Good Wednesday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today.

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• The United States has emerged as a nation with highest tariff rate among developed countries, including China. Initially seen as a short-term strategy to force other countries to drop their trade barriers, President Trump’s tariffs increasingly look like a more permanent economic tool.

• As Mr. Trump has struggled to explain his dealings with China, he has continued to argue that a Democratic president would handle things worse. The main target of his criticism has been Joe Biden, much to the chagrin of G.O.P. strategists and to the benefit of Mr. Biden’s election campaign.

• As the Trump administration draws up war plans and accuses Iran of threatening American troops and interests, allies of the United States are skeptical that this is any different from the usual tug of war between the two countries, leaving the prospect of domestic and international support in flux.