NPR Topics: Politics

Last Updated: July 19, 2008 08:00 am

The Evolving Role Of The Vice President

Scott Simon talks with vice presidential scholar Joel Goldstein about why and how the role of the vice president has changed.

Independent Groups Step Up On-Air Ads

Independent groups have yet to unveil an ad as damaging as the Swift Boat Veterans spot that hurt Sen. John Kerry's presidential bid in 2004. But as the summer goes on, more groups are producing radio and TV spots targeting the presidential race and key Senate battles.

Political Influence-Peddling Gains Finesse

These days, influence peddling in politics rarely takes the form of outright bribery. Instead, through political action committees and other means, the identity of donors and recipients of campaign funds are often disguised.

'Dark Side' III: Is Rendition Still Taking Place?

The policy and program still exist, but whether they are actually being used seems doubtful, says <em>The New Yorker</em>'s Jane Mayer. She also tells Madeleine Brand why one man water boarded himself to find whether it was torture.

'It's All Politics': NPR's Weekly News Roundup

In the latest political podcast, NPR Senior Washington Editor Rob Elving and Political Editor Ken Rudin discuss the candidates' speeches before various special interest groups and the controversial cover of the "New Yorker."

Getting Solar Power For Less

Thousands of megawatts of solar-generated power might not see the light of day if Congress doesn't act soon. Ira Flatow also looks at how you can bring solar to your sockets faster, without taking out a second mortgage.

Candidates' Terror Policies Tough To Distinguish

Given that John McCain consistently polls better than Barack Obama on the question of how to fight terrorism, it is in McCain's interest to highlight the policy differences he has with Obama. But there aren't many, according to one counterterrorism expert.

Obama Embarks On Tour Of Europe, Mideast

Illinois senator Barack Obama begins his travels this weekend to meet with leaders in Europe and the Middle East. It's his first trip abroad as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Obama's campaign hopes the trip will show his preparedness to deal with foreign policy.

Geneva Talks A Shift In U.S.-Iran Relations?

This weekend, the Bush administration is sending U.S. Undersecretary of State William Burns to Geneva to join talks with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator. The talks may mark a diplomatic shift in U.S. relations with Iran.

Lawmakers' Rent Payments Raise Ethics Questions

While Congress is struggling to address plummeting home values and mortgage meltdowns, some members of Congress are facing another kind of housing crisis: Questions have been raised recently about the fairness of what they pay for their own digs.

Senate Study: Tax Shelters Cost U.S. $100 B Yearly

Senate officials say some foreign banks routinely use dummy corporations, shell companies and trusts to help U.S. residents avoid taxes. A subcommittee report says the overseas tax shelters cost the United States about $100 billion a year.

Sen. Shelby: Oversight Key In Fannie-Freddie Plan

The Bush administration is pressing Congress to sign off on a rescue plan for the mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Some lawmakers are critical of the effort. Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, says the situation is "a financial powder keg, and we do not want to light the fuse."

Senator's Warning May Have Doomed IndyMac

Sen. Chuck Schumer's warning about a withdrawal of deposits from IndyMac may have led to the run on the California bank that brought about its failure last week, banking analysts say.

How Sept. 11 Redefined Executive Power

Vice President Dick Cheney is the "most important person in America, that people have never heard of," says Jane Mayer, author of the book, <em>The Dark Side</em>. Cheney called the shots, she says in her expose of the Bush administration's role in detainee torture scandals.

Obama's Fundraising Skyrockets After Slow May

Barack Obama's campaign announced Thursday that the Democratic candidate raised roughly $52 million in June, compared to Republican John McCain's $22 million. Obama has to outraise McCain now that the Illinois senator has opted out of public financing.