U.S. Presidency 2006 Archive | PBS NewsHour

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	2006 DECEMBER Dec. 27, 2006 Former President Gerald Ford's Legacy Remembered In his brief presidency, Gerald Ford, who died Tuesday at age 93, struggled to heal the nation after the Watergate scandal forced his predecessor Richard Nixon from office. Four historians and scholars reflect on Mr. Ford, his presidency and his legacy.

	Dec. 27, 2006 President Ford Assesses Key 1976 Debates in Past Interview Jim Lehrer interviewed former President Ford as part of a special report called "Debating Our Destiny" highlighting key moments of presidential debates over the last 40 years. The following are excerpts.

	Dec. 27, 2006 President Ford Led Nation After Watergate, Vietnam Former President Ford, who died at his California home Tuesday, led the nation after the Watergate affair and the end of the Vietnam war. The NewsHour presents a report on his life.

	Dec. 27, 2006 Former President Ford Dies at Age 93 Former President Ford, who worked to help the nation heal after the Watergate scandal forced his predecessor Richard Nixon from office, died Tuesday at his Rancho Mirage, Calif., home at age 93.

	Dec. 27, 2006 Biography: Former President Gerald Ford Gerald Ford, 38th president of the United States, died December 26, 2006 at the age of 93. Although the only president never elected to national office, Mr. Ford guided the nation through the tumultuous period of 1974 to 1976, struggling to restore the nation's confidence in a government tarnished by the Watergate scandal.

	Dec. 11, 2006 Obama's New Hampshire Trip Sparks Interest in 2008 Presidential Race Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., a strong potential candidate for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination, drew large crowds in New Hampshire this weekend. Analysts discuss the reaction to his trip and the seemingly wide-spread support for his candidacy.

	Dec. 8, 2006 Shields, Lowry React to Iraq Study Group Report, President's Response Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and National Review editor Rich Lowry analyze the Iraq Study Group report, President Bush's reaction to its recommendations, and military options in the war-torn country.



	NOVEMBER Nov. 30, 2006 President Bush Dismisses Calls for U.S. Troop Withdrawal President Bush and Iraqi Premier Nouri al-Maliki met in Jordan, Thursday, to discuss strategies in Iraq to combat sectarian violence. President Bush said that U.S. troops would stay in Iraq as long as necessary. Two experts discuss what may come of the talks.

	Nov. 9, 2006 Scholars Put Historical Frame Around Current Governmental Shift Scholars discuss how history will view the events of the week, from the Democratic takeover of Congress to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation in response to the administration's handling of the Iraq war.

	Nov. 8, 2006 Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Resigns, Bush Appoints Former CIA Director Successor Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld resigned Wednesday, and President Bush nominated Robert Gates, former director of the CIA, to succeed him. Jim Lehrer reports on Rumsfeld's resignation and provides excerpts from President Bush's White House Press Conference, as well as comments by Rumsfeld and Gates on the decision.

	Nov. 7, 2006 Scandals, Gaffes and Smear Ads Provide Humor Despite Serious Election Stakes Although parties have eyed this year's midterm elections with increasing sobriety, comedians and entertainers have found plenty to laugh at through the scandals, Sen. John Kerry's "botched joke" and the smear ads. Jeffrey Brown reports on the lighter side of the election.



	OCTOBER Oct. 25, 2006 Journalists Gauge Possible Fallout of Bush Speech on Elections President Bush said the United States is "winning" in Iraq and urged against a fixed timetable for withdrawal from the country. Political journalists E.J. Dionne and Rich Lowry discuss the possible political ramifications of the president's policy.

	Oct. 25, 2006 President Bush Calls Iraq Violence a 'Serious Concern' President Bush announced in a press conference that violence in Iraq is a "serious concern," as the death toll of U.S. troops neared 100 for the month of October. Analysts discuss the administration's evolving Iraq policy.

	Oct. 25, 2006 President Bush Says U.S. is 'Winning' in Iraq President Bush said in a press conference that increasing violence in Iraq is upsetting but that the United States must continue in the struggle because it is vital to national security. However, the U.S. is pressuring the Iraqi government to accept more responsibility for its own fate, he said.

	Oct. 24, 2006 Author Discusses Bush Administration's Faith-based Initiatives President Bush began a faith-based initiative office in the White House. The former deputy, David Kuo, now accuses the administration of manipulating its religious base for political purposes in a new book, "Tempting Faith."

	Oct. 17, 2006 Books Written on the War in Iraq and on President Bush Will Impact History Numerous books written by journalists have been published on the war in Iraq and on President Bush. A journalist and two historians discuss the impact these writings will have on historical accounts.

	Oct. 11, 2006 President Bush Rules Out Military Attack on North Korea President Bush on Wednesday said the United States had no intention of pursuing military action against North Korea and would continue to follow a diplomatic path to ending North Korea's nuclear program.

	Oct. 9, 2006 World Leaders Condemn North Korea Following Claim of Nuclear Test Despite warnings from the U.N. Security Council that a nuclear test would lead to severe consequences, North Korea claimed Monday it set off its first nuclear test.

	Oct. 4, 2006 Woodward Discusses New Book Critical of Administration on Iraq War Washington Post editor Bob Woodward's new book, "State of Denial", critiques the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq and how officials presented the need to go to war to the American public.

	Oct. 2, 2006 Defense Analysts Debate Whether Secretary Rumsfeld Should Go Bob Woodward's new book "State of Denial" presents the struggle between the military and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld over decisions made in the Iraq war. Analysts debate whether Rumsfeld should remain at his post.



	SEPTEMBER Sept. 28, 2006 Afghan-Pakistan Relations Tense over Taliban Presence Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with President Bush in an effort to allay the war of words between the two leaders. Former officials discuss tensions between the neighboring countries, problems with Taliban fighting at the border and the U.S. war on terror.

	Sept. 25, 2006 NewsHour Essayist Discusses Chances of Female President NewsHour Essayist Anne Taylor Fleming talks about whether Americans are ready for a female president.

	Sept. 19, 2006 President Bush's U.N. Speech Focuses on Mideast Reform In his address to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, President Bush said the United States wants to support democratic reform in the Mideast and is not against Islam. Leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee discuss the speech.

	Sept. 15, 2006 President Bush Pushes Torture Rules and Tribunals Plan President Bush held a press conference Friday, which included a pitch for new detainee rules much tougher than several key Senate Republicans are willing to support.



	AUGUST Aug. 25, 2006 Analysts Discuss Growing Republican Voices Against War in Iraq Analysts Mark Shields and Ramesh Ponnuru discuss political stories of the week, including comments made by two prominent Republicans criticizing the Bush administration on its handling of the war in Iraq.

	Aug. 1, 2006 Views Vary on How President Bush Will Impact GOP Candidates With President George W. Bush's approval rating hovering around 40 percent, some members of his Republican Party continue to distance themselves from his national agenda as they fight uphill re-election battles at home.



	JULY July 24, 2006 President's Use of 'Signing Statements' Raises Constitutional Concerns The American Bar Association said President Bush's use of "signing statements," which allow him to sign a bill into law but not enforce certain provisions, disregards the rule of law and the separation of powers. Legal experts discuss the implications.

	July 19, 2006 President Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Bill President Bush issued his first veto Wednesday on a bill that would have eased restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Two political analysts discuss the use of the presidential veto.

	July 17, 2006 President Bush Threatens to Veto Stem Cell Bill President Bush threatened to use his veto power after the Senate reopened debate Monday on a bill to lift restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Two analysts discuss the medical research implications.

	July 11, 2006 Economists Divided over Impact of Improved Deficit Numbers President Bush said larger than expected tax revenue has cut the federal deficit, validating his tax cuts. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich and Wall Street Journal writer Stephen Moore debate what the new numbers mean for the health of the economy.

	July 7, 2006 Political Analysts Discuss President Bush on North Korea, Connecticut Primaries Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss President Bush's tough stance on North Korea at a news conference in Chicago Friday and Joe Lieberman's chances at winning the Democratic bid in the Connecticut primaries.



	JUNE June 30, 2006 Author Meacham Writes About Faith and Government Author Jon Meacham discusses his book "American Gospel" and the role of religion in American government from the founding fathers to today.

	June 30, 2006 Analysts Discuss Guantanamo Tribunals, Supreme Court Rulings, Media Leaks Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Supreme Court decisions on Guantanamo military tribunals and Texas redistricting, flag burning amendments in Congress and growing criticism towards the media

	June 29, 2006 High Court Blocks Guantanamo Tribunals The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the Bush administration's policy of trying terror suspects before military tribunals is illegal. The 5-3 ruling said that the tribunals violated U.S. military law and the Geneva Convention.

