Mike Pompeo's critics see his trip to Georgia, less than a month before key Senate runoff races, as another example of the secretary of state breaking norms by getting involved in domestic politics.
Blinken served as deputy secretary of state and deputy national security adviser under President Obama. The Biden team's announcement came along with a number of other national security picks.
Joe Biden intends to admit 125,000 refugees in his first year. Many will be fleeing religious persecution. While highlighting persecution, President Trump cut refugee admissions to 15,000.
The same day Secretary of State Mike Pompeo paid an unprecedented visit to Israeli settlements, he also announced policies targeting the movement to boycott, divest and sanction the country.
The U.S. "not only has a higher percentage of political ambassadors, but has a higher percentage ... who don't seem to be temperamentally or intellectually suited for the work," says an ex-diplomat.
The department cited regional changes in the coronavirus pandemic, including significant improvements in some areas and declines in public health in others.
Former diplomat Tianna Spears says she was pulled aside 20-plus times crossing from Mexico into the U.S. "One time, I was told not to look at the officer in the eyes when I spoke to him," she says.
The impeachment proceedings continue in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Today, On Second Thought gets the perspective of two Georgia experts...
