We won't be sending our Saturday newsletter this holiday week. Instead, here's an abridged midweek version. Happy New Year from NPR Politics!
The Big Picture: 6 questions for politics in 2022
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From control of Congress and the strength of the Biden presidency to the future of abortion rights, here are six questions about the new year and politics:
1. Can Biden turn it around? The ongoing pandemic and rising prices have taken a political toll on President Biden. He ended the year with historically low approval ratings. Some other presidents reversed their fortunes. Will Biden?
2. Will we get back to any sense of normal? Americans are understandably fatigued by the pandemic. New variants, including the current rapid spread of omicron, have dampened hopes of turning the tide. And hope among voters is important for a party in power.
3. What, if anything, are Democrats able to pass? Get ready to hear more about Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and what he can get on board with, if anything. Will Democrats further narrow the scope of their agenda? And what of the filibuster — and voting rights? The clock is ticking, as Republicans are favored to win the House in the November midterm elections.
4. Do Republicans win back Congress and if so, what will they do? The GOP has been criticized as the ”party of no” rather than one interested in governing. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell played into that narrative, as he’s reportedly against releasing any kind of legislative agenda ahead of the elections.
5. What does the Jan. 6 select committee come up with — and when? The congressional panel investigating the Capitol riot will likely take a more public role next year with hearings and a report expected ahead of the midterms.
6. Does the Supreme Court severely curtail abortion rights? A decision on a restrictive Mississippi law is expected this summer, and it could open a floodgate of restrictions in other states, just as the midterms are heating up.
2021's top political stories: As we count down to the new year, we asked our readers what they thought were the top political stories of 2021. Here's what they picked.
Biden stopped marking grim COVID milestones: Biden used to talk a lot about the COVID-19 death toll, but over the last year he's shifted to how to fight the pandemic. Some want him to go back to addressing the country's grief.
Biden's success with judges: Biden got a diverse group of 40 federal judges confirmed in 2021, the most for a new president in his first year since the Reagan era. Here's why the job could get tougher next year.
Harry Reid dies at age 82: Born into poverty in Searchlight, Nev., the onetime amateur boxer served in Congress for 34 years. As a hard-nosed Senate majority leader, he helped pass significant legislation. Read our obituary.
How about a gleaming disco ball to mark the new year? NPR's photo folks asked photographers from NPR's member stations to contribute memorable images from 2021. They shared stories of grief along with moments of joy. Take a look.
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