	June 29, 2006 The Supreme Court Rejects Military Tribunals The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the Bush administration's policy of trying terror suspects before military tribunals is illegal, saying it violated U.S. law and the Geneva Convention. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal discusses the specifics of the decision.

	June 23, 2006 Analysts Discuss Congress' Iraqi War Debate and Immigration Legislation Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss the Iraq war debate in Congress over the deadline for withdrawal and the immigration issue.

	June 21, 2006 President Bush Defends U.S. Policy on Iran, Guantanamo Amid growing criticism from several countries over the treatment of prisoners of war, President Bush, following a one-day U.S.-EU summit in Vienna, said he hoped "to end Guantanamo." European policy experts discuss the reasons behind lagging U.S. popularity in Europe.

	June 21, 2006 President Bush Calls on Iran to Respond to Nuclear Deal Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday he will respond to a Western proposal to suspend the country's nuclear program in exchange for technical support and other concessions by mid-August, but President Bush urged a quicker response.

	June 16, 2006 Shields and Brooks Debate Iraq War, Karl Rove and Guantanamo Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the president's trip to Iraq, a House vote on a timetable for withdrawing troops, and debate over the detention center at Guantanamo.

	June 15, 2006 The House Holds Heated Floor Debate on U.S. Troops' Withdrawal from Iraq The House held a heated floor debate on the Iraq war Thursday, with Republicans defending the conflict in the broader war on terror and Democrats criticizing President Bush's policies.

	June 14, 2006 President's Baghdad Trip Sparks U.S. Iraq Policy Debate President Bush Wednesday hailed efforts to build a democratic Iraq, but called for "patience" as U.S. troops continue to fight the war on terror. Analysts Zbigniew Brzezinski and Walter Russell Mead discuss the direction of U.S. foreign policy.

	June 14, 2006 President Bush Urges Americans to Have Patience in Iraq At a press conference Wednesday, President Bush called for "patience and sacrifice" from the American people, while the U.S. troops remain in Iraq and continue to fight the broader war on terror.

	June 13, 2006 CIA Leak Counsel Announced It Will Not Charge Karl Rove After a three year investigation and several appearances before the federal grand jury, White House adviser Karl Rove was told Tuesday that he would not face any criminal charges stemming from the leak of former covert CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity. Two former U.S. attorneys discuss the investigation.

	June 13, 2006 President Bush Discusses New Security Plan with Leaders in Iraq President Bush made a surprise visit to Baghdad Tuesday to participate in his first direct talks with Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, offering a dramatic show of support to the new government. Two senior senators on the foreign relations committee consider the visit and the road ahead in Iraq.

	June 13, 2006 President Bush Made a Surprise Visit to Baghdad to Meet with New Leadership President Bush made a surprise visit to Baghdad Tuesday to meet with the Iraqi prime minister and discuss ways to bring stability to the troubled nation.

	June 13, 2006 President Bush Visits Iraq to Discuss Security, Other Matters President Bush made a surprise trip to Baghdad Tuesday to meet with Iraqi leaders about ways to secure the country, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's reported plan to deploy 75,000 Iraqi and multinational forces to the capital.

	June 9, 2006 Shields and Brooks Debate Political Impact of Iraq and GOP Legislative Push NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the political impact of Zarqawi's death, the CA primary, and recent Republican proposals to repeal the estate tax and pass a marriage amendment.

	June 2, 2006 Analysts Debate the Haditha Investigation and the Appointment of Henry Paulson NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the continuing fallout over allegations of civilian murders by U.S. troops in Iraq, Henry Paulson's appointment and the week's political news.

	June 1, 2006 Immigration Reforms Could Change Hiring Practices Proposed immigration reforms in Congress could change hiring practices.



	MAY May 31, 2006 Group Seeks Cross-Party Ticket for 2008 Elections A new political party called the Unity Party launched this week with the intention of creating a 2008 cross-party presidential and vice presidential ticket combining a Republican and Democrat.

	May 26, 2006 Political Analysts Shields and Brooks Discuss Blair Visit, Iraq and FBI Raids Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss Prime Minister Blair's visit to the White House, immigration reform, Iraq, recent FBI raids on Capitol Hill and the Enron verdict.

