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It's All Politics
Public Pressure, Background Checks Central To Obama Gun Control Strategy
February 9, 2013 Gun control historically has been one of the most divisive issues in Congress, between the parties and even inside the Democratic coalition. Yet some in President Obama's own party say he has put together a gun agenda that is sweeping without being too painful for most Democrats to support.
It's All Politics
Immigration Opponents Remain Adamant, Despite Political Risk
January 29, 2013 President Obama will address the immigration issue in a speech Tuesday, following hard on the heels of a new overhaul proposal out of the Senate. Despite new momentum on the issue, those who favor a harder line against illegal immigrants are not convinced they need to change tack.
It's All Politics
Divine Rhetoric: God In The Inaugural Address
January 22, 2013 George Washington invoked the Almighty, but the word "God" wasn't used in an inaugural address until James Monroe. Since then, few presidents have missed the opportunity to put God in their inaugural speeches.
Political Junkie
Monday Was All About Obama. Now All He Needs Is A Cabinet.
January 22, 2013 The President has been inaugurated. Now comes the hard part — getting his agenda through Congress. He also needs to fill the upcoming vacancies in his Cabinet.
The Two-Way
When It Comes To Inaugural Fashion, First Family Stays The Course
January 21, 2013 The first lady is well known for her wardrobe choices, and for the inauguration, Michelle Obama showed off her ability to make multiple style statements during a single day.
The Two-Way
Boehner Floats Tax Rate Hike For Highest Earners
December 16, 2012 The House speaker is showing new flexibility on tax rates in talks with President Obama on the "fiscal cliff." Boehner has proposed allowing income tax rates to increase on people making more than $1 million a year as long as the president agreed to substantial spending cuts.
It's All Politics
Obama And House GOP Engage In Fiscal Cliff Talks, Only Briefly With Each Other
December 5, 2012 The president and House Republicans continued to snipe at each other Wednesday over the impending set of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts known as the fiscal cliff. President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner later spoke briefly by phone for the first time in a week, according to reports.
NPR Ombudsman
To Be American In Referring To The President
November 6, 2012 Only the president of the United States is given the respect on air of being called "Mister" or by his office title in second references. I hereby announce on this election day that whoever wins, the honorific be dumped come the January inauguration. It's not just a matter of journalistic fairness. It's a matter of being American.
The Two-Way
Obama And Romney Go On A Whirlwind Tour In Election's Final Weekend
November 3, 2012 It's a nonstop sprint to the finish as President Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney speed through campaign stops in at least seven states Saturday, looking for support where each needs it most.
The Two-Way
Obama's Weekly Address Receives Belated Romney Response
November 3, 2012 Mitt Romney delivered the official GOP response to President Obama's weekly address on Saturday. Media observers were surprised, however, that the challenger's address was released hours after the president's message.
It's All Politics
Why The Economy Won't Help Obama — Or Romney
October 26, 2012 The economy is growing and consumer confidence is rising. But the data are too mixed to point to a robust economy. And it may be too late anyway to change voters' impressions.
It's All Politics
In Search Of Obama's Second-Term Agenda
October 26, 2012 The president has been relatively mum during the campaign about what he would do if given a second term. He outlined more specific ideas this week — but he hasn't explained how he would get those ideas through Congress.
It's All Politics
Obama Campaign Invokes '537' To Get Out The Vote
October 24, 2012 An Obama campaign ad airing in swing states referencing the 2000 Florida recount uses memorable images of the days following the election to encourage supporters to vote. It calls 537 "the number of votes that changed the course of American history."
NPR Ombudsman
Hearing Is Believing: A Comparison of Romney and Obama Sound Bites
October 15, 2012 On the eve of the second presidential debate, we revisit the first one and the vice presidential debate. Some listeners thought they heard more clips of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan than of President Obama and Joe Biden. We found a virtual dead heat. In politics, our bile affects what we hear.
It's All Politics
The Not-So-Great Communicator: Is Obama Overrated As A Speaker?
October 15, 2012 Since becoming president, Obama's rhetorical triumphs have been just that: moving speeches delivered on ceremonial occasions. When it comes to policy and attempts to move public opinion, the silver-tongued Obama has largely been absent.