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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
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Don Gonyea

Iran's Pivotal Presidential Election

Iran, Health Care Dominate Questions For Obama

In his fourth formal news conference, President Obama took questions Tuesday that focused on Iran and health care. He said he was "appalled and outraged" by Iran's violent reaction to protests following the disputed presidential election. The president also talked at length about the cost of overhauling health care and the role of a public insurance plan.

Iran, Health Care Dominate Questions For Obama

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Politics

Obama Ups Iran Rhetoric

In the fourth formal news conference of his presidency, President Obama said he was "appalled and outraged" by Iran's violent reaction to protests, but he resisted describing potential consequences for the regime's actions. Obama also talked about the cost of health care reform and the role of a public insurance plan.

Obama Ups Iran Rhetoric

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Politics

Obama Signs Sweeping Tobacco Legislation

President Obama signed Monday legislation enabling the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco with broad new powers over marketing. But his closet smoking has raised some eyebrows among health advocates and led to some uncomfortable moments for the president.

Obama Signs Sweeping Tobacco Legislation

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Politics

Focus Sharpens On Obama's Management Style

After six months in office, a clear picture of President Obama's leadership and management style has emerged. On issue after issue, he has found a path that emphasizes the pragmatic over ideology. In the process, he's disappointment strong supporters on certain issues.

Focus Sharpens On Obama's Management Style

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Iran's Pivotal Presidential Election

GOP Wants Harsher Tone Toward Iran

President Obama has chosen his words carefully in reacting to the massive street demonstrations and violence that have taken place in Iran since last week's disputed presidential election. He's walking a fine line — condemning the crackdown but not declaring the election illegitimate. Republicans in Congress say a more forceful reaction is warranted.

GOP Wants Harsher Tone Toward Iran

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Politics

Obama 'Deeply Troubled' By Iran Unrest

President Obama said Monday he was "deeply troubled" by the violence in Iran following the presidential elections in that country. He also said the U.S. would continue to pursue tough, hard-headed diplomacy with Tehran. In another development, Obama announced that Italy had agreed to take three detainees from Guantanamo Bay.

Obama 'Deeply Troubled' By Iran Unrest

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World

Survivors, World Leaders Mark D-Day In France

World leaders and veterans gathered Saturday in France to commemorate D-Day. The Allied invasion at Normandy 65 years ago was a turning point of World War II. Thousands of Allied soldiers died securing the beaches, and President Obama honored them Saturday, saying, "We must not forget."

Survivors, World Leaders Mark D-Day In France

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World

At Buchenwald, Obama Blasts Holocaust Deniers

President Obama was in Germany Friday where he met with Chancellor Angela Merkel, before visiting the site of Buchenwald, the Nazi concentration camp. Later, Obama met with injured American soldiers evacuated from Iraq and Afghanistan at a U.S. military hospital in western Germany.

At Buchenwald, Obama Blasts Holocaust Deniers

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World

While In Germany, Obama Will Honor WW II Vets

President Obama as moved on to Europe. In Germany, he's meeting with Chancellor Merkel. He also is visiting a German concentration camp. In France on Saturday, he will mark the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

While In Germany, Obama Will Honor WW II Vets

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Middle East

Obama Seeks To Mend Ties With Muslim World

In a wide-ranging speech in Cairo Thursday, President Obama called for a new beginning in relations between the U.S. and the Muslim world. He urged Americans to set aside negative stereotypes about Islam and asked Muslims to take a more accurate view of the U.S.

Obama Seeks To Mend Ties With Muslim World

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Politics

Obama Delivers Long-Promised Speech

President Obama is in Cairo, Egypt, after spending a day in Saudi Arabia for talks with King Abdullah. The president delivered a major address at Cairo University, where he hopes to bolster relations between the U.S. and the Muslim world.

Obama Delivers Long-Promised Speech

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Middle East

Obama, Saudi King Meet Amid New Bin Laden Tape

President Obama is in Saudi Arabia, part of his effort to reopen a dialogue with the Muslim world. The visit came at nearly the same time as a new audio recording apparently from al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden that says Obama's policies in Pakistan have fanned hatred toward the U.S.

Obama, Saudi King Meet Amid New Bin Laden Tape

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Business

Automaker GM Files For Bankruptcy

Automaker GM filed for bankruptcy Monday and the Obama administration said it will provide another $30 billion to keep the company operating, making the federal government the company's majority shareholder. President Obama said his administration's goal is to get GM back on its feet and to get the company out of bankruptcy quickly.

Don Gonyea Reports On White House Role In The Restructuring Plan On All Things Considered.

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Politics

Obama Addresses Naval Academy Grads

In his commencement address to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Friday, President Barack Obama told graduating midshipmen that, as their commander in chief, he will send them into harm's way only "when it is absolutely necessary."

Obama Addresses Naval Academy Grads

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Detainees at Guantanamo Bay

Obama, Cheney: Different Views On Protecting U.S.

Two different views on national security were presented Thursday, in a pair of speeches in Washington. President Obama argued that protecting the country does not have to come at the expense of core values. Former Vice President Dick Cheney defended the Bush administration's approach to fighting terrorism after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Obama, Cheney: Different Views On Protecting U.S.

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