	May 26, 2006 Search of Congressman's Office Pits White House Against House Leaders The recent FBI search of U.S. Rep. William Jefferson's office and the seizure of files found there have angered Congressional leader within the president's own party who say the FBI's actions violate the separation of powers. Experts discuss the legal issues surrounding the seizure of Rep. Jefferson's documents.

	May 25, 2006 Presidents Suffer Falling Polls in Times of Turmoil President Bush has seen his public approval ratings drop steadily over the past year as he confronts problems on a number of fronts. Presidential historians reflect upon the present situation through the prism of the past.

	May 19, 2006 Political Analysts Shields and Brooks Discuss Immigration, Hayden Hearings Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss immigration reform, the Hayden CIA confirmation hearing and President Bush's popularity ratings.

	May 16, 2006 Attorney General Rebuffs Critics of President's Immigration Plan Amid continued debate over immigration reform, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales hopes to see an immigration bill pass through the House and Senate by the end of the year. Gonzales comments on the criticism against President Bush's immigration plan and the NSA.

	May 16, 2006 Conservatives, Liberals Take Aim at President's Immigration Plan President Bush's five-point immigration plan proposed in a national address Monday, drew criticism from both sides of the aisle as the Senate continued debate over its immigration reform bill. Two members of Congress debate President Bush's five points and current legislation.

	May 15, 2006 President Deploys Troops to Border, Calls for Reform In a nationally televised address, President Bush introduced a five-point, $1.9 billion plan to secure the U.S.-Mexican border that includes deploying 6,000 National Guard troops and creating a "temporary worker" program.

	May 15, 2006 President Faces Political Pitfalls in Immigration Address A White House spokesman announced the National Guard will patrol the Mexican border as part of a broader immigration plan that President Bush will outline in a speech to the nation Monday night. Then, syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks preview the president's speech.

	May 11, 2006 U.S. Role in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict With the largest Jewish population outside of Israel and a growing Arab-American population, the United States has unique social, cultural and diplomatic ties to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

	May 10, 2006 President Putin Responds to Cheney Critique In his state of the nation speech Wednesday, President Putin addressed Vice President Cheney's criticisms of Russia's recent record on human rights and democracy as well as other domestic concerns. Two experts discuss the reactions to the exchange of criticisms and the increasing tensions between the two countries.

	May 9, 2006 Iran Letter Criticizes U.S. Policy, Sidesteps Negotiations U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that President Bush would not respond to a letter from Iran's President Ahmadinejad in which he criticizes U.S. policy and democracy. Two policy experts discuss avenues for communication between the U.S. and Iran.

	May 8, 2006 Former Head of NSA Nominated as CIA Chief President Bush nominated Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden to serve as the next leader of the Central Intelligence Agency Monday, re-igniting the debate over domestic surveillance efforts that Hayden oversaw as head of the National Security Agency.

	May 3, 2006 U.S. Government Releases New Plans for Pandemic Flu The White House released an updated pandemic flu plan as fears continue that the bird flu virus that has infected birds in 48 countries and humans in nine arrives in the United States. A homeland security adviser outlines what the federal government is doing to prepare.



	APRIL April 28, 2006 Republicans Struggle Ahead of Fall Election NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss challenges facing the Republican Party ahead of November's midterm election, high gasoline prices and President Bush's appointment of new White House Press Secretary Tony Snow.

	April 28, 2006 Fall Midterm Elections Pose an Uphill Battle for Republicans The Republican Party is facing low approval ratings on issues from immigration to government spending. Gwen Ifill reports from Colorado on the challenges facing Republicans heading into this fall's midterm elections.

	April 26, 2006 U.S. Officials Look to Bolster Iraqi Government Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a surprise visit to Baghdad Wednesday to meet with U.S. military officials and Iraq's new leaders. Two experts discuss the progress made so far and the obstacles in forming Iraq's new government.

	April 26, 2006 Tony Snow Moves from Fox to the White House President Bush named conservative commentator Tony Snow to be his new press secretary Wednesday. Snow, a former speechwriter for the president's father, currently works for Fox News.

	April 21, 2006 Analysts Consider Political Implications of Hu Visit Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and National Review editor Rich Lowry speak about the shakeups at the White House, and the impact of President Hu's U.S. visit on trade, diplomacy and the media.

