&nl=politics&emc=edit_cn_2018101720181017). ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW NYTimes [Facebook] [FACEBOOK]( [Twitter] [@nytimes]( Get more [NYTimes.com newsletters »]( | Get unlimited access to NYTimes.com and our NYTimes apps. [Subscribe »]( ABOUT THIS EMAIL You received this message because you signed up for NYTimes.com's Politics newsletter. [Unsubscribe]( | [Manage Subscriptions]( | [Change Your Email]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Contact]( | [Advertise]( Copyright 2018 The New York Times Company | 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018