David Greene

David Greene is NPR's Morning Programming Host/Correspondent. In this role he is the primary substitute host for Morning Edition as well as Weekend Edition Saturday and Sunday. When he is not hosting he brings his deep reporting talents to these programs.

For two years prior to taking on his current role in 2012, Greene was an NPR foreign correspondent based in Moscow covering the region from Ukraine and the Baltics, east to Siberia. During that time he brought listeners stories as wide ranging as Chernobyl 25 years later and Beatles-singing Russian Babushkas. He spent a month in Libya reporting riveting stories in the most difficult of circumstances as NATO bombs fell on Tripoli. He was honored with the 2011 Daniel Schorr Journalism Prize from WBUR and Boston University for that coverage of the Arab Spring.

Greene's voice became familiar to NPR listeners from his four years covering the White House. To report on former President George W. Bush's second term, Greene spent hours in NPR's spacious booth in the basement of the West Wing (it's about the size of your average broom closet). He also spent time trekking across five continents, reporting on White House visits to places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Rwanda, Uruguay – and, of course, Crawford, Texas.

During the days following Hurricane Katrina, Greene was aboard Air Force One when President Bush flew low over the Gulf Coast and caught his first glimpse of the storm's destruction. On the ground in New Orleans, Greene brought listeners a moving interview with the late Ethel Williams, a then-74-year-old flood victim who got an unexpected visit from the president.

Greene was an integral part of NPR's coverage of the historic 2008 election, covering Hillary Clinton's campaign from start to finish, and also focusing on how racial attitudes were playing into voters' decisions. The White House Correspondents Association took special note of Greene's report on a speech by then-candidate Barack Obama, addressing the nation's racial divide. Greene was given the association's 2008 Merriman Smith award for deadline coverage of the presidency.

After President Obama took office, Greene kept one eye trained on the White House and the other eye on the road. He spent three months driving across America – with a recorder, camera and lots of caffeine – to learn how the recession was touching Americans during President Obama's first 100 days in office. The series was called "100 Days: On the Road in Troubled Times."

Before joining NPR in 2005, Greene spent nearly seven years as a newspaper reporter for the Baltimore Sun. He covered the White House during the Bush administration's first term, and wrote about an array of other topics for the paper: Why Oklahomans love the sport of cockfighting, why two Amish men in Pennsylvania were caught trafficking methamphetamine and how one woman brought Christmas back to a small town in Maryland.

Before graduating magna cum laude from Harvard in 1998 with a degree in government, Greene worked as the senior editor on the Harvard Crimson. In 2004, he was named co-volunteer of the year for Coaching for College, a Washington, D.C., program offering tutoring to inner-city youth.

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6:27am

Mon February 27, 2012
Analysis

Michigan, Arizona Prepare For Tuesday's Primaries

The Republican presidential candidates face two important primaries Tuesday with high stakes for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Polls for contests in Arizona and Michigan showed the once-designated front-runner falling behind former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum until recently when Romney has pulled even or slightly ahead.

8:01am

Sat February 4, 2012
Simon Says

Standing In Defense Of Diet Coke

I would like to rise up today in defense of Diet Coke. All diet sodas, in fact. But Diet Coke happens to be my favorite.

I like the stuff.

Cracking open a can of it, or pouring some over ice, helps me survive a long work day.

This love of Diet Coke is one reason my re-entry into the United States has been a little rocky. When I moved back recently after a reporting assignment in Russia, nobody warned me that war had been declared on Diet Coke.

The artillery was fired by Men's Health magazine.

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4:00am

Tue January 24, 2012
Election 2012

Romney Campaign Finally Releases His Tax Returns

Originally published on Tue January 24, 2012 10:00 am

Transcript

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

All right, so Romney has gone on the attack in Florida, and he'll also be answering a lot of questions today about those taxes that he is releasing. As we heard from Mara, it turns out over the last few years, the effective tax rate Romney has paid is just under 15 percent.

