Accessibility links
Don Gonyea Don Gonyea is a NPR National Political Correspondent based in Washington, D.C., and travels throughout the United States covering elections and the country's political climate. His reports can be heard on all NPR programs and at NPR.org.
Don Gonyea 2010
Stories By

Don Gonyea

For GOP Comeback, Leaders Urge Stepped-Up Outreach

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, shown at the Republican National Convention in August, has been re-elected to another two-year term. Mark Wilson/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Mark Wilson/Getty Images

It's All Politics

For GOP Comeback, Leaders Urge Stepped-Up Outreach

"I will talk to a head of lettuce if I can get them to vote Republican," says Sharon Day, the newly re-elected Republican National Committee co-chair. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus says the GOP needs better relationships in "minority communities, urban centers, college towns."

For GOP Comeback, Leaders Urge Stepped-Up Outreach

Listen · 4:10
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/170314968/170336324" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Politics

GOP To 'Aggressively Court' Minority Voters

GOP leaders are in Charlotte, North Carolina, trying to map out a comeback from the drubbing they took in the November elections. The Republican National Committee says it will not abandon core conservative principles. But party officials are looking to attract Latinos and other minority voters, along with young people.

GOP To 'Aggressively Court' Minority Voters

Listen · 3:51
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/170231470/170231949" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
At Winter Gathering, GOP Asks: Where Do We Go From Here?

Reince Priebus, shown at the Republican National Convention in August, says Republicans need to "grow our party without compromising our principles." Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images

It's All Politics

At Winter Gathering, GOP Asks: Where Do We Go From Here?

But Republican leaders say there won't be a sudden about-face in policy, despite recent disappointments at the polls. The party is focusing on message, technology and grass-roots organizing at its meetings in Charlotte, N.C.

At Winter Gathering, GOP Asks: Where Do We Go From Here?

Listen · 3:57
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/170182538/170195869" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

National

Lincoln Memorial A Doubly Powerful Place On Inauguration Day

For many inauguration attendees without tickets to official viewing areas, there was a historic alternative all the way on the other side of the National Mall at the Lincoln Memorial. Lincoln is often invoked by President Obama and the memorial's role in the civil rights movement also made it a powerful draw on a day that was not only Inauguration Day, but also Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

Lincoln Memorial A Doubly Powerful Place On Inauguration Day

Listen · 3:57
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/169920884/169920861" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Inauguration 2013

Taking A Train From Chicago To D.C. For Obama's Big Day

A group of women traveled 18 hours by train from Chicago to Washington, D.C., for Inauguration Day. We hear about why they and others decided to attend this year's festivities, which fall on Martin Luther King Day.

Taking A Train From Chicago To D.C. For Obama's Big Day

Listen · 4:11
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/169893849/169893227" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Inauguration 2013

Much Has Changed Since Obama's 1st Inauguration

President Obama's second inauguration is not expected to have record-setting crowds. Also, the president is not the same man as he was four years ago.

Much Has Changed Since Obama's 1st Inauguration

Listen · 3:51
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/169877188/169877152" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

It's All Politics

Latino Voters Urge Obama To Keep Immigration Promise

After turning out in a big way for President Obama in the fall, many Latinos say they want him to do something he did not do in his first term: push hard for and sign a comprehensive immigration overhaul.

Latino Voters Urge Obama To Keep Immigration Promise

Listen · 3:58
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/169653284/169685555" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
For Young Republican, Defying Boehner In Washington Plays Well Back Home

Republican House Speaker John Boehner administers the oath of office to Amash during a mock swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 5, 2011, at the start of Amash's first term. Jacquelyn Martin/AP hide caption

toggle caption
Jacquelyn Martin/AP

It's All Politics

For Young Republican, Defying Boehner In Washington Plays Well Back Home

After trying to help remove fellow Republican John Boehner as House speaker, Rep. Justin Amash got a very warm reception upon returning to his Michigan district. For a conservative Republican from a conservative district, being labeled a Washington troublemaker is not necessarily a bad thing.

For Young Republican, Defying Boehner In Washington Plays Well Back Home

Listen · 4:35
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/169064728/169077512" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

National

Connecticut Residents Reevaluate Gun Control After Newtown Shootings

People in Connecticut — from the state level to local hunters — are talking about gun control after the shootings in Newtown. The National Rifle Association is expected to hold a press conference on the issue on Friday.

Connecticut Residents Reevaluate Gun Control After Newtown Shootings

Listen · 4:10
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/167739918/167740201" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Shootings In Newtown, Conn.

Much Of Newtown Heads Back To School After Shootings

Most children returned to school in Newtown, Conn., on Monday as some families buried victims of the last week's shootings.

Much Of Newtown Heads Back To School After Shootings

Listen · 3:48
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/167563476/167563465" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Shootings In Newtown, Conn.

Children's Shooting Deaths Leave Small Town Numb

Newtown, Conn., is still reeling from the shock of last week's shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Sadness is everywhere as the first of many funerals were held Monday. The police investigation continues but most of the big questions about the attack remain unanswered at this time.

Children's Shooting Deaths Leave Small Town Numb

Listen · 4:11
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/167505899/167513137" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Business

Do Unions Still Have Clout In Michigan?

The contentious fight over labor rights has been unfolding throughout the Midwest in the last couple years. Michigan becoming a right-to-work state is only the latest example. Over the past two years in Wisconsin and Ohio, Republican governors took on labor unions.

Do Unions Still Have Clout In Michigan?

Listen · 3:25
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/167029253/167029310" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Politics

Tea Party May Be Losing Steam, But Issues Still Boil

While the movement loses popularity nationwide, it's still a force in the GOP. When it comes to fiscal cliff negotiations, however, Tea Party members in Congress seem resigned to the fact that any eventual deal will be one they won't like. That doesn't mean the Tea Party spirit can't be recharged.

Tea Party May Be Losing Steam, But Issues Still Boil

Listen · 4:12
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/166699843/166713331" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Rice Controversy Raises Ayotte's Profile

Sen. Kelly Ayotte, joined by Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. John McCain, discusses the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Capitol Hill earlier this month. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

toggle caption
J. Scott Applewhite/AP

It's All Politics

Rice Controversy Raises Ayotte's Profile

For many Americans, New Hampshire freshman Sen. Kelly Ayotte is a brand-new face. But she campaigned this year with presidential candidate Mitt Romney and was mentioned as a possible running mate. Now, she has joined veteran Republican senators in raising questions about U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice.

Rice Controversy Raises Ayotte's Profile

Listen · 4:10
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/166251116/166260826" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript