2005
DECEMBER
December 21, 2005
Legality of Domestic Spying
Two experts discuss the legal elements of President Bush's decision to authorize domestic spying on suspected terrorists without court approval

December 19, 2005
The NSA and Domestic Surveillance
President Bush said he did not break the law when he authorized the National Security Agency to spy on Americans suspected of terrorism. Following a background report, two senators discuss domestic surveillance.

December 16, 2005
Newsmaker: President Bush
In an exclusive interview with Jim Lehrer, President Bush defended his administration's efforts in Iraq and refused to discuss the reported monitoring of Americans by the National Security Agency.

December 5, 2005
9/11 Commission Gives Government Failing Grades
The panel charged with investigating the government response to 9/11 announced that the government has failed to adequately follow its recommendations to protect America against a future terrorist attack.

NOVEMBER
November 30, 2005
Iraq Strategy
President Bush reinforced his strategy in Iraq and rejected calls to set any timetables for a pullout in a speech Wednesday at the U.S. Naval Academy. Two members of the Senate Armed Forces Committee discuss the president's speech.

November 23, 2005
Padilla Charged
Jose Padilla, who was arrested in 2002 for an alleged plot to attack the United States, has been indicted on charges related to supporting terror campaigns in Afghanistan and elsewhere, U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said Tuesday. Two experts discuss the Bush administration's handling of the case.

November 21, 2005
Debate over Iraq Withdrawal
Following a background report on the response to Rep. John Mutha's proposal to pull U.S. troops from Iraq, including criticism from Vice President Cheney, two retired lieutenant generals discuss how the plan would affect the situation on the ground.

November 18, 2005
War of Words
The White House defended its strategy in Iraq facing recent criticisms and calls for a withdrawal. Following a background report, New York Times columnist David Brooks and Boston Globe columnist Tom Oliphant discuss the accusations.

November 16, 2005
Stern Words for China
In Japan during his visit to Asia, President Bush challenged China to expand political and religious freedoms.

November 11, 2005
White House Defends Pre-War Intelligence
White House communications director Dan Bartlett refuted accusations that President Bush misled America with faulty intelligence in the months leading up to the invasion of Iraq.

November 8, 2005
Free Trade Talks Falter
President Bush and Latin American countries ended the Summit of the Americas without an agreement over a free trade zone.

November 4, 2005
Iraq War Questions
Retired Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, Colin Powell's former chief of staff, has sharply criticized the Bush administration's handling of the run up to the Iraq war. Following an interview with Wilkerson, two experts debate his charges.

November 3, 2005
Libby Pleads Not Guilty
Former vice presidential chief of staff Lewis Libby appeared in court on a five-count indictment. Two former presidential chiefs of staff discuss the implications of the CIA leak case on the White House.

November 1, 2005
U.S. Flu Response Plan
President Bush unveiled a flu response plan for the United States amid concerns that the H5N1 strain of the bird flu could spark a pandemic.

OCTOBER
October 31, 2005
New Nominee for Supreme Court
President Bush nominated Judge Samuel Alito to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Legal experts discuss the nomination and the reactions that could follow.

October 31, 2005
Rough Times for President Bush
NewsHour analysts discuss President Bush's leadership and strategy in the face of recent challenging political situations.

October 28, 2005
Libby Indicted in CIA Leak Case
Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald announced that Lewis Libby, Vice President's chief of staff, was indicted in the CIA leak investigation. A report looks at the legal ramifications of the indictment and two journalists following the case give background on Lewis Libby.

October 27, 2005
Miers Withdraws: Senate Reaction
Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, discuss the Miers withdrawal.

October 27, 2005
Miers Withdraws
A report on Harriet Miers' withdrawal as a nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court.

October 26, 2005
CIA Leak Update
A reporter provides an update on the CIA leak investigation. The grand jury expires Friday

October 26, 2005
Uncertainty Over Miers
Following a background report, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter and ranking Democrat Patrick Leahy discuss the state of the Harriet Miers Supreme Court nomination.

