TBD News and Blogs for Category -- Politics

Clemency Initiative; Pricey Tickets; Cells on Flights

Quanicia Alston — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:57:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, former Maryland governor Bob Ehrlich talked about his new program to level the playing field between African-Americans and Whites when it comes to clemency appeals.

We also talked with sports commentator Michael Williams about the high cost of tickets to sporting events.

Can you imagine being stuck on a flight with someone yapping on their cell phone the entire time? Well, it's not out of the question. In our last segment, ABC 7 reporter Kris Van Cleave talked about one airline's decision to offer in-flight cell service.

NATO, Afghanistan, and the future of U.S. support

George Jackson — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

President Obama closed the NATO Summit in Chicago by emphasizing the end of a decade-long war in Afghanistan. Concerns going forward include troop numbers and ongoing financial support for Afghan security forces.

Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer (U.S. Army Reserve) discussed the future of our role in Afghanistan on Capital Insider.

House GOP to release details on health care investigation

George Jackson — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

House Republicans have been investigating what they call "secret deals" between the White House and the pharmaceutical industry during negotiations leading up to the health care overhaul. They say President Obama made promises to industry lobbyists to accomplish the Affordable Care Act despite campaign promises to be transparent.

The White House calls the investigation a distraction from real issues -- like jobs -- but promised to comply with requests for information.

CQ Roll Call Staff Writer Jonathan Strong discussed the issue on Capital Insider.

Campaign worker charged; Rutgers Suicide; Rep. Roscoe Bartlett

Quanicia Alston — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:07:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, we spoke with Washington Post's Nikita Stewart and political columnist Peter Rosenstein about the serious charges against a former campaign aide to DC Mayor Vincent Gray.

We also discussed the recent sentencing of the former Rutgers University student convicted of bias intimidation for using a webcam to film his roommate in a romantic encounter with another man. The roomate, Tyler Clementi committed suicide shortly after.

We spent our final half hour chatting with Rep. Roscoe Bartlett on a range of topics.

Tomorrow at 10am: Former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich

Senate committee hearing will detail Secret Service investigation

George Jackson — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

On Wednesday, the Senate Homeland Security Committee will take a close look at the prostitution scandal in Catagena Columbia. The Secret Service dismissed nine agents and cleared three others of serious misconduct after a night of drinking and interaction with about 20 prostitutes just before President Obama's arrival for the Summit of the Americas.

The unprecedented security breach happened last month.

Washington Post Columnist Joe Davidson offered perspective ahead of Wednesday's meeting on Capital Insider.

Putin skips G8, viewed as snub

George Jackson — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the G8 Summit this weekend, a move widely viewed as a snub of President Obama. Some say it signals a shift in the relationship between the two super powers. Putin, who won a third term this year, sent former president and current Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in his place.

Dr. Gene Novikov, co-author of the forthcoming book Re-thinking the Reset Button: Can We Trust Vladimir Putin's Russia? discussed the relationship on Capital Insider.

Ending the war

Bruce DePuyt — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:21:00 EST

Politico's Isaac Dovere comes on the show to discuss the NATO summit on the War in Afghanistan.

Tuesday at 10 a.m.: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) and Washington Post reporter Nikita Stewart.

Euro-worries & Alexandria's waterfront makeover

Bruce DePuyt — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:06:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, we looked at the concerns that the collapse of the Greek economy could have reverberations for Europe and the U.S. Joining us: banking industry analyst Bert Ely.

In segment two, Ely, co-chair of a citizens group in Alexandria, weighed in against the proposed makeover of the Old Town waterfront.

Tuesday at 10 a.m.: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) and Washington Post reporter Nikita Stewart.

That was the week that was

George Jackson — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

This weekend's G8 Summit and this week's NATO meeting could generate changes in worldwide fiscal policy.

Currently, the U.S. and Germany find themselves on opposite sides of the fiscal divide. President Obama supports measures designed to stimulate economic growth, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel champions austerity.

The G8's course of action could determine the future of the European Union and echo on the Presidential campaign trail.

