Kerry Gets Committee’s Backing For State; LaHood Leaving Transportation
As expected, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee supports the nomination of Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to succeed Secretary Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood is the latest member of the administration to announce a departure.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Despite Bipartisan Beginnings, Immigration Overhaul Could Splinter GOP
If President Obama wanted to pick the perfect wedge issue to split the Republican Party, he could hardly have improved on a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws. Not that he has an ulterior motive in advocating for action on Capitol Hill. But it works out the same way.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Gun-Control Advocates Should Listen More, Obama Says
In an interview with The New Republic, the president said that those who dismiss the traditions of hunting “out of hand make a big mistake.” The comments come amid his administration’s efforts to push gun control in the wake of the shootings last month in Newtown, Conn., in which 20 children were killed.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Court Ruling Upsets Conventional Wisdom On Recess Appointments
In a bombshell decision, a federal appeals court panel has invalidated President Obama’s recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board. Legal experts say the ruling deals a big victory to Senate Republicans in an era of congressional gridlock, and could push the issue to the Supreme Court.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
For GOP Comeback, Leaders Urge Stepped-Up Outreach
“I will talk to a head of lettuce if I can get them to vote Republican,” says Sharon Day, the newly re-elected Republican National Committee co-chair. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus says the GOP needs better relationships in “minority communities, urban centers, college towns.”» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Some In GOP Want New Electoral College Rules
Republicans in states that President Obama carried are looking at proposals to change the way Electoral College votes are given out. If these changes had been in place nationwide in November, Mitt Romney might have won.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Democrats Unveil Bill To Ban Assault-Style Weapons
The legislation would effectively reinstate a ban that was in effect from 1994 into 2004. But the bill faces long odds on Capitol Hill.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Obama’s Promise To Close Guantanamo Prison Falls Short
In January 2009, the president signed an executive order to close the U.S. prison camp. But four years later, the prison remains open, and critics say the president miscalculated how difficult it would be to close the facility that houses terrorism suspects.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Divine Rhetoric: God In The Inaugural Address
George Washington invoked the Almighty, but the word “God” wasn’t used in an inaugural address until James Monroe. Since then, few presidents have missed the opportunity to put God in their inaugural speeches.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Obama’s Unfinished Business: Latin America
As President Obama starts his second term, host Michel Martin takes a look at his foreign policy agenda. She speaks with NPR’s Juan Forero about upcoming opportunities and challenges in Latin America — from drug trafficking, to changes in leadership, to the evolution of the U.S. relationship with Cuba.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