	April 20, 2006 Presidents Hu and Bush Discuss Trade, Human Rights President Bush welcomed China's President Hu Jintao to the White House Thursday while anti-China protesters gathered outside. Experts discuss the political and economic implications of the visit.

	April 19, 2006 Chinese President's Visit Focuses on Trade Issues Chinese President Hu Jintao meets with President Bush this week to discuss issues ranging from trade to piracy. Paul Solman discusses the issues facing the two leaders in a conversation with Jim Lehrer.

	April 19, 2006 Staff Changes in White House May Indicate Change in Direction Major changes in the White House staff were announced Wednesday. Scott McClellan resigned as press secretary and deputy chief of staff Karl Rove is giving up his policy role. White House experts discuss how the staff changes will affect the President's polls and the next election.

	April 19, 2006 White House Press Secretary Quits; Rove Ends Policy Role White House press secretary Scott McClellan announced Wednesday his departure, as President Bush's top political adviser Karl Rove reportedly gave up his role in policy development.

	April 18, 2006 Rumsfeld Defends Himself as Criticism from Generals Mount At a Pentagon news conference Tuesday, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld acknowledged that he's heard the criticisms of a group of retired generals but that he has not considered resigning. A discussion with two experts on Rumsfeld's declaration to stay and the fallout of the retired generals' criticisms.

	April 17, 2006 Pulitzers Honor Array of Investigative Reports Columbia University released the winners of the 89th annual Pulitzer Prize Monday. Two experts discuss the trends among the prize winners.

	April 14, 2006 Rumsfeld's Tenure and Future at the Pentagon Debated Syndicated Columnist Mark Shields and New York Times Columnist David Brooks discuss whether Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld will resign and debate possible U.S. responses to a nuclear Iran.

	April 13, 2006 Retired General Calls for New Leadership at Pentagon Several former generals have criticized Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on his Iraq war strategy. Retired Major General John Batiste joins the fray, urging there be a fresh start at the Pentagon.

	April 7, 2006 Analysts Consider Political Impact of the Immigration Deal Collapse Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the failed immigration deal in the Senate, the CIA leak case, former House Majority Leader Tom Delay and other stories of the week.

	April 6, 2006 Libby Says President Authorized Leak of Iraq Information Vice President Dick Cheney's former aide, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, told grand jury investigators that President Bush authorized the release of sensitive information about Iraq, according to court papers filed by prosecutors in the CIA leak case.



	MARCH March 31, 2006 Immigration Threaten to Splinters GOP NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks debate the split among Republicans on immigration reform, the resignation of White House chief of staff Andrew Card and the guilty plea of a former aide to Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas.

	March 30, 2006 House Minority Leader Pelosi Blasts GOP's Iraq Policy House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi discusses the Democratic plan for Iraq, immigration, and plans to take back the House of Representatives in November of 2006.

	March 28, 2006 Wiretap Revelations Spur Presidential Powers Debate The Bush administration came under intense scrutiny in December 2005 when The New York Times revealed that the National Security Agency, under the authorization of President Bush, had been engaging in a wiretapping program without seeking court-ordered warrants.

	March 28, 2006 Wiretap Revelations Spur Presidential Powers Debate The Bush administration came under intense scrutiny in December 2005 when The New York Times revealed that the NSA, under the authorization of President Bush, had been engaging in a wiretapping program without seeking court-ordered warrants.

	March 28, 2006 Supreme Court Hears Challenge to War Powers The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Salim Ahmed Hamdan who is charged with conspiring to commit acts of terror with al-Qaida. The case raises question about the jurisdiction of the federal courts, and the powers of the president in war time.

	March 28, 2006 Card Steps Down as White House Chief of Staff President Bush announced that Chief of Staff Andrew Card would resign after five years on the job. Card will be replaced by Office Of Management and Budget Director and former Deputy Chief of Staff for policy Josh Bolten.

	March 28, 2006 Chief of Staff Resigns in White House Shakeup President Bush announced Tuesday that Andrew Card, one of the longest serving White House chiefs of staff in modern history, would leave his post and be replaced by the budget director Josh Bolten.

	March 27, 2006 Analysts Discuss The Influence of Muqtada al-Sadr With followers in parliament and a powerful militia at his disposal, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's is vital to the future stability of Iraq. Two regional experts consider the growing importance of the popular leader.