Republican Strategist Jack Burkman and Democratic Strategist Richard Fowler discussed that and other issues on Capital Insider.

Showdown over Violence Against Women Act

George Jackson — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:45:00 EST

House Republicans set up a showdown with the Senate and President Obama over legislation to protect women from domestic violence. The House vote 222 to 205 on Wednesday to reauthorize the 1994 Violence Against Women Act for another five years.

The Senate took similar action already.

Still, big differences remain and advocacy groups say the House bill doesn't go far enough.

Erin Matson, Vice President of the National Organization for Women, discussed the issue on Capital Insider.

Maryland?s new budget; AG Irv Nathan

Bruce DePuyt — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:32:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, Maryland Delegates Melony Griffith, Brian Feldman and Kelly Schulz talked about the legislature’s latest budget moves – moves that will prevent ‘doomsday’ budget cuts from taking effect but which will boost taxes on high-income residents. We also talked about the prospects for another special session – on gambling.
Then, DC Attorney General Irv Nathan discussed ethics reform, the Harry Thomas Jr. case, the double-dipping scandal, the Hatch Act and DC voting rights.
We received a call at the end of the hour from a viewer who seemed to be encouraging the Attorney General to investigate contracting practices in the DC schools. We didn’t have time for Nathan to respond on-air, but afterwards he told us, “That’s the province of the Inspector General. I hope the IG will look into this – and if there’s anything there, we will take appropriate action.”
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Monday at 10am: The impact on the U.S. if Europe’s economy falters

Tax Insider: Ex-Im Bank, MEADS, and the NatGas Act

George Jackson — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

In a rare show of congressional bipartisanship, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to renew the charter of the Export-Import Bank for another three years. The bill also raises that agency's lending cap from $100 billion to $140 billion. The measure now heads to President Obama and he's expected to sign it.

Taxpayers Protection Alliance President David Williams discussed that and other issues on Capital Insider.

Senators push for swift action on 2012 farm bill

George Jackson — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

The current farm bill doesn't expire until the end of September, but public anticipation continues to mount. Action on the 2012 farm bill could be only weeks away.

Currently, a bi-partisan group of 44 senators asked top leaders to act quickly on the half-trillion dollar bill. It would cut spending by $25 billion over the coming decade -- slashing subsidy payments in favor of new crop insurance programs.

Taxpayers for Common Sense Vice President Steve Ellis followed the money for Capital Insider.

Gay judge rejected; Kenyan McDuffie wins

Bruce DePuyt — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, two Virginia legislators, Sen. Barbara Favola (D) and Del. Bob Marshall (R), talked about the Assembly’s rejection of Richmond prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland, a military veteran whose nomination to become a judge was blocked by conservatives (led by Marshall) because of his “homosexual advocacy.” We also discussed the budget, transportation funding, and Marshall’s bid for the U.S. Senate.
Then, we spoke with DC Councilman-elect Kenyan McDuffie (D), the landslide winner in this week’s Ward 5 special election.
WATCH today’s interviews here:

Thursday at 10am: DC Mayor Vince Gray

East Coast anti-missile site indicative of larger budget impasse

George Jackson — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The House is expected to vote this week on this year's defense policy bill. Republicans want to add to the overall defense budget and offset the increases largely by reducing spending on domestic programs for the poor.

CQ Roll Call's John Donnelly outlined one proposal included in the defense policy bill -- $100 million for an anti-missile site on the East Coast -- with Capital Insider.

"That was the week that was"

George Jackson — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney finds himself dogged on the campaign trail by allegations of bad behavior in high school -- roughly 50 years ago.

Romney spent the weekend in Charlotte, N.C. and Lynchburg Va. Trying to get back on message. His speech at Liberty University drew a sharp contrast with President Obama days after Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage.

Republican Strategist Jack Burkman and Democratic Strategist Erikka Knuti discussed bullying allegations and other issues on Capital Insider.

