President of the United States

The President of the United States is often called ‘the most powerful person in the world’. At a time of gridlock in domestic politics, it’s in foreign affairs that a president is often most able to exert direct power. But does that description ring true today, and how is an American president’s influence felt, understood, […]

Bill Clinton’s successful negotiation for the release of two American journalists brought the former president back into the spotlight. Peter Baker, White House correspondent for The New York Times, joins The Takeaway to talk about Clinton’s new role.

Former President Clinton’s plane landed in Los Angeles with American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who had been held captive in North Korea. Rose Razeghi of ABC News was on the tarmac when the plane arrived and joins The Takeaway with the story.

The White House announced that President Bush would grant 14 pardons and commute 2 sentences before leaving office in January. The pardons did not include any of the high-profile defendants who have previously petitioned the Bush administration for help.

When President-elect Barack Obama takes office in January, he’ll take over a transformed executive branch with expanded power — more power than most presidents have had. Guest: Jonathan Mahler, New York Times magazine contributor.