NPR Politics
As Bush Term Ends, The View From Africa
Morning Edition is speaking this week with thinkers and scholars overseas about the transition from the Bush presidency to the Obama administration. We turn now to Africa. Renee Montagne talks with Veronique Tadjo, an author, poet and painter from Ivory Coast. She teaches in Johannesburg, South Africa, and gives workshops across Africa.
Ill. Gov. Blagojevich Picks Obama's Sen. Successor
Illinois' embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday appointed a successor to fill the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. The move set off an avalanche of criticism from members of both political parties and set the stage for more political drama.
Blagojevich's Choice For Senate Faces Hurdles
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's appointment of longtime Chicago Democrat Roland Burris to fill President-elect Obama's Senate seat appears to have little chance of success. But politically, Blagojevich has made a move that could make Democratic leaders uncomfortable.
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Satire, Race And The 'Magic Negro'
Chip Saltsman, one of the candidates for chair of the Republican National Committee, sent a CD full of song parodies to several RNC members — including a song called "Barack the Magic Negro." The term "magic negro" dates back to the 1950s. Used today, is it satire or racism?
Predicting President Bush's Legacy
President Bush and Vice President Cheney have been in office for eight years of complicated events. Some point to Iraq and Afghanistan when weighing how their tenure will be remembered, others to tax cuts and aid to Africa. Which single issue seems most relevant to you?
Roland Burris Appointed To Obama's Senate Seat
Embattled Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to President-elect Obama's vacated Senate seat. We explore what Burris brings to the position and why Blagojevich picked him.
Op-Ed: Bush Should Ask For Shoe Thrower's Pardon
The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush, Muntadhir al-Zaidi, faces up to 15 years in prison. Mark Bowden believes Bush should ask Iraq's government to pardon him. "A small outrage," he writes for The Wall Street Journal, "requires a grand gesture."
Blagojevich Appoints Burris To Senate Seat
Gov. Rod Blagojevich named former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris as his choice to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate. Blagojevich faces criminal charges alleging he previously tried to sell that seat.
2008: The Year That Surprised Political Pundits
There were many surprising moments in politics in 2008. The year seemed to catch political observers and financial gurus by surprise.
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Illinois Republicans Seek Return To Power
The Illinois GOP is taking advantage of the corruption charges leveled against Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich. They say they have learned valuable lessons from the scandal surrounding former Republican Gov. George Ryan, who is now serving time in jail on corruption charges of his own.
Homicide Statistics Rise For Black Youths
The number of homicides involving black youths — as victims and perpetrators — surged by more than 30 percent from 2002 to 2007, even as overall murder rates across the U.S. have been relatively stable, according to a study released by two Northeastern University professors.
Who's To Blame When You Get Drunk?
A man who got drunk on a United Airlines flight was arrested for beating his wife as they walked through customs. The couple is now suing the airline for serving him too many drinks. On an airplane, at a bar, or at a party, who's responsible when someone gets drunk?
Op-Ed: Black Republican Torn After Obama Win
Former Republican congressional staffer Sophia Nelson feels conflicted. As an African American, she loves the idea of a black family in the White House, but she's chagrined by her party's "blistering electoral defeat." She calls on Republicans to make amends with black Americans.
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The Last Shul In Detroit
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue is the last shul in Detroit. The shrinking congregation has been without a rabbi since 2003 and its struggling to stay afloat. Members often have to recruit bartenders from a night club next door to achieve the number of worshippers required for prayer service.
Moments In 2008 That Kept Us Talking
As 2008 ends, Tell Me More revisits some of the year's most memorable headlines. Pamela Gentry, of BET News; Abderrahim Foukara, of Al Jazeera News Channel; Marcus Mabry, of the New York Times and NPR's Ken Rudin reflect on a broad range of defining events in 2008 — from a heated White House race to a domestic financial meltdown.
After 8 Years Of Bush-Bashing, What's Next?
The Bush administration is winding down its term and will say goodbye to the White House next month. Morning Edition is talking with foreign analysts about how the U.S. looks from abroad as the Obama administration prepares to take power. Nicole Bacharan is a political scientist in Paris specializing in French-American relations. She says Europe is reconsidering how it feels about Washington.
Obama's Highway Plans Face Funding Roadblock
President-elect Obama has big plans for the nation's crumbling roads and bridges. But with people driving less and fewer gas-tax dollars coming in, where will the money come from? That's just one of the questions looming as Obama and Congress get set to overhaul transportation policy.
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Sexist Or Not, Michelle Obama Studied As Style Icon
Fashionistas are busy speculating about what Michelle Obama will wear for Inauguration Day festivities. Obsessing over an accomplished professional woman's wardrobe may strike some as sexist, but it's also a sign of the public's fascination with the youthful Obamas.
Obama's Halcyon Hawaiian Holiday
President-elect Barack Obama is spending Christmas in Hawaii with his family. Our vlogger takes to the streets — uh, sands to prowl the buzz over the state's native son.
Health Care Next Year: Dare We Hope?
Some 46 million Americans have no health insurance. Another 25 million have insurance — but in the case of serious illness or injury, they still would be exposed to financial catastrophe. President-elect Barack Obama has promised to make health care one of his top priorities, but what are the chances of his success?
