Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Military

Roundtable: Dual Crises For The Trump Administration

President Donald Trump talks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House  in Washington., Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.
Associated Press
President Donald Trump talks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington., Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.
The Trump White House tries to keep pace with an impeachment inquiry at home and a foreign policy crisis in the Middle East. Congressman Duncan Hunter fails to secure the endorsement of the San Diego County Republican Party for his reelection campaign. And a look at how California is better prepared for earthquakes 30 years after the Loma Prieta quake.

Roundtable Guests:

Tony Perry, former LA Times bureau chief

Gary Robbins, science reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Michael Smolens, columnist, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Priya Sridhar, reporter, KPBS News

President Trump Tries To Navigate Political, Military Storms

It has been a turbulent week on two tracks for President Trump. In the ongoing impeachment inquiry, closed-door testimony is offering Democrats fresh material in building their case that President Trump pressured the president of Ukraine to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. At one point, acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney admitted there was a quid pro quo request before later walking the statement back. President Trump is also taking criticism from both parties over his decision to allow Turkish military forces to invade Northern Syria and attack Kurdish forces that have fought as allies of the United States in the fight against Islamic State.

RELATED: Energy Secretary Rick Perry To Resign

Advertisement

No Republican Party Endorsement In The 50th District

At its latest meeting, the San Diego County Republican Party featured a forum with candidates vying for the 50th Congressional district seat. The incumbent, Rep. Duncan Hunter, defended his record and alliance with President Donald Trump. Hunter is challenged by three prominent Republicans for the seat as he awaits a January trial on charges related to alleged misuse of campaign money. By the end of the night, no candidate secured enough support to win the party endorsement. Democratic candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar is also building support and raising money in the district as he makes another run at the seat.

RELATED: Duncan Hunter Corruption Trial Pushed Back Till Late January

California's Earthquake Preparedness

This week marked 30 years since the deadly Loma Prieta earthquake that struck the San Francisco Bay Area. The disaster was a catalyst for modern earthquake preparedness as communities build and retrofit major infrastructure. California is also rolling out an early warning system that is now available statewide following years of development.

Advertisement

RELATED: Why Southern California Is Ripe For A Large Earthquake

KPBS has created a public safety coverage policy to guide decisions on what stories we prioritize, as well as whose narratives we need to include to tell complete stories that best serve our audiences. This policy was shaped through months of training with the Poynter Institute and feedback from the community. You can read the full policy here.