Cuomo's situation raises concerns about political precedents
NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) apologized today for a string of recent sexual harassment allegations, but said he had no intention of resigning. Will he hold onto his job? Amanda Makki and Dan Gilleon join Jim on The Final 5 to talk about his political fortunes, and whether his situation bears similarities to other cases of sexual harassment allegations against other powerful men.
New book explores Trump’s Russia dealings
Even after his acquittal during the first impeachment trial, former President Trump’s dealings with Russia have been documented through the years by journalists. Craig Unger, who dug into the business dealings of Trump decades before his foray into American politics, is the author of the new book, 'AMERICAN KOMPROMAT: How the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump, and Related Tales of Sex, Greed, Power, and Treachery.' He joined Jim on The Final 5 to discuss what’s in the book and why he decided to write it.
Terry McAuliffe makes a bid for another term in Va.
In Virginia, governors cannot serve consecutive terms. So after ceding the role to his former Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam for the past four years, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe wants to return as the Commonwealth’s chief executive. But with a crowded field among his fellow Democrats, will the changing political climate help or hurt McAuliffe? He weighed in on the race with Jim Lokay on The Final 5.
Parler's second act
The controversial right-leaning social network Parler returned after a weeks-long hiatus, after losing its hosting services in a move triggered by the Capitol riots. While some users laid out their plans on Parler, there's still a large number of people who feel that Facebook and Twitter have become too politically correct or anti-free speech. That's why Young Voices contributor Eric Peterson believes Parler could still be a viable alternative with some changes. He joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain why.
Why did Biden order Syria strikes? Plus, fallout from Khashoggi report
The Biden administration ordered its first military action this week, ordering a series of airstrikes on Iranian-backed interests in Syria. The move has generated criticism from some Democrats and Republicans, who say the move contradicts past statements from Biden loyalists, who complained about similar moves by the Trump administration. Jamil Jaffer from the National Security Institute at George Mason University joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain why he believes the move isn't as controversial as some believe, and how the administration plans to handle a new intelligence report, blaming the death of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi on Saudi Arabia's Crown Price.
Sexism persists in politics, even with record numbers of elected women
The new Congress boasts a record number of women, both Democratic and Republican, with female lawmakers comprising 27 percent of the House and Senate. Still, new numbers from the Barbara Lee Family Foundation suggest while voters are seeing the issue differently these days, it’s still a hurdle many face in different ways. Executive Director Amanda Hunter joined Jim on The Final 5 to break the foundation’s research down.
VIRGINIA GOVERNOR’S RACE: Jennifer Carroll Foy (D)
As Jim Lokay continues his series of chats with the candidates lining up, seeking to replace Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, he speaks with former Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy. The former lawmaker and defense attorney makes her case for the Commonwealth’s top job, whether she’s concerned with the large pool of announced candidates, and the issues she expects to take center stage ahead of the June Democratic primary.
Rod Rosenstein weighs in on Capitol riot, Trump DOJ
For the first time, we’re hearing from former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who opened up to FOX 5’s Lindsay Watts exclusively about his experiences in the Trump administration. Lindsey interviewed Rosenstein as part of FOX 5’s podcast on the Capitol insurrection, “Siege on Democracy.” She joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about what motivated him to speak. (You can hear her full interview here: https://www.fox5dc.com/podcasts/siege-on-democracy-full-interview-with-rod-rosenstein-bonus-episode)
VA. GOV RACE: Why Lee Carter is running.
He got inspired to get into politics after a nasty electrical shock on the job. Now, Del. Lee Carter (D-Manassas) is taking what he calls his 'Mr. Smith Goes To Washington' moment and is making a run for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Jim Lokay talks to him about why he got into the race, why he’s cool with being called a socialist, and how he plans to fend off more well known candidates in the race.
Who will fill Limbaugh’s shoes?
Talk radio titan Rush Limbaugh’s death from lung cancer leaves a major void in an industry he once pioneered. Libertarian commentator Stephen Kent joins Jim to take a look at the next generation of conservative voices jockeying for his mantle.
Biden’s calls for bipartisanship ring hollow for GOP
While President Biden vowed to reach across the aisle for support for his massive $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, some Republicans believe the commander-in-chief isn’t practicing what he preaches. Republican strategist Amanda Makki joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain where there should be room for compromise and why she believes he’s repeating the tactics that former President Obama took to pass the Affordable Care Act. Plus, Jim asks if the schism between former President Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will affect the Republican Party’s chances of retaking Congress in 2022.
Lessons from the past on foreign policy
Former President John Quincy Adams opposed interventionism, but through the years, American foreign policy involved anything but. Fiona Harrigan from Young Voices joined Jim on The Final 5 to take a look at the challenges ahead for President Biden.
Dems plot path ahead after Trump acquittal
President Biden wants a big $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, but without bipartisan support, will Democrats still push ahead or work with the GOP? Democratic strategist Isaac Wright joined Jim to look at the path ahead, and how former President Trump’s newfound criticism to Sen. Mitch McConnell changes the political calculus.
Playing nice with others in a politically divisive time
After a stressful Presidential campaign, followed by an impeachment, insurrection, inauguration, and trial, tempers remain high, but it’s not impossible to find common ground with others. Mental toughness expert Eric Rittmeyer joins Jim with ways we can all talk things over in a civil and productive way.
After Trump acquittal, Congress set to take on Biden agenda
Now that former President Donald Trump has been acquitted for the second time, Congress turns its attention to COVID-19 relief, but will it get bipartisan support? President Biden hopes so. Business Insider Senior Washington Correspondent Dave Levinthal joins Jim on The Final 5 to look at what’s next, and the other priorities now that impeachment is over and done with.
Trump defense rests its case
The impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump may come to an end by this weekend, as his defense team presented and rested their case on Friday. Legal expert Kelly Hyman joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about what could happen, and what’s next.
Biden charts course for China policy, but what will change?
President Biden made his first call to Chinese President Xi Jinping today, but how will his administration juggle diplomacy with simmering tensions with the Communist nation? As Biden forms a task force to shape China policy, Clyde Prestowitz, China expert, former top trade official, and author of the new book, "The World Turned Upside Down," joined Jim on The Final 5 to look at the transition from the Trump administration, what we’ve learned, and where the US-China dynamic could possibly go.
Looking at Trump’s second impeachment trial as statements begin
As former President Trump goes on trial before the Senate, his attorneys argued the trial was unconstitutional. While senators rejected that argument, the 56-44 vote belied the fact that House managers have a difficult road ahead to make a case for conviction. Princeton University scholar and lecturer Dr. Lauren A. Wright joined Jim to look at the case, and how the few Republicans who support the trial face issues of their own within the party.
Vaccine trust, immigration reform show room for common ground
As Capitol Hill girds for another Trump impeachment trial, a litany of issues that Americans hope for action on await lawmakers on the other side. Robert Griffin from the Democracy Fund joined Jim on The Final 5 to break them down and show where there’s room for agreement, even in a divided country.
Young Americans and their changing tone on foreign policy
Millennials, Zoomers, and Cuspers: no matter what you call younger Americans, as they cast votes for the first time, they’re also bringing a different attitude to issues involving foreign policy. Unlike their parents, who came of age during Vietnam or the Persian Gulf War, they’re increasingly included to support more diplomatic measures on the world stage. Natalie Dowzicky from Young Voices joined Jim to weigh in.