What Obama Could Do, As Chief Consoler
Host Guy Raz speaks with NPR's Scott Horsley about President Obama's role as the nations consoler-in-chief and what meaningful action the president can take on the issue of gun control.
Politics
Democrats Dig In Their Heels On Entitlement Cuts
Republicans are insisting on more austere entitlement programs as leaders negotiate a deal to keep the nation from going over the "fiscal cliff" in the new year. But many Democrats are wary of including any far-reaching and long-lasting entitlement reforms in a hastily thrown-together deal.
'Fiscal Cliff' Message Repeats Itself
As the negotiations drag on, the lack of progress means the key players have necessarily taken to repeating themselves. Sometimes, word-for-word, as they describe how they have worked for a solution while their opponents have stonewalled.
On 'Fiscal Cliff,' Majority Of Public Sides With Democrats, Pew Poll Says
Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said President Obama is making a "serious effort" to work with Republicans. Just 32 percent said Republicans are making a serious effort to work with the Democratic president.
Most Of Congress In The Dark On 'Fiscal Cliff' Talks
Of the 535 members of Congress, not many are in the loop about negotiations to avoid automatic spending cuts and tax increases in the new year. Lawmakers are waiting to see what President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner come up with — and some are nervous about having to quickly vote on a bill despite misgivings.
Report On CIA Interrogation Tactics Revives Torture Debate
In a closed-door meeting Thursday, lawmakers will consider whether to approve the report, which human rights groups are pushing to be made public. It's part of an ongoing fight over whether harsh interrogation methods, which critics compared to torture, were effective.
Obama's Cabinet Reshuffle, What's Next For Hillary?
President Barack Obama is expected to make some key changes to his second-term cabinet. As Hillary Clinton prepares to step down as Secretary of State, many wonder whether she will run for president in 2016.
Farm Bill Becomes Fodder In 'Fiscal Cliff' Wrangling
Farm-state lawmakers are urging leaders to include a farm bill as part of any budget deal to avert year-end tax increases and spending cuts. But others argue that Congress shouldn't toss the farm bill into a giant package because it would very likely stifle debate and amendments.
'Paris Hilton Tax' Vs. 'Death Tax': A Lesser-Known Fiscal Debate
The estate tax is yet another piece of the fiscal cliff that needs to be worked out. Those who want to the raise what they call the "Paris Hilton tax" say it applies only to the very rich, who can afford to pay. Opponents of the increase, however, brand it the "death tax" and say it hurts farmers and small-business owners.
What Happens If We Fall Off The 'Fiscal Cliff'?
President Obama and congressional Republicans have been trying to negotiate a deal to avert the automatic tax hikes and spending cuts known as the "fiscal cliff." But what happens Jan. 1 if no agreement is reached? Some experts say not much will happen — at least not immediately.