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Atlantic magazine
David Graham is a staff writer at the Atlantic. He is a former correspondent for Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal, and the Nation.
PROFILE
David Graham
Guest
FROM David Graham
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Relief is coming slowly to Puerto Rico Nearly a week after Hurricane Maria left the island, Puerto Rico’s governor is warning of a humanitarian crisis. Power is in very short supply. So is potable water. And relief efforts are just getting started.
To the Point
Is President Trump going bipartisan? After nine months with no accomplishments by Republicans, President Trump extended an olive branch to the Democrats . He's basking in positive reaction to his dinner last week with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. They claim he agreed to protect the so-called "Dreamers" from deportation. Immigration hardliners are outraged, and "progressive" Democrats don't like the trade-off for increased border security. But everything Trump says is subject to sudden change, and Dreamers' are still full of anxiety. We look at the talking points -- and the tweets.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Reported intelligence leak to Russia: What does it mean for US relations with allies? On Tuesday, President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster addressed reports that Trump shared classified ISIS data with Russian officials during a visit to the Oval Office last week. He used the phrase “wholly appropriate” at least five times during the press briefing. Trump also tweeted he had the “absolute right” to share the data. But the move has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans, and fueled calls for an independent investigation into Trump’s Russia ties.
To the Point
SCOTUS rejects hearing strict North Carolina voter ID law Voting rights advocates enjoyed a big victory at the Supreme Court today… at least for the moment. The Court declined to take up the ruling of a lower court that North Carolina's voter ID law is unconstitutional. David Graham, a staff writer at the Atlantic based in North Carolina, says the denial leaves states waiting to see what the Supreme Court will and won't allow.
To the Point
North Carolina passes controversial repeal of 'bathroom bill' North Carolina's Republican legislature today reversed its controversial "bathroom bill." It required transgender people to use restrooms reserved for the gender identities on their birth certificates. As a result, the NCAA moved all its playoff games to other states, and both Duke and North Carolina had to play across the state line in South Carolina. David Graham who reports on politics for the Atlantic , has more on the repeal and response to it.
To the Point
North Carolina Republicans rein in new governor Yesterday, the voices of protesters yesterday rang out outside the legislative chambers in Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. Inside today, the Republican legislature is preparing to strip powers from the newly elected Democratic Governor — who barely defeated a stalwart of the GOP. David Graham, who is covering developments for The Atlantic , calls it a case of raw political partisanship.
To the Point
Will North Carolina's governor refuse to step down? Claims of "voter fraud" are delaying the official outcome of the Governor's race in North Carolina. Donald Trump won in North Carolina two weeks ago. Republican Senator Richard Burr was re-elected. But, as the votes are still being tallied, Republican Governor Pat McCrory is losing to Democratic challenger Roy Cooper. McCrory insists it's all about voter fraud. David Graham is politics writer for the Atlantic based in Durham, North Carolina.
To the Point
When is a policy not a policy? Donald Trump's waffling on immigration — which seemed at the root of his presidential campaign — has even his own campaign staff sounding confused. After months of pledging to round up and deport some 10 million people, last week he proposed what sounded like "amnesty" to some long-time supporters. Or did he? He still wants "the wall," and he might or might not make an immigration speech Wednesday — in the interests of "clarification." If he does, how much will it matter to his base or to the rapidly diminishing number of undecided voters?
To the Point
The Republicans Are Sending a Message: Never Say "Never" Republican Senator Lindsay Graham branded Donald Trump "a race baiting, xenophobic religious bigot," but that was before Trump nailed down his party's nomination. Now Graham is reportedly telling fundraisers in private to get behind Trump's campaign for the White House. Some other former critics who are now public supporters are being compared to hostages making videos to earn release from their kidnappers. But hardliners are still insisting that Trump's not just unacceptable — he's unelectable. Will he unify the GOP or destroy it?
To the Point
Federal Judge Upholds North Carolina Voter ID Law North Carolina's restrictive new voting laws have been denounced as racial and political discrimination on the part of the state's Republican legislature. But last night, in a 485-page ruling , Judge Thomas Schroeder ruled that they are constitutional. David Graham, a staff writer covering politics for the Atlantic , has more on the decision.
To the Point
The March to Super Tuesday Last Saturday, Democrats in Nevada caucused to choose a presidential nominee. In South Carolina, Republicans went to the polls. As always, there were multiple winners… and losers. Only a fraction of Republicans have voted or caucused so far, but traditional party leaders are facing their worst nightmare. Many don’t even believe Donald Trump is a real Republican, but he could well be this year’s presidential nominee. Can he be stopped? As for traditional Democrats who tried to stack the deck for Hillary Clinton, it’s hardly smooth sailing with so many young people and women feeling the Bern. We hear what to expect before Super Tuesday next week when 13 states will go to the polls.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
University of Cincinnati Police Shooting Samuel DuBose, an unarmed black man in Ohio, was pulled over by University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing for a missing front license plate on his car. He was then shot and killed by the officer, who is now charged with murder. Tensing was arraigned today and pleaded not guilty. His bail was set at $1 million. The incident has drawn attention to the city, which has been hailed as a model for police reform after riots 14 years ago led to department-wide changes.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Sizing Up the GOP Presidential Hopefuls Jeb Bush is officially joining an already crowded field of 10 Republican presidential candidates. The field includes Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, Rand Paul, Rick Perry and George Pataki. Whew! For those of you keeping count, that’s pretty much the size of a high school basketball team. We get an update on what’s going on in the world of GOP candidates.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Let the Presidential Campaigns Begin Hillary Clinton announced her presidential campaign by video yesterday. Meanwhile, Senator Marco Rubio told donors this morning that he’ll officially announce his candidacy tonight . He joins an increasingly crowded GOP primary ticket. Both Rand Paul and Ted Cruz tried to make a splash when they announced they’ll run. What’s behind the announcement strategies? What does it say about the voters they’re courting?
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The Holder Legacy Attorney General Eric Holder announced he’s resigning today. His outspokenness about race and civil rights is a big part of his legacy. But he’s also been criticized by both Republicans and Democrats for his role in handling the financial crisis and the war on terror. And he’s been at extreme odds with Congress. We look back at his legacy and the future of the office.
Recommended
To the Point
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?
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
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.
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.