Stories of the Week | PBS NewsHour Podcast | PBS

In the closing speech of the first night of the Democratic National Convention, first lady Michelle Obama spoke of her husband's working class roots and first-hand knowledge of the struggles that many Americans face. His motivations for re-election come from personal conviction and values, not politics, she said.

NewsHour political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the upcoming Democratic National Convention, including what Democrats will need to do to fire up the base, the Democratic platform, and whether Bill Clinton, a scheduled speaker at the convention, can influence the election.

As state governments attempt to restrict union rights in states like New Jersey, Ohio and Wisconsin, Judy Woodruff and Gwen Ifill talk to three major union presidents -- Mary Kay Henry, Jim Hoffa and Lee Saunders -- about the health of the organized labor movement, the rhetoric of the RNC and the importance of the 2012 election.

As organizers prepare for the 2012 Democratic National Convention and thousands flock to Charlotte, N.C., special attention is paid to organized labor, which was a big part of President Obama's win four years ago. Meanwhile, members of the Occupy movement went to the streets to protest. Ray Suarez reports.

Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks digest the top political news of the week, namely the 2012 Republican National Convention. They discuss the tone of RNC political rhetoric and how it targeted small business, the lack of any mention of the military in Romney's speech and Clint Eastwood's appearance.

Judy Woodruff and Gwen Ifill talk with syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks about the opening day of the Republican National Convention. They also discuss their nostalgia for the convention roll call and what the nation can expect to hear in speeches from Gov. Chris Christie and Ann Romney.

Though known for making a "giant leap for mankind," when Neil Armstrong stepped on the surface of the moon, he later said that he "didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small." Science correspondent Miles O'Brien remembers the life of one of the most inspiring astronauts in U.S. history.

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss 'Day Zero' of the Republican National Convention, how Mitt Romney's Mormon faith may factor into this election, and what David calls "the most important speech of the convention," the upcoming remarks by Ann Romney.

Are political conventions just for policy wonks, journalists and politicos, or do they engage average Americans, as well? That is the question at the heart of a recent poll. Jeffrey Brown talks to Pew Research Center's Andy Kohut from the convention floor about the results of that poll.

In other news Monday, after a federal jury awarded Apple over $1 billion for patent infringement, Apple has asked the court to ban the U.S. sale of eight Samsung smartphone models. Also, Margaret Warner reports on how the Syrian conflict between rebel opposition and the Assad regime has triggered violence in neighboring Lebanon.

Gwen Ifill interviews official RNC host and Washington state Rep. Cathy McMorris about her message of "we can do better," targeting women voters. And Judy Woodruff talks to Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, the chairman of the Republican Governors Association, about the findings of a report by the Republican Platform Committee.

Though it looks like Tampa, Fla., will miss the strongest parts of Tropical Storm Isaac, Republican leadership felt as though they had no choice but to delay the events of the Republican convention by one day. Despite the change, breakfasts, rallies, protests and more have continued. Jeffrey Brown reports.

Though storm warnings have been lifted for Tampa, Fla., the site for this week's Republican National Convention, four Gulf states, including Florida, have declared states of emergencies. With memories of Hurricane Katrina, those in Louisiana are not taking any chances as they brace for Isaac's arrival. Gwen Ifill reports.

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks talk to Judy Woodruff about tight election poll numbers and the convention "bounce," what effect Paul Ryan will have on the campaign versus the negative publicity around Todd Akin, plus Mitt Romney's comment about President Obama's birth certificate.

Many Malians harmoniously practice Islam alongside cultural traditions such as animism. But these Malians fear that they will be the first targeted as infidels by Islamic militants, who have already destroyed traditional Malian shrines. Lindsey Hilsum of Independent Television News reports.