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New York Times
Glenn Thrush is White House correspondent for the New York Times. He formerly covered the White House for Politico.
PROFILE
Glenn Thrush
Guest
FROM Glenn Thrush
To the Point
Two Oval Office conversations: One big mess for the White House President Trump delivered today's commencement speech to the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut. As he praised the accomplishments of the graduates, he listed some of his own… and made reference to reports that he leaked intelligence to the Russians and tried to shut down an FBI Investigation into his associates. "You will find things happen to you that you do not deserve and are not warranted, but you have to put your head down and fight! Things will work out just fine. Just look at the way I have been treated lately." But many Republicans say they're concerned about Trump's leak of intelligence to the Russians and his alleged effort to shut down an FBI investigation of his associates. Even White House staff members are reportedly fighting among themselves over unpredictable behavior that leaves them contradicting their boss and each other. For the first time on the House floor, a Democrat today called for impeachment. We update the President's troubles as he prepares for his first trip overseas.
To the Point
James Comey's firing: The fallout continues Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe contradicted the Trump White House today, insisting the Bureau had not lost faith in former Director James Comey. He promised to notify a Senate committee of any interference into investigation of the Trump campaign's contacts with Vladimir Putin's Russia. What do we know about those contacts… and how they relate to Trump's business interests and those of his family?
To the Point
People of America: Get ready for change As he takes the most powerful job in the world, it's no secret that Donald Trump has no experience of his own in public office. The President-Elect made history again today at the White House, where he met with the incumbent President in the Oval Office. Politically, there's no love lost between Donald Trump and Barack Obama, and the promises of a "peaceful transition" may be hard to maintain. Their differences can't be exaggerated — from domestic policy to foreign affairs — and Trump has promised to obliterate the legacy of Obama. Already there are anti-Trump demonstrations around the country. Will Obama be able to hold down the drama as Trump finally reveals his plans?
To the Point
Trump's unforced error on Gold Star Family During last week's Democratic convention, the parents of fallen American soldier Humayun Khan appeared in response to Donald Trump's continuing criticism of Muslim Americans. Much of the audience in the arena and on TV found it moving, but Trump did not. First he tweeted, then repeated his comments about Khan's mother on ABC's This Week program. Trump then acknowledged that Humayun Khan "was a hero," but insisted that his father, Khizr Khan, "viciously attacked" the presidential candidate before millions of people and that the real issue is "Radical Islamic Terror." Glenn Thrush, chief political correspondent for Politico , says the attack has led to more GOP acrimony.
To the Point
Obama Announces Plan to Limit Gun Violence President Obama was visibly emotional today as he announced executive action to tighten the rules for buying guns — in the absence of legislation by Congress. In contrast to Second Amendment rights, he listed the right to peaceful assembly and quoted from the Declaration of Independence. Glenn Thrush, chief political correspondent for Politico , has details.
To the Point
US Attorney General Eric Holder to Resign Eric Holder, the first black Attorney General of the United States, will be leaving the cabinet. It’s reported that he’s “adamant” about resigning soon--to avoid being locked in for the remainder of President Obama’s term.
To the Point
Defeat for Gun Control Is a Defeat for President Obama In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, President Obama committed himself to an ambitious gun control package with little chance of passing either house of Congress. Yesterday, the Senate defeated what little was left of it after compromises failed even to win the votes of all Democrats. The President, surrounded by families from Newtown and other gun control advocates, made no secret of his personal anger . This was a bitter defeat that could foreshadow the slow decline suffered by so many presidents after celebrating their second elections. That's according to Glenn Thrush of Politico .
To the Point
The State of the Union Speech: The Rhetoric and the Reality In a State of the Union speech every President speaks over the heads of the Joint Session of Congress to the American people. One of those moments came at the end of last night's address , with victims of gun violence in the audience. A "simple vote" won't be easy in a divided Congress — on gun control, climate change or a whole list of initiatives he said won't raise the deficit "a single dime." We hear divided reaction from an Obama supporter, a critic of "warmed over liberalism" and a progressive with doubts about "follow through."
To the Point
Barack Obama Begins His Second Term America's first black president was sworn in for a second term today, on the national holiday dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Barack Obama's traditional call for unity and equality echoed King's words at the same time he acknowledged what he called, "skepticism of central authority." He renewed commitments to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, promised response to climate change and emphasized the equality of gay Americans. Did he reach out to Republicans or challenge them to more political conflict?
