PBS News Hour - Politics

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Judy Woodruff to discuss politics as a noble profession, optimism as a defining American characteristic, and collective sacrifice for the common good. In his final regular appearance on the NewsHour, we celebrate Mark Shields and his storied career in journalism and politics.

We at the NewsHour would like to hear your memories of Mark Shields, and give an opportunity to offer well-wishes, too. Fill out this form or send an email to [email protected]. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

While Congress continues to debate another round of COVID economic relief aid, funding for state and local governments appear to be on the chopping block. Judy Woodruff spoke with Dayton Ohio Mayor Nan Whaley and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Mayor David Holt to learn how this may impact cities across the country. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

President-elect Biden has said that tackling climate change, the environment and green energy are top priorities for his administration. And so far, his team appears to be a mix of some familiar faces and some not-so-familiar faces. John Yang spoke with Amy Harder, an energy and climate reporter for Axios, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Lawmakers in Washington inched closer to an elusive deal on an economic relief bill during the pandemic, with both sides making concessions including the possibility of direct-payment checks to Americans. Lisa Desjardins joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the latest.

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President-elect Biden on Tuesday flew to the battleground state of Georgia, where two races will decide the Senate's balance of power. The visit came after Vice President Pence's trip last week to Georgia and as President Trump continues questioning the election. Judy Woodruff spoke with Deborah Scott, executive director of the nonpartisan group, Georgia Stand-Up, about efforts to turn out voters.

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More than a month after the 2020 election, President Donald Trump continues to falsely insist the results are fraudulent and the election was stolen from him. And for some immigrants, hearing those claims reminds them of the political turmoil they fled back home. Yamiche Alcindor has the story.

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On Monday, the unique gears of democracy moved with determination, from historic state capitals to small auditoriums, as the Electoral College cast a majority of votes for Joe Biden. It was unlike any vote the College, and the country, had seen before. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As we mark 300,000 deaths from COVID, a deal to provide economic relief still eludes lawmakers. Time is running out, with benefits from CARES Act set to expire the day after Christmas. A bipartisan group offered two proposals Monday afternoon to try and break the gridlock. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is one of the key architects of the effort. He joins Judy Woodruff to discuss.

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Attorney General Bill Barr will resign his position as the nation's chief law enforcement officer, President Trump tweeted on Monday. Barr will leave his position next week, when Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen will become acting attorney general. Yamiche Alcindor joins Judy Woodruff to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

NPR's Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report join Judy Woodruff to discuss the latest political news, including Joe Biden's next move after the Electoral College cemented his presidential victory Monday, President Trump's unlikely concession and how Republicans will react.

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