Blog Title: NPR : Politics & Society

Ghana Elections Praised For Peace, Normalcy

Ghana's former opposition leader John Evans Atta Mills, a 64-year-old law professor, was sworn in yesterday as the country's new president. The Ghana elections were praised as a model of peaceful democratic transition in Africa, particularly after violent political processes in Zimbabwe and Kenya. NPR's West Africa correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton for an update on Ghana.

Social Responsibility And The Web: A Drama Unfolds

If a mother makes a reference to smothering her child on Twitter, do you write it off as a joke or try to intervene? What are the demands of social responsibility — and the boundaries of trust and friendship — in a world of social media?

Chuck Todd Examines 'How Barack Obama Won'

NBC's newly appointed chief White House correspondent talks with Dave Davies about his new book, How Barack Obama Won: A State-by-State Guide to the Historic 2008 Presidential Election.

Obama To Congress: Act Now On Economic Plan

In a speech Thursday morning, President-elect Barack Obama warned the U.S. could see double-digit unemployment, falling wages and a decrease in college enrollment if Congress doesn't act quickly.

Crime And Punishment: A Primer

As News & Notes kicks off a month-long series on crime, Farai Chideya gets a primer on crime and punishment from Franklin Zimring, a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

From Milken To Madoff: White Collar Crime In Focus

Milken, Skilling, and Madoff. What lessons have we learned from these white collar bandits? Has our financial literacy improved to avoid such sweeping schemes in the future? For insight, Farai Chideya talks with Fortune magazine's Allan Sloan.

For Obama, Donations Don't Gush Like They Used To

Less than two weeks before the inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural committee and his transition project face potential budget shortfalls. They jointly need some $50 million, and fundraising appears to have been lagging.

Tracing The Highs And Lows Of The Bush Presidency

Two weeks from now, President Bush will be former President Bush, and what was once his agenda will become his record. The president suggests that history will judge him better than the current analysis. So what will he be remembered for?

Alaska Natives Look For New Friends In Congress

With Alaska's Ted Stevens no longer in the Senate, there's talk on Capitol Hill of reconsidering some of the federal contracting preferences enjoyed by Alaska Native corporations. These companies often receive federal deals even when other, cheaper businesses offer similar services.

Obama's Pick Of Panetta For CIA Proves Surprising

The former White House chief of staff has a relatively thin background for the post — but that might benefit him in some ways, as will his Washington experience.

Picture This: Five Presidents, One Photo Op

President-elect Barack Obama's desire to meet with the men who preceded him on the job led to lunch at the White House and a rare group photo in the Oval Office. The current occupant, President Bush, reminded all that the office "transcends the individual."

Calif. Attorney General Pushes To Overturn Prop 8

Californians passed a proposition in November banning same sex marriage. But California's attorney general Jerry Brown is asking to invalidate the measure, saying constitutional rights would be violated.

Rep. Duncan Replaces His Father In Congress

Congressman Duncan D. Hunter, freshman representative from California, is taking over the House seat held by his father for decades. We talk with him about the transition and his father, Republican Duncan L. Hunter, who is a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Inauguration: How To Cram Everyone Into 2 Miles

When President-elect Barack Obama is inaugurated on Jan. 20, the crowd may fill up the entire space between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Early estimates painted a picture of 4 million people in a two-mile-long rectangle.

Obama Appoints Officer To Oversee Spending

President-elect Barack Obama announced Wednesday the latest appointees to his administration, including an officer to oversee government spending — a position that will take on new importance with the $300 billion dollar stimulus package.