Frank James
Frank James joined NPR News in April 2009 to launch the blog, "The Two-Way," with co-blogger Mark Memmott.
"The Two-Way" is the place where NPR.org gives readers breaking news and analysis — and engages users in conversations ("two-ways") about the most compelling stories being reported by NPR News and other news media.
James came to NPR from the Chicago Tribune, where he worked for 20 years. In 2006, James created "The Swamp," the paper's successful politics and policy news blog whose readership climbed to a peak of 3 million page-views a month.
Before that, James covered homeland security, technology and privacy and economics in the Tribune's Washington Bureau. He also reported for the Tribune from South Africa and covered politics and higher education.
James also reported for The Wall Street Journal for nearly 10 years.
James received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Dickinson College and now serves on its board of trustees.
-
After Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz ended his 21-hour-plus marathon speech at noon Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid quickly dismissed it as "a big waste of time." -
If the "defund Obamacare" strategy leads to a shutdown that backfires on Republicans in a big way, Cruz may find a relative lack of Washington Republicans willing to provide him with much, if any, political cover. -
Democrats in coal-producing states will likely use every chance they get to separate themselves from President Obama in voters' minds. The EPA's new power plant rules are just such an opportunity. After all, Obama is about as unpopular in those states as coal is popular. -
The House GOP's vote on food stamps is a long way from George W. Bush's "compassionate conservatism" approach. The former president isn't fondly remembered by progressives for much, but anti-hunger advocates credit him for his strong support of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. -
Secular activists who count themselves among the "nones" — as in atheists, agnostics or those of no definite religious affiliation — say they hope a new political action committee will stiffen the backbones of lawmakers who may be too afraid to openly state their doubts about the existence of a divine author of the universe. -
With the Syria debate on hold, Congress now must pivot to the continuing resolution needed to keep the federal government from shutting down Oct. 1. -
Despite the president's Syria speech, the path to congressional authorization of military strikes in Syria is no easier than before. The timing of when, or even if, Congress will hold votes is now an open question. -
The president's prime-time speech Tuesday is probably his last, best chance to win support for his plan to launch a military strike against Syria. -
If Congress fails to authorize a U.S. military strike against Syria, it could weaken President Obama internationally and domestically. But it could also give Obama the political cover to back away from his "red line" proclamation against the Syrian government for its alleged use of sarin gas. -
As President Obama tries to make good on threats to punish Syrian officials for crossing a "red line" with their suspected use of chemical weapons, he's being buffeted by political crosscurrents.
