Special Election in Georgia Is a Test of Trump’s Base

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Tehran experiences some of the heaviest bombardment since the start of the conflict, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says Iran is, quote, badly losing. Plus, oil prices slide on investors' hope for the release of strategic oil reserves. And what today's special election in Georgia shows about what MAGA voters think of the Trump administration's military operations.

Aaron Zitner (0:55)

This isn't just an issue of foreign policy for MAGA. It's an issue of identity. If Make America Great meant anything, it meant a rejection not just of Obama and Joe Biden, but a rejection of George Bush, Mitt Romney, that old Republican party. And now here we are.

Alex Ossola (1:15)

It's Tuesday, March 10th. I'm Alex Ossola for The Wall Street Journal. This is the PM Edition of What's News, the top headlines and business stories that move the world today. In a press conference this morning, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran is, quote, badly losing and that the military operation would continue until Iran is decisively defeated.

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Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran. The most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes.

Alex Ossola (1:50)

Tehran is experiencing some of the heaviest bombardment since the start of the war. Recent strikes on oil facilities around the outskirts of the city caused huge dark clouds of smoke. Earlier, Iran's foreign minister said negotiations with the US were off the table. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said the US didn't expect Iran to declare that it has surrendered to end the conflict. A human rights group said that more than 1,200 Iranian civilians were confirmed killed in the war, while the UN says that more than 667,000 people had been displaced in Lebanon. Israel has issued evacuation orders in Lebanon as it fights Hezbollah there. The Pentagon said today that about 140 US troops have been injured since the conflict began 11 days ago, with eight of those people listed as severely wounded. Major US indexes ended almost unchanged today, with the S&P 500 and the Dow dropping slightly and the Nasdaq rising less than 0.1%. In another dramatic day in oil markets, Brent crude futures dropped 11% to under $88 a barrel. Oil has been selling off since hitting a peak Sunday night. Traders are waiting to hear the outcome of a G7 meeting on potentially tapping strategic oil reserves. Speaking of oil, we want to know how volatile energy prices are affecting you and your business, your profit, and your pricing strategy. What does it mean for your plans today, next week, and later this year? Send a voice memo to wnpod at wsj.com or leave a voicemail at 212-416-4328.

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Let's turn now to how the war with Iran is playing with American voters. Marjorie Taylor Greene's former district is holding a special election today to determine who will finish her term. She resigned in Washington after a high-profile split with President Trump. What do voters in Georgia's 14th congressional district think of the Trump administration's military campaigns? And what could the race say about Trump's support nationally? Our national politics reporter Sabrina Siddiqui spoke with WSJ reporters Aaron Zitner and Cameron McWhirter to find out.

Sabrina Siddiqui (4:07)

Cam, Georgia's 14th congressional district is in the northwest corner of the state a couple hours drive from Atlanta. What's this district like?

Cameron McWhirter (4:15)

I would say in many ways it's the heart of MAGA in the United States. It is very pro-Trump and has been for a long time. There are two leading Republican candidates, both who claim to be more MAGA than the other. One is Clay Fuller, he's a district attorney. He has gotten the endorsement of the president. Then there's another candidate named Colton Moore, who's very much a firebrand. It's likely in this low turnout special election that a Democrat, Sean Harris, might actually get the most votes. But then there will be a runoff. And in that runoff, everyone expects whoever wins the slugfest between the Republicans to win.

Sabrina Siddiqui (4:57)

Marjorie Taylor Greene, who used to hold this seat, opposed Trump's foreign interventions. Is that issue especially important for voters here?