Politics

Politics & Government

House Panel Examines Government Loan To Fisker Automotive

2:46am April 26, 2013

by Sonari Glinton

The founders of financially troubled Fisker Automotive were grilled by Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill Wednesday. The electric car maker received a $529 million loan from the Department of Energy in 2009. The carmaker is now on the edge of collapse. Fisker has laid off most of its employees and hired bankruptcy advisers.

Queue Listen Now

Sen. Corker Calls On U.S. To 'Step Up' Efforts In Syria

8:16pm April 25, 2013

Robert Siegel talks to Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, who is the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, about the U.S. intelligence assessment regarding chemical weapons in Syria. Corker says there is not yet enough evidence to take military action against the Syrian government. He adds that the real challenge now is to keep the more extremist anti-Assad-regime rebels from having the upper hand.

Queue Listen Now

President Obama makes a statement in the White House briefing room just a few hours after the bombings at the Boston Marathon on April 15.

How Obama's Response To Terrorism Has Shifted

4:57pm April 25, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

While President Obama's time in office has not been defined by terrorist attacks, incidents like the one in Boston have been a regular, painful through line of his presidency. And the Obama administration has been on a steady learning curve when it comes to how to handle its public response.

Queue Listen Now

Boston Response Praised, But Intelligence-Sharing Questioned

4:57pm April 25, 2013

by Brian Naylor

Law enforcement officials have been given high marks for their response to the bombings at the Boston Marathon. But at the same time, questions are being raised about the coordination among federal agencies handling intelligence about the suspects in the months before the attack.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

When Conscience Conflicts With Constituents

2:13pm April 24, 2013

Last week, the Senate voted against a proposal for background checks on gun buyers. Several senators from states with strong pro-gun constituencies cast votes supporting the checks despite voter polls. On divisive issues, politicians may often face a choice between personal and public opinion.

Queue Listen Now

People On Terrorism Watch List Not Blocked From Buying Guns

8:49am April 24, 2013

by Ailsa Chang

Under current laws, if a background check shows your name is on the national terror watch list, you can still purchase a gun. Government data show that people on terrorism watch lists were able to buy guns or explosives after a background check more than 1,300 times between 2004 and 2010.

Queue Listen Now

Boston Search Shines Spotlight On Surveillance Cameras

8:04pm April 23, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

Footage from privately owned surveillance cameras along the Boston Marathon route gave the FBI early clues about the bombing suspects. But the proliferation of cameras in America's big cities raises some tricky questions about the balance between security and privacy.

Queue Listen Now

Online Retailers Take Opposite Sides On Sales Tax Bill

8:04pm April 23, 2013

by Scott Horsley

A bill making its way through the Senate would make more online retailers collect sales taxes. The battle over the bill pits online retailers against brick-and-mortar stores — and, in some cases, against other online sellers. Amazon has endorsed the bill, while eBay is the loudest voice against it.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

Boston Case Casts Shadow Over Senate Immigration Hearing

3:05pm April 23, 2013

by David Welna

The Senate Judiciary Committee turned its attention back to the immigration overhaul proposal Monday, even as opponents began to use the Boston bombers' journey to the United States as a cautionary tale.

Queue Listen Now

Opposition research is becoming a given in politics, sometimes even at the local level.

Politics & Government

Opposition Research Boot Camp: Learning To Dig For Political Dirt

8:29pm April 22, 2013

by Tamara Keith

The recruiting and vetting process already is under way for candidates who will run for Congress in 2014. For many candidates, part of that process involves hiring an investigator to look at their own background, as well as that of possible opponents. And there are even classes where you can learn how to do the digging.

Queue Listen Now