Welcome back to The Best & The Brightest, I’m Tara Palmeri.

Happy White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend, the beating heart of D.C.’s social scene—a time to let loose, bump into administration officials and B-list celebrities, as well as sources and clients. Try to have fun, even if you didn’t score an invite to every party in town.

Also: A very warm welcome to John Heilemann, who’s officially joining Puck and The Best & The Brightest team. He’ll anchor a special Sunday evening column called “Impolitic.” I’ve always admired John’s reporting and writing, and can’t wait to devour what he whips up each week.

In tonight’s edition, my candid conversation with Republican political strategist and Trump’s private pollster John McLaughlin. We debate how Trump’s criminal trial could affect his poll numbers and his beef with the latest NBC poll showing a Biden micro-bump. Plus, what Republicans can do to peel away Democratic voters, the R.F.K. Jr. factor, and much, much more. (For my extended conversation with McLaughlin, check out the latest episode of my podcast, Somebody’s Gotta Win. Earlier this week, my wonderful colleague Abby Livingston came on the show to unpack how the motion to vacate could play out for Mike Johnson.)

But first, a few notes on the Trump veepstakes and the post-McConnell K Street shuffle…

• Noem’s abortion shift: In the weeks since I reported that Trump has removed anti-abortion crusaders from his V.P. shortlist, it sure looks like Kristi Noem may be trying to...