Now, Newt Gingrich has been pressing Romney to publicly disclose the documents. And the former House speaker released his own tax returns, to dramatic effect, during a debate last Thursday.

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4:00am

Fri January 13, 2012
Sports

NFL Playoff Preview

David Greene talks with NPR's Mike Pesca about this weekend's NFL match-ups. Tim Tebow will lead the Denver Broncos against the New England Patriots in the marquee game Saturday night.

12:01am

Fri January 13, 2012
World

In Russia's Far East, A Frayed Link To Moscow

Originally published on Fri January 13, 2012 11:50 am

Credit David Gilkey / NPR

After a train journey of nearly 6,000 miles from Moscow, the Russian Pacific port of Vladivostok can feel like a different country. The people and the language are still Russian, but the strong Asian influence is undeniable. And many residents say the bond to the rest of Russia has been growing weaker, while the ties to Asia have been growing stronger since the Soviet breakup two decades ago. NPR's David Greene has this report as he wraps up his journey on the Trans-Siberian railway.

The last of three stories

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12:01am

Thu January 12, 2012
World

In Russia, Modern 'Revolution' Comes At Its Own Pace

Originally published on Thu January 12, 2012 10:08 am

Credit David Gilkey / NPR

Russia had one of the world's most famous revolutions nearly a century ago, in 1917. Yet for centuries, the country has seemed to prefer strong leaders who promised stability rather than revolutionary change. On a trip across Russia today on the Trans-Siberian railroad, NPR's David Greene found many Russians who expressed disappointment with their current government. But most said they wanted changes to be gradual, and were not looking for a major upheaval.

Second of three parts

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12:01am

Wed January 11, 2012
World

Russia, A Nation Shaped By Tragedy And Hardship

Credit David Gilkey / NPR

Seven time zones and thousands of miles separate Russia's capital, Moscow, from the port city of Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. NPR journalists traveled the full length of the Trans-Siberian railroad and report on how Russia's history has shaped its people, and where, 20 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russians want their country to go.

First of three parts

Two decades after the collapse of communist rule, just where is Russia headed? Scholars, diplomats and poets are spending careers contemplating the question.

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7:36am

Tue January 10, 2012
Middle East

Syria's Assad Defies Pressure To Step Down

Syrian President Bashar Assad vowed to stay in power during a speech Tuesday, defying international pressure for him to step aside. He vowed to respond to threats against him with an "iron hand."

4:00am

Tue January 10, 2012
Sports

Alabama Shuts Down LSU In BCS Championship Game

There are two kinds of compelling football games. One, when teams battle back and forth to a dramatic ending. The other, when one team dominates to such an extent that all you can do is watch in awe. Monday night, the University of Alabama treated football fans to the latter. The Crimson Tide won the BCS championship game 21-0.

4:00am

Mon January 9, 2012
Sports

Denver, Giants Move On In NFL Playoffs

Transcript

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

This morning, a lot of NFL football fans are still talking about the first weekend of the playoffs. And what a weekend it was. It looks like Tebow time is back in business. After several weeks of downright awful performances, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow delivered what his fans are calling the latest miracle in his young NFL career. Tebow's 80-yard pass play with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime clinched a stunning playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, 29 to 23, last night.

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6:00am

Sat December 10, 2011
The Picture Show

Russia By Rail: Siberia's Serious Cold

Originally published on Sat December 10, 2011 6:12 am

It's tempting, when beginning a visit to the far reaches of Siberia, to dismiss cold as some Russian cliché. Like vodka. And fur hats.

Sure, there'll be vodka — but not at every meal. Maybe I'll buy a fur hat as a souvenir — but I won't actually wear it.

Cold is no cliché. Siberia is cold.

I know cold. I like cold. I grew up in Pittsburgh, skiing, sledding and sitting through Pittsburgh Steeler football games in January, where beers and sodas freeze in plastic cups at your seats.

