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Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan delivered a GOP convention takedown of President Obama Wednesday night. The speech catapulted an already ugly campaign to a whole new level.

Teachers unions were once a dominant force in American politics and education policy. While still major players, they are rapidly losing strength and having a harder time finding reliable allies.

Melissa Block talks to U.S. women's soccer player Megan Rapinoe about winning a gold medal in London, the future of the profession, and coming out before the start of the Olympics.

Sandra Fluke found herself in the center of a media storm earlier this year. She became a political target after she testified in favor of President Obama's policy to require most employers' insurance plans to cover contraception. Fluke spoke at this week's Democratic convention, and talks about it with host Michel Martin.

Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney are redoubling their efforts to appeal to the Republican Party's base, which ranges from somewhat to very conservative. To do so, they are sounding conservative themes that may boost their chances to win GOP primaries but could harm their ability to beat President Obama.

Fighting between rebel forces and the Syrian government has been taking place in many areas, including the eastern suburbs of Damascus. The rebels actually took control of some suburbs, but a visit by a journalist found that the government forces had regained control after fighting that caused considerable damage.

Gary Locke is Washington's ambassador to Beijing. He took over the post after Jon Huntsman left to run for president. Locke is the first U.S. ambassador to China to have ancestral roots in that country. Ambassador Locke talks to Steve Inskeep about his impressions of China and its government.

Rick Perry garnered instant front-runner status in some polls when he joined the GOP presidential race. But he slid to the back of the pack after embarrassing debate performances. All along, his bid for the nomination seemed outsize. So, too, were the expectations, which ended Thursday.

Republican presidential hopefuls were bearing down and trying to sway voters hours ahead of the first major test of the primary season. But more than a third of those participating in the state's caucuses say they still haven't made up their minds.

The field of GOP challengers narrowed a day after the caucuses as Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann said she is ending her 2012 presidential bid. Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Rick Perry went home to regroup after his poor showing in the Hawkeye State.