NPR Topics: Politics
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09/06/2010
Obama Seeking $50 Billion For Infrastructure
The investments in the nation's roads, railways and runways are part of a package of targeted proposals that must be approved by Congress, which is highly uncertain at a time when many legislators and voters are worried about adding to federal deficits.
09/06/2010
2010 Elections: Which Party's Going To Win?
Make your forecast: Will Republicans take control of the House and Senate? Or just one chamber? Or will Democrats hold on to their majorities in both? The fall campaign kicks off in earnest today. Put your pundit hat on and do some prognosticating.
09/06/2010
November's Elections Reminiscent of 1982 Elections
Just two years ago, Democrats were on their way to the biggest congressional majorities in many years. Now they're struggling to stay in power. And that prompts comparisons to another president who started with a lousy economy. President Reagan's party faced tough midterm elections as unemployment topped 10 percent in 1982.
09/05/2010
Unions Try To Combat Lopsided Election Spending
Organized labor, one of the most powerful forces in American politics, is facing a new reality. The Supreme Court ruled in January that corporations and unions may spend unlimited amounts in political campaigns. Even before that ruling, business outspent labor.
09/05/2010
As Clock Ticks, Lawmakers Revisit Bush Tax Cuts
The debate over President Bush's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts heats up this fall as Congress considers the marginal rate reductions, estate tax relief and lower rates on investment income set to expire Jan. 1. At stake: trillions of dollars and tax-cutting reputations heading into the midterm elections.
09/05/2010
Series Overview: Bush Tax Cuts And Beyond
The clock is ticking on one of President Bush's most controversial legacies. The tax cut packages enacted in 2001 and 2003 will soon expire. In a new series, NPR lays out the policy and politics behind the debate to extend them, and looks at how taxes affect individuals, corporations and states.
09/05/2010
Next Up For The Economy: Small-Business Tax Cuts?
This is an unsettled time in the American economy. Last week, the stock market rose, but so did the unemployment rate. The nation lost jobs overall, but the number of private-sector jobs was up. One thing everyone can agree on, though: The recovery has slowed. And this week, President Obama will unveil a new economic package including tax cuts for small businesses. The price tag: as high as $300 billion.
09/05/2010
GOP Popular Now, But The Contest Is Still Ahead
According to the latest Gallup poll, Republicans have an unprecedented, double-digit lead in the generic ballot. With midterm elections just weeks away, will the polling numbers translate into significant gains for the GOP? For insight, host Liane Hansen speaks with Tom Davis, the former chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and Martin Frost, the former chair of the Democratic Congressional Committee.
09/05/2010
Political Pedigree No Longer Protects S.D. Rep.
South Dakota Rep. Stephanie Herseth is running for a fourth term with a pragmatic, moderate record. She comes from a family with deep political roots; exactly the profile that makes most incumbents safe -- except those with a D after their names.
09/05/2010
Jobs Report A Wash; Obama Opts For Half-Full Spin
The latest jobs report had good news and bad news. Private job growth was up, but the economy still lost another 54,000 jobs overall last month. Host Liane Hansen talks to NPR's Scott Horsley and Yuki Noguchi about the unemployment numbers released Friday, the White House's reaction and the president's upcoming trip to Wisconsin.
09/05/2010
The Fall TV 'Stars': Lobbyists, Big Oil And Bad Banks
The upcoming "season" for campaign ads will bring plenty of charges, countercharges and downright lies. Here's your preview of what's to come in the political ad wars.
09/04/2010
Sputtering Recovery Prompts More Tinkering
Job growth this past spring had the Obama administration hopeful that the recovery would be more stable by Labor Day. Not so. And so Obama Friday renewed his call for the Senate to act on legislation to reduce taxes for small business. He promised more initiatives would be unveiled next week.
09/04/2010
Mississippi's Haley Barbour, GOP Heavyweight
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, chairman of the Republican Governors' Association, has been described as the "most powerful Republican in American politics." In a wide-ranging conversation, host Scott Simon talks with Barbour about Mississippi's recovery from Hurricane Katrina, the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill and the significance of conservative figures like Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin.
09/04/2010
Mideast Talks Wrap With A Promise
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators finished up talks on Thursday, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas agreed to keep talking. Host Scott Simon talks with the Institute for Middle East Peace's Stephen P. Cohen about whether this really signals progress.
09/03/2010
'Where Is Her Head?' A Classic Campaign Trail Moment
Some of the things politicians and reporters hear and see when they're out and about deserve a second or third listen. Check out what NPR's Don Gonyea picked up when he visited a county fair in Ohio.
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