Here is the latest Political News from NPR.
McConnell: Republican Party Is At An ‘All-Time High’
For all the talk of the GOP’s upheaval, the Senate majority leader says he doesn’t think Donald Trump’s nomination will redefine the Republican Party in any substantial way.
Campaign Scrutinized Over Trump University, Donations To Veterans’ Groups
Donald Trump’s camp answered inquiries into donations for veterans and now-defunct Trump University. Steve Inskeep and Ailsa Chang talk to NPR’s Domenico Monanero and Michael Isikoff of Yahoo News.
Trump University ‘Playbooks’ Released By Court Advise Being Courteous To Media
One recommendation for dealing with reporters: “Remember, courtesy gets you a long way.” The documents were released Tuesday by a federal judge in California.
Amid Pointed Dissent, Supreme Court Weighs In On 2 Death Penalty Cases
Justice Clarence Thomas called one of the opinions “a remarkably aggressive” use of the court’s power to review the decisions of the states’ highest courts.
Generation Politics: 25-Year-Olds On The Experiences That Shaped Their Views
NPR’s Robert Siegel speaks to a group of 25-year-old voters as part of a radio series exploring the generational differences between how 25, 45 and 65-year-olds think about politics. Having stood witness to the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal, the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, two wars, and an economic crash from a very young age, this group of 25-year-olds has seen a country going through hard times for most of their lives.
New Registration Policies Block Many In Kansas From Voting
The fight over voter registration policies continues in Kansas. A few years after putting major changes in place, thousands of registrations have been suspended for lacking a proof of citizenship.
Donald Trump Details Donations To Veterans Organizations
Donald Trump held a press conference Tuesday to address questions about charitable donations he claimed to make in support of military veterans.
Donald Trump Attacks Federal Judge Involved In Trump University Case
Donald Trump continues to face lawsuits over his for-profit education company, Trump University. Trump accused federal judge Gonzalo Curiel of bias in one case, and said the judge, who is from Indiana, “happens to be, we believe, Mexican.” NPR’s Ari Shapiro talks to Washington Post political reporter Tom Hamburger about the case.
Supreme Court Declines Trump Resorts Case That Stripped Workers’ Benefits
When Trump Entertainment Resorts filed for bankruptcy in 2014, it won a ruling from a federal bankruptcy judge stripping casino workers of their health insurance and payments to the pension fund.
Questions Over Trump’s Donations To Veterans Boil Over
Donald Trump spent 40 minutes battling reporters at a press conference he held to answer for whether the $6 million he claimed to have raised for veterans groups ever materialized.
Trump’s Disinterest In Data Has Some Republicans Worried
The decision to eschew “microtargeting” and other sophisticated tools could have a significant negative effect on Republican candidates down the ballot from Donald Trump.
Once A Foe, Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown Endorses Hillary Clinton Ahead Of Primary
California Gov. Jerry Brown endorses Hillary Clinton, despite a decades-long frosty relationship with the Clintons.
Trump To Release Details Of Money He’s Raised For Veterans’ Groups
In January, Donald Trump held a fundraiser in Iowa for veterans. Since then, there have been questions about what happened to the money. He’s supposed to provide some answers on Tuesday.
Skeptical Of Tech, Donald Trump Rejects Big Data’s Role In Politics
Big budget data operations have become a mainstay for presidential campaigns in recent years, but Donald Trump says he has no plans to invest in microtargeting and voter models.
U.S. Intelligence Chief Warns Hackers May Be Spying On Presidential Candidates
The Director of National Intelligence says the U.S. sees signs that hackers are spying on U.S. presidential candidates. NPR explores who is doing the spying and why.
The Week In Politics: Bernie Sanders, Clinton’s Emails And A Trump (Non)Debate
Steve Inskeep talks with columnist and commentator Cokie Roberts and Washington Times columnist Charles Hurt about what to expect this week from Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
Libertarians Tap 2 Former GOP Governors For White House
The move could give the little-known Party more visibility in a year when many voters say they’re open to new options. Gary Johnson of New Mexico and William Weld of Massachusetts will top the ticket.
Illinois General Assembly Works To Resolve Budget Impasse
Fallout continues from the standoff between the Republican governor and Democrats — focused heavily on the future of unions. And Tuesday is a key deadline to see if a resolution can be reached.
‘Bikers For Trump’ At Rolling Thunder Rally Endorse Donald Trump
Chris Cox, the head of Bikers for Trump, talks with David Greene about his decision to endorse the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee. Trump spoke during Memorial Day motorcycle rally events.