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3:24pm

Thu November 24, 2011
Europe

Tough Times Spark Russian Resurgence In Latvia

Of all the economic downturns of the past few years, the tiny European nation of Latvia may have suffered as much as any place. Incomes fell and families suffered as the government implemented harsh austerity measures.

Now, the citizens of this former Soviet republic seem more open to what was once unthinkable: backing a social democratic party that's pro-Russian.

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6:45am

Fri October 14, 2011
Photography

Debts Resolved, Annie Leibovitz Opens New Exhibit

Annie Leibovitz has shot some of the world's most famous portraits — from John Lennon to President Obama. And yet she risked losing ownership of her works to pay off a loan. That was 2009. Leibovitz says she's learned her lesson and is on better financial footing. She's opened a new exhibit in Russia.

4:00am

Mon October 3, 2011
Analysis

Politics In The News

NPR's Cokie Roberts talks to David Greene about the latest political news.

4:00am

Thu September 29, 2011
Sports

Red Sox Shut Out Of Playoffs As Rays Clinch Wild Card

The Tampa Bay Rays rallied from a seven-run deficit Wednesday to beat the New York Yankees and advance to the playoffs. The win shuts out the Boston Red Sox, who lost a close game to the Baltimore Orioles.

4:00am

Thu September 29, 2011
Middle East

Saudi Woman's Driving Violation Spurs Controversy

Saudi men are expected to cast votes Thursday in the kingdom's municipal elections. King Abdullah has promised that women can vote in the next election in four years, but that pledge has been overshadowed by the case of a woman sentenced to 10 lashes for violating the ban on driving.

4:00am

Tue September 27, 2011
Europe

Greek Parliament Weighs Property Tax Amid Protests

The Greek government hopes to pass a new tax law in Parliament on Tuesday, despite wide opposition to the move by a Greek public already suffering under a policy of strict austerity. Ministers say the new property tax, which would be added to people's electricity bills, is needed to persuade the IMF and EU to release more bailout funds to prop up the Greek economy.

10:38am

Wed September 21, 2011
World

Two Americans Held In Iran Released On Bail

A million-dollar bail agreement secured the release Wednesday of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, who had been sentenced to eight-year prison terms for illegal entry and espionage. A third American arrested with them, Sarah Shourd, was released last year. All denied any wrongdoing.

12:49pm

Tue September 20, 2011
Afghanistan

Afghanistan's Former President Rabbani Assassinated

Burhanuddin Rabbani, the head of the Afghan Peace Council and former president of Afghanistan, was killed in a bombing in the nation's capital.

4:00am

Mon September 19, 2011
Economy

Obama To Propose Deficit Reduction Plan

President Obama today releases his plan to bring down the federal deficit. The proposal will include new taxes, Medicare reductions and savings from troop withdrawals.

8:26am

Tue September 13, 2011
Afghanistan

Insurgents Fire On U.S. Embassy In Afghan Capital

Insurgents appear to have launched a coordinated attack in the heart of Afghanistan's capital city. Rocket propelled grenades and assault weapons could be heard across Kabul — targeting the U.S. Embassy and NATO headquarters.

4:00am

Mon September 12, 2011
Analysis

Politics In The News

David Greene talks to NPR's Cokie Roberts about the week in politics.

10:29am

Thu August 18, 2011
Middle East

Obama Calls For Syria's President To Resign

President Obama released a written statement Thursday morning calling for the resignation of Syrian President Bashar Assad, condemning "the disgraceful attacks on Syrian civilians," and issuing an executive order imposing new sanctions on the Syrian government.

5:00am

Tue August 16, 2011
Race To The Arctic

Russia Pushes To Claim Arctic As Its Own

Four years ago, Russian researchers made a bold, if unseen, move. From a submarine, deep beneath the icy waters of the North Pole, they planted a Russian flag on the ocean floor.

Russia has the world's longest Arctic border, which stretches more than 10,000 miles. And for Russia, that 2007 research mission was only the beginning of a major drive to claim ownership of vast portions of the Arctic, as well as the oil and gas deposits that are beneath.

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