Professor of Government, University of Texas at Austin
Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in the presidency and presidential politics; author of several books, including Policy Partnership: Presidential Elections and American Democracy
Last–Minute Dueling in Wisconsin, Ohio and Texas Wait in the Wings Nobody doubts that Barack Obama will win his home state of Hawaii , but Hillary Clinton 's coming on strong in Wisconsin . Maybe Obama won't win ten in a row. Whatever happens in those states tomorrow, Clinton needs to win big in Ohio and Texas on March 4. But party rules could give her trouble in Texas. Meantime, in Houston, Texas today, John McCain's got the endorsement of George H. W. Bush, although not without a nod toward Mike Hucakbee 's continuing candidacy. The real problem for McCain's campaign is how much to associate himself with the current President, George W. Bush. What's the best role for the current president in this year's campaign? We hear about growing uncertainties as time grows short in both parties.
President Bush Fighting to Stay Relevant Two term presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton had their problems, but Iran-Contra and Monica Lewinsky were not the war in Iraq. Add the flap over Walter Reed, the trial of "Scooter" Libby, the firings of US Attorneys and the defections of former aides. It all adds up to a lame-duck president with 21 months left in office. Can a beleaguered chief executive regain the initiative? We talk with some loyal Republicans who say they're fed up and hear about the awesome powers of the White House.
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?