House Republicans voted to gut the Office of Congressional ethics, then backtracked; Megyn Kelly is leaving Fox News for NBC - we discuss what her move means and why; the United Nations' new Secretary General Antonio Guterres officially started his term on the first of this year, with many challenges ahead in 2017; and more.
AirTalk Political Roundup: Analyzing the New Year agenda of the Republican-led Congress
The Republican-majority 115th House of Representatives made quite a splash on its first day in session.
After first voting privately to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics, lawmakers withdrew the plan early Tuesday. The move followed this Donald Trump
: "With all that Congress has to work on, do they really have to make the weakening of the Independent Ethics Watchdog, as unfair as it may be, their number one act and priority? Focus on tax reform, healthcare, and so many other things of far greater importance!"
What were Republicans intending to do in placing the independent ethics office under the control of a committee of Congress Members? Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy also opposed the vote, along with House Speaker Paul Ryan.
Larry and guests discuss the start of the new year and preview the rancorous week ahead, including dueling ACA rallies, Democrats’ strategy in opposing Trump cabinet nominees and the new priorities of the most Republican government in a decade.
Guests:
Lisa Garcia Bedolla, Chancellor’s Professor of education and political science at UC Berkeley
Pete Peterson, dean of the School of Public Policy and senior fellow at The Davenport Institute at Pepperdine University
House Republicans move to gut Office of Congressional Ethics – then reverse course
On January 2, House Republicans voted to take away the independence of the Office of Congressional Ethics – less than 24 hours later, after facing criticism from Democrats, Republicans and the President-Elect, they moved to reverse the plan.
The measure to strip the office of its power was led by establishment Republicans and was opposed by House Speaker Paul Ryan, as reported by Politico.
What is the Office of Congressional Ethics and is it valuable? Why did the GOP move to strip its power? What did we learn from this turn-around and what does this mean for the incoming administration?
Guests:
Jessica Levinson, President of the Los Angeles Ethics Commission and a professor of law at Loyola Law School
Bre Payton, staff writer for The Federalist; she tweets
What Megyn Kelly's move to NBC signals about the Peacock and Fox News
Megyn Kelly, the Fox News star whose 12-year stint has been marked by upheavals at her network and personal attacks on the campaign trail, is headed to NBC News.
The move was confirmed by Kelly's publicist, Leslee Dart. Kelly's departure deprives Fox News of its second-most-watched host, behind only Bill O'Reilly. Her contract with the network was due to run out this summer. In his analysis of the news,
Kelly's departure creates upheaval in Fox News' prime time but also moment to define/refine network for Trump era and the future.
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) January 3, 2017
"Kelly's departure creates upheaval in Fox News' prime time, but also [a] moment to define/refine network for Trump era and the future."
On AirTalk today, Folkenflik will detail what is behind Kelly's decision, plus what it says about NBC which had a series of controversies during its coverage of the 2016 presidential campaign such as the release of the "Access Hollywood" tape, Matt Lauer's questions of Donald Trump, plus Jimmy Fallon's interview with the GOP candidate.
With files from the Associated Press.
Guest:
David Folkenflik, Media Correspondent for NPR and Author, "Murdoch's World: The Last of the Old Media Empires" (Public Affairs; 2013)
Escaping work emails over the holidays - how do AirTalk listeners unplug?
After a string of national holidays and (hopefully) days off from work, it’s time to return to the one nagging phenomenon that never takes a break: your unread work emails.
If your soul dies a little each time you see that dreaded inbox count on your screen build up without mercy, you're not alone. The Washington Post reported a New Year law that goes into effect in France, where many employees now have the “right to disconnect,” meaning they can legally ignore work emails when off the clock without fear of retaliation from their boss or colleagues.
But maybe for you, clocking out doesn’t mean officially disconnecting - some of those emails just can’t wait until the next morning or over the weekend. How do you balance your work life and rest life? Were you able to unplug during the holidays? Or if you prefer to stay connected, why and how?
How wild card Rodrigo Duterte could throw off US influence in the Asia Pacific
The Philippines has been an important ally in the Asia-Pacific region for the U.S.
But Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte -- known for his controversial comments and unorthodox way of governing -- has suggested more than once that his country is ready to move away from the U.S., potentially ending decades of alliance.
Last week, the Philippines announced plans to explore collaborating with Russia on a range of issues. Duterte is also planning a visit to Moscow in early 2017, at the invitation of Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The sudden souring of relations between the U.S. and the Philippines aside, Duterte did express some optimism about working with President-Elect Trump. How would the two get along? And how should the new Trump administration work with Duterte and the Philippines?
Guests:
Vicente L. Rafael, a professor in history and an expert on the Philippines in the University of Washington
Ali Wyne, a nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security and an expert on the Asia Pacific region
Analyzing the challenges ahead for UN’s new chief
Among many changes in 2017, January 1st marked the beginning of Antonio Guterres’ term as United Nations Secretary General.
As reported by the Associated Press, Guterres spoke Tuesday at the U.N. headquarters about peace, but also addressed future challenges such as terrorism. Guterres is a Portuguese politician who was the previous U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. He is filling the position of Ban Ki-moon, who has been secretary general since 2007.
What are Guterres’ specific goals for the U.N. and what can we glean from his past as commissioner for refugees? Larry speaks to POLITICO'S Daniel Lippman to find out more.
Guest:
Daniel Lippman, reporter for POLITICO and a co-author of POLITICO's Playbook, a morning political newsletter
Can music help alleviate stress, anxiety?
You’ve probably heard that listening to music can be therapeutic.
It’s been said to have the ability to alleviate stress and anxiety --which is especially important at a time when we’re so technologically connected and constantly on-the-go. Matt Sachs studies brain and behavior science at the University of Southern California. Sachs said he is reluctant to recommend a specific song or genre because people are so different, but he did say that the general population finds New Age music to be particularly relaxing.
Have you found a certain song or genre to be helpful in reducing stress?
Guests:
Jessica Grahn, associate professor in the Brain and Mind Institute and the Department of Psychology at Western University in Ontario, Canada
Matt Sachs, brain and behavior science doctoral student, University of Southern California