Washington Post
Op-ed columnist at the Washington Post and a fellow at the anti-poverty group the ONE campaign; chief speechwriter (2001-2006) and senior policy advisor (2000-2006) for President George W. Bush
PROFILE
Michael Gerson
Guest
FROM Michael Gerson
Which Way, L.A.?
Romney and Pawlenty Lead a Restive Republican Field Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said late Saturday night he would not be a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, but today Tim Pawlenty (seen at left), former Governor of Minnesota, said he would be. He joins Mitt Romney (seen at far left), who championed healthcare reform as Governor of Massachusetts. Other potential GOP candidates mentioned, include: Jon Huntsman Herman Cain Michele Bachmann Rick Perry
To the Point
The GOP: Still Searching for Candidates "If you feel that this was a non-courageous or unpatriotic decision, I understand and will not attempt to persuade you otherwise." That's what Mitch Daniels reportedly said late Saturday night after telling aides he would not be a candidate in the Republican presidential primaries. The Indiana Governor reportedly wanted to run for President, but his wife and four daughters said, "No." Today, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty officially threw his hat into the ring. Mitt Romney 's campaign says that means "the field is set," but others contend it opens the way for some candidates most voters haven't yet heard of. Even so, the Obama White House says the country is so divided that the ultimate nominee will have an energized base, just by surviving the primary process. What's dividing the Republicans this year? Will opposition to Barack Obama be the only thing that unites them? Other potential GOP candidates mentioned, include: Jon Huntsman Herman Cain Michele Bachmann Rick Perry
Which Way, L.A.?
Who's to Blame if the US Government Shuts Down? As Washington moved toward a federal government shutdown starting at midnight tomorrow, politicians of both parties assumed their competing postures. From Capitol Hill to distant battlefields, the shutdown would be felt by millions of Americans, most of all by 800,000 federal employees who won't be paid for as long as it lasts. We look at last-minute efforts to stave it off.
To the Point
Democrats and Republicans on the Brink in Washington For the third time in three days, Congressional leaders went back to the White House early this afternoon to try to avoid a government shutdown starting at midnight tomorrow. Both sides agree it's not just about money, but also Republican demands to eliminate healthcare reform, Planned Parenthood, EPA regulations and NPR. They got their chance after Democrats lost the Congress without passing a budget for this year. After two stop-gap measures, there's still no deal. We update the last-minute negotiating and look at the so-called "non-essential" federal services that could stop at midnight tomorrow.
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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
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?
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
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.