October 24, 2005
New Federal Reserve Chair
President Bush nominated Ben Bernanke, the White House's top economic adviser, to replace Chairman Alan Greenspan in January.

October 19, 2005
More Questions for Miers
A report on the status of the Harriet Miers nomination. Senate Judiciary Committee members say they want more information on the Supreme Court nominee.

October 18, 2005
Supreme Questions
Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers supplied the Senate with on Tuesday shed more light on her opinions. Following a background report, two senators discuss the new information about the candidate.

October 17, 2005
Silence Broken
A report on developments in the CIA leak investigation after New York Times reporter Judith Miller's release from jail.

October 10, 2005
Conservatives Battle over Miers
Republicans continue to quarrel over the judicial qualifications of Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers.

October 6, 2005
The CIA Leak Case
President Bush's top political adviser Karl Rove has agreed to testify again before a federal grand jury in the case of a CIA agent's leaked identity. A reporter provides an update.

October 4, 2005
President Bush Defends Miers Nomination
Facing tough scrutiny from both Republicans and Democrats, President Bush said he picked the best person for the job. Two constitutional scholars and a law professor discuss the nomination.

October 3, 2005
Supreme Choice
President Bush nominated Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court Monday to fill the seat of retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Following a background report, a reporter and law professor that know her well discuss the nomination.

SEPTEMBER
September 19, 2005
Conversation: Jimmy Carter and James Baker
Former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker, co-chairmen of the National Commission on Federal Election Reform, talk about their newly released recommendations for federal election reform.

September 16, 2005
Gulf Coast Recovery
President Bush pledged the federal government's support for recovery efforts in areas hit by Hurricane Katrina. A report looks at the reactions to Bush's speech from politicians and survivors. Five guests share their views about Bush's promises and the government's role in the cleanup.

September 15, 2005
Brooks and Oliphant
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Boston Globe columnist Tom Oliphant join Jim Lehrer to discuss the Roberts hearings and preview President Bush's Katrina speech.

September 6, 2005
Katrina's Political Fallout
President Bush and congressional leaders each announced Tuesday that they would investigate the federal government's highly criticized response to Hurricane Katrina.

AUGUST
August 29, 2005
Newsmaker: Patrick Leahy
Senate Judiciary Committee ranking Democrat Patrick Leahy of Vermont discusses the upcoming confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee John Roberts.

August 24, 2005
Military Base Closings
The independent commission charged with making military base closing recommendations to President Bush began meeting Wednesday to make final decisions on dozens of bases.

August 24, 2005
Newsmaker: Arlen Specter
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa., talks about the confirmation hearings on Supreme Court nominee John Roberts.

August 19, 2005
In John Roberts' Own Words
The most recent documents released by the National Archives on Supreme Court nominee John Roberts shed more light on his work during the Reagan era.

August 10, 2005
Transportation Bill
President Bush signed a major highway bill Wednesday, which he said would provide a much-needed economic boost to the nation. Critics of the bill say it contains too many "pork barrel" projects.

August 1, 2005
New U.N. Ambassador
President Bush circumvented Senate approval and appointed embattled nominee John Bolton to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

JULY
July 28, 2005
Newsmaker: Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discusses developments in Iraq, negotiations with North Korea and the recent attacks in London and Egypt, among other topics.

July 26, 2005
Newsmaker: Alberto Gonzales
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales talks about the controversy surrounding the leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame's name, recent terrorist attacks in London and Egypt and the spread of methamphetamines in the United States.

July 22, 2005
John Roberts' Legal Legacy
As Judge John Roberts and U.S. Senators prepare for confirmation hearings in September, three legal experts examine the judge's legal record on issues that may come before the Supreme Court.

July 20, 2005
Supreme Court Choice
Supreme Court nominee John Roberts, Jr. began meeting senators from both parties Wednesday as the Senate floor begins talking about the nominee.

July 20, 2005
President Bush's Selection
An analyst talks about Supreme Court nominee John Roberts' legal ideology and why President Bush selected him for the nomination.