	March 24, 2006 President Bush Launches New PR Offensive on Iraq Mark Shields and David Brooks analyze the Iraq war's impact on politics and public opinion. The two columnists also discuss President Bush's public relations offensive, and the debate over an immigration bill in the House.

	March 24, 2006 Veterans of the Iraq War Discuss the Impact Three Years Later Four Iraq war veterans discuss their experiences in Iraq and their views on the war's impact three years after the initial U.S.-led invasion.

	March 22, 2006 Media Coverage of the Ongoing Conflict in Iraq Draws Scrutiny President Bush expressed frustration with the media's coverage of the continuing violence in Iraq saying there was not enough coverage of U.S. efforts to rebuild the country. Two experts offer their analysis of the press coverage of the Iraq War.

	March 21, 2006 President Bush Defends His Decisions in the Iraq War Hoping to boost public opinion, President Bush defended his decisions over the Iraq war Tuesday morning at a press conference. Two guests give an analysis of the President's speech and assess his stance on the future of Iraq.

	March 21, 2006 Experts Discuss The President's Comments on Iraq President Bush took questions from the White House press corps Tuesday about Iraq, his Cabinet and the public's confidence in the administration, among other issues. Experts assess the president's efforts.

	March 20, 2006 Administration Warns Bird Flu Expected in U.S. This Year Bush administration officials Monday said the likelihood of bird flu arriving on U.S. shores this year is "increasingly likely" but that its arrival does not increase the chances of a human pandemic.

	March 20, 2006 American Public Uncertain as Iraq War Enters its Fourth Year As public opinion surveys show growing disenchantment with the Iraq war, U.S. officials used the third anniversary to defend the continuing engagement. Two guests discuss Iraq's future.

	March 17, 2006 Discontent Continues to Grow with U.S. Handling of Iraq War Columnist Tom Oliphant and New York Times Columnist David Brooks discuss a new book critiquing the Bush administration's pre-war planning, the continued drop in American support for the president's Iraq policy, the Feingold censure measure and more from the week's news.

	March 17, 2006 Polls Show Decline In Support for War Jim Lehrer speaks with Andrew Kohut, director of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, about the latest poll numbers on how Americans view the war in Iraq.

	March 17, 2006 Two Authors Question Prewar Decisions A new book by two military experts has found that the Bush administration misjudged the ferocity of the armed insurgency that would follow the initial fighting in the Iraq war. The two authors discuss their findings.

	March 13, 2006 House Majority Leader Defends GOP Policies House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, discusses lobbying reform, the Dubai ports management deal, the future of the Republican party, President Bush's popularity and the war in Iraq.

	March 10, 2006 Political Shockwaves Continue from Dubai Ports Deal Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks speak with Jim Lehrer about the political and economical fallout from the U.S. Ports controversy, President Bush's trip to New Orleans and other leading stories from the week.

	March 8, 2006 President Visits Gulf Coast Six months after Hurricane Katrina hit, President Bush made his 10th trip to the Gulf Cost to see how communities were rebuilding.

	March 3, 2006 President Faces Katrina Fallout, Pakistani Protests Mark Shields and David Brooks speak with Jim Lehrer about Hurricane Katrina and the briefing video with President Bush, the president's trip to India and Pakistan and other leading stories from this week.

	March 3, 2006 Former CIA Official Derides Pre-War Intelligence Gwen Ifill discusses pre-war intelligence and what the Bush administration might have anticipated after the Iraq invasion with former senior CIA official Paul Pillar.

	March 2, 2006 U.S. and India Agree to Nuclear Partnership President Bush met with Indian Prime Minister Singh on Thursday and agreed to share nuclear technology despite reservations from some worried about the spread of atomic weapons. Three experts discuss if the deal will spur economic growth or reward a country that has opposed nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

	March 2, 2006 Indian, U.S. Leaders Seal Landmark Nuclear Pact India and the United States have sealed a civilian nuclear agreement to allow India access to U.S. nuclear technology.

	March 1, 2006 President Bush Makes Surprise Visit to Afghanistan President Bush makes a surprise visit to Afghanistan to meet with President Hamid Karzai and visit with U.S. troops. Following a report on the president's trip, two guests discuss America's role in rebuilding the war-torn land.



	FEBRUARY Feb. 24, 2006 Dubai, Iraqi Violence Dominate Political Debate Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the reaction to the Dubai port deal and sectarian tensions in Iraq.

