2006 DECEMBER
December 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.

  

December 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.

  

December 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.

  

December 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.

December 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.

December 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.

  

December 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
November 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.

  

November 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.

  

November 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.

November 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
October 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.

  

October 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.

  

October 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.

  

October 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."

  

October 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.

  

October 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.

  

October 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.

October 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.

  

October 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
September 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.

  

September 25, 2006

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

September 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.

  

September 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
August 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.

  

August 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

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

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 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

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 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 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 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

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 25, 2006

President Bush Outlines Plan to Lower Rising Gas Prices
President Bush set forth plans to temporarily halt deposits into the nation's emergency reserve of oil, ease environmental standards and investigate price gouging in an attempt to lower gas prices.

  

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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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 Bush Visits Gulf Coast
NewsHour correspondent Kwame Holman describes President Bush's 10th trip to the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina hit. He visited places in Louisiana and Mississippi on Wednesday.

  

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, but the pact has sparked concerns among some nuclear proliferation experts since India will receive these benefits without signing a non-proliferation treaty.

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
February 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.

  

February 20, 2006

Historians Consider Presidential Powers in a Time of War
The scope and limits of presidential power continue to be debated in light of controversial programs such as the National Security Agency surveillance effort. Jim Lehrer discusses the peaks and valleys of presidential power with Richard Norton Smith and Ellen Fitzpatrick.

  

February 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.

  

February 17, 2006

White House Responds to Cheney Accident
Kwame Holman reports on the Bush administration's response this week to the accidental shooting of Texas lawyer Harry Whittington as well as Vice President Dick Cheney's appearance Friday before the Wyoming Legislature.

February 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, two guests offer differing opinions on how to fix America's health care system.

  

February 15, 2006

Chertoff Discusses Homeland Security 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.

  

February 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.

  

February 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.

  

February 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.

February 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.

  

February 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.

February 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.

  

February 10, 2006

President Declares America 'Addicted' to Oil
In his 2006 State of the Union address, President Bush called for an end to the U.S. 'addiction' to foreign oil. Energy analysts assess his proposals and their chances for success in a highly politicized climate.

  

February 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.

  

February 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.

  

February 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.

  

February 6, 2006

Senate Examines Domestic Spying Program
Kwame Holman reports on U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' testimony Monday before the Senate Judiciary Committee concerning the legal underpinnings the Bush administration has offered for conducting electronic surveillance of suspected terrorists without warrants.

  

February 3, 2006

Brooks and Oliphant Debate the Election of John Boehner as Majority Leader
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.

  

February 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.

  

February 1, 2006

Report Finds Federal Leadership Lacking in Response to Katrina
Congress-commissioned investigators faulted the Bush administration Wednesday for not designating a senior official to lead the overall federal response to Hurricane Katrina or establishing a clear chain of command.

JANUARY
January 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.

January 31, 2006

Analysts Preview State of the Union
Columnists David Brooks and Tom Oliphant speak with Jim Lehrer prior to President Bush's State of the Union address.

  

January 30, 2006

Former Presidential Advisers Preview State of the Union
Three former presidential advisers 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.

  

January 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.

  

January 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.

January 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.

  

January 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.

  

January 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.

  

January 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.

  

January 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.

  

January 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.

  

January 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.

  

January 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.

  

January 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.

  

January 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 the war in Iraq.