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While President Trump serves fast food at the White House, federal employees and contractors face the hardships of going without pay for nearly a month. Is there any hope of a resolution to the budget impasse? Plus, why did House Republicans wait until now to punish Rep. Steve King for making racist remarks? We also learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as she launches her presidential campaign, and preview a new political era in Kansas.
The government shutdown is close to becoming the longest in U.S. history. We look back at past government shutdowns and the political ramifications they had for both parties. Meanwhile, we examine the more prominent role that women will play in the 116th Congress. And with “only” 13 months to go until the Iowa caucuses, we look at the early groundwork being laid by candidates in the Hawkeye State.
It’s the first show of 2019, but we’re not done with 2018 quite yet. Ron Elving is back to help Ken sort through the barrage of political news that developed last year. Plus, a preview of the 116th Congress as it gets sworn in today, and we examine President Trump’s decision to pull U.S. troops out of Syria, along with the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.
On our annual Remembrances Special, Ken is joined by political analyst Stu Rothenberg and USA Today commentary editor Jill Lawrence to reflect on the lives of many of the politicians and journalists who passed away in 2018. Plus, former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.), who delivered one of the eulogies for President George H.W. Bush earlier this month, shares his memories of the 41st president.
The sentencing of Trump fixer Michael Cohen and the conclusions drawn by prosecutors about Paul Manafort have put the president closer to legal peril than ever before. Alex Whiting of Harvard Law School explores Robert Mueller’s strategy and what constitutes criminal actions … and what may be impeachable. Mary Spicuzza of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel …
We spend much of our show this week remembering the life and legacy of George Herbert Walker Bush. His biographer, Jon Meacham, talks about what he learned from the 41st President in putting together his book. And we bring you many soundbites from Bush’s political career — starting with a commercial from his 1964 Senate …
Read moreEpisode #255: Kinder, Gentler, and a Complex Legacy
For all the racial gaffes and unforced errors made by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, she still managed to win Tuesday’s runoff. Being a Republican in Ruby Red Mississippi certainly helped, and having President Trump campaign for her wasn’t bad either. Luke Ramseth of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger explains what was behind her eight-point victory over Democratic former …
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to step back from the daily grind of the political cycle, away from the recriminations and finger-pointing, and enjoy some time off with family and loved ones. So this week, we’re reaching back into the archives to revisit some of our favorite interviews. Chuck Hagel, the former two-term senator from Nebraska …
A week after the 2018 midterm elections and there’s still no shortage of uncertainty. Susan MacManus of the University of South Florida reports on the suspicion and vitriol taking place in Florida, where races for the Senate and governor are too close to call and are now the subject of a recount — bringing back …
It’s finally over. The 2018 midterms, with all its rancor and charges and bitterness, are over. But if it’s a referendum on President Trump, what’s the message if the Democrats did great in the House and the Republicans did great in the Senate? NPR’s Ron Elving has the answers. And we also hear from two …