To the Point
Is Obama Stealing the Spotlight from Super Tuesday? As Republicans were battling for votes in ten states on this Super Tuesday , President Obama held a White House news conference . The President began by repeating his familiar litany of what Republicans in Congress could do to improve the economy. He also elaborated on steps he will take for homeowners and for members of the armed forces, whether Congress takes action or not. Glenn Thrush is senior White House reporter for Politico .
Which Way, L.A.?
Romney, Paul and...Santorum? The Des Moines Register Poll , out today, shows yet another also-ran picking up steam as Iowa Republicans prepare to caucus tomorrow night. Pennsylvania's former US Senator Rick Santorum has 15 percent to Ron Paul 's 22, and Mitt Romney 's still leading with 24 percent. But 41 percent of those polled said they'd be willing to change their minds. We take a last look at a nomination race unique in American history. Why does Iowa matter so much? What is the caucus process all about? How many Republican candidates have the resources to go on from here? Websites of other Republican presidential candidates: Newt Gingrich Michele Bachmann Rick Perry Jon Huntsman, Jr
To the Point
Romney, Paul and...Santorum? The Des Moines Register Poll , out today, shows yet another also-ran picking up steam as Iowa Republicans prepare to caucus tomorrow night. Pennsylvania's former US Senator Rick Santorum has 15 percent to Ron Paul 's 22, and Mitt Romney 's still leading with 24 percent. But 41 percent of those polled said they'd be willing to change their minds. We take a last look at a nomination race unique in American history. Why does Iowa matter so much? What is the caucus process all about? How many Republican candidates have the resources to go on from here? Websites of other Republican presidential candidates: Newt Gingrich Michele Bachmann Rick Perry Jon Huntsman, Jr
To the Point
President Obama Launches 2012 Reelection Campaign A host of Republicans are so far reluctant to take the plunge in what could be the first billion-dollar political race in history. But their target kicked-off his own campaign today with emails to his supporters and a video testimonial from voters. Glenn Thrush is senior White House Reporter for Politico .
To the Point
Peaceful Protests Turn Violent in Egypt After President Mubarak declared he would not run for-re-election last night, President Obama went on TV with his assessment of the ongoing protests in Egypt. At today's White House briefing , press secretary Robert Gibbs would not elaborate on whether the President was calling on Mubarak to step down immediately, rather than serving out his term, which ends in September. Meanwhile, after nine days of peaceful protest, Tahrir Square erupted in violence today as Mubarak loyalists arrived on the scene. Men on horses and camels beat anti-government protesters. Thugs attacked reporters and TV crews. As darkness descended, Molotov cocktails started fires in crowds of men, women and children, and there was the sound of gunfire. But, despite the presence of tanks and armored personnel carriers, there was no indication that the military was trying to restore order. It's now evening in Cairo. We hear from reporters and others about the developing scene, see how the Obama Administration is reacting, and talk to observers about repercussions in other Middle Eastern countries.
Which Way, L.A.?
Saturday's Shooting Rampage in Tucson Twenty-two year-old Jared Laughner was arraigned today in Phoenix, telling a federal judge he understood charges of murder and attempted murder. They stem, of course, from Saturday's deadly shootout in Tuscon. When proceedings resume in two weeks, they'll be handled by another federal judge who's not from Arizona. Doctors say it's good news that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords ' condition has not changed since a bullet passed through her brain. She has been able to respond to simple commands.
To the Point
Violence, Madness and Politics in Arizona In Washington today, federal charges were filed against Jared Lee Loughner stemming from Saturday's shooting rampage in Tucson. Meanwhile, members of Congress and their staffs gathered on the steps of the Capitol and observed a moment of silence in tribute to their wounded colleague, Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords . Business has been cancelled for the rest of this week. FBI Director Robert Mueller has taken charge of the investigation of Saturday's shooting . Yesterday, he talked about the increased availability of what he called inciteful speech, including hate speech. He said possible links to extremist groups would be a continuing focus. We discuss what led to the shooting rampage that killed six people, including US District Court Judge John Roll and 9-year old girl, Did vitriolic rhetoric play a role? Is a tragedy being used to make political points?
Recommended
To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
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
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
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.