University of Illinois
Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois and author of Collective Preferences in Democratic Politics: Opinion Surveys and the Will of the People
PROFILE
Scott Althaus
Guest
FROM Scott Althaus
Which Way, L.A.?
Obama, Libya's Gadhafi and America's Use of Force In last night's televised address to the nation, President Obama said Moammar Gadhafi threatened a "massacre" in rebel-held Benghazi that would have "stained the conscience of the world." He said the US had a "unique ability to stop the violence… an international mandate…and a plea for help from the Libyan people themselves…"
To the Point
Obama, Libya's Gadhafi and America's Use of Force Government forces and Libyan rebels traded rocket fire today as Moammar Gadhafi continued to defy international demands for a cease-fire. Hillary Clinton is in London with more than 40 nations and international groups making plans for non-military efforts at rebel support and regime change. Last night, in a televised address , President Obama laid out what's being called a new "doctrine." He said the US had a "unique ability to stop the violence, an international mandate and a plea for help from the Libyan people themselves." He also said removing Gadhafi by force is not an option, even though regime change is Administration policy. Is this selective use of American power really a "doctrine?" Does it give Gadhafi a chance to stay? Is it abandonment of strong leadership or a prudent adjustment to an increasingly complex world?
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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
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
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.