Skybox tickets; Michael Brown; Obama & gay marriage

Bruce DePuyt — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:44:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, reporter Mark Segraves talked about who gets to use the District’s luxury Verizon Center sky box. Records show the Mayor’s relatives and associates have attended a number of big-name events using the city’s box.
DC Councilman Michael Brown discussed the Mayor’s budget submission, affordable housing, “food deserts,” speed cameras and health care.
And Phil Bell, a top official with the Maryland Republican Party, talked about the President’s support for same-sex marriage.
WATCH today’s intervews here:

Monday at 10am: Analysis of the Caps-Rangers series and a preview of the Md. General Assembly’s special session

Federal inmate wins 4 of 10 votes in W.Va. democratic primary

George Jackson — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The focus of presidential politics has moved to general election style campaign stops by GOP Candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama, but primaries in some states are still underway.

That was the case in West Virginia this week. The results of their democratic presidential primary might surprise you. Four in ten voters preferred Keith Judd, a federal inmate, over Obama.

David Cantanese, author of the blog 'Essential Intelligence from the Campaign Trail' on Politico.com, discussed the results on Capital Insider.

Economic turmoil in Europe threatens U.S. stability

George Jackson — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

National Security depends, in large part, on the economy. Troubling new factors overseas could impact markets in the United States. England is in a recession, France is in political turmoil, and Greece is fighting austerity measures. Col. Douglas MacGregor (U.S. Army, ret.) discussed those issues on Capital Insider.

Senate extends congressional stalemate over student loans

George Jackson — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

The student loan rate issue has been one of President Obama's favorites on the campaign trail this month. He turned to it again on Tuesday during a visit to State University of New York in Albany.

"Before they do anything else, Congress needs to keep student loan rates from doubling for students who are here and all across the country," Obama said.

The Senate did not heed those words and voted largely along party lines against starting debate on legislation drafted by the Democrats. If the stalemate continues, students will pay the price this July.

CQ Roll Call Education Reporter Lauren Smith offered analysis on Capital Insider.

Same-sex marriage, DOMA, and federal workers' rights

George Jackson — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:45:00 EST

President Obama's election-year position on gay marriage came under new scrutiny on Monday -- following mixed signals from top members of his administration.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan broke rank, stating his support for same-sex marriage one day after Vice President Joe Biden did the same on national television.

Obama aides say the remarks signal individual viewpoints and his position is "evolving."

Joe Davidson, Federal Diary columnist for the Washington Post, offered analysis on the civil rights debate and how it applies to federal workers.

'That was the week that was'

George Jackson — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:15:00 EST

Last week, the Washington Post released a new poll, showing President Barack Obama with a seven-point lead over likely GOP Nominee Mitt Romney in Virginia. That's the same margin Obama enjoyed in 2008. Democratic Strategist Richard Fowler and Republican Strategist Mercedes Schlapp discussed on whether or not Romney can close the gap and other trending political topics on Capital Insider.

Osama Bin Laden documents released

George Jackson — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:15:00 EST

The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point analyzed tens of thousands of electronic and paper documents once in the possession of Osama Bin Laden. They released 17 on Thursday. The documents depict a leader frustrated with the network he created but committed to another grand attack on the United States. Fmr. Defense Department Spokesman J.D. Gordon discussed that and other issues on Capital Insider.

Women, politics, and the income gap

George Jackson — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

They're two of the top issues of this year's presidential campaign: women and business. This week, Mitt Romney courted voters concerned with both. The likely Republican nominee kicked of his Virginia campaign at a female-owned business in Chantilly, in front of a stage of women, and introduced by his wife. The speech happened ahead of Saturday's conference, "Women Leading the Future," in Chevy Chase. Co-organizer Lindsey Mask discussed the changing role of women on Capital Insider.

Thomas is sentenced; Tweens & social media; Battleground Virginia

Bruce DePuyt — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:19:00 EST

Today on NewsTalk, legal analyst A. Scott Bolden and reporter Mark Segraves discussed the sentencing of former DC Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr.
Author and columnist Leslie Morgan Steiner talked about the battle between parents and pre-teens when it comes to social media sites.
And reporter Scott Thuman talked about the latest polling in Virginia between President Obama and Mitt Romney.
Today’s interviews are here: