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.
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
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?
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.