Congress weighs legalizing marijuana as deadline for comment nears
Wednesday is the deadline for public comment on a series of measures the House is considering to legalize marijuana on the federal level. While it has its detractors, supporters point to the large wave of public sentiment that’s shifted in favor of pro-pot interests in recent years, not to mention the financial windfall some states have already seen. Marijuana entrepreneur Sieh Samura joined Jim on The Final 5 to make his case for legalization.
Analyzing the Afghanistan pullout
As the fallout from Thursday’s bombing in Afghanistan continues, the Biden administration continues its push towards next week’s 8/31 deadline to complete its pullout from the country. But there’s still concern for the thousands who may be left behind. Jamil Jaffer from the National Security Institute at George Mason, an alum of the Bush 43 administration and the Senator Foreign Relations Committee, joins Jim on The Final 5 to take a look at the road ahead.
Deadly Kabul attacks further imperil Afghan withdrawal
On a day where 13 U.S. service members were killed in twin bombings outside of Kabul’s airport, President Biden took responsibility, but maintained he wouldn’t budge on the August 31st withdrawal deadline. Kelley Vlahos from the Quincy Institute joined Jim on The Final 5 to break down what went wrong and what happens next.
Fight over voting rights bill, filibuster loom
While the House passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act this week, granting the DOJ new tools in fighting voter disenfranchisement, another battle is underway in the Senate. That includes the For the People Act, and a push to eliminate the filibuster. Ben Jealous, head of the People for the American Way, is Jim’s guest on The Final 5.
Biden faces major decisions in Afghan pullout
As the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan continues, President Biden’s foreign policy decisions are under the microscope. Harry Kazianis from the Center for the National Interest joins Jim on The Final 5 to look at what went right, what went wrong, and how it compares to the U.S. involvement in Iraq.
U.S. Army Colonel discusses situation in Afghanistan
As the situation in Afghanistan worsens, the U.S. has flown staffers out of the country and approved the deployment of new troops. Col. Greg Solomon of the U.S. Army joins The Final 5 to talk about the latest on the situation.
Conditions worsen in Afghanistan as Taliban gains more territory
The Taliban captured another three provincial capitals in Afghanistan on Friday, completing its sweep of the country's south in a lightning offensive that is gradually encircling Kabul. Adam Weinstein with the Quincy Institute for Repsonsibile Statecraft joins The Final 5 to discuss the implications of these advances.
19 Republicans join Dems in infrastructure vote, but battle looms
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are debating a pair of infrastructure bills: a bipartisan $1.1 trillion compromise to tackle roads and bridges, and the Democrats’ $3 trillion “human infrastructure” measure aimed at health care and college costs. Jim talks about the battle with Republican strategist Jack Kalavritinos on The Final 5.
Will Andrew Cuomo’s problems ensnare his brother?
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation marks a remarkable reversal of fortune for a man once considered a White House contender, and even prompting fawning praise from some in the media. Now, pressure is on his brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, who admitted to taking part in damage control for his brother’s scandals. Siraj Hashmi (@sirajahashmi) joins Jim on The Final 5 to take a look at what went wrong and the lessons learned.
Bridging America’s COVID-19 divide
As COVID rates rise and vaccination levels fall, there’s a new push to appeal to hesitant Americans, especially as schools prepare to reopen. Isaac Wright of the Rural Voting Institute joins Jim on The Final 5 to look at who may be leading the way.
What's next for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo?
Attorney Christine Flowers joins The Final 5 to break down what's in store for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo after sexual misconduct allegations have been made against him.
Biden, DeSantis sparring match persists
President Joe Biden and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have been engaged in a very public spat – but is anyone actually winning. In this installment of The Final 5, criminal defense attorney Anthony Tall talks to Jim Lokay about the sparring match.
Cuomo may not outlast latest scandal
As New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo deals with the fallout from a bombshell report outlining sexual harassment allegations against him from nearly a dozen women, speculation is rampant on the political future of a man who was once hailed as a potential White House contender. Nation contributor Ross Barkan is the author of The Prince: Andrew Cuomo, Coronavirus, and the Fall of New York. His latest piece for The Nation is: "Andrew Cuomo Is the New Crown Prince of Denial.” He joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain what’s next.
Washington Examiner's Tiana Lowe talks maskless Bowser at wedding
Washington Examiner's Tiana Lowe joins The Final 5 to talk about D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser going maskless at a local wedding.
Biden, CDC eviction moratorium faces criticism
President Biden’s decision to direct the CDC to issue a targeted eviction moratorium is being hailed by progressives as a major victory, but when it comes to its legality, it could face a murky future. Stephen Kent, host of “Right Now with Stephen Kent” on Al Jazzeera’s Rightly platform, joined Jim to break it down and why he believes it was an overreach.
Infrastructure battle continues as midterms loom
As the bipartisan infrastructure deal clears another hurdle, the focus turns to what else Democrats and Republicans can do before the bill heads towards a potential vote within weeks. Dan Eberhart joins Jim to look at the negotiations so far, and how the midterm elections for House and Senate factor in.
Delta variant prompts new mask requirements in DC, nationwide
Spiking COVID-19 cases nationwide are prompting a whole slew of mask mandates to return across the nation, including in Washington, D.C. Dr. Dyan Hes, medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics, joined Jim to break down what is prompting the spikes, and offers her takes on not just masking requirements, but new calls for mandatory vaccinations in some sectors.
Carol Leonnig discusses bestselling book on Trump presidency
Carol Leonnig joined The Final 5 to dicuss the bestselling book she co-wrote with Philip Rucker looking at the Trump presidency.
Infrastructure talks continue as Dems, GOP jockey for position
As President Biden’s push for an infrastructure compromise this week loses steam, the talks continue between Democrats and Republicans. Democratic strategist Kevin Walling joins Jim to talk about why progressives and moderates should work together, why there’s value in bipartisanship, and how former President Trump is trying to derail the process.
Mississippi argues Supreme Court should overturn Roe v. Wade
The state of Mississippi has asked the Supreme Court to overturn its landmark 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion.