Political Commentator and Author
Mickey Kaus is a political commentator and the author of The End of Equality. A former blogger for Newsweek, Slate and the Daily Caller, he now blogs at KausFiles. He was also a former candidate for the Democratic nomination for Senate against then-incumbent Barbara Boxer.
Are immigrants driving down the wages of American workers? Is a ready supply of immigrant workers keeping the working class from fatter paychecks -- or are other factors at play? Plus, as Latinos seem to be losing ground politically, is it time for advocacy groups to stop playing nice?
Waiting on Alabama At least one Alabama Republican has revealed that he did NOT vote for the GOP nominee -- Roy Moore. And this wasn't just any voter but Alabama's other Senator -- Richard Shelby. Will Shelby's announcement make a difference on Election Day?
LRC Live! Wins for Democrats, trouble for Roy Moore, and a look at the year that was.
Is President Trump going bipartisan? After nine months with no accomplishments by Republicans, President Trump extended an olive branch to the Democrats . He's basking in positive reaction to his dinner last week with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. They claim he agreed to protect the so-called "Dreamers" from deportation. Immigration hardliners are outraged, and "progressive" Democrats don't like the trade-off for increased border security. But everything Trump says is subject to sudden change, and Dreamers' are still full of anxiety. We look at the talking points -- and the tweets.
Trump's AG announces DACA program will be 'rescinded' President Trump tweeted today, "Congress, get ready to do your job — DACA!" That was just before Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Barack Obama’s "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" is illegal and will be rescinded. Eight-hundred thousand undocumented immigrants brought to this country as children are now in limbo. There will be six months for Congress to legalize DACA -- if it chooses. But nobody’s saying what might happen if the House and the Senate fail to act. We hear about why DACA's being killed and the chances it will be revived.
Travel ban takes effect As we head into the 4th of July weekend, when Americans celebrate not only the country's independence but its ideals and principles, President Trump's travel ban is complicating entry into the United States for visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries and suspends entry for refugees altogether. It's been less than 24 hours since the ban was reinstated , but its interpretation of what constitutes a valid relationship to enter the United States is already at the center of heated debate. The roll-out at airports has been less rocky, but the new rules are generating a new round of court fights. How will the travel ban work? What's the legal future of the measure? Can this temporary, modified ban prevent terror attacks, or does it hurt America's influence and standing in the world?
Do the first hundred days really matter? President Trump promised big things in his first 100 days , but his most important achievement may be keeping the government open. To get that--even with Republicans running Congress -- he's had to delay his demand for big money for his Great Wall on the Mexican border. His biggest applause line has been replaced by talk about tax reform. So the government probably won't shut down on Saturday — his hundredth day in office. But 100 days is just the beginning of a four-year term, and there's time left for a lot more surprises.
Lofty new rhetoric for a familiar message The President who's picked so many fights with so many people told Congress last night it's time for a change. "The time for trivial fights is behind us… Everything that is broken in our country can be fixed. Every problem can be solved. And every hurting family can find healing, and hope. Our citizens deserve this, and so much more – so why not join forces to finally get it done and get it done right?" Even some "Never Trump" hold -outs were impressed — but the bar was low for supporters who only hoped their President would act "presidential." The consensus is that he did, but without explaining how ambitious plans can be paid for or how to resolve conflicts with his own Republican Party in Congress. Has "Teleprompter Trump" replaced "Twitter Trump" for the long term — or just for a one-night stand?
President Trump says he's making good on a campaign promise There's "fear and panic" among America's 11 million undocumented immigrants among reports of hundreds of recent raids and round-ups by federal agents. While such actions are being called "routine" by immigration officials, President Trump is claiming the credit. And so many people are expected to be detained that new privately run facilities may be constructed to house them. Supporters of undocumented workers who've been in the country for decades call it "terrorism." Trump's backers call it "shock and awe." Meantime, leaders of agriculture and other vital industries warn of a labor shortage if deportations don't prioritize real criminals and leave workers alone.
It's New Year's pundit accountability time A year ago pundits were laughing off Donald Trump. Now who's the joke?
Attack in Berlin and ending Medicare Donald Trump says attacks in Berlin and Turkey prove him right about Islamist terrorism.
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
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.
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
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.