July 20, 2005
Newsmaker: Andrew Card
White House chief of staff Andrew Card talks about President Bush's choice of Appellate Judge John Roberts Jr. for the Supreme Court.

July 20, 2005
Newsmaker: Sen. Charles Schumer
Judiciary Committee member Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., discusses John Roberts' chances of getting Senate confirmation to sit on the Supreme Court.

July 19, 2005
Supreme Court Pick
President Bush will introduce his choice to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court Tuesday evening in a speech to the nation.

July 18, 2005
Newsmaker: Ken Mehlman
Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman talks about the current state of the Republican Party and the controversy surrounding White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove.

July 15, 2005
Supreme Court Battle
Debates have already erupted as Capitol Hill speculates who President Bush might nominate to take Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's place on the Supreme Court.

July 15, 2005
Under Pressure
The controversy surrounding White House top aide Karl Rove and his potential role in the leak of a CIA operative's name to the media grows as the Senate takes action.

July 13, 2005
Newsmaker: Michael Chertoff
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff talks about last week's London bombings and plans announced Wednesday to overhaul the Department of Homeland Security.

July 13, 2005
Under Pressure
Two former White House officials discuss the revelation that President Bush's senior political adviser Karl Rove may be involved in the leak of a CIA operative's name to the media.

July 13, 2005
Media Relations
The White House press corps applied pressure this week on administration mouthpiece Scott McClellan to explain prior assertions that presidential adviser Karl Rove had no involvement in the CIA leak case.

July 8, 2005
G-8 Summit Outcome
The Group of Eight summit ended with an agreement to increase aid to Africa, but no movement on reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

July 6, 2005
Supreme Court Test
Two leading members of the Senate Judiciary Committee discuss the upcoming confirmation battle over who should replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

July 5, 2005
Climate Tension
President Bush headed to Europe Tuesday for the G-8 summit, a three-day meeting with other industrial nations to discuss international economic issues. One of the topics on the agenda is climate change.

July 5, 2005
Climate Tension Discussion
A discussion on possible solutions to climate change with two experts.

July 5, 2005
Supreme Court History
In a prelude to the expected battle over the next Supreme Court justice nomination, a legal expert discusses the selection and confirmation process.

July 4, 2005
Conversation: Bruce Gordon
Bruce Gordon, the new chief executive of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, talks about the organization's ability to attract the younger generation, its relationship with the current White House administration and economic inequality issues for African Americans.

JUNE
June 30, 2005
Intelligence Changes
President Bush announced Wednesday a new set of changes to the intelligence community, including the creation of a domestic intelligence unit within the FBI and a national weapons counter-proliferation center.

June 29, 2005
Newsmakers: Hadley And Biden
Some prominent congressional Democrats criticized President Bush's speech Wednesday, saying he shouldn't have invoked the memory of the Sept. 11 attacks when urging support for Iraq.

June 22, 2005
Emissions Limits
After hours of debate, the Senate on Wednesday agreed to voluntary emissions reductions rather than mandatory cuts in a sweeping energy policy bill.

June 22, 2005
Newsmaker: Howard Dean
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean speaks about the future of the Democratic Party.

June 21, 2005
New Era in Vietnam
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai met with President Bush to speak about Vietnam's request to be a member of the World Trade Organization and a possible visit by the president to the island nation next year.

June 20, 2005
The Bolton Battle
President Bush urged the Senate Monday to end debate on U.N. ambassador nominee John Bolton and allow an up-or-down vote.

June 14, 2005
Iraq's Struggle for Security
Car bombs killed at least two dozen people in Kirkuk and five Iraqi soldiers in Kan'an, north of Baghdad, Tuesday, as new polls show U.S. public support for the military operation is waning.

June 2, 2005
Deep Throat Reflections
Former Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee talks about the paper's decision to confirm Deep Throat's identity, the confidentiality agreement and W. Mark Felt's decision to speak with Post reporters.

