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Democratic stragetist
Democratic strategist, political analyst for MSNBC and columnist for The Hill; former Communications Director for the Democratic National Committee, she also worked in the Clinton Administration
PROFILE
Karen Finney
Guest
FROM Karen Finney
To the Point
Did Mitt Romney Manage to Woo Undecided Voters? Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney had a tough challenge facing him last night in Tampa. He had to seem more likeable – polls show he trails President Obama in this area – and he had to rally his Republican conservative base, while reaching out to those all important swing voters who voted for Barack Obama last time around. His strategy was unusual: he struck a tone of sympathy for those who have been disappointed with the president. He also touched on his Mormon faith, something he has avoided doing for much of the campaign, talked about all the women he'd appointed to jobs in his administration when he was Governor of Massachusetts and, in one rather emotional moment, recalled his mother and her decision to run for the senate. What did the Republicans accomplish in Tampa and how will the Democrats respond when they gather next week?
To the Point
Americans Respond to the State of the Union President Obama told Congress and the American people last night that, "the state of our Union is getting stronger." It was an upbeat message in marked contrast to the doom and gloom expressed by Republican challengers in town halls, television ads and 18 televised debates. The President asked for unity, but acknowledged partisan gridlock, and advocated tax reforms that sounded tailored to fit Mitt Romney. We hear excerpts and political analysis, and talk to Americans outside the Beltway what they heard when their President spoke to them. (This story was informed in part from sources in the Public Insight Network .)
To the Point
A Last Ditch Debate before a Crucial Primary Newt Gingrich says Mitt Romney will be the Republican nominee if he wins South Carolina tomorrow. But last night's debate started with Gingrich's past sex-life . Rick Santorum called Gingrich "grandiose," and Gingrich retorted that Santorum had "small" ideas. Romney struggled over releasing his tax returns and dodged questions on Bain Capital . Santorum said Romney wasn't reliably "pro-life." Will Gingrich's lead in current polls mean a victory tomorrow? Does Santorum have a chance to be the "anti-Romney" in Florida later this month?
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To the Point
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.
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.
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
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?