Libertarian Party Nominates Former Gov. Gary Johnson
At the Libertarian presidential nominating convention this weekend, the party picked former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. Donald Trump’s rise in the GOP is giving more attention to third parties.
Trump Rolls Into Washington For Biker Rally
The presumptive Republican nominee for president addressed Rolling Thunder, the annual gathering of motorcyclists, on Sunday. The group seeks to raise awareness of veterans’ issues.
Gary Johnson Says Libertarians Offer An Alternative
The Libertarian nominee for president criticizes both the Democrats and Republicans and argues that if he is included in debates and national polls he could bring in a significant portion of votes.
Trump Becomes Presumptive Nominee; Clinton Faces Federal Charges Over Emails
Some establishment figures are showing their support for Donald Trump, who became the presumptive Republican nominee Thursday. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton still can’t vanquish Bernie Sanders.
Libertarian Party Set To Pick Its Presidential Candidate
The Libertarian presidential candidates held a debate Saturday night at their party convention in Orlando, Fla.
Is Primary Rivalry Making The Democratic Party Stronger Like It Did In 2008?
It’s not the first time we’ve seen a bitter end to the Democratic primaries. In 2008, divisive moments came through personal attacks. But back then, Clinton and Obama pushed similar ideologies.
Guns Strike Emotional Chords For People On Both Sides Of The Political Debate
Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have been talking a lot about guns recently. But how much will that issue matter with voters in November?
Before North Carolina, There Were Other Contentious ‘Bathroom Bill’ Fights
New Hampshire was the site of one of the first legislative battle grounds over transgender rights.
Donald Trump Relitigates The ’90s To Attack Hillary Clinton
Trump’s recent attacks on the Clintons feel like a time warp, reintroducing Americans to a number of political scandals that dominated the 1990s. NPR’s Scott Simon talks with Time columnist Joe Klein.
Even A Win In California Could Have Little Impact On Sanders Securing The Nomination
Bernie Sanders is making a strong push in California as the Democratic primary race nears its end. Polls show him in a dead heat with frontrunner Hillary Clinton in the Golden State.
As Democratic Convention Nears, The Battle To Unite Under One Candidate
Ed Rendell, chairman of this year’s Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, talks to NPR’s Scott Simon about his expectations for the convention, and how to unify the party under one candidate.
Focus On Libertarian Election Amid Voter Discontent Over Clinton-Trump Race
NPR’s Scott Simon talks to Libertarian journalist and editor-in-chief of Reason.com, Nick Gillespie, about the possibility of a third party candidate.
Be Like Bernie: Sanders Looks To Spread His Political Wealth
He’s beginning to expand his political network by helping upstart progressive congressional candidates and state legislators, lending his fundraising prowess and national fame to boost their bids.
Entering Final Primary Stretch, Clinton And Sanders Fight For A California Win
Hillary Clinton could lose California’s primary on June 7 and still win the Democratic nomination, but she and Bernie Sanders are campaigning hard there, hoping to close out the season on a high note.
Top Alabama Lawmakers Embroiled In Political Scandal
Alabama has hit the trifecta of political scandal. Three top elected officials — one from each branch of government — are embroiled in controversy and could be forced from office.
Libertarians Gather In Florida For Party’s National Convention
NPR previews the Libertarian Party’s national convention, which will be held in Florida this weekend. At a time when many voters are unhappy with the choice between Republican and Democratic White House hopefuls, the Libertarian ticket could warrant a second look.
Platform Check: How Trump’s Energy Plan Stacks Up To The Democrats
NPR’s Audie Cornish speaks with Amy Myers Jaffe, executive director of energy and sustainability at the University of California, Davis, about the presidential candidates’ energy strategies after Donald Trump rolled out his platform.
Week In Politics: Trump Crosses Delegate Threshold To Secure GOP Nomination
NPR’s Kelly McEvers speaks with our regular political commentators, E.J. Dionne of the Washington Post and the Brookings Institution and David Brooks of The New York Times. They discuss the presidential race and President Obama’s visit to Hiroshima, Japan.
No Sanders Vs. Trump Debate? Sad!
Although the de factor GOP presidential nominee had seemed open to the idea when asked by TV host Jimmy Kimmel, “it seems inappropriate that I would debate the second-place finisher,” he says now.
Late-Night Host Jimmy Kimmel Is Negotiating A Presidential Debate. It Makes Sense
Just after Bernie Sanders thanked Kimmel for possibly securing the debate last night, Kimmel made a Batman vs. Superman joke about Democratic superdelegates.
Hillary Clinton Supporters May Be Hiding In Plain View
Hillary Clinton doesn’t have the biggest rallies. Her bumper stickers and campaign signs aren’t particularly visible. It seems her supporters are laying low. Here’s why.
Trump Wants to Make Energy Production Great Again — Even As It Sets New Records
Since 2012, the U.S. has produced more oil and gas than any other country even as solar and wind power have also experienced huge growth.
Trump’s Primary Support Gathers Steam Ahead Of Republican Convention
Donald Trump spent this week campaigning in states with upcoming primaries. The presumptive GOP nominee has been strengthening elements of his campaign. But his tone remains the same.
Hispanic Lawmakers Say Hillary Clinton Needs A Little ‘Sizzle’ In A VP
Two top Hispanic House Democrats weigh in on what Hillary Clinton should look for in a running mate.
Meet The Unbound Delegates Who Helped Donald Trump Secure The Nomination
NPR’s Don Gonyea talks with some of the unbound delegates who decided to support Donald Trump, thereby giving him the magic number of delegates to clinch the Republican nomination.
Trump Surpasses Number Of Delegates Needed To Secure GOP Nomination
Donald Trump crossed the threshold of required delegates to secure the GOP nomination. The change came as a small number of unbound delegates said they will support him at the party’s convention.
Politics Podcast: It’s For Real Now — Trump Is The Presumptive GOP Nominee
The NPR politics team is back with its weekly roundup of political news. They discuss why Trump is now the official presumptive nominee for the Republican Party.
Donald Trump Surpasses Number Of Delegates Needed To Secure GOP Nomination
According to the Associated Press, Donald Trump has crossed the threshold of 1,237 delegates, making him the presumptive Republican nominee for president. The change came as a small number of unbound delegates said they will support him at the party’s convention.
Nonprofit Works To Reshape Public Perception Of Latinos In America
NPR’s Audie Cornish speaks with former government official Henry Cisneros and businessman Sol Trujillo, co-founders of the nonprofit Latino Donor Collaborative, which works to reshape the public’s image of Latinos.
GOP Congressman Defends House Zika Funding Package
NPR’s Audie Cornish talks with Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma about why the House funding package is enough for now to confront the spread of the Zika virus in the U.S.
In New Political Warfare, ‘Armies Of Video Trackers’ Swarm Candidates
New Yorker writer Jane Mayer discusses conservative activist James O’Keefe’s latest botched sting operation, and the new kind of political opposition research O’Keefe pioneered.
Democrats Burned By Charges Of A Rigged Nomination, But Some In GOP Watch With Envy
Even some of Hillary Clinton’s foremost fans and staunchest party regulars — such as House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi — are ready to talk about a fresh infusion of populism for the next round.
Donald Trump Clinches GOP Nomination
Garnering support of 1,238 delegates out of 1,237 needed, Trump is now the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee.
Trump Gains Enough Delegates For GOP Presidential Nomination
Donald Trump has reached the magic number of 1,237 delegates, according to The Associated Press, making him the presumptive Republican nominee for president.
Clinton Violated Policies By Using Private Email, State Department Report Says
The report doesn’t materially change the controversy or reveal new facts. It is a reminder of a bad decision that has been a weight on Clinton’s campaign since before she announced she was running.
Why Elizabeth Warren Is An Effective Messenger For Progressive Democrats
Sen. Warren is increasingly taking on Donald Trump. She’s also a prolific fundraiser and promoter of Senate Democrats who are running for election intent on regaining a majority.
Pa. County Democratic Chair Doubts Sanders’ Fans Would Switch To Trump
Polls say if Hillary Clinton is the nominee, some Bernie Sanders supporters would shift alliances to Donald Trump. David Greene talks to Jim Davis, the Democratic Party chairman in Fayette County, Pa.
In Historic Hiroshima Visit, Obama To Push For Nuclear-Free World
The city is now synonymous with the deadly nuclear age that began there more than seven decades ago. White House officials stress that Obama will not apologize for the bombing.
The Trump-Clinton Gender Gap Could Be The Largest In More Than 60 Years
Women have voted Democratic since 1992, while men consistently vote more to the right. This year, that gap could be bigger than it has been in more than six decades.
Airport Security Delays Reach Crisis Point, Rep. McCaul Says
The TSA administrator testified before a House panel about what he’s doing to address the long security lines at airports. David Greene talks to Rep. Michael McCaul, R-TX, who chaired the hearing.