	Feb. 20, 2006 Historians Consider Presidential Powers in a Time of War As the NSA surveillance program continues to draw heated debate, a panel debates the scope of presidential power.

	Feb. 17, 2006 NewsHour Analysts Consider the Cheney Hunting Accident Mark Shields and National Review editor Rich Lowry discuss Vice President Dick Cheney's accidental shooting of his hunting companion, the latest on Lewis "Scooter" Libby, the National Security Agency and domestic spying, among other topics.

	Feb. 17, 2006 White House Responds to Cheney Accident The Bush administration responded this week to the accidental shooting of Texas lawyer Harry Whittington by Vice President Dick Cheney.

	Feb. 16, 2006 President Bush Proposes Health Savings Accounts In an effort to help people cope with higher costs and declining coverage, President Bush has proposed greatly expanding the use of health savings accounts with high deductibles. Following a background report on the president's proposal, two guests offer differing opinions on how to fix America's health care system.

	Feb. 15, 2006 Chertoff Discusses Response to Katrina Report Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff discusses the administration's response to Hurricane Katrina and what can be done differently in another natural disaster.

	Feb. 15, 2006 House Lawmakers Discuss the Katrina Report Members of the House Select Committee investigating the preparation and response to Hurricane Katrina discuss what they have learned.

	Feb. 15, 2006 Chertoff Grilled About U.S. Katrina Response Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff appeared before a Senate panel investigating the government's response to Hurricane Katrina.

	Feb. 14, 2006 Man Shot By Vice President Back in Intensive Care Hospital officials in Corpus Christi, Texas, said Harry Whittington, who was accidentally shot by Vice President Dick Cheney, has birdshot in or near his heart, which caused him to suffer a mild heart attack. Jeffrey Brown reports on the story.

	Feb. 14, 2006 Press, White House React to Cheney Accident Vice President Dick Cheney has not issued a public statement concerning a hunting trip where he accidentally shot a fellow hunter. A Washington Post reporter discusses how the press handled the incident as well as the White House's reaction.

	Feb. 13, 2006 Vice President Cheney Accidently Shoots Hunting Companion Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a companion during a weekend hunting trip. A reporter at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times discusses the incident.

	Feb. 10, 2006 Analysts Weigh Fallout from Muhammad Cartoons Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the response to controversial cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad, the debate over surveillance programs and the government's Hurricane Katrina response.

	Feb. 8, 2006 Congress Granted Oversight for NSA Surveillance Program In a position reversal, the Bush administration announced it would brief all members of the House and Senate Committees on the NSA wiretapping program. Rep. Jane Harman and Sen. Lindsey Graham discuss the announcement.

	Feb. 7, 2006 Vice President Cheney Defends Government's Wiretapping Program In a wide-ranging newsmaker interview, Vice President Dick Cheney defends the government's program of warrantless wiretapping of suspected terrorist communications as well as addresses the diplomatic standoff with Iran and the overall effectiveness of the Bush administration.

	Feb. 6, 2006 President Submits 2007 Budget to Congress President Bush submitted his 2007 budget proposal to Congress on Monday. The $2.8 trillion plan includes increases in defense spending, provisions to make existing tax cuts permanent and reductions in entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Two guests discuss the administration's priorities.

	Feb. 6, 2006 Senate Examines Domestic Spying Program U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee in a hearing concerning the legal underpinnings offered by the Bush administration for conducting electronic surveillance of suspected terrorists without first seeking warrants.

	Feb. 3, 2006 Brooks and Oliphant Debate the Election of John Boehner David Brooks and Tom Oliphant discuss the election of John Boehner as House majority leader, the Senate hearings on domestic security, the State of the Union address, and the report by the GAO critiquing the Department of Homeland Security response to Hurricane Katrina.

	Feb. 1, 2006 Experts and Politicians React to Bush's State of the Union Address Excerpts from the State of the Union address and reactions from members of congress, followed by a panel discussion with three former presidential advisors.



	JANUARY Jan. 31, 2006 President Urges Fight on 'Tyranny', Steps to Keep U.S. Competitive President Bush, in his State of the Union speech Tuesday, said U.S. security depends on ending tyranny in the world, while maintaining U.S. competitiveness requires investments in technology and scientific learning.

	Jan. 31, 2006 Analysts Preview State of the Union Columnists David Brooks and Tom Oliphant speak with Jim Lehrer prior to the president's State of the Union address.

