Since the 2012 election, Republican strategists and leaders have called for changes in the party's approach to voters. Some argue that the GOP must appeal to younger and more diverse demographics or risk losing congressional seats next November.
The White House announced Wednesday that Tom Donilon is resigning as President Obama's national security adviser. He will be replaced by Susan Rice, the current U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
The civil war in Syria is attracting fighters from all over, threatening the region's tenuous stability. Robert Malley of the International Crisis Group tells Fresh Air that "a war in Syria with regional spillover has now become a regional war with a Syrian focus."
Guest host Wade Goodwyn speaks with James Fallows, national correspondent with The Atlantic. This week, they break down Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann's decision not to run for re-election. Plus, a look ahead to President Obama's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Next week, President Obama will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at an estate in California. Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon speaks with Ken Lieberthal of the Brookings Institution about what issues the two world leaders are likely to discuss.
When Congress voted on federal relief for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, five of the seven Oklahoma representatives and senators voted no. Rep. Tom Cole, who voted yes, warned that someday Oklahoma would be asking for help. That day came last week after a massive tornado hit his district.
Interest rates on government-backed college loans are set to double July 1 — unless Congress agrees on a fix before then. The president is expected to urge Congress on Friday to block that increase.
The clock is ticking for those who hope Illinois becomes the 13th state to legalize same-sex marriage. After passing the Illinois Senate in February, a bill to legalize gay marriage has stalled in the House. Backers are trying to get it through before the Legislature adjourns Friday night.
Alan Krueger, the chairman of the President's Council of Economic Advisers, says he will step down to return to Princeton to resume his post as a professor of economics. Krueger, who has served as CEA chairman for the past two years, will return to Princeton in time for the beginning of the fall term.