National Review
Charles C.W. Cooke is editor of National Review Online and author of The Conservatarian Manifesto:Libertarians, Conservatives, and the Fight for the Right's Future. He is also a member of the NRA.
PROFILE
Charles C.W. Cooke
Guest
FROM Charles C.W. Cooke
To the Point
What's next for the FBI… and the GOP? President Trump says he might appoint a new FBI Director before his first overseas trip starts on Friday. Potential nominees were interviewed over the weekend — including at least two Republicans serving in the House and the Senate. But the President's own explanation of why he fired James Comey has been called "obstruction of justice." Some conservatives are outraged at the Republicans who dominate Congress, but aren't exercising the separation of powers by considering impeachment. Trump might stem the controversy by his choice of a new FBI leader — but Democrats still want an independent investigation of Russia's campaign hacking.
To the Point
Brexit Fallout Continues: Its Implications for the World It’s been 4 days since British voters decided to withdraw from the European Union. The fallout continues, in the form of scared global markets, and jockeying for power among British politicians. And that’s led to intensifying discussion about whether the “Brexit” could be altered or avoided. But Prime Minister David Cameron, who’s already said he’ll resign, doesn’t think that’s an option. Image
To the Point
Gun Control, Back on the Front Burner With Republicans in the majority, gun control has almost no chance on Capitol Hill. But last week's mass killing in Oregon has changed the political calculus. Today, Senate Democrats promised to block other action until GOP members are forced to vote against background checks and other provisions. Next week, Hillary Clinton, Martin O'Malley and Bernie Sanders will display their differences in the party's first presidential debate. We look at the prospects for maintaining momentum for gun control until the November election.
Which Way, L.A.?
Will the Newtown Massacre be the “Tipping Point” for Gun Control? The slaughter of children in Newtown, Connecticut has infused new energy into the gun control movement. Will a new strategy sound like good politics to some Republicans? Will there be enough money to challenge the power of the NRA? Vice President Joe Biden talked to reporters today before meeting with a group of gun control advocates. He said the Newtown, Connecticut massacre has created a requirement for “immediate action…” Biden said he’ll meet tomorrow with the NRA and the Gun Owners of America—to hear their views and try to find common ground.
To the Point
Will the Newtown Massacre be the “Tipping Point” for Gun Control? The slaughter of children in Newtown, Connecticut has infused new energy into the gun control movement. Will a new strategy sound like good politics to some Republicans? Will there be enough money to challenge the power of the NRA? Vice President Joe Biden talked to reporters today before meeting with a group of gun control advocates. He said the Newtown, Connecticut massacre has created a requirement for “immediate action…” Biden said he’ll meet tomorrow with the NRA and the Gun Owners of America—to hear their views and try to find common ground.
Which Way, L.A.?
Occupy Movement's Last Gasp or a New Beginning? The latest Field Poll shows California voters evenly split on the "Occupy" movement. Those who identify think financial institutions are responsible for today's economy. The other side blames the government. From New York to Oakland, occupiers have been removed by force, providing additional visibility and, for some, a kind of credibility. Occupy LA is barely holding on. Is it all over, or has it generated the kind of energy that can make it rise again? If it has an impact on next year's elections will it be good for Democrats or Republicans?
To the Point
Occupy Movement's Last Gasp or a New Beginning? New York Police roughly ousted Occupy Wall Street campers in Zuccotti Park, and occupations in cities around the country had similar endings. The use of force gave the movement additional visibility, and even a kind of credibility. In Los Angeles, it's a different story. In October, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the City Council endorsed Occupy LA and gave campers raincoats on a stormy day. Now the Mayor has declared the encampment around City Hall both "unsustainable" and illegal. But the LAPD has yet to make more than a few token arrests. In two months, occupiers have spread to 900 cities worldwide, created the "99%" catchphrase and made income inequality part of the national dialogue. Now there's talk of "occupying" next year's political party conventions, or maybe the Congress. But will Occupy Wall Street ever compare to the civil rights or anti-Vietnam movements? Is it the Tea Party of the Left? We get a range of opinions.
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To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.
To the Point
What happens when America retreats from the world? Is President Trump taking his "America First" agenda to extremes, withdrawing the country from the international stage on trade and climate change, distancing America from its traditional allies across the Atlantic and even threatening to physically isolate the country through the building of a wall along its southern border? León Krauze guest hosts.
To the Point
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.
To the Point
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.