KCRW's To The Point Podcasts

PodcastDirectory / Variety / Public Radio
PodcastDirectory / Regions / NA / USA

Hosted by Warren Olney, "To the Point" is a fast-paced, news based one-hour daily national program that focuses on the hot-button issues of the day, co-produced by KCRW and Public Radio International. Primary Format : Public Radio Language : English Also Listed as: News NPR Politics Public Radio City : Santa Monica State/Province : CA Country : USA Region : NA User Tags: User Votes: RSS Feed Website People found this Podcast Searching for: War | View this Podcast on a Google Map. Podcast iTunes Link Text Only listing of KCRW's To The Point Podcasts Methings.com listings of KCRW's To The Point Podcasts If you like this podcast, you might also like:

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and Don't Rush into Anything President Obama promised to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the ban on gays and lesbians in the military. Now many supporters are getting impatient. We hear about equal rights, military morale, conflicting court decisions and shifting public opinion. Also, balancing California's budget, and the price of gasoline is going up, but don't blame the oil companies. Blame the banks. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website National Security: Refining the Differences It's being called the debate that was lacking in last year's presidential campaign.  We hear the contrasting views of President Obama and former Vice President Cheney in dueling speeches today on national security.  Also, four arrests in conspiracy to use MWD in the US, and guns, credit cards and the Democratic majority. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website A California Drama without a Hollywood Ending Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has lost another round in his ongoing battle with his own Republican Party, the Democrats and the voters ofCalifornia.  We look at yesterday’s crushing election results and the bleak future of a state with a deficit of $21 billion. Also, the credit card reform bill is "armed" and ready to go, and the "missing link" as media blockbuster. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Hubble and the Future of Space Exploration The astronauts are ready to come back to Earth on Friday. We hear about upgrading the Hubble Space Telescope, what age-old questions it's now prepared to address and whether manned space flight has a future. Also, President Obama announces the first-ever national emissions standards, and Britain's expense account scandal takes a political toll. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is There a New Road to Middle East Peace? Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is at the White House today for the first in a string of meetings that will help define President Obama’s policies in the Middle East.  Also, Sri Lanka’s rebel Tamil Tigers are routed and their leader killed, and the Bush Administration and the Rumsfeld legacy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website GOP Identity Crisis: Is There a New Elephant in the Room? The Grand Old Party is going through a bit of an identity crisis,trying to position itself for the years ahead. Should the GOP lean tothe center? Lean to the right? There's certainly a lot of fightinggoing on, especially for a party which holds Unity as a cherished partyvalue. Guest hostSara Terryasks whether whether Republicansare heading for a split. Also, with consumer confidence up, have we finally bottomed out? Plus, it's been bedlam in the playoffs. Whyhaven't things gone according to ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will Afghanistan Be President Obama's Vietnam? With new commanders and a focus on counterinsurgency, President Obama is making Afghanistan“his” war.  With al Qaeda now next door in Pakistan, what are the goals?  Will Democrats agree they’re sustainable and worth the cost in troops and money? Also, Nancy Pelosi and torture, and the inside story of Tiananmen Square. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cracking Down on Credit Card Companies During good times, credit card companies were denounced for offering easy credit. Now they're under fire for tightening up. We hear the pros and cons of a bipartisan credit reform bill President Obama says he wants to sign. Also, Senate hearings into torture allegations, and Predator drones in Pakistan. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Papal Visit: Religion and Politics in the Middle East This week's pilgrimage to the Holy Land by Pope Benedict XVI hasturned somewhat contentious.  We hear the assessments of Jews,Palestinians and Roman Catholic Christians.  Also, Richard Holbrooketestifies before Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and repairing the Hubble, a risky mission with an extraordinary goal.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Fast Track to Same-Sex Marriage President Obama is just one supporter of gay rights who draws the line at same-sex marriage.  We talk about a movement that's been picking up speed and about the developing efforts by some to keep it going and by others to slow it down.  Also, Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi is released, and healthcare reform gets serious as the industry reaches out to the White House. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Who Should Be Next on the US Supreme Court? Liberal or Moderate? Man or Woman? Black, White or Brown? Should the next Supreme Court Justice have judicial experience or a record of service in other branches of government? We hear different as President Obama gets ready to pick his first nominee. Also, the pace of unemployment slows, and Pope Benedict visits the Middle East. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The High Cost of Higher Education The rising cost of tuition and fees makes college inaccessible for millions of young Americans while others graduate with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. We look at their plight, their prospects and President Obama's plan to take over student loans and create a big, new entitlement program. Also, the stress test results, and the best record in baseball and performance-enhancing drugs. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Afghanistan, Pakistan and American Security In Washington, the Obama Administration is hosting two weak leaders from strategic countries threatened by militant fundamentalists. Can the presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan make common cause against the Taliban? Also, stocks rise on latest Labor Department report, and the so-called "torture memos" and possible legal discipline. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website What's Next for the 'Two-State Solution?' The newly elected leaders of the US and Israel will meet later this month to tackle the ongoing struggle for peace in the Middle East. Will they agree to disagree on coping with Iran's nuclear program and about a so-called "two-state solution" with the Palestinians? Also, banks get stress test results, and cracking down on the Cayman Islands. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Today, It's Chrysler... Tomorrow, GM? Chrysler's been forced into bankruptcy with hopes of merging with Fiat in just a few weeks.  Presuming that all goes well, will American drivers take to Italian cars? Also, Obama's plan to curb corporate tax havens, and the underground world of steroids for the brain. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Detroit Revs Up One More Time The latest news from Detroit includes Chrysler's efforts this weekend to make deals that will keep it from heading to bankruptcy. Meantime, General Motors announced a revised business plan today, as well as the closure of historic Pontiac line.  What concessions did the unions make? What does Chrysler need to do to convince creditors not to pull the plug? What's next for the big three? Also, the swine flu pandemic, and journalists in jail. Who’s watching out for the watchdogs?Sara ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website A Medical Miracle with Conflicting Consequences Some 80 million baby boomers are reaching their late 50's. Will an aging population burden the young or use the wisdom that comes from experience to create a better society? Also, the Big Three automakers are tottering, and stopping a plague of crickets with hard rock music. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Torture Memos: Truth and Consequences Pressure is building to prosecute former Justice Department lawyers for supporting harsh interrogation techniques. We look at that and other issues posed by the release of controversial legal memos. Also, an update on yesterday's voter turnout in South Africa and the prospects for change.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Stress Tests: Economics and Politics So-called "stress tests" on nineteen big banks have postponed decisions that could be politically unpopular for the Obama Administration. Now that the results are due, we hear what the consequences might be. Also, Secretary Clinton goes back to Capitol Hill, and transportation produces almost a quarter of all greenhouse gases. Will garbage help to reduce global warming? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Pakistan Ripe for an Islamic Revolution? Recent events in Pakistan have increased alarm that a country with nuclear weapons is vulnerable to a Taliban-style Islamist revolution. We talk with Pakistanis and American experts. Also, Bush Administration officials may be tried for torture after all, and the former vice president who won't keep quiet.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Same-Sex Marriage: The Law, Religion and Politics Same-sex marriage has been legalized in 4 states and proposed in several others, but it's a long way from becoming a US institution. We talk about Constitutional rights, religious objections and political calculations. Also, today's UN racism conference sparks protests, and torture and war. What's the difference? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Tea Parties, Terrorism and Political Partisanship Conservative bloggers and some Republican leaders accuse the Obama Administration of trying to silence their voices in the name of homeland security.  What do reaction to a report on right wing extremists and this week’s Tax Day “tea parties” reveal about the direction of partisan politics? Also, the EPA on the regulation of greenhouse gases, and brutal interrogation methods and possible consequences. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is a Wave of Foreclosures Heading Our Way? Just as the Obama administration’s “homeowner rescue” plan finally gets into gear, home foreclosures are on the rise. Also, the insurance agent AIG spends taxpayer money for PR to clean up its image. On Reporter's Notebook later on, women’s rights—or the lack of them in Afghanistan. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website A New President Goes South of the Border President Obama will stop in Mexico on his way to the Summit of the Americas.  Will it be a symbolic exercise or the start of a new era in US relations with Latin America? Also, the politics of tax day, and attempted piracy has been foiled today in the Indian Ocean. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Piracy: The Legacy of a Failed State Four more ships have been seized by Somali pirates who threaten vengeance for those killed during hostage rescues. We hear how instability in the Horn of Africa has bred international lawlessness. Should the merchant nations resort to force or help the region solve economic and political problems? Also, President Obama speaks hard truths about the economy and opens a crack in the door to engagement with Cuba.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Piracy on the High Seas and Gun Control in America Despite a rash of mass killings, calls for increased gun control are falling on deaf ears.  Has the NRA prevailed in Washington and state capitols?  Will American guns continue to flow to Mexican drug cartels?  