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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
The politics of prison reform Prison reform is moving in Red States, Blue States and (maybe) on Capitol Hill. But America still incarcerates more people than any other country-- including China. Meantime, the Trump White House is divided. Jared Kushner is pushing sentence reform, while Attorney General Jeff Sessions wants to stay “tough on crime.” What are the prospects for much needed change?
To the Point
President Trump and the alt-right: a test of leadership After two days of demands for "moral clarity" — from black leaders to conservative Republican Senators — President Trump delivered a new statement on racism – but only after he listed a few of his economic achievements.
To the Point
White House politics and national security President Trump's on a 17-day "working vacation" at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Back at the White House, Chief of Staff John Kelly, the former General, reportedly is seizing the moment to impose order on factional infighting. He's reportedly said he can't control the President, but what about Steve Bannon, the Kushners and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster? All have tribal loyalists. Is "order" possible under shadows including declining support from Congress, North Korea's nuclear challenge — and the Russia investigation?
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 .
Recommended
To the Point
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.
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
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.