MAY
May 31, 2005
Deep Throat Revealed
The Washington Post confirmed that former FBI official W. Mark Felt is Deep Throat, the legendary source who leaked secrets to the Post about President Nixon's Watergate cover-up.

May 27, 2005
Filibuster Fight
The vote to end debate on the nomination of John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations fell four votes short on the Senate floor Thursday night, delaying a final vote.

May 23, 2005
Turmoil in Afghanistan
In a meeting with President Bush Monday, Afghan President Hamid Karzai requested greater control over U.S. troops in his country and tougher penalties for maltreatment of Afghan detainees.

May 23, 2005
Stem Cell Research Politics
The House is set to consider a bill that would allow federal funding of stem cell research using human embryos donated by fertility clinics. President Bush has promised to veto the measure.

May 17, 2005
Senate Showdown
Talks between Senate Democrats and Republicans over President Bush's judicial nominees broke off late Monday after party leaders failed to reach a compromise for voting on the controversial nominees. An update on the potential Senate showdown.

May 13, 2005
The Senate Standoff Over Judicial Nominees
A report on the Senate's potential showdown over President Bush's judicial nominations.

May 13, 2005
The Controversy Surrounding Video News Releases
A report that looks at the ongoing controversy surrounding the government's video news releases, or VNRs.

May 11, 2005
Judges Weigh in on Nomination Battle
As the battle over President Bush's judicial nominees moves closer to a heated debate on the Senate floor, two federal court judges recount their own confirmation hearing experiences.

APRIL
April 11, 2005
Israel's Settlement Policy
In meetings Monday with President Bush, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reiterated his promise to remove unauthorized Jewish settlements and Mr. Bush prodded both sides to work together to improve the daily life of Palestinians.

MARCH
March 31, 2005
Inaccurate Intelligence
The commission charged with investigating U.S. spy agencies found analysts were incorrect about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs and know "disturbing little" about emerging threats.

March 8, 2005
Clinton's Surgical Fix
A discussion about the medical procedure former President Clinton will undergo to remove excess fluid and scar tissue from one of his lungs.

March 4, 2005
Selling Social Security
President Bush jump-started his "60 stops in 60 days" Social Security reform campaign Friday in New Jersey and Indiana. A report on how the Bush administration is trying to sell its Social Security plan.

March 1, 2005
Faith and Charity
A report on President Bush's initiative to grant federal funding to faith-based organizations.

March 1, 2005
Newsmaker: Sen. Bill Frist
Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., speaks about President Bush's Social Security plan, the Democrats' use of the filibuster against the president's judicial nominees and his plans in 2008.

FEBRUARY
February 17, 2005
Newsmaker: Harry Reid
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., talks about the current political climate, his role as Senate minority leader and where the Democratic Party is headed.

February 17, 2005
Q&A
The NewsHour gives extended excerpts of Thursday's press conference with President Bush, where he discussed relations with Iran, tension between Syria and Lebanon and plans to overhaul Social Security.

February 17, 2005
Intelligence Chief
President Bush Thursday nominated U.S. Ambassador to Iraq John Negroponte as national intelligence director.

February 17, 2005
Intelligence Chief
Margaret Warner leads a discussion on the nomination with John Lehman, former Navy secretary who served on the 9/11 commission, Richard Ben-Veniste, former Watergate prosecutor who also served on the commission, and Bernard Aronson, assistant secretary of state for inter-American affairs during the first Bush administration.

February 10, 2005
Conversation: Laura Bush
President Bush put his wife Laura Bush in charge of a three-year $150 million anti-gang initiative, he announced during the State of the Union. The first lady speaks with Jim Lehrer about this new project.

February 9, 2005
Conversation: The Case for Democracy
Ray Suarez speaks with Natan Sharansky, author of "The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror," about the influence his book seems to be having on the Bush administration.

February 4, 2005
On the Road
Kwame Holman reports on President Bush's road trip in Arkansas to promote his Social Security reform proposal.

February 4, 2005
Nuclear Challenge
In his State of the Union speech, President Bush identified Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. Margaret Warner leads a discussion on how the United States should handle Iran's nuclear program with two nuclear experts.