When Maddy Became Jake: A Father And Son’s Enduring Love
Jake, born female, was 5 when he says he first told his dad he was a boy. Jon thought it was a phase, but came to accept it, and 15 years later Jake made his new name and gender official.
TSA Hopes To Speed Up Screening Lines This Summer, Administrator Tells Congress
But the TSA projects that its checkpoints will screen 100 million more people in 2016 than it did in 2013, while the agency’s workforce has been reduced by 12 percent over that same time period.
GOP Congressman Suggests Private Approach To Airline Security
NPR’s Audie Cornish talks with Rep. Darrell Issa of California about why he believes privatizing airport screening would be better for safety and speeding up security lines.
Donald Trump Holds Rally In California Ahead Of Final Primaries
With the Republican nomination virtually in hand, Donald Trump is on a campaign swing through states voting on June 7 — the final day of GOP primaries. He’s also holding his first fundraisers.
Inspector General Report Criticizes Hillary Clinton’s Use Of Private Server
The State Department’s independent watchdog criticizes Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email account and server for official business.
When Maddy Became Jake: A Father On Parenting A Transgender Child
NPR’s Kelly McEvers talks to political reporter Jon Ralston and his son, Jake Ralston, about Jake’s transition from female to male.
Ryan Shoots Down Trump Endorsement, As He Readies House GOP Campaign Agenda
House Republicans will begin rolling out their policy agenda in June.
N.M.’s Primary Could Predict How Latinos Vote In November
Renee Montagne talks to Gabriel Sanchez of the University of New Mexico for a preview of the June 7 primaries, and the way the Latino voting bloc is expected to influence campaign strategies.
Bernie Sanders Requests A Recanvass Of Voting In Kentucky’s Primary
Sanders hopes to pick up one more delegate. Currently, results show Hillary Clinton beat Sanders by half of a percentage point. Renee Montagne talks to Sanders’ supporter Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon.
Violence Erupts At New Mexico Trump Rally
Officers were injured as anti-Trump demonstrators charged barriers.
Trump Gets Easy Win In Washington Primary; Clinton Wins Empty Vote
The Democratic results were somewhat surprising, as Sen. Bernie Sanders dominated the March caucuses that apportioned the state’s presidential delegates.
A Guide To The Many Conspiracy Theories Donald Trump Has Embraced
They run the gamut from the JFK assassination to Vince Foster’s death to, of course, Barack Obama’s birth certificate.
Why Sanders Requested A ‘Recanvass’ And Not A ‘Recount’ In Kentucky
Bottom line: It’s cheaper. No actual votes will be tallied, and the difference in delegates might only be one or two even if all the votes were counted and Sanders won.
Donald Trump Dredges Up Clinton Scandals Of The ’90s
The scandals of the 1990s are back as likely GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump dubs likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton an enabler of her husband’s extra marital affairs.
House Panel Hearings May Lead To Impeachment Of IRS Commissioner
House Republicans make their case on Tuesday. They accuse John Koskinen of lying under oath to Congress, and under his watch, emails of a former IRS official that had been subpoenaed were destroyed.
Fueled By Young Voters, Asian-Americans Increasingly Identify As Democrats
In the last four years, there’s been a 12-point increase in the percent of Asian-Americans who identify as Democrat, according to a new poll. What does that mean for the presidential election?
Trump To Campaign In Final Primary States, Raising Cash Along The Way
Donald Trump has said he doesn’t need donors’ money. But as he pivots to the general election, Trump is more focused on raising campaign cash — as well as polling and policy.
Former Rival Contemplates Trump’s Recipe For Success
If there’s one person who’s spent some time thinking about how to beat Donald Trump — and wishing he’d played it differently — it’s Rick Tyler, the former spokesperson for Ted Cruz’s campaign.
GOP Convention Loses Corporate Sponsors Over Donald Trump
Donald Trump called the last GOP convention boring. Now he’s causing conflict, as liberal groups urge companies not to donate because of him.
As Primary Drags On, Sanders Supporters Grow More Opposed To Clinton
As Bernie Sanders fights on against Hillary Clinton, he has some goals short of the nomination in sight, while his supporters remain relatively reluctant to support Clinton.
General Election Polls Show Tightening Race Between Trump, Clinton
Polling shows a tightening race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in head-to-head matchups. Bernie Sanders shows more strength against Trump in such polls, but there are important caveats.
