Editor, Hotline On Call
Editor of On Call, a political blog at The Hotline, a daily briefing on American politics published by the National Journal
PROFILE
Jennifer Skalka
Guest
FROM Jennifer Skalka
To the Point
Palin Meets the Press, Obama Fights Back Last night, Sarah Palin sat down with ABC's Charlie Gibson for her first interview with the press. The vice presidential candidate used the opportunity to reinforce the foreign policy of John McCain , saying she would not second guess Israel's right to defend itself, and that "we have to keep an eye on Russia," adding that its incursion into Georgia had been unprovoked. But the Governor of Alaska seemed momentarily stumped when Gibson asked if she agreed with the Bush doctrine. Jennifer Skalka is editor of Hotline on Call , a daily political blog of the National Journal.
To the Point
Day Three of the DNC: Joe Biden's Night Hillary Clinton's much awaited message last night was billed as her chance to demonstrate party loyalty by putting an end to the much reported "tensions" resulting from a primary season that was dramatically historic and dramatically close. Hillary might be a hard act for Bill Clinton to follow, but that's his job tonight. Barack Obama reportedly told him to say whatever he wants to. The rest of the night is choreographed to highlight vice presidential candidate Joe Biden and America's relationship to the rest of the world. Are continued tensions between Obama and Clinton forces exaggerated by reporters hard up for a story? What does Biden bring to the ticket and how was he chosen?
To the Point
McCain's Advisors and Democratic Reconciliation Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are expected to split tomorrow's primaries in Oregon and Kentucky , but the Washington Post reports that "fundraisers and surrogates" from both camps have been quietly talking about the " inevitable merger ." A California political blog says that state's divided convention delegates are "coming together." Meantime, lobbyists are leaving John McCain 's campaign to get past what his own spokesman calls "a perception problem." Jennifer Skalka is editor of On Call , political blog of the Hotline and daily briefing posted by the National Journal.
To the Point
Democrats Debate Tonight in Ohio Barack Obama is pulling ahead of Hillary Clinton in some national polls, but she still leads in Ohio, scene of tonight's debate. One Clinton aide says she's throwing the "kitchen sink" in an effort to reach undecided voters. Clinton has been on the attack since Saturday: focusing on healthcare, NAFTA , foreign policy and Obama's message of hope. Jennifer Skalka is editor of the Hotline On Call, part of National Journal's political coverage.
To the Point
The Primaries Roll On After yesterday's primaries, Republican John McCain is among those acting as if Barack Obama will be his Democratic opponent come November. Last night he called Obama's speeches "eloquent but empty." Today, he accused Obama of saying he would limit himself to pubic financing if he made the general election, but then backing off. Jennifer Skalka edits Hotline on Call , a web publication of the National Journal.
Which Way, L.A.?
Field Narrows as Edwards and Giuliani Bow Out John Edwards is dropping out of the Democratic race, guaranteeing that a major party will nominate either a woman or a man of color. Yesterday in Florida , John McCain was triumphal, having won among Republicans in a state that does not allow Independent voters to cross over; Mitt Romney came in second. Today, after coming in a distant third in Florida, Rudy Giuliani is expected to endorse McCain. Both parties have scheduled debates for the remaining candidates this week in California, looking ahead to Super Tuesday . We hear what happened to "America's Mayor," who went from national front-runner to also-ran at the speed of gravity. Does Edwards have enough delegates to make a difference if he decides to endorse Obama or Clinton ?
To the Point
Field Narrows as Edwards and Giuliani Bow Out John Edwards is dropping out of the Democratic race, guaranteeing that a major party will nominate either a woman or a man of color. Yesterday in Florida , John McCain was triumphal, having won among Republicans in a state that does not allow Independent voters to cross over; Mitt Romney came in second. Today, after coming in a distant third in Florida, Rudy Giuliani is expected to endorse McCain. Both parties have scheduled debates for the remaining candidates this week in California, looking ahead to Super Tuesday . We hear what happened to "America's Mayor," who went from national front-runner to also-ran at the speed of gravity. Does Edwards have enough delegates to make a difference if he decides to endorse Obama or Clinton ?
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
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 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
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?