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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

World

Is Obama In An 'Afghan Box'?

During the presidential campaign, candidate Obama cited the war in Afghanistan as a "good war" — in contrast to the U.S. effort in Iraq. But as violence in Afghanistan escalates while support for the war deteriorates, can President Obama afford to stay the course? Can he afford not to?

Is Obama In An 'Afghan Box'?

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Middle East

Iran Warned To Come Clean On Nuclear Plans

The leaders of France, Britain and the United States are warning Iran that it'll be "held accountable" unless it comes clean about its nuclear ambitions. The statements at the G-20 economic summit in Pittsburgh came after the disclosure that Iran had kept a secret nuclear facility hidden from weapons inspectors.

Iran Warned To Come Clean On Nuclear Plans

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World

Obama Calls For Global Response To Global Challenges

President Obama delivered his first speech to the U.N. General Assembly in New York Wednesday. He stated that American foreign policy has changed, and he bluntly said that the U.S. can't be expected to take on difficult world problems alone.

Obama Calls For Global Response To Global Challenges

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World

At U.N., Obama Challenges World Leaders

President Obama challenged leaders gathered at the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday to join the U.S. in solving the world's problems rather than waiting for America to do it on its own. Obama used his first address to the U.N. General Assembly to calls for a "new era of engagement."

At U.N., Obama Challenges World Leaders

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World

Day At U.N. Underscores Obama's Challenges

In New York for his first visit to the U.N. since becoming president, Barack Obama spent time meeting with other world leaders. He also addressed the U.N. Summit on Climate Change. With progress stalled on Middle East peace talks as well as climate change, it was a day that underscored the challenges Obama faces.

Day At U.N. Underscores Obama's Challenges

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Television

Obama On 'Late Night': It's Not All Laughs

President Obama says he believes the economy will eventually be "stronger than before." In an interview with David Letterman on CBS's Late Show, Obama said there's been an uptick in manufacturing, but "we are not out of the woods yet." Obama added that Afghanistan is a difficult mission that he is reassessing.

Obama On 'Late Night': It's Not All Laughs

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Politics

Obama Pushes Health Care Bill In Ohio, Pa.

President Obama talked to workers at a GM plant in Ohio and the AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, touting his administration's work on the economy and promising to deliver a new health care system.

Obama Pushes Health Care Bill In Ohio, Pa.

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Politics

Obama Says His Policies Are Helping Workers

President Obama on Tuesday told workers at a General Motors plant and the AFL-CIO convention that his administration deserved credit for reviving the nation's economy. But he acknowledged that Americans are frustrated as they deal with the effects of a prolonged recession.

Obama Says His Policies Are Helping Workers

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Politics

Obama Returns To Campaign Trail For Health Care

After a summer in which the opposition gained the upper hand in the health care debate, warning of a government takeover and death panels while the president's mighty campaign machine seemed almost dormant, Obama is now trying to gain control of the debate.

Obama Returns To Campaign Trail For Health Care

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Financial Crisis: One Year And Counting

Financial Crisis Gave Candidate Obama A Boost

A year ago, the financial crisis offered voters a glimpse of the two presidential candidates in action. It was a moment that solidified Barack Obama's narrow lead over John McCain. Once Obama was elected, the crisis defined his early presidency.

Financial Crisis Gave Candidate Obama A Boost

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Politics

New AFL-CIO Chief Has Tough Road Ahead

The nation's largest labor organization, the AFL-CIO, gets a new president next month. Former United Mine Workers President Richard Trumka will replace John Sweeney. Trumka faces major challenges, including the long-term decline in union membership. But he also will have a friend in the White House in President Obama.

New AFL-CIO Chief Has Tough Road Ahead

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Health Care

Warner: Discussion Must Include End-Of-Life Care

Some of the hottest debate over health care this summer has been about end-of-life care. Critics warn of "Death Panels" that would decide who gets life saving treatment. President Obama and others counter that claim is baseless. In Virginia Thursday, Democratic Senator Mark Warner held a town hall meeting designed to specifically address end-of-life issues.

Warner: Discussion Must Include End-Of-Life Care

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Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, 1932-2009

Obama: Honored To Call Teddy A Friend

President Obama says Sen. Ted Kennedy touched the lives of many people. Even though the two didn't know each other for very long, Obama says he was honored to call him a friend. Kennedy's endorsement of Obama was very important in the race for the White House.

Obama: Honored To Call Teddy A Friend

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Health Care

Radio, Grassroots Used To Push Health Care Rx

With polls showing public support slipping for the White House push to change health care, President Obama reached out to two different audiences Thursday. He's trying to gain control of the debate on overhauling health care. Obama invited a conservative talk radio show to the White House; then the president visited the Democratic National Committee headquarters where he talked about health care to the audience and to thousands watching online.

Radio, Grassroots Used To Push Health Care Rx

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Politics

Obama Tries To Retake Health Care Dialogue

President Obama said Thursday any bill he signs must reduce costs, protect consumers, provide affordable choices and not add to the federal deficit. He was answering questions on health care from callers on a talk radio interview at the White House.

Obama Tries To Retake Health Care Dialogue

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