President Trump signs a pardon for ex-convict and Hope for Prisoners CEO Jon Ponder during the Republican national convention. It was one of several events that took place at the White House, raising concerns about violations of the Hatch Act, which prevents the mixing of government functions with partisan political activity.
Last night marked the end of a Republican national convention that broke all the rules.
It was a stark contrast to the Democrats, who, last week, held their convention entirely remotely.
But, defying public health guidance, President Trump accepted the Republican nomination in front of a packed crowd on the south lawn of the White House Thursday night, with few face coverings in sight.
New York Times opinion columnist Frank Bruni says this spectacle mirrors the story of the Republican’s convention message, with speaker after speaker presenting a picture of America that doesn’t line up with reality.
Diane talks to Frank Bruni about just how effective the spectacle was, and what comes next in the 2020 race for president.
Doctor Francis Collins is stepping down as director of the National Institutes of Health after 12 years. He reflects on his legacy and his agency's efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
Congress expert Norman Ornstein on what the debate over the debt limit says about dysfunction in Congress, and his ideas for how to fix it.
Trump impeachment witness Fiona Hill on what her own background says about this political moment, and why she thinks the greatest threat to American democracy now comes from within.
Cities and states across the country are exploring reparations programs for Black Americans, but not all reparations advocates think it's the right approach. Diane talks to Mayor Daniel Biss of Evanston, Ill., and William Darity, Jr., and Kirsten Mullen, the co-authors of the book, "From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century”
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