Kansas Secretary of State
Kansas Secretary of State; author of Arizona's SB 1070 immigration law; former professor of law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; counsel to then-US Attorney General John Ashcroft (2001-2003)
PROFILE
Kris Kobach
Guest
FROM Kris Kobach
To the Point
President Obama's Deportation Dilemma In five years, Barack Obama's deported almost two million undocumented immigrants — more than any other president. Immigrant advocates have labeled him "Deporter in Chief." With immigration reform passed by the Senate but stalled in the House, Democrats are worried about the Hispanic turnout in upcoming elections. Under pressure, Obama's called for more "humane" law enforcement, giving Republicans the chance to claim that's no enforcement at all. We hear what he wants to do and how each party is jockeying for control of the Senate this year and for the White House in 2016.
Which Way, L.A.?
Is There a War on Voting Rights? Democrats and Republicans know that every vote counts, especially in a divided nation. All over the country, Republicans in state capitols are passing laws to limit what they call rampant voter fraud. Democrats say the GOP has declared war on the rights of voters who want to re-elect Barack Obama. We hear about a dispute that's fundamental to American democracy.
To the Point
Voter ID and the 'Battle Before the Battle' Republicans insist that voter fraud is so common it could change the results of elections or at least diminish confidence in the integrity of the process. But Democrats say the GOP is pushing voter-identification laws to keep students, the elderly and especially African Americans away from the polls. In 2008, those voters were crucial to electing Barack Obama. Last year (except for the elderly) they stayed home, and Republicans won big. We hear what's happening in state capitols all over the country. Do both parties try to use election laws to their own advantage?
Which Way, L.A.?
Fear, Loathing and Huzzahs for Arizona’s Immigration Law Arizona has stirred a political hornets’ nest with its new law against illegal immigration. Undocumented aliens are accused of crimes up to and including murder, and the state’s accused of racial profiling, ethnic cleansing and Nazism. Over the weekend, Sarah Palin gave the new law her blessing. Today opponents are making another effort to stop it in court. We’ll talk with the man who wrote the new law. We’ll hear about the US Constitution and the lack of action on Capitol Hill. We’ll also get the perspective of a veteran Mexican diplomat.
To the Point
Fear, Loathing and Huzzahs for Arizona's Immigration Law Arizona has stirred a political hornets’ nest with its new law against illegal immigration. Undocumented aliens are accused of crimes up to and including murder, and the state’s accused of racial profiling, ethnic cleansing and Nazism. Over the weekend, Sarah Palin gave the new law her blessing. Today opponents are making another effort to stop it in court. We’ll talk with the man who wrote the new law. We’ll hear about the US Constitution and the lack of action on Capitol Hill. We’ll also get the perspective of a veteran Mexican diplomat.
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To the Point
What happens when America retreats from the world? Is President Trump taking his "America First" agenda to extremes, withdrawing the country from the international stage on trade and climate change, distancing America from its traditional allies across the Atlantic and even threatening to physically isolate the country through the building of a wall along its southern border? León Krauze guest hosts.
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
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.
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.