Politics & Government

Politics & Government

Obama Focuses On Newtown, 'Fiscal Cliff'

11:16am December 21, 2012

President Obama has responded forcefully to the Newtown, Conn., shootings this past week. He assigned Vice President Biden to come up with policies aimed at preventing future such tragedies. The president has also been trying to strike a budget deal to avoid the year-end "fiscal cliff."

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Politics & Government

Boehner Answers Questions About Withdrawing 'Plan B'

11:16am December 21, 2012

House Speaker John Boehner had a news conference Friday, after he had to withdraw his "Plan B" for avoiding the tax increases and spending cuts due at the end of the year. Many of his fellow Republicans wouldn't support it because it included higher taxes for millionaires.

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Sen. Kerry Gets Obama's Nod For Secretary Of State

11:16am December 21, 2012

President Obama is expected Friday to nominate Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., as his next secretary of state. Kerry would replace Hillary Clinton, who's planning to leave the post after four years as the president's globetrotting emissary.

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In this photo illustration, a Rock River Arms AR-15 rifle is seen with ammunition.

Financial Ties Bind NRA, Gun Industry

10:51am December 21, 2012

by Peter Overby

NRA leaders say that when they break their silence on the Sandy Hook shootings Friday, they will be speaking for the group's 4 million members. But they will also be speaking for the gun industry, which has close financial links to the association.

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Politics & Government

House Republicans Face Threat Of Primary Challenges In 'Plan B' Vote

10:18pm December 20, 2012

by Tamara Keith

A number of conservative groups are vowing consequences for Republicans who line up behind House Speaker John Boehner and his plan to avoid the "fiscal cliff." Fiscal conservatives say that how GOP members vote now could set the stage for the 2014 primary season.

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House Pulls 'Plan B' Tax Measure From The Floor

10:18pm December 20, 2012

House Speaker John Boehner's alternative plan to the automatic tax hikes set to take effect at year's end fell short of enough votes to pass. The bill would have placed a higher tax rate on income over $1 million a year.

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Low-Profile Power Player Jack Lew May Be In Line For Treasury Post

3:16pm December 20, 2012

by Mara Liasson

Now the White House chief of staff, Lew finessed the 2011 deal that set up the automatic spending cuts and tax hikes set for the new year — and did it in a way that put President Obama in the catbird seat for the current talks. Now he's a possible pick to be the next Treasury secretary.

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According to Tom Diaz of the Violence Policy Center, more people in the United States die every year from gun-related incidents than have been killed in all terrorist attacks worldwide since the 1960s.

Assault-Style Weapons In The Civilian Market

2:10pm December 20, 2012

Senior analyst for the Violence Policy Center Tom Diaz says one of the weapons found at the site of the Newtown, Conn., shooting was a variant of a type of gun developed for troops in Vietnam.

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Politics & Government

Sen. Warner: Gun Laws Alone Won't Solve Problems

11:37am December 20, 2012

Following the school massacre in Newtown, Conn., some staunch supporters of gun rights have shifted their tone and appear open to new action on gun control. One of them is Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia. He talks to Steve Inskeep about his position.

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A visitor handles a revolver at a Smith & Wesson display during the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits on April 14 at America's Center in St. Louis, Mo.

Single-Issue Solidarity Behind NRA's Clout

5:44am December 20, 2012

by Peter Overby

The National Rifle Association ranks among the most effective advocacy groups in America. It reaches its members almost every way imaginable — and it gets them to volunteer for campaigns and educates them on how to vote.

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