'Fiscal Cliff' Talks Temporarily Stall
The deadline for the fiscal cliff is fast-approaching. NPR's David Welna is at the Capitol and talks with host Jacki Lyden about where congressional leaders are on a deal.
Politics & Government
Hagel Would Be First Former Enlisted Soldier To Run Pentagon
President Obama may nominate former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel to be the next defense secretary. The Vietnam veteran could bring a bipartisan presence to Obama's Cabinet, but only if he survives opposition from some in his own party.
Congressional Leaders Hopeful As Fiscal Cliff Deadline Nears
Even though the top four congressional leaders left their White House meeting with the president separately and silently Friday, they cast the hourlong encounter in a positive light back at the Capitol.
Cautious Optimism For Behind-The-Scenes Fiscal Dealing
The deadline for the so-called "fiscal cliff" is fast-approaching. The combination of automatic spending cuts and tax hikes go into effect in just three days. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with host Jacki Lyden about where congressional leaders are on a deal.
Assessing Hillary Clinton's Legacy
She is about to step aside as secretary of state and "step off this incredibly high wire." She generally gets high praise, though some critics say her role was limited on the major foreign policy questions of the past four years.
With Clock Ticking, 'Fiscal Cliff ' Looms Ever-Closer
Just five days remain for the government to reach an agreement to avoid the tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Many analysts now say the deadline is unlikely to be met. NPR's Ron Elving explains the looming deadline and the possible ramifications of going over the fiscal cliff.
5 Days Left To Avoid 'Fiscal Cliff" Extremes
President Obama returns to Washington Thursday as do members of the U.S. Senate. They're cutting holiday plans short in hopes of coming up with a deal to avoid the tax hikes and budget cuts set to take effect on Jan. 1.
Is The Border Secure Enough To Tackle The Immigration System?
"Secure the borders first" has been the cry from Republicans in Congress before they'd agree to comprehensive immigration reform. That stance seems to be changing, as some experts say demanding border security first is backward.
The Pint-Sized Pundit And The Political Highlights Of 2012
NPR's Political Junkie Ken Rudin recaps the week in politics and reflects on some of the significant political moments of the year. He also faces off in a trivia battle with burgeoning political junkie Gabe Fleisher, a fifth grader who drafts a political newsletter everyday before school.
After 'Plan B' Fizzles, What's Boehner's Next Move?
Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon talks with American Enterprise Institute political analyst Norm Ornstein, about GOP Speaker of the House John Boehner. Since his "Plan B" on the fiscal cliff failed this week, where does he go from here with his unruly Republican caucus?