New York University
Distinguished writer in residence at New York University and author of Christ Actually: Reimagining faith in the Modern Age
PROFILE
James Carroll
Guest
FROM James Carroll
To the Point
Pope Francis Makes History on Capitol Hill Before a packed chamber today, Francis became the first Pope to address a joint meeting of the House and the Senate. Speaking slowly and in heavily accented English, Pope Francis said he was grateful for a historic invitation. He called for unity and denounced political and ideological “polarization”—but did not shy away from Washington's most divisive issues. They included abortion, same sex marriage and climate change — each provoking a standing ovation from a different part of the audience. Afterward, there was no handshaking with dignitaries: the Pope had a meeting with homeless people.
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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
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
To the Point
The Trump agenda: where's the beef? President Trump says big things are happening. After celebrating a House bill on health care, he doesn’t yet have Senate agreement. With James Comey’s public testimony scheduled tomorrow, the President today tweeted his selection of a new FBI Director. Is the Chief Executive all style and no substance? Later, terror attacks in Iran and conflicting claims about who’s behind them.
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.