	Jan. 31, 2006 President Bush's 2006 State of the Union Address President Bush stressed the need for the United States to remain committed to spreading freedom and democracy abroad while focusing on economic and educationally competitive efforts at home in his 2006 State of the Union address.

	Jan. 31, 2006 Virginia Governor Tim Kaine Delivers Democratic Response to State of the Union Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, in the Democratic rebuttal to President Bush's State of the Union address, offered Americans a "better way" to tackle the issues facing the nation.

	Jan. 30, 2006 New Report Finds Shortcomings in Iraq Reconstruction Since 2003 the United States has spent more than $30 billion toward relief and reconstruction in Iraq. Stuart Bowen, the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, discusses a new report that finds shortcomings in the rebuilding.

	Jan. 30, 2006 Former Presidential Advisers Preview State of the Union Three former presidential advisors discuss what President Bush needs to discuss in his sixth State of the Union address to the nation Tuesday night, as well as the importance of the annual political ritual.

	Jan. 27, 2006 Shields and Brooks Debate Alito's Nomination, Middle East Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks debate the Senate confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court, and discuss the week's dramatic developments in the Middle East.

	Jan. 26, 2006 World Reacts to Hamas Election Victory Following excerpts from President Bush's reaction to the Hamas win in Wednesday's Palestinian elections, Ray Suarez reports on reaction of world leaders from Davos, Switzerland, site of the World Economic Forum.

	Jan. 25, 2006 White House Accused of Hindering Congressional Katrina Probe Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the committee investigating the government's response to Hurricane Katrina accused the Bush administration Tuesday of slowing the inquiry by refusing to provide key documents and officials for questioning.

	Jan. 20, 2006 Shields and Brooks Discuss Domestic Spying, Lobbying Reform Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks debate the White House's justification of domestic spying by the National Security Agency, a speech by former Vice President Al Gore condemning the program and lobbying reforms.

	Jan. 19, 2006 Investigation on Former Housing Secretary Ends The decade-long independent council investigation of former U.S. Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros ended Thursday. Cisneros was accused of lying to the FBI during his confirmation process background check about payments he made to a former mistress.

	Jan. 13, 2006 Shields and Brooks on Final Day of Alito Hearings Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito and the push to gain support in the Democratic party.

	Jan. 13, 2006 Senate Judiciary Committee Concludes Alito Hearings The Senate Judiciary Committee concluding confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Friday with witness testimonies.

	Jan. 13, 2006 New German Chancellor Angela Merkel Visits U.S. In the first meeting between President Bush and Germany's new Chancellor Angela Merkel, the two leaders criticized Iran's nuclear research program but disagreed over using prison camps such as Guantanamo Bay.

	Jan. 12, 2006 Law Professors Analyze Alito Hearings Senators wrapped up their questioning in the fourth day of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. Two guests give their insight on the confirmation process and how the Senate Judiciary Committee handled the hearings.

	Jan. 12, 2006 Europe and the United States Press to Refer Iran to Security Council Britain, France, Germany and the United States pressed to refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council after Iran announced Tuesday that it would resume uranium enrichment efforts.

	Jan. 11, 2006 Alito Record Reveals Views on Abortion, Executive Power Two constitutional legal scholars analyze what the second day of questioning in Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Samuel Alito revealed about his legal opinions on abortion and executive power.

	Jan. 10, 2006 Judge Alito Answers Questions About Presidential Powers and Privacy Senators questioned Judge Samuel Alito on presidential powers, privacy and abortion during hearings on whether he should be confirmed as a Supreme Court justice. Two court watchers analyze what Alito revealed about his opinions.

	Jan. 6, 2006 Shields and Brooks Discuss Abramoff Guilty Plea, Alito Hearing Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss the guilty pleas of Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff and the upcoming confirmation hearings for Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court.

	Jan. 5, 2006 Former U.S. Officials Discuss Iraq with President Bush Former cabinet members met with President Bush to discuss his administration's strategy in Iraq. Madeleine Albright, secretary of state in the Clinton Administration, and James Schlesinger, secretary of defense in the Nixon and Ford administrations talk about their visit to the White House and their opinions of the war in Iraq.

	Jan. 2, 2006 A Renewed Imperial Presidency? Three historians discuss what the furor over President Bush's domestic intelligence program says about the centuries-old battle over presidential powers in times of war.