The Challenge of Governing a Country Divided

The nation is more divided than ever along political and cultural lines, we are fighting a war against terror, investor confidence is at an all time low, most of the world resents us--all this adds up to present a daunting leadership challenge to President Bush. Is it possible to cut through the political divide and unite the country on any issue other than the war? The answer is yes, but it will require a trait all-too-often lacking in our political figures: courage. Laura offers her own three-point plan to get the country back on track.

The Goal of Bipartisanship--Worthwhile or Foolhardy?

We hear a lot from both Democrats and Republicans about the need for bipartisanship in Washington. And who couldn't be in favor of politicians getting along better, right? Well, not necessarily. Both parties cry out for bipartisanship when it suits their own agendas--and only then. Democrats like Sen. Tom Daschle and Rep. Dick Gephardt urge the Bush administration to pursue a bipartisan agenda on Social Security in one breath, then imply that the Bush administration's policies are going to toss the elderly into the streets in the next. And while the Bush administration doesn't have the PR war room of the Clinton White House, it knows full well the benefit of playing political hardball -- even if it allows Hill soldiers to ratchet up the rhetoric against liberal policies. Plus, what's so great about bipartisanship? When both sides are in agreement too often (except in times of crisis as we're in now), it's usually time to watch your wallet.

That Other Branch of Government: The Supreme Court and its Identity Crisis

For the past several years the votes at the Court have shown the Justices just as divided as the rest of us on issues involving religion, criminal law, state's rights, and abortion. Campaign finance and the death penalty are just a few of the hot issues this divided Court is grappling with. The Court's important June 2002 decision okaying school vouchers is key for the future of policies such as the Bush Administration's faith-based initiative. Also, speculation continues to percolate about future retirements on the Court. Just how bruising will the confirmation process be? Laura will weave in her own experience as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as she addresses these questions.