Why You Should Take A Deep Breath Before Reading The Latest Trump-Clinton Polls
It’s hyperventilate-over-polls season. Here’s some perspective to calm you down.
Evolution Or Expediency? Clinton’s Changing Positions Over A Long Career
Clinton’s positions on issues from trade to same-sex marriage have changed. Critics say it’s often because of political expediency, while supporters insist she learns and adapts to new circumstances.
Politics In The News: Sanders Presses On In Democratic Contests
Tensions between Bernie Sanders’ and Hillary Clinton’s camps continue to simmer. David Greene talks to columnist and commentator Cokie Roberts and Jonah Goldberg, senior editor at the National Review.
E.O. Wilson Goes To Washington
The Pulitzer Prize winner, who’s known as the “father of biodiversity,” is a scientific superstar. But now he’s trying to convince Congress to set aside half the earth as wilderness.
Clinton And Trump Face Off On The Matter Of Gun Violence
Hillary Clinton took on Donald Trump over the issue of guns at an event hosted by the Trayvon Martin Foundation in Florida on Saturday night. Now, Trump is defending his position.
Beyond The Scandalous Selfies: Documenting The Downfall Of Anthony Weiner
A new documentary shows the rise and fall of former congressman with unimaginable access. Co-directors Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg explain how they got the story.
Corporate Funds Pledged For Republican Convention Under Fire
Some groups are putting pressure on corporations that have pledged money for the Republican convention saying it would help promote Donald Trump and compromise their policies against discrimination.
Clinton Uses Florida Platform To Talk To Mothers Who’ve Lost Children To Gun Violence
Gun control will likely be an important topic in the general election. On Saturday, Hillary Clinton spoke to mothers who have lost children to gun violence at an event in Florida.
Anthony Mackie On Portraying Martin Luther King Jr. In ‘All The Way’
All The Way is a drama from HBO that chronicles President Lyndon B. Johnson’s struggle to pass the Civil Rights Act. Michel Martin speaks with Anthony Mackie, who portrays Martin Luther King Jr.
Barbershop: Megyn Kelly And Trump, Sanders Supporters, And Spouses In The Campaign
NPR’s Mara Liasson, John Nichols of The Nation, and Mona Charen of National Review discuss the latest on the presidential campaigns.
Austrian Far-Right Party Plays On Fear Of Criminal Migrants In Campaigns
Voters in Austria choose a new president in an election Sunday. It could deliver the first significant victory for far-right, anti-migrant parties that have been growing in strength across Europe.
Coming Up Sunday: The Directors Of ‘Weiner’
On Sunday’s All Things Considered, we will take a look at Weiner, a new documentary that chronicles the political failure of Anthony Weiner as he ran for New York City mayor.
By Staying In Race, Bernie May Drive Movements, But Not Media
NPR’s Scott Simon asks Amy Goodman of “Democracy Now” about Bernie Sanders’ chances of getting the delegates he needs to claim the Democratic nomination.
Sanders Criticizes Democratic Nominating Process During New Mexico Rally
Sen. Bernie Sanders campaigned in New Mexico last night, marching on in his fight against Hillary Clinton, and challenging the Democratic Party primary process along the way.
How Important Are Superdelegates In Securing The Democratic Nomination?
The math is stacked against Sen. Bernie Sanders. Hillary Clinton leads in both votes cast and pledged delegates. To match her delegate lead, he’d need 70 percent of the vote.
Voters Often Confuse ‘American Independent’ With ‘Independent’ Party
Californian Sherree Worrell wanted to register “no party preference,” but accidentally joined the American Independent Party. She’s not the only voter to be similarly confused.
Making Democrats’ Primaries More Open Could Be Harder Than You Think
Bernie Sanders has made it clear he doesn’t like closed presidential primaries. Making big changes to the system may be tough to do, though.
Sanders Campaign Still Leads In Fundraising; Its Spending Is Even Higher
The Vermont senator’s organization was down to $5.8 million at the end of April as it bought ample ad time in California’s TV markets. The campaign spent 43 percent more than it raised that month.
‘I Will Never Let You Down,’ Trump Tells National Rifle Association
The NRA endorsed Donald Trump at its annual conference, where the candidate made remarks. “The Second Amendment is on the ballot this November,” he said.
Bernie Sanders Pushes For Overhaul Of Democratic Primary Process
Bernie Sanders is pushing for Democrats to do away with closed presidential primaries. That shift would be hard to carry out, as each state sets its own rules, and changes are both timely and expensive.
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