February 3, 2005
Historical Perspective
Jim Lehrer leads a discussion about President Bush's Social Security proposal in historical context.with noted historians.

February 1, 2005
Setting an Agenda
Gwen Ifill speaks with Thomas "Mack" McLarty, President Clinton's chief of staff, Kenneth Duberstein, chief of staff in Ronald Reagan's second administration, and David Gergen, who served in the Clinton, Reagan, Ford and Nixon White Houses about the importance of the state of the union address.

JANUARY
January 31, 2005
Newsmaker: John Negroponte
Margaret Warner speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq John Negroponte about his view on Iraq's first multi-party elections in 50 years.

January 28, 2005
Shields and Brooks
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Jim Lehrer for a look at the elections in Iraq and the confirmation of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

January 26, 2005
Social Security
President Bush further explained his position on Social Security reform at a press conference. Two analysts assess the president's stance on the controversial matter.

January 26, 2005
Spreading Freedom
Two political analysts discuss the president's efforts to lead the world's democratic movement at a press conference.

January 26, 2005
Spreading Freedom
President Bush spoke of his drive to lead the world's democratic movement at a press conference.

January 26, 2005
President's Perspective on Iraq
Jim Lehrer discusses the election and the public's view of the war with two political analysts.

January 26, 2005
President's Perspective on Iraq
President Bush urged Iraqis to vote in Sunday's elections despite insurgent violence at a press conference.

January 21, 2005
Second Time Around
Correspondent Kwame Holman reports on the final festivities for President Bush's second inaugural.

January 20, 2005
Inaugural Address
President Bush took the oath of office for the second time Thursday. The NewsHour gives extended excerpts of his inaugural address.

January 20, 2005
Inaugural Address
Two foreign relations experts discuss the emphasis on spreading democracy in President Bush's inaugural address.

January 20, 2005
Perspectives
Three historians look at President Bush's inaugural festivities and compare this inauguration to those of the past.

January 20, 2005
Inauguration Day
A report on the pageantry surrounding the 55th presidential inauguration.

January 19, 2005
Newsmaker: Paul Wolfowitz
Margaret Warner speaks with Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz about his recent visit to the tsunami-stricken regions of South Asia.

January 19, 2005
Cautious Capital
An unprecedented security presence will surround President Bush's second inauguration. Kwame Holman reports on the security plans for Thursday's ceremony.

January 19, 2005
Second Term Test
Gwen Ifill leads a discussion on the challenges facing presidents in their second term with Thomas "Mack" McLarty, President Clinton's chief of staff in his first term, Kenneth Duberstein, President Reagan's chief of staff during his second term, and David Gergen, who served in the Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Reagan, Ford and Nixon White Houses.

January 19, 2005
The Rice Hearing
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday endorsed Condoleezza Rice to be the next secretary of state. Kwame Holman reports on the second day of the confirmation hearings leading up to the committee's vote.

January 18, 2005
The Rice Hearing
Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday. Kwame Holman reports on the confirmation hearings. Then, Gwen Ifill leads a discussion on Rice's testimony with two members of the committee, Sens. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.

January 18, 2005
Setting a Tone
Terence Smith takes a historical look at presidential inaugurations. Then, Margaret Warner talks with former presidential speech writers Ray Price and Michael Waldman about the challenges of crafting a second inaugural speech.

January 13, 2005
Newsmaker: Colin Powell
Jim Lehrer speaks with Secretary of State Colin Powell about the upcoming Iraqi elections, prospects for peace in the Middle East and tsunami relief efforts in South Asia.

January 5, 2005
Medical Liability
Health correspondent Susan Dentzer reports on President Bush's call for medical liability reform. Then, Gwen Ifill leads a discussion on the president's proposal.

January 3, 2005
Indefinite Detentions
Margaret Warner talks with David Cole, a professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, and John Yoo, a professor at the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, about the Bush administration initiative to hold suspected terrorists indefinitely.