Politics & Government
The Sticky Questions Surrounding Drones And Kill Lists
Scott Shane, a national security correspondent for The New York Times, speaks with Fresh Air's Terry Gross about the drone-related stories he has helped break, including the revelation that President Obama personally approves targeted strikes against suspected terrorists.
Hillary Clinton Leaving The Stage — At Least For Now — And On A High Note
The secretary of state ends her tenure Friday as a respected national figure with sky-high approval ratings. "I don't see myself getting back into politics," she says. But that hasn't slowed speculation about a 2016 presidential bid.
Ed Koch Dies; Outspoken Mayor Brought N.Y. Back From The Brink
New York was practically falling apart in 1977 when Koch first ran for mayor, but he created a feeling the city could come back. His larger-than-life personality was well-suited to the nation's biggest city but could also get him in trouble. A spokesman says Koch died early Friday. He was 88.
Treasury Nominee's Citigroup Experience Raises Questions For Some
Jack Lew is known as a smart, unassuming budget wonk who has spent most of his career in government policy-making jobs. Lew, President Obama's nominee to be Treasury secretary, is expected to face questions about his management years at Citigroup before the government bailed out the banking giant.
Sen. Rubio's Response Gives GOP A Chance To Woo Hispanics
The 41-year-old Florida senator will deliver the official Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night. It's a chance for a party that has fared badly with both young and Hispanic voters to showcase a new stance on immigration.
Fixing Long Lines At The Polls May Be Harder Than You Think
President Obama is expected to once again address Election Day problems in his State of the Union address, this time with some possible solutions. But some worry that involving Congress will just make things worse. And one MIT professor says it's not yet clear what would fix the problem.
Obama Speech To Set Second Term's Tone
President Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night will pick up where his inaugural speech left off. He's expected to bring up the issues of the economy, overhauling immigration, gun control and the budget.
Obama Team To Make Important, If Symbolic, Choice On Gay Marriage
By the end of this month, the federal government is expected to file briefs in a pair of same-sex marriage cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. One case poses questions so difficult that the president himself is expected to make the final decision on what arguments the Justice Department will make.
Even Without Earmarks, Tax Breaks And Special Deals Fill Bills
Congress likes to say it doesn't do earmarks anymore. And while that may be true, it's also a fact that targeted provisions are still useful in moving legislation — even critical legislation like the bill that pulled Washington back from the fiscal cliff last month.