This week Congress raised the debt ceiling by a small amount, pushing the fight into December. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats struggle with Republicans, and within their own party, to pass Pres. Biden's agenda.
Congress averted an economic disaster this week by raising the debt ceiling. But, for Norman Ornstein, how it played out has become “exhibit a” in proving the dysfunction of the country’s legislative body.
Ornstein is one of the country’s foremost experts on Congress, having studied it for more than four decades. He ticks off numerous examples to make the case that in today’s political climate reforms are needed – now. These include executive and judicial appointments blocked, bipartisan bills put on hold, and the investigation into the violent insurrection of January 6th impeded.
Ornstein lays blame at the feet of Republicans who, he argues, seem more interested in power than governing – but also points to the rules of the institution that make obstruction easy.
Diane spoke to Norman Ornstein Friday morning about why it doesn’t have to be this way – and what can be done to change it.
Menopause. Once a taboo topic, the "m" word is having a moment – among celebrities, in the media, and in Washington, where President Biden recently signed an order that supports research into women's health. Dr. Sharon Malone says it's about time, and explains why understanding "the change" is critical for a woman's ability to get – and stay -- healthy.
Donald Trump regularly ends his rallies with prayer. He has repeatedly compared himself to Jesus. And last week he started selling a version of the Bible. Robert P. Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute weighs in on Trump’s growing embrace of Christianity.
Donald Trump has made cognitive ability a central issue of the presidential race. But he rarely talks about his own family's experience with dementia. The Washington Post's Michael Kranish on Fred Trump Senior's Alzheimer's disease and what voters deserve to know about a candidate's mental fitness.
Donald Trump faces a cash crunch as he struggles to pay more than half a billion dollars in legal fines. Edward Luce is U.S. editor and columnist for The Financial Times. He joins Diane to break down Trump's money problems and what these penalties could mean for him and his candidacy.