CNBC and the New York Times
Political writer for the New York Times and chief Washington correspondent for CNBC; former senior contributing writer for the Wall Street Journal
PROFILE
John Harwood
Guest
FROM John Harwood
To the Point
Obama's Goes All-in with His Budget The economic crisis may have increased the American appetite for government intervention, and President Obama’s budget calls for intervention on a massive scale. Will his public support last long enough for him to get it enacted? “Whatever else it is, President Obama’s budget is a political gamble of the first order.” That’s according to John Harwood, who writes for the New York Times . He’s also Chief Washington correspondent for CNBC.
Which Way, L.A.?
The Democrats' Race after the Pennsylvania Primary "Good night, not goodbye for Clinton" reads the Los Angeles Times headline today. Hillary Clinton won a decisive ten-point victory in yesterday's presidential primary in Pennsylvania , but is simply winning no longer good enough for the Clinton campaign? Can she win big enough in the nine remaining contests to catch up with Barack Obama in elected delegates and the overall popular vote? With neither candidate able to win the Democratic presidential nomination through the primary process, when and how will the super-delegates pick a winner?
To the Point
The Democrats' Race after the Pennsylvania Primary "Good night, not goodbye for Clinton" reads the Los Angeles Times headline today. Hillary Clinton won a decisive ten-point victory in yesterday's presidential primary in Pennsylvania , but is simply winning no longer good enough for the Clinton campaign? Can she win big enough in the nine remaining contests to catch up with Barack Obama in elected delegates and the overall popular vote? With neither candidate able to win the Democratic presidential nomination through the primary process, when and how will the super-delegates pick a winner?
To the Point
Congress Votes for a Timeline in Iraq After House approval last night, the Senate today passed the Iraq spending bill that President Bush has promised to veto. Meantime, today's poll by NBC and the Wall Street Journal shows 56% to 37% public support for the withdrawal timetables the President will be rejecting. In a White House effort to sway votes against the bill, the top commander, in Iraq gave closed-door briefings to both the House and the Senate. Today General David Petraeus told reporters the "surge" is making progress. What happens next, when the White House and Congress finally start working toward compromise? Is the "surge" working? Is the war already "lost" from a military standpoint or is victory still possible? How important is public opinion?
To the Point
Libby Verdict Strikes Another Legal Blow to Bush Administration The former top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney faces up to 25 years in federal prison. Lewis "Scooter" Libby has been convicted on four of five counts of obstructing justice, perjury and lying to the FBI; he was acquitted on the count of making false statements to the FBI in a conversation about Time magazine reporter Matt Cooper. The case stemmed from efforts to discredit a critic of the rationale for war in Iraq. One juror called Libby, "the fall guy." We join journalists for an update today's jury verdict, to hear how each side responded and assess the political consequences.
To the Point
Bush Says Democrats Want to Leave Iraq Before Job Done Since Joe Lieberman lost the Democratic primary in Connecticut, Republicans have accused them of being soft on national security. At his news conference this morning, President Bush reminded the American people of the “consequences of leaving Iraq before the job is done.” John Harwood, Washington correspondent for CNBC and contributing writer to the Wall Street Journal , puts the President's comments in the context of the November elections.
Recommended
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
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
Left, Right & Center
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
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.