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.
Recommended
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?
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
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.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?