Top Political News: May 30, 2012

This idea of the American dream as a collective enterprise is what sets Democrats apart from Republicans.
"If you look at three basic values that underpin the American dream," says John Kenneth White, a political scientist and editor of The American Dream in the 21st Century, "they really are freedom, individual rights — which are closely tied to that — and equality of opportunity."
Republicans typically stress freedom, White says, and they tend to see government as a likely impediment.
Democrats like Obama focus on opportunity, and they see a vital role for government.
"Somebody who has a great idea in selling a great product or service, we want them to get rich. That's great. But we also want to make sure that we as a society are investing in that young kid who comes from a poor family who has incredible talent and might be able to get rich as well," Obama has said. "And that means we've got to build good schools. And we've got to make sure that that child can go to college."

http://www.npr.org/2012/05/30/153994202/obamas-own-story-defines-his-american-dream?ft=1&f=1014

And the survey had good news for President Obama: during the last half of the month, he improved his standing against GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Wisconsin.
The new survey also showed Obama leading Romney among likely voters, 51 percent to 43 percent. Two weeks ago, the poll showed the presidential race tied at 46 percent each. Nearly half of the voters polled expressed an unfavorable opinion of Romney, with 40 percent saying they looked favorably on the former Massachusetts governor. Obama had a 55 percent favorability rating, with 41 percent saying they viewed him unfavorably.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/05/30/154005230/new-wisconsin-poll-shows-walker-maintaining-lead-obama-gaining-strength?ft=1&f=1014

With most media organizations now projecting that Mitt Romney has secured enough delegates to clinch the Republican presidential nomination, President Obama called the former Massachusetts governor to offer his congratulations.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/05/30/153992011/obama-calls-romney-in-rare-moment-of-courtesy-between-candidates?ft=1&f=1014