Also, the US resolves to do what's necessary to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Religion in the 'Modern' World Secularism is a defining characteristic of the "Modern" world.  So why is there such an increase in religious belief? With two major religions celebrating holidays, we look at faith in America and other parts of the world. Also, "glimmers of hope" for the economy, and America's electrical grid and cyberspies. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Behavioral Science and Political Change Scientists of human behavior helped Barack Obama get to the White House. Now they're helping him "nudge" Americans to make "better" choices.  We hear the pros and cons of a new form of leadership. Also, stocks continue rebound on good news about banks, and a proposal for small investors to get in on bank bailouts.  What are the benefits and the risks? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack Obama and Fidel Castro's Cuba In Latin America and in Washington there's pressure for changing the policy of isolating Fidel Castro's Cuba. As President Obama prepares for the Summit of the Americas, how far is he willing to go? Will he insist that Cuba change its repressive ways? Also, a hijacked crew retakes its ship from Somali pirates. On Reporter's Notebook, are Nevada politicians embarrassed to tax legal prostitution? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Wars of the Future and the Wars of the Past Defense Secretary Gates says cutting the F-22 jet fighter was "not even a close call,” but the project provides jobs in no less than 44 of the 50 states. We hear about upcoming battles over a defense budget that reorients the Pentagon from conventional warfare to counterinsurgency.  Also, President Obama greeted warmly in Iraq, and Vermont becomes the fourth state to recognize same-sex marriage. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Tough-on-Crime Policies Overwhelm Shrinking State Budgets State prison budgets have quadrupled in the last 20 years, out-pacing every state government spending category except healthcare. Guest hostLawrence O'Donnellconsiders the price of being tough on crime and what changes states are making to run corrections systems that they can afford. Also, President Obama unveils his strategy for Afghanistan. On Reporter's Notebook, who is taking advantage of  rock-bottom home prices? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Does Obama Have a Strategy for Victory in Afghanistan? President Obama wants to dial down in Iraq andup the ante in Afghanistan. His plan to send 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan is meeting increasing resistance from his liberal supporters at home and skepticism from some allies. Is there a better strategy? What alternatives has the President considered? Does history prove that Afghanistan cannot be tamed?Lawrence O'Donnellguest hosts. Also, the administration calls for expanded oversight power of financial system, and the spread of new Hoover ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Obama Administration's Delicate Balance with Mexico President Obama got no questions about Iraq or Afghanistan in last night’s press conference, but was asked if the raging violence of drug cartels in Mexico is “a national security threat.” Guest hostLawrence O’Donnellexplores the new tensions in US relations with Mexico and what the Obama Administration hopes to achieve with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s meeting today with Mexican President Felipe Calderón.  Also, Obama meets with Senate Democrats on ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website American Populism: 21st Century Style Some AIG executives have given their bonuses back, but the fires of populist anger have already been lit.  Can Republicans credibly lead the charge against Wall Street?  Will leftists turn on the Democrat in the White House?  Can public outrage be harnessed to help fix the economy? Also, Geithner and Bernanke face hostile questioning on Capitol Hill, and American cops are giving up codes for plain English. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Bailout Backlash The bailout of America's financial system began last fall, but the Bush Administration is history.  Now the Obama Administration is faced with growing outrage over the use of public money to rescue failed private companies. Also, the cheapest car in the world goes on sale in India. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Great Recession and the Erosion of Trust With the onslaught of the Great Recession, public confidence has all but evaporated in money managers, investment advisors and financial institutions, public and private.  We ask a variety of observers, who can you trust now? Also, President Obama reaches out to Iran, and General Scott Gration will be Obama's special envoy to Darfur. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Healthcare and Information Technology The Obama recovery plan contains $19 billion to help American doctors computerize their records. Will Information Technology reduce the costs of healthcare and the incidence of medical error or make things worse? Also, the Fed may be saving credit markets, but who'll save the Fed? On Reporter's Notebook, America's veterans on the sixth anniversary of the war in Iraq. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website AIG: Political Outrage and Financial Stability On Capitol Hill today, it was all about AIG. We hear about millions in executive bonuses, billions in bad debt and proposals for new regulatory authority.  Also, Senate Democrats declare their independence. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Auto Industry: In Survival Mode GM and Chrysler may be on the verge of bankruptcy, but auto sales are declining so fast the entire industry is in trouble. We assess the prospects for its survival and what the future might look like. Also, Capitol Hill outraged at AIG, and democracy and instability  in Pakistan. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Credit Card Economy Comes Home to Roost Two thirds of the US economy depends on consumer spending, and credit cards account for a big proportion of that. But with more and more people struggling to pay their bills, credit card companies are now making it harder. Is anyone looking out for consumers? Is there a need for reform? Also, AIG audaciously issues $165 million in bonus payments, and endangered languages. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack Obama: Doing Too Much or Too Little? President Obama says he has no choice between getting the economy moving now while simultaneously rebuilding it over the long term. So he’s being criticized for doing too much and for not doing enough. We update the first eight weeks. Also, signs of life in the economic darkness, and Cramer versus Stewart on cable TV. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bernard Madoff: Behind Bars Bernard Madoff violated the trust and burned up the fortunes of 4800 people. He's likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars. But until now, has he been protected -- by a de-regulated financial system and a culture of greed? Also, the Iraqi shoe-thrower gets three years, and another Obama appointee steps down, this time from a high-level intelligence job. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Climate Change and Nuclear Power Climate change and the need for clean energy might revive America's nuclear industry but, will it?  High cost and the fear of terrorism are still major issues, and without Nevada's Yucca Mountain, deadly nuclear waste has no place to go. Also, President Obama's big earmark problem, and the UN has been marking time on illegal drugs.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Global Recession Brings Global Insecurity Forget the "axis of evil."  Economic recession now threatens political upheaval in important parts of the world, with national security consequences here in the US. We look at potential sources of trouble today. Is Washington paying attention? Also, stocks rally on news from Citibank, and the Dalai Lama calls Tibet a "hell on earth." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Income Redistribution: Basic Fairness or 'Class Warfare?' The Obama budget and tax plan would shift America's wealth from the top down. Is it time to close the gap between rich and poor or would increased taxes stifle growth by removing incentives for the wealthy to keep on working?  Are there other causes of income inequality? Also, a turnaround on stem-cell research, and a promise to crack down on defense contractors.  Is Obama up to the job? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack Obama, Technology and the Internet Telecommunications technology is changing so fast that federal regulators can barely keep up.  We talk about Internet access, neutrality and openness as seen by the Obama Administration. Also, unemployment reaches an“astounding” level, and the return of daylight savings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Could AIG Wreck the Global Economy? American Insurance Group, the world's biggest insurance company, is getting history's biggest bailout.  But where are almost $200 billion in taxpayer dollars ending up? The Federal Reserve told a senate committee today that going public could destroy AIG, putting at risk the world's financial system. We update the hearing and get the background. Also,“substantial doubt” about GM's ability to survive, and Russia and Iran are on the agenda as Hillary Clinton attends her first m ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Tracking the Great Recession, Region by Region No place in America is recession proof, but some places are being hit much harder than others.  Today we find out where it's worst and why, and ask what communities will need most to help them to bounce back.  Also, new details on the Obama Administration's foreclosure prevention program, and a sitting head of state is indicted for crimes against humanity. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website America's 'New Path' in the Middle East The Obama Administration says it's cutting a "new path" toward Middle East peace. With Israel and the Palestinians both divided among themselves, we hear about outreach to Syria, Turkey and even Iran. Also, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown becomes the first European leader to visit President Obama, and the Church of Rome and the Theory of Evolution. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is It Time to Cease Fire in the War on Drugs? Three former South American presidents are among those who’ve asked the United States for a "paradigm shift" in the so-called "War on Drugs." New York and California are already moving in that direction. Is it wasting billions of dollars while addiction and violence increase? Would legalization perpetuate a dangerous cycle and make matters worse? Also, the government tries to keep AIG afloat, and lost Chinese relics and Yves St. Laurent.  Who's the real owner. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Religious Violence and Political Turmoil in Pakistan More US troops will go to Afghanistan, but US diplomacy is focused on that country together with Pakistan.  We hear about Pakistan’s deal with Muslim extremists and ask best-selling author Greg Mortenson what he’s telling the US military about the remote provinces of both countries.  Also, the President outlines the end to the war in Iraq, and the Obama budget as a massive political gamble. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website National Security and American Values Suspected terrorists have been held for years in US military prisons with no charges and no trials, creating a conflict between constitutional rights and national security. As soon as next month, Barack Obama will face tough choices about presidential power. We hear about a US Supreme Court case which could have dramatic and long-lasting consequences. Also, Obama’s $3.6 trillion budget blueprint, and Mexican drug cartels — all over the US. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Public Speaking and Public Policy After weeks of grim predictions of hard times to come, President Obama tried to lift the mood of the nation in last night's address to a joint session of Congress.  Also, a decision on Iraqi troop withdrawal may be forthcoming this week. On Reporter's Notebook, will the District of Columbia get a vote in Congress?   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 'Nationalizing' America's Banks: Rumors and Realities The Obama Administration says the banking system will remain private. But at the same time, it's taking steps that could lead to government ownership. Would that be "nationalization" under another name? What's in store for the taxpayers? Also, the President prepares to address Congress, and methane gas released by melting ice in the Arctic creates a feedback loop for global warming.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Getting to Know You: The Obama Administration and China Human rights and currency manipulation were on the back burner for Hillary Clinton’s visit to China. The Secretary of State emphasized economics and global warming. Also, President Obama discusses the stimulus package with the governors, and Hollywood and Bollywood at last night’s Oscars.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Does News Have a Future? As of last year, more people were getting their news for free on the Internet than were paying for newspapers and magazines.  We hear proposals for preserving journalism as we've come to know it and for creating new ways of serving consumers of information. Also, President Obama warns mayors against misusing stimulus-package funds, and Hollywood and the Oscars. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack Obama Crosses the Border Barack Obama leaves the country for the first time as President. We hear about free trade, troops in Afghanistan and environmental protection from the US and Canadian points of view.  Also, California’s budget madness sort of comes to a close, and universal healthcare – Canadian style. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website President Obama and the Home Mortgage Crisis President Obama wants to stop foreclosures and slow the slide in homeprices. Is that a good idea? Will $75 billion be enough to meet hisobjectives? Also, the nightmare in Detroit continues. On Reporter's Notebook, did Illinois' US Senator Roland Burris lie under oath?  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack Obama, Back on the Road Bipartisanship didn't work on Capitol Hill, but the massive stimulus bill passed anyway.  Now the President is back on the road.  Also, a US military leader says Obama's plans to withdraw from Iraq is optimistic, and the State of California runs out of money. We look at the politics and economic recovery. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website More Troops for Afghanistan, but What's the Mission President Obama wants more troops in Afghanistan, but the US presence is increasingly unpopular. So is the country's corrupt and ineffective government. We hear about the challenges of shifting America's focus on terror from Iraq to South Asia. Also, the Obama Administration awaits the Big Three's auto-industry restructuring plans and, on her first trip in a new job, Hillary Clinton arrives in Japan.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website This Time It's Peanuts: Food Scares and Food Production Contaminated peanuts have been linked to deaths and illness, and have landed owners of a peanut-processing plant in front of a House subcommittee. Since 2002, there've been more than half a dozen bacteria-related food contaminations. Guest hostSara Terryexplores the vulnerability of the nation's food supply. How rigorous are the standards for protecting it? Also, Judd Gregg pulls out, eroding President Obama's efforts of bipartisanship, and trashed in space. When satellites collide, who cle ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Can President Obama Organize America? Barack Obama transformed political campaigns by creating a grassroots network of 13 million people. Can they be mobilized to help accomplish Obama's agenda? The effort begins this weekend, and we get a preview of what could be a sea change in the way that America is governed. Also, the Senate works on the stimulus bill as the economy sheds jobs, and with unemployment on the rise, states are cutting welfare. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack Obama: Shareholder-in-Chief After the stimulus bill, the President's next economic challenge will be another massive bailout. We talk about how much federal control should come with increased federal ownership of America's major financial institutions.  Also, hot and heavy politicking over the stimulus bill, and faith-based initiatives— Obama style. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ethics and Accountability at the Obama White House Two of President Obama's top appointees withdrew yesterday because they failed to pay federal taxes.  Is "changing the culture" of Washington easier said than done?  Will the political distraction interfere with efforts at policy change? Also, tighter restrictions on executive compensation for companies getting federal bailouts, and an about-face on global warming from the new Secretary of Energy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Healthcare Reform without Tom Daschle Can the US afford to reform a failing system of health care in the midst of an economic crisis? Can it afford not to? We hear what's in the stimulus bill and how it could shape debate on questions of life-and-death. Also, former Senator Tom Daschle withdraws his nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary, and the case for private jet planes for busy corporate executives. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Stimulating the Economy, Now and in the Future Bill Clinton declared the Era of Big Government "over." Well, it'sback, with a stimulus package big enough to start re-shaping theeconomy.  We look at the possible impacts now and in the long term. What will it mean for free trade and the global economy?  Also, a bumpy road ahead for Obama cabinet picks, and theIraqi elections and US troop withdrawals. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Does Bipartisanship Really Matter? Barack Obama won big, but he's been spending his first few days in the White House reaching out to Republicans.  So far, they haven't reached back.  Whatever ends up in the stimulus package, the economy's likely to get worse. Also, the US economy shrank last year, though not as fast as expected. On Reporter's Notebook, private jets and executive bonuses, what can the public do? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is the Fight against Global Warming a Losing Battle? Scientists now say climate change can’t be reversed for 1000 years, even if greenhouse gases are cut to pre-industrial levels. What does that mean for green technology?  Should the consumer economy be reduced instead of expanded?  Also, Governor Blagojevich on his impeachment trial, and the Postal Service is threatening to drop a day of deliveries.  Is it crying wolf? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Job Cuts Are Taking Their Toll Some 2.5 million Americans lost their jobs in 2008, and this year three million more are likely to be laid off.  We look at the impact of unemployment across the country.  What will it take to get the next job in a restructured economy? Also, President Obama's envoy is in Jerusalem as fighting flares, a Super Bowl ad is more than just a commercial.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Economic Stimulus and the Promise of Bipartisanship Barack Obama said he'd restore the economy in a bipartisan way, but debate over his stimulus package sounds all too familiar. Also, President Obama and George Mitchell reach out to Arabs. On Reporter's Notebook, the first bill likely to be signed into law by President Obama. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Why Are US Troops in Afghanistan? Barack Obama promised to get US troops out of Iraq and send more to Afghanistan. Vice President Biden says more casualties should be expected. We hear about deteriorating conditions and the risks of escalation. Also, President Obama directs the EPA to review fuel standards, and financial troubles for America’s premier newspaper, the New York Times. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website America’s Capitol City and Urban Problems Nationwide Washington, DC is a divided city. High officials, government workers and diplomats live and work in prosperous neighborhoods. The majority black population lives somewhere else. Barack Obama says he wants to bring the two together. Also today, two diplomatic envoys for troubled parts of the world. What’s in store for the Middle East and South Asia? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will the Banking Crisis End with Nationalization? Nobody wants the US government to take over the banking industry, but more and more people are saying it might happen. Three hundred billion dollars given to banks by the Bush Administration is hardly small change, but bank losses may add up to two trillion anyway. On Reporter's Notebook, opening up the records. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Inaugural Address Heard Around the World Tens of millions of people watched Barack Obama take office. News coverage, commentary and public opinion are as diverse as the audience. Today we’ll hear what’s being said in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. On Reporter's Notebook, fast action on Guantanamo Bay and growing problems with Mexico. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website America’s 44th Peaceful Transition of Power After taking the oath of office on Abraham Lincoln’s bible, President Barack Hussein Obama called it “a moment that will define a generation.” On our program, we’ll discuss the Inaugural Address in the context of history and contemporary politics. And we’ll talk about what comes next. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Dreams and the Realities of Black Americans Barack Obama won 95% of the black vote in November’s election, but African Americans are anything but unanimous on what his election will mean. On Reporter's Notebook later on, a surprise Obama advisor and confidant: John McCain. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website A Controversial Presidency Comes to an End George W. Bush enjoyed 90% approval ratings after September 11th. There was widespread initial support for his war in Iraq. But he leaves office less popular than any outgoing president since Richard Nixon, and since the November elections he has tried to shape his own legacy. On Reporter's Notebook later on, jet airliners and migrating birds. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Big Change in Store at the Department of Justice Barack Obama’s nominee for Attorney General told a Senate Committee today that “water-boarding” is torture. But Eric Holder also admitted mistakes during his service in Bill Clinton’s Department of Justice. We’ll hear some of today’s questions and answers and talk to supporters andskeptics about one of the incoming president’s most important cabinet choices. On Reporter's Notebook, Steve Jobs and the future of Apple. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Bush Administration and Possible War Crimes Should Bush Administration officials be investigated for war crimes? Barack Obama has been lukewarm toward that idea, but today an Administration insider is saying there was "torture" at Guantánamo Bay. Should somebody be called to account? Where should the buck stop? Also, Egypt struggles to mediate the Gaza conflict, and the future of "don't ask, don't tell" in America's military. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Hillary Clinton's Confirmation Hearing Finally freed from the politics of holding a New York Senate seatand running for president, how will Hillary Clinton's foreign policyviews change now that she's on the verge of Senate confirmation asSecretary of State? Also, Barack Obama goes to Capitol Hill to sell hisstimulus plan, and the Detroit Auto Show. It's one gloomy party.Lawrence O'Donnellguest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Can Barack Obama Follow the Money? The first half of last year's $700 billion financial bailout was so badly handled that Congress is reluctant to hand out the second half. If Barack Obama can't make the case that he can do better, he may suffer his first defeat before he's even in office. Also, alleged Ponzi-schemer Bernard Madoff free despite violating his bail, and the US and Mexico: immigration and drug cartels. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack Obama, the Middle East and Iran As the fighting continues in Gaza, Barack Obama is choosing a team to deal with the Middle East, including Iran. Today he repeated his campaign pledge to rely on diplomacy. Also, unemployment jumps over the moon, and what's next for Rod Blagojevich, who's been impeached for abusing his powers as Governor of Illinois. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website A Political Salesman Lays It on the Line Barack Obama began a tough selling job today with an urgent warning about years of recession if Congress fails to enact a massive stimulus program. We look at the state of the economy and how different it might look, even after recovery. Also, the UN suspends food aid to Gaza, citing danger to its staff. On Reporter's Notebook, does the Internal Revenue Service have a heart after all? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Israel, Gaza and the Prospects for Peace Responding to mounting international pressure, Israel today opened a three-hour "humanitarian window" in Gaza. After that, the fighting resumed. We hear from Gaza itself, update efforts to achieve a ceasefire and talk with American Jews with conflicting opinions.  Also, President-elect Obama says the stimulus must not bust the budget, and Russia, Ukraine and natural gas for the European Union during a bitter cold-snap. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Can Barack Obama Save a Failing Economy? Barack Obama wants government spending and tax cuts big enough and soon enough to revitalize the economy. We hear debate about what might happen if he gets his stimulus plan -- or if he doesn't. Also, Roland Burris and the US Senate. On Reporter's Notebook, is it time for an outsider to run the CIA? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website There Is No Let-up in the Fighting in Gaza Israel's invasion of Gaza continues and so does Hamas rocket fire. We hear from both sides today and update the fighting and the diplomacy. Also, as Barack Obama arrives on Capitol Hill, it's still not clear just who will be in the Senate. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Wall Street, Main Street and Economic Crisis Wall Street's received a lot of the blame for the financial crisis, but taking advantage good deals is an American tradition. We look at Main Street's contribution to the nation's economic troubles.  Also, the challenges President-elect Obama has inherited, and regrets and betrayals in New York's High Society. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Internet Reading Speeding Us Up by Dumbing Us Down? More and more kids spend long hours on the Internet.  At the same time, reading scores are declining. Is there a connection? Does the brain work differently with a book than with a computer?  What’s the impact on reading proficiency? Should schools recognize that young people are on the Internet and teach them how to use it well? Also, will Barack Obama be a special challenge for stand-up comedians? (This edition ofTo the Pointwill be pre-empted by holiday programming, but wi ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Politics, the Economy and Lifestyles: Predictions for 2009 A black man won the White House, while a white woman from Alaska won the hearts of conservatives. The economy imploded as financial scandals rocked the headlines, and Americans began to rethink their consumer ways. 2008 was definitely one for the history books. Guest hostSara Terrylooks at what's ahead in 2009. Also, the political pitfalls of filling four senate seats, and kicking off the new year on the gridiron. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Re-Regulating a Failed Financial Industry In 2002, when Wall Street scandals like Enron and WorldCom rocked the business world, the government prosecuted 513 cases of securities fraud. In the first eleven months of 2008, there were just 133 prosecutions. Also, Israel continues its Gaza offensive, and Little Bill Clinton's American Life, a year-long story about a young refugee from Africa.Sara TerryGuest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Israel Continues to Pound the Gaza Strip As Israeli jets continue to fire on the densely-populated Gaza Strip, guest hostSara Terrylooks at the impact in Gaza, the region and around the world. What is Israel trying to accomplish?  What pressures do the attacks place on Arab leaders and the US? Will Israel's actions fuel Islamic militancy around the world? Also, Barack Obama's rise to the presidency. A reporter looks back at her own coverage of the race. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Money: The Key to Happiness or the Root of All Evil? Is money the key to happiness or the root of all evil? If growth and prosperity don't provide a sense of wellbeing, what will? With a fiscal crisis already under way, we take a new look at the way happiness is measured and how it's achieved in the US and other parts of the world.  Also, the inventory glut on store shelves and at frozen ports, and overcoming the fear of numbers. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Meat and Milk from Cloned Animals in America's Food Supply? Twelve years after scientists produced Dolly the Sheep from the cells of another animal, the FDA says milk and meat from cloned livestock is safe to eat. Is the world ready? Critics say cloning's expensive, inefficient and cruel. What about the quality of the food and the "yuck" factor? Also, a business editor on stimulating the economy, in early American history, Christmas was banned by Christians. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will the 'Nanny State' Be Replaced by the 'Daddy State?' Mexico has seen a dramatic reduction in poverty with a program that pays poor mothers to keep their families healthy and keep their children in school. Will it end what's called "the culture of poverty?" Would it work in the US? Also the winter weather turns worse on travelers, and despite new violence in Gaza, Bethlehem is crowded with tourists. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack Obama and 'Universal' Healthcare Reform Barack Obama says America's healthcare system is a contributor to the country's economic decline. There's a growing consensus that recovery can't happen without healthcare reform. If costs are cut, can quality be maintained? How much should government be involved in setting standards as well as paying the bills? Also, despite falling prices, thehome sales dropped more than expected last month, and Europe warms up to Obama when it comes to Guantánamo Bay. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Preserving Wall Street, the Auto Industry and the Income Gap Everybody understands the hourly wage contracts the United Auto Workers agreed to with GM and Chrysler. But only Wall Street knows how or why investment bankers get bonuses worth tens of millions of dollars. Are Washington's bailouts punishing transparency, rewarding stealth and preserving the income gap? Also, Toyota expects its first operating loss since 1941, and another White House tries to control the historical record. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Has Barack Obama Split the Difference on Education Reform? Barack Obama has picked a secretary of education who’s endorsed both sides of the raging debate over how to improve American schools. Will he become an agent of change or will splitting the difference reinforce the status quo?  Why is Obama so focused on early childhood education? Also, the White House steps in to bail out automakers, and despite an international military crackdown, another band of Somali pirates is about to collect millions in ransom money. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Has Barack Obama Split the Difference on Education Reform? Barack Obama has picked a secretary of education who’s endorsed both sides of the raging debate over how to improve American schools. Will he become an agent of change or will splitting the difference reinforce the status quo?  Why is Obama so focused on early childhood education? Also, the White House steps in to bail out automakers, and despite an international military crackdown, another band of Somali pirates is about to collect millions in ransom money. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cyber-warfare and Weapons of Mass Annoyance As many as 15 million infected computers may be sending spam and disrupting Internet networks around the world. Cyber-warfare is a real threat to national security and the economy. We talk about how it works, who should take charge of cyber-defense and how civil liberties can be protected. Also, Barack Obama picks a a securities-industry regulator to lead the SEC. On Reporter's Notebook, will the Kennedy dynasty rise again?   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bernard Madoff: Wall Street's One-Man Wrecking Crew Sophisticated people and institutions worldwide fell victim to Bernard Madoff’s Wall Street Ponzi scheme, not to mention the Securities and Exchange Commission.  How come they all got taken for $50 billion dollars when others so clearly saw fraud? Also, Governor Rod Blagojevich vows to break his silence as impeachment proceedings proceed, and 63 percent of Americans say the country's in the midst of long-term economic decline. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will the Outgoing Administration Be Called to Account by the New One? Last week a unanimous bipartisan Senate report accused high Bush Administration officials of approving abusive interrogations. Now Vice President Cheney confirms that he was on board. Will Barack Obama investigate or leave the recent past to future historians? Also, Obama's cabinet continues to take shape. On Reporter's Notebook, does the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate still matter? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will Federal Money Mean Economic Recovery? Barack Obama wants big federal spending to rebuild infrastructure, promote green technology and create or save 2.5 million jobs.  We look at the benefits and the risks of what he calls a "jolt" to the flagging economy? Also, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is likely to face impeachment, and the shoes that shook the Arab world. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website In American Politics, Is Corruption Business as Usual? Is politics for public service or personal gain? That’s one of the many questions raised when a US Senate seat is put up for sale. We talk about what constitutes corruption in a political system based on trading favors. Also, the latest on the Big Three bailout, and Bush, Obama and closing Guantánamo Bay. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will Washington Rescue Detroit's Big Three? As debate began in the Senate today, Republicans still opposed the Big Three bailout passed last night in the House. Are Southerners unwilling to prevent an economic disaster in the Midwest? Is more "nationalization" really a bad idea? Also, Barack Obama picks Tom Daschle to head the Department of Health and Human Services, and the US wants the UN to track down Somali pirates on land as well as by sea.   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Price of Gasoline: Good News and Bad Next week, OPEC will be meeting about the price of oil: down from $147 a barrel last July to $44 today. Meantime, the price of gasoline in the US just might go to a dollar a gallon. That's good news for consumers, but trouble for global warming and international stability. Also, the White House and Congressional Democrats make a deal on the auto bailout, and the latest on the political scandal in Barack Obama's home state. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Mexico Losing Its War on Drugs? New official statistics reveal the cost of Mexico's drug wars: Five thousand have been killed this year, one thousand during last month alone.  What's the risk of brutal violence crossing the border? Also, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been taken into federal custody, and Blackwater security guards are charged in a US court with manslaughter in Iraq.   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Federal Bailouts and Double Standards A bailout of the Big Three automakers now seems likely, but why is Detroit being asked for more concessions than Wall Street? We look at the double standard for federal bailouts and ask whether a real industrial policy would make things better or worse. Also, Pakistan has moved against the mastermind of the group that attacked Mumbai, and more bad news for the news business in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Higher Education and the Global Economy Even when the recession is finally over, the US may have problems competing with the rest of the world. That's because of a growing education gap. Family incomes aren't keeping up with rising cost of higher education. We hear what that means for competition in the global economy.  Also, unemployment climbs faster than expected, and OJ Simpson has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Detroit Pleads for Survival...Again The Big Three automakers have updated their plans and increased what they’re asking in federal help for survival. Instead of $25 billion, now they want $34. We hear how their latest appeals were received by a Senate Committee today. Also, Canada's newly elected, conservative Prime Minister has nearly been forced out of office, and US Senate candidates in Minnesota may have to draw lots to see who won.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Shifting Focus in the War on Terror President Bush has often said that Iraq is the "central front" in the war on terror.  Barack Obama says it's Afghanistan, and even Defense Secretary Robert Gates seems to be coming around to that point of view. But no easy transition is possible from one to the other. Also, the UAW agrees to reopen contract talks asautomakers go back to Capitol Hill, and George W. Bush talks about his "greatest regret" as President of the United States. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Aftermath of What's Called 'India's 9/11' Last week's deadly terrorism in Mumbai has increased tensions between India and Pakistan, nuclear powers that have gone to war three times in the past 50 years. We update events and ask if one target was Barack Obama's foreign policy goals. Also, the Big Three submits plans to Congress in a second attempt at a rescue, and in Tijuana, 38 people killed in three days as Mexico's drug wars continue. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Obama Cabinet: Change and Continuity Barack Obama today appointed what's called his "team of rivals," including a defeated primary opponent, a holdover from the Bush Administration and a former commandant of the Marines. Will Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates and General James Jones work together or does Obama face unintended consequences? Also, tensions between Pakistan and India increase after the attacks in Mumbai, and Eric Holder as Barack Obama's choice to reform a troubled Justice Department. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Wall Street, Home Foreclosures and the Presidential Campaign With a crisis on Wall Street and home foreclosures soaring, does the US economy need more government or less? Recent statements make Obama and Clinton seem far from McCain. Does the rhetoric reflect the reality? We talk with all three campaigns. Also, President Bush says Iraq has reached a "defining moment." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Battle for Basra and the Race for the White House President Bush has high praise for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's crackdown on Shiite militias, but there's a lot at stake for both leaders. Maliki's political future and US troop withdrawals are both at risk. What could it all mean for McCain, Obama and Clinton? Also, US officials are accused of "meddling" in Pakistan, and the African president who won't leave. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will Medical Care for the Elderly and Poor Be a Broken Promise? The federal government promises healthcare for the elderly and the poor, but Medicare and Medicaid are steaming toward a "fiscal train wreck." The law requires the next president to resolve a problem that's been building for years. Also, Iraq's escalating violence. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Political Comebacks and Shifting Opinions Last week political pundits had Barack Obama on life support because of his pastor, Jeremiah Wright. This week, they're asking when Hillary Clinton will quit the campaign. Do primary victories really determine who's likely to win in November? What's behind the sudden swings in conventional wisdom? Also, the US military admits a big mistake, and a surprise Obama endorsement from a conservative Republican. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Fighting Terrorism with Tactics from the Cold War Osama bin Laden and other terrorists are harder to get close to than the Soviet leaders during the Cold War. US agencies want an increase in "soft power" to get inside the heads of extremists and potential recruits. We hear the pros and cons and ask if al Qaeda is running a better propaganda machine than the western alliance. Also, the Mayor of Detroit is charged with felony crimes, and the Olympic Torch begins its trip from Greece to China. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website China, Tibet and the Summer Olympics The Olympic games are providing an international forum for Tibetan grievances against Chinese rule. During a week of violent protest, China has cracked down. What's the international reaction? Will the incident make life better or worse in Tibet?  Also,  Obama wins another endorsement, and presidential candidates and passport files. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Patriotism and Political Dialogue in America The furor over Barack Obama's church has pushed his presidential campaign into the most dangerous possible political territory -- questions about his patriotism. Has the founding fathers' notion of American exceptionalism created to an exceptionally patriotic country?  Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell talks about the defining role patriotism plays in American politics and what role patriotism plays in the politics of other countries. Also, President Bush signs legislation to protect the U ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The African American Church: Intersection of Race, Religion, Politics Race, religion and politics collided in Barack Obama's presidential campaign yesterday as they do every Sunday in many African American churches. Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell talks to the reporter who sparked the controversy, and discusses the roots of the black church in the US and its current role in African American society. Also, President Bush marks the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq, and how the Panama Canal helped create the Reagan Revolution. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Gun Battle in the US Supreme Court Today the Supreme Court hears arguments in the case of a Washington, DC security guard that could re-define America's relationship to guns. Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell explores whether the Second Amendment grants each of us an absolute individual right to bear arms and how likely it is that the court will find all gun control laws unconstitutional and return the country to an unfettered free market in guns. Also, Barack Obama on his former pastor, and the crisis in Tibet. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website After Five Years in, Where Do We Stand in Iraq? With US troops now on the ground in Iraq for a period longer than World War II, what do we have to show for their efforts? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell explores progress in Iraq and American response to our efforts there. Also, the Bear Stearns collapse: how a crisis on Wall Street affects the economy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Democratic Party: Stuck in the Mud? Democrats are increasingly worried that the nasty campaign between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton is destroying what's supposed to be their race to win in November. Is it just them or is the party itself divided on race, gender, age and social class?  What does it all mean for November? Also, a bailout for Bear Stearns, and the Vatican adds to the list of sins. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Energy Security and Global Warming US energy demands are rising as the price of oil goes through the roof and foreign sources are increasingly uncertain. Canadian tar sands and domestic coal would provide energy security, but at the risk of increased global warming. Can renewables be developed in time? How high is the price of economic growth? Also, the Secretary of the Treasury wants to rein in mortgage markets, and Florida Democrats and the presidential nomination.  What a mess! Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Historic Changes in New York; Boeing Takes off the Gloves Boeing is challenging the Air Force over a $40 billion contract to a team led by European manufacturers. How many jobs will go overseas? Is it a threat to national security? What was the role of John McCain and lobbyists in his campaign? Also, ethics crusader Eliot Spitzer is driven from office by long-time association with expensive prostitutes, and one of the Pentagon's top commanders resigns. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website In New York, a Sex Scandal, and Sanctions against Iran Since yesterday's brief public apology, New York Governor Elliot Spitzer has been holed up in his 5th Avenue apartment. Will he resign or face impeachment? Then, will UN sanctions persuade Iran to slow down its nuclear program? Is Iran more interested in Iraq? Has Iran's long-running confrontation with the US turned into a new Cold War? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website NAFTA, the Canadian Government and the Democratic Campaign Obama and Clinton are focused on tomorrow's vote in Mississippi, but the hangover from last week's NAFTA flap in Ohio is not over yet. We hear about the role of the Canadian government.  Does renegotiating NAFA make sense? Also, pharmaceuticals in America's water supply, and the latest update on the oldest story of all: the age of the universe.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Obama Has Oprah, but Clinton has �Saturday Night Live�� Hillary Clinton�s new momentum has political junkies fixated on the influence of popular culture on politics. Gushing videos by Obama supporters prevailed on YouTube until a satirical TV comedy skit made Clinton seem victimized by reporters. Did that influence news coverage of the campaign? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website After Ohio and Texas: What's Changed and What's the Same? Hillary Clinton has bounced back again with a big win in Ohio and a squeaker in Texas, enough to make sure that she and Barack Obama will be campaigning for weeks to come.  We analyze the results and look to the future.  Also, Mike Huckabee calls it quits, and another fake memoir. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Peace Prospects in the Middle East, and in the Democratic Party Ohio and Texas might settle the Democratic nomination today -- and then they might not.  Can Secretary Rice get the Annapolis peace process back on track.  Will the contest between Obama and Clinton come to an end or continue for weeks to come. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Peace Prospects in the Middle East, and in the Democratic Party Ohio and Texas might settle the Democratic nomination today -- and then they might not.  Can Secretary Rice get the Annapolis peace process back on track?  Will the contest between Obama and Clinton come to an end or continue for weeks to come? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Cost of War in Iraq and Afghanistan The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may cost America $3 trillion, a far cry from the $50 billion estimated when combat began.  How did the expenses get so high? How long will it take to pay them off? Will the benefits be worth the money?  Also, Florida and Michigan lobby to seat Democratic delegates, and saber rattling and diplomacy in South America. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Remember Immigration. For different reasons, McCain, Obama and Clinton are not talking about illegal immigration, but the next President of the United States won't have any choice. The global economy has 200 million people on the move. Who gains and who loses. Now that borders are opening to money and goods, what about people. Also, Israel pulls out of northern Gaza, and crucial contests in Ohio and Texas. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Housing Crisis Is Eating America's Economy Housing foreclosures are still on the rise, often because of cheap mortgages that are now worth more than the properties they were based on. Greedy banks are partly to blame, but so are home-buyers looking for increased values--guaranteed. Also, after eight days Turkey pulls out of Iraq, and the legacy of a murder victim in the Brazilian jungle. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website In Russia, Democracy or One-Man Rule. Russia will have a new president after Sunday's election, but Vladimir Putin will still be in charge.  We hear about Russia's trade-off between freedom and stability, and the differing interests of Wall Street and Washington.  Also, President Bush doesn't think the country's headed for a recession, and continuing drought has inflamed a border dispute between Georgia and Tennessee. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will Last Night's Debate Make a Difference. In Austin, Texas it took 45 minutes before Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton began attacking each other. Last night in Cleveland, Ohio they got into it right away. Traveling on familiar ground, was Clinton able to blunt Obama's momentum. How did they position themselves to run against John McCain. Also, more interest-rate cuts may be on the way and, William F. Buckley dies at the age of 82. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Gray Wolves, Polar Bears and the Endangered Species List Just 13 years after gray wolves were re-introduced into the lower 48 states, they're going off the Endangered Species List. At the same time, polar bears may go on the list---because of dangers that lie in the future.  We hear about the science and politics behind the Endangered Species List.  Also, fuel prices rise and housing prices fall, and tonight's Democratic debate in Ohio. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Rhetoric and Reality in Presidential Campaigns Both this year's current presidential front-runners say they have shrugged off Washington lobbyists and embraced public financing of political campaigns.  We look at McCain and Obama and compare their rhetoric with their records. Also, the latest suicide bombing kills kills a Pakistani Army General, and the New York Philharmonic in North Korea. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Beijing Olympics Put a Spotlight on China To become host of this summer's Olympic Games, China promised to clean up the air and grant more political freedom. But Beijing is still smoggy; dissidents are being rounded up; and China's being criticized for not doing more on Darfur. Also, the US pulls nonessential embassy personnel out of Serbia. On Reporter's Notebook, were Obama and Clinton debating or making peace. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Pakistan, Afghanistan and America's War on Terror Pakistan's newly elected opposition parties have joined forces against President Pervez Musharraf. They want talks with Islamic militants, including the Taliban. What's the future of a Bush Administration ally in the war on terror? What's the likely impact on Afghanistan, where NATO forces are struggling against a tough enemy and among themselves? Also, hot times for both parties on the presidential campaign trail. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website George W. Bush Goes to Africa President Bush is in Africa this week, where he's more popular than he is in most other places. What will his anti-AIDS and malaria programs mean for his legacy? Do other countries need more help than the five he's visiting? Does the US plan a military presence in Africa, a major supplier of oil? Also, John McCain takes aim at his apparent rival, and the Navy takes aim at a failed spy satellite. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Big Changes from Cuba to Pakistan There are big changes in store for Cuba and Pakistan. Fidel Castro has resigned from office. Pervez Musharraf has been soundly defeated in parliamentary elections. We talk with reporters and others in both countries and the US. What's the likely impact on American interests in South Asia and 90 miles from the beaches of Florida? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Senate Passes Record Defense Budget, but Are We Safer? Is big money making America safer? Plus, a suicide bombing rocks Afghanistan, and ABC-TV and the politics of September 11th. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Housing Bubble Losing Air? After 911 and during the war on terror, the housing market has helped keep America�s economy going. Monday, this Labor Day, we broadcast an archived edition of To the Point on whether the housing bubble is losing air. Will the promise of short-term profit leave homeowners facing long-term debt? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The US Army and the Realities of Modern Warfare Iraq and Afghanistan are not the big wars envisioned by the US Army's high-level doctrine. What will the future require. We hear about a battle raging within the Army itself. Also, Roger Clemens goes before a House committee over the use of human growth hormone; and McCain, Obama and the Potomac primaries. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is It Possible to Ban Weapons in Space. Russia and China today renewed a proposal the Bush Administration has been opposed to, an international treaty banning weapons in outer space. Also, new help for the holders of sub-prime mortgages, and today's Potomac primaries and Democratic "momentum." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website What's Happening to the Religious Right. The religious right is alive and well in America, but a "new generation" of evangelicals is also focused on poverty, the environment and many other issues. Also, six September 11 suspects will face murder charges, and a look at tomorrow's primaries in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Race for President and the Politics of Change In an election year that has been defined by unexpected changes in political fortunes, what kind of changes might still be in store. Would a race between John McCain and Barack Obama, or John McCain and Hillary Clinton, mark a return to a more civil and less cut-throat approach to campaigning. Or is all the talk about change just this year's version of an election strategy. Also, Scotland Yard on Benazir Bhutto's death, and Hollywood writers may be back at work as early as Monday. Sara Terr ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mitt Romney's Campaign for President Comes to an End Mitt Romney dropped out of the Republican race for President today, making John McCain's nomination a virtual certainty.  We hear what Romney said and where Republicans go from here.  Also, the Bush Administration has sold oil leases off the coast of Alaska before any decision on protecting polar bears. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Lots of Votes but No Decisions John McCain has solidified his lead, but he's not yet the face of the Republican Party.  Hillary Clinton won the big states, but Barack Obama may have more delegates to the Democratic convention.  We discuss yesterday's results and tomorrow's campaigning.  Also, the American South is hit by another natural disaster, and the Bush White House says "waterboarding" is legal when the President says so. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The California Ballot and The Four Leading Candidates Today, voters in 24 states go to the polls. In California, voters will be asked to decide seven state propositions that cover issues ranging from a phone tax and term limits to tribal gaming. In this special second edition of To the Point, Warren Olney looks at the California ballot, examining both the candidates and the measures. (1-2pm)   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Super Tuesday: In the Eyes of the Rest of the World As Americans turn out for a major round of caucuses and primaries, the whole world is watching, almost as never before. After eight years of George W. Bush, there is intense interest in who will be in the White House next. We get a wide range of foreign views on the presidency and the electoral process. Also, What does it take to get to the White House. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Today the Candidates, Tomorrow the Voters Tomorrow is the biggest day in the history of presidential nominations.  More than 20 states will hold caucuses and primaries for both Republicans and Democrats.  We sample political capitals all over the country to get a sense of what's in store.  Also, the Democratic race tightens while McCain surges, and comparing the Obama and Clinton healthcare proposals. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website With California Debates Over, It's Almost Time for Voting Both parties have staged their last debates before Super Tuesday, which could be decisive for either Republicans or Democrats. We hear about last night's Democratic "conversation" in Hollywood and look at last-minute challenges and strategies. Also, Microsoft's offer to buy Yahoo, and satire about the culture of Washington and "the strange and scary tribes that run our government." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Race for President Comes Down to the Final Four Last night it was the Republicans, tonight it's the Democrats--in California for their last debates before they go almost nationwide next Tuesday. With just two Democrats left and just two Republicans with a real chance, will the debates make a difference. Will either nomination be decided any time soon. Also, a break in an undersea cable cuts Internet services to of Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and $31 billion in profits last year for Royal Dutch Shell. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Giuliani and Edwards: Now You See Them, Now You Don't After a distant third-place showing in Florida, Rudy Giuliani is expected to endorse John McCain later today. On the Democratic side, John Edwards made this announcement today in New Orleans. Also, the Fed on interest rates and the Senate on a stimulus package. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Senate Passes Record Defense Budget, but Are We Safer? Is big money making America safer? Plus, a suicide bombing rocks Afghanistan, and ABC-TV and the politics of September 11th. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Housing Bubble Losing Air? After 911 and during the war on terror, the housing market has helped keep America�s economy going. Monday, this Labor Day, we broadcast an archived edition of To the Point on whether the housing bubble is losing air. Will the promise of short-term profit leave homeowners facing long-term debt? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Iran and Nuclear Brinksmanship Now that Iran has refused to stop enriching uranium, the US is building the case for economic sanctions. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Nail Biting on the Campaign Trail Obama and Clinton face off tomorrow in Hawaii and Wisconsin. Will Obama really be able to make it ten in a row. On March 4 in Texas, will Clinton be able to post the big win she needs. Also, Kosovo declares it independence, and the biggest recall of meat in American history.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Healthcare, Insurance Companies and the Presidential Campaign America's healthcare costs are rising faster than any place else in the world, but Americans are not getting healthier. Also, despite the President's urging, Congress lets the electronic wiretaping shield expire, and Clinton, Obama and the super-delegates who could decide the Democratic nomination.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack, the Candidate, and Obama Mania With soaring rhetoric and adoring crowds, Barack Obama has now demonstrated support from all elements of the Democratic Party. The current front-runner is now under scrutiny as never before.  Also, competing funerals in Beirut, and will the Pentagon shoot down a spy satellite that---s about to fall out of orbit. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Nail Biting on the Campaign Trail Obama and Clinton face off tomorrow in Hawaii and Wisconsin. Will Obama really be able to make it ten in a row. On March 4 in Texas, will Clinton be able to post the big win she needs. Also, Kosovo declares it independence, and the biggest recall of meat in American history.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Healthcare, Insurance Companies and the Presidential Campaign America's healthcare costs are rising faster than any place else in the world, but Americans are not getting healthier. Also, despite the President's urging, Congress lets the electronic wiretaping shield expire, and Clinton, Obama and the super-delegates who could decide the Democratic nomination.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Barack, the Candidate, and Obama Mania With soaring rhetoric and adoring crowds, Barack Obama has now demonstrated support from all elements of the Democratic Party. The current front-runner is now under scrutiny as never before.  Also, competing funerals in Beirut, and will the Pentagon shoot down a spy satellite that---s about to fall out of orbit. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The US Army and the Realities of Modern Warfare Iraq and Afghanistan are not the big wars envisioned by the US Army's high-level doctrine. What will the future require. We hear about a battle raging within the Army itself. Also, Roger Clemens goes before a House committee over the use of human growth hormone; and McCain, Obama and the Potomac primaries. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is It Possible to Ban Weapons in Space. Russia and China today renewed a proposal the Bush Administration has been opposed to, an international treaty banning weapons in outer space. Also, new help for the holders of sub-prime mortgages, and today's Potomac primaries and Democratic "momentum." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website What's Happening to the Religious Right. The religious right is alive and well in America, but a "new generation" of evangelicals is also focused on poverty, the environment and many other issues. Also, six September 11 suspects will face murder charges, and a look at tomorrow's primaries in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Race for President and the Politics of Change In an election year that has been defined by unexpected changes in political fortunes, what kind of changes might still be in store. Would a race between John McCain and Barack Obama, or John McCain and Hillary Clinton, mark a return to a more civil and less cut-throat approach to campaigning. Or is all the talk about change just this year's version of an election strategy. Also, Scotland Yard on Benazir Bhutto's death, and Hollywood writers may be back at work as early as Monday. Sara Ter ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mitt Romney's Campaign for President Comes to an End Mitt Romney dropped out of the Republican race for President today, making John McCain's nomination a virtual certainty.  We hear what Romney said and where Republicans go from here.  Also, the Bush Administration has sold oil leases off the coast of Alaska before any decision on protecting polar bears. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Lots of Votes but No Decisions John McCain has solidified his lead, but he's not yet the face of the Republican Party.  Hillary Clinton won the big states, but Barack Obama may have more delegates to the Democratic convention.  We discuss yesterday's results and tomorrow's campaigning.  Also, the American South is hit by another natural disaster, and the Bush White House says "waterboarding" is legal when the President says so. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The California Ballot and The Four Leading Candidates Today, voters in 24 states go to the polls. In California, voters will be asked to decide seven state propositions that cover issues ranging from a phone tax and term limits to tribal gaming. In this special second edition of To the Point, Warren Olney looks at the California ballot, examining both the candidates and the measures. (1-2pm)   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Super Tuesday: In the Eyes of the Rest of the World As Americans turn out for caucuses and primaries in 24 states, Super Tuesday has the rapt attention of people with no direct role to play. Will America choose a black man or a woman.  Will the world---s most powerful country be led by a businessman, a military veteran or a former preacher. On Reporter's Notebook, what kind of person wants to face the rigors of a modern presidential campaign. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Today the Candidates, Tomorrow the Voters Tomorrow is the biggest day in the history of presidential nominations.  More than 20 states will hold caucuses and primaries for both Republicans and Democrats.  We sample political capitals all over the country to get a sense of what's in store.  Also, the Democratic race tightens while McCain surges, and comparing the Obama and Clinton healthcare proposals. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website With California Debates Over, It's Almost Time for Voting Both parties have staged their last debates before Super Tuesday, which could be decisive for either Republicans or Democrats. We hear about last night's Democratic "conversation" in Hollywood and look at last-minute challenges and strategies. Also, Microsoft's offer to buy Yahoo, and satire about the culture of Washington and "the strange and scary tribes that run our government." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Race for President Comes Down to the Final Four Last night it was the Republicans, tonight it's the Democrats--in California for their last debates before they go almost nationwide next Tuesday. With just two Democrats left and just two Republicans with a real chance, will the debates make a difference. Will either nomination be decided any time soon. Also, a break in an undersea cable cuts Internet services to of Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and $31 billion in profits last year for Royal Dutch Shell. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Giuliani and Edwards: Now You See Them, Now You Don't After a distant third-place showing in Florida, Rudy Giuliani is expected to endorse John McCain later today. On the Democratic side, John Edwards made this announcement today in New Orleans. Also, the Fed on interest rates and the Senate on a stimulus package. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Last State of the Union Speech and 11 Months to Go George W. Bush has delivered his last state of the union address, but he still has 11 months left in the world's most powerful office.  We look at what's ahead and get some early assessments of his legacy.  Also, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan continues his attempt to stem post-election violence, and more trouble with election machines in Florida. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Presidential Politics in a Time of Transition Tonight, President Bush will deliver his final speech on the State of the Union.  Tomorrow it's Florida for the Republicans. Next week, for both parties, it's Super Tuesday in more than 20 states around the country. Also, Kennedy endorses Obama, and the spy satellite that's fallen out of its orbit. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will the Race for President Turn into a Generational Showdown. Can Barack Obama mobilize post-boomers against the politics of the past. Do Hillary and Bill Clintons' appeal to "experience" make older voters want to see them back in the White House. Also, President Bush and Congressional Democrats may be in for another battle over Iraq, and federal raids on four Southern California art museums may lead to criminal indictments. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Darfur, the Economy and Presidential Politics After Rwanda, the United Nations said it would step in when governments failed to protect their people from genocide. Darfur is the first test, but the government of Sudan is defiant. Is international intervention an empty promise. Also, the White House and Congressional leaders have reached a tentative deal on stimulating the economy, and the latest from South Carolina and Florida. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website An Exodus from Gaza Early today, explosions knocked down several miles of fence between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Palestinians streamed across the border by the tens of thousands. We hear how it happened and what it means for Palestinian factions, Israeli security and Egypt's international obligations. Also, Congress pressured to move quickly with a stimulus package, and accusations fly across the Obama and Clinton campaigns. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Economic Trouble in an Election Year The Federal Reserve made a surprise cut in the interest rate today, but the markets dropped anyway, and there's more talk about a recession. Is it coming. Is it already here. Is the stimulus package really about the economy or politics. Also, Jose Padilla is sentenced to 17 years and, in case anyone's paying attention, the Oscar nominations are in. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Results Are In and the Races Are On This weekend's results from Nevada and South Carolina created new challenges for presidential candidates and new uncertainties for their political parties. We hear who's hot, who's not and what's happening to set the stage for multiple showdowns just two weeks from tomorrow.  Also, Democrats talk a lot about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  What about the Republicans.  We'll take a look at race politics and American history. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Meat and Milk from Cloned Animals in America's Food Supply. The FDA says meat and milk from cloned animals is safe enough, but the USDA thinks Americans won't eat it. We hear about cost and cruelty to animals, and talk to a top chef who says customers can't tell the difference. Also, President Bush calls for an "economic stimulus package," and it's the Democrats in Nevada tomorrow and the Republicans in South Carolina. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Cars Are King, from Detroit to Beijing The Detroit Auto Show is going green, or so automakers want us to believe. But the Earth may not be able to sustain a polluting industry that's expanding fast in China, India, Brazil and Russia. We hear what's in store for the American market and the rest of the world. Also, the Fed Chief wants an economic stimulus package, and presidential politics and Nevada casinos. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website It's the Economy, Stupid, All Over Again With Michigan in a virtual one-state recession, Mitt Romney won yesterday's primary by promising federal assistance. Will that work Saturday in South Carolina. With five candidates still standing, the Republican race is in chaos. We get an update and look at the role of the economy in presidential politics. Also,  President Bush winds up his Middle East tour, and undersea sonar, national security and whales. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Race and Civil Rights in the Democratic Primary Campaign Barack Obama has demonstrated that he can attract white voters, but race has become an issue in the Democratic primary campaign. Sensitive nerves have been touched and reacted to by the Obama and Clinton campaigns. Can the candidates calm the waters before the Democrats become a divided party.  Also, Citigroup reports its first loss in 10 years, and the FDA says cloned animals are safe to eat. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The US and Unintended Consequences in Iraq Finally, the military surge has been followed by what the US called "benchmark legislation." But it could divide, instead of uniting, Shiites and Sunnis. Also, President Bush arrives in Saudi Arabia, and tomorrow's Michigan primary. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Presidental Politics and the Promise of Change Every election is about change of some kind, but this year it's the buzzword of presidential candidates from Barack Obama to Mitt Romney.  Are they all saying the same thing or does the same word convey a range of political messages--depending on what an individual voter wants to hear. Also, the Federal Reserve avoids using the "R" word, and remembering Sir Edmund Hillary. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is George Bush Engaged in Lame Duck Diplomacy. In Ramallah today, President Bush laid out more of his vision for a Palestinian state next to Israel. Will the parties agree, or is it too little, too late. Also, are the Arab states still hoping to isolate Iran. Are they looking ahead to next president of the US. Also, American attacks against al Qaeda are up as political expectations are down in Iraq, and the presidential campaigns may going on for a long while. We hear about today's developments in both parties. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Comebacks in New Hampshire and the Road Ahead There's big change in this year's presidential contests because of two New Hampshire comebacks----one expected and the other a major surprise. Also, President Bush promotes his version of a two-state solution, and Monday's report that Obama was leading Clinton by 13 points. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website As Presidential Voting Begins, Remember Florida. Seven years ago, it was hanging chads.  This year, it's computers that can break down or be subject to hacking. Have 3.9 billion federal dollars guaranteed accurate counts in US elections.  Is voter fraud at the polls a real problem.  How about sales of absentee ballots.  Which states are likely to be the next Florida. Also, George Bush makes his first presidential visit to Israel, and an update from New Hampshire. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Republicans and Democrats Debate Change and Experience Clinton and Romney are hoping to stay alive as the latest polls show Obama widening his lead and McCain coming on strong. We get a preview of tomorrow's New Hampshire primaries. Also, today's death penalty case before the US Supreme Court. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Iowa Shakes Up the Presidential Campaigns With the New Hampshire primaries now just four days away, there is no time for either he joy of victory or the agony of defeat. We look at last night's results in Iowa and how they're shaping the future of both parties' presidential campaigns. Also, a presidential historian looks at this year's candidates. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Pakistan: Is a Nuclear Power Becoming a Failed State. Detectives from Scotland Yard will help Pakistan investigate the killing of Benazir Bhutto, but can they give President Pervez Musharraf much-needed credibility. Also, more post-election violence today in Kenya, and Republicans and Democrats caucus tonight in Iowa--with high stakes for America---s political future.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website American Politics Stranded in Iowa Democrats and Republicans will start registering their preferences in tomorrow's Iowa caucuses. We look at a thoroughly un-democratic process that could be crucial to selecting the next President of the United States. Also, elections in Pakistan delayed as Scotland Yard investigates the Bhutto assassination, and violence in Kenya breaks down a bastion of stability in the Horn Africa. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Today's Internet Killing Our Culture. Are Wikipedia, Google and an infinite number of web blogs, liberating our culture or killing it by abolishing traditional standards and blurring the difference between what's really true and what's false. We consider the backlash against Internet 2.0. Also, the upcoming Iowa caucus, and despite the unhealthy aspects of America's diet, Michael Pollen says some food is OK after all. Note: This archived edition of TtP, will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday pro ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Doomday Scenarios: What to Believe. By January of this year, global warming had been added to rumors of nuclear war and the "Doomsday Clock" was moved two minutes closer to midnight.  That hasn't been changed since. On this archived New Year's Eve edition of To the Point, are recent predictions of catastrophe are equally credible. Also, a progress report on congressional ethics reform, and New Year's Eve in Des Moines, Iowa. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will Labor Disputes Change the Face of Entertainment. How did show business---the workplace where adults are supposed to have fun---get itself roiled in a bitter labor dispute that is crippling the industry. Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell explores the Writers Guild strike and how it might foreshadow other Hollywood labor disputes that could change the face of American entertainment in 2008. Also, response to the Bhutto assassination --- from the streets of Pakistan to the US presidential campaign trail. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Pakistani Opposition Leader Bhutto Assassinated At age 54, Benazir Bhutto---s political career and life came to a bloody end today in Pakistan.  Guest host Lawrence O---Donnell gets the latest developments from Pakistan. Also, does the army's new armored vehicle fit the mission in Iraq. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Effectiveness of Our Charitable Giving Aristotle said "to give away money is an easy matter---and in any man's power.  But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, for what purpose and how, is neither in every man's power nor an easy matter." Many Americans will be making those decisions in the final days of tax year 2007. Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell explores how we can target our charitable giving to be most effective. Also, this year's lackluster holiday sales, and  the tiger attack in the San Francis ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Air Travel in the United States: Is Anybody in Charge. Flights are delayed, baggage lost, and the investigating arm of Congress warns about an impending runway collision. We hear multiple views of air travel at the end of 2007. Also, the dwindling number of Christians in the land where Christianity began, and protecting the world's food seeds for a rainy day. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is There Any Such Thing as a Perfect Childhood. In the western world, child labor is a thing of the past--or is it.  Also, Japan agrees not to hunt humpback whales, and life for Iraqi Christians at Christmas time. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Food Prices and Hunger in the United States Thirteen million American families go hungry for part of the year, at the same time that food prices are rising while donations to food banks are on the decline. the Bush EPA blocks California bid to limit car emissions, and the new, Democratic Congress has ended its first year. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Afghanistan 'the Forgotten War.' In Afghanistan, US troops are not just fighting, they're building infrastructure in places too dangerous for civilian reconstruction teams. Also, the President signs a new energy bill, and there's new leadership in South Korea. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Hillary Clinton and Political Damage Control The "inevitability" of Hillary Clinton has morphed into a three-way campaign for the Democratic nomination. Barack Obama is coming on strong and John Edwards is still a viable contender. Also, the African National Congress is no longer the party of Nelson Mandela. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Wrecking Ball Swings in New Orleans Public-housing projects in New Orleans are facing the wrecking ball---despite a shortage of places for low-income people to live. Also, a watershed moment for Iran's development of atomic power, and a Saudi Arabian rape victim won't be getting 200 lashes after all. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website One of History's 'Most Important Documents' Goes on Sale The Magna Carta---signed by the King of England 700 years ago---established the rules of law that are basic to the United States and other governments all over the world.  There's only one original copy in private hands, and next week it's going on sale. Also, a possible compromise out of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, and steroid use in Major League Baseball. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Can an Evangelical Christian Unite America. Former Baptist preacher Mike Huckabee leads Mitt Romney in Iowa, and in national polls, he's catching up to Rudy Giuliani. Also, difficulties in Bali and Washington over emissions and energy. On Reporter's Notebook, baseball stars and steroids: will there be asterisks on the records.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Race and the Race for President Barack Obama is coming on strong among Democrats in Iowa and New Hampshire---states with mostly white voters.-- Elsewhere, many black voters are supporting Hillary Clinton. Also, stocks rebound after addition Federal Reserve action, and another dramatic prediction about climate change. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Videotapes, Torture and Evidence in the War on Terror As the CIA Director talks behind closed doors on Capitol Hill, there's new information about the destruction of secret videotapes. Also, terrorists strike at the capital of Algeria, and interest rates, Wall Street and consumer spending. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Climate Change: International Challenge and Business Opportunity As 190 nations meet in Bali to start the next treaty against global warming, Al Gore receives the Nobel Peace Prize and warns about "mutually assured destruction." We hear about the global marketplace that's developing to cope with climate change.-- Also, the Supreme Court affords judges discretion when sentencing crack offenders, and a conversation with Oslo Norway, where Al Gore has accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The President's Plan for Relief from the Sub-Prime Debacle With foreclosures at record levels, President Bush wants the mortgage industry to volunteer help for sub-prime borrowers. Who might win and who will keep on losing. What will it mean for the price of housing and a potential recession.Also, an off-line nuclear reactor delays cancer tests around the world. On Reporter's Notebook, why did the CIA destroy videotapes of interrogations. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mitt Romney and Religion in America's Public Life Mitt Romney said today no Mormon authority will influence what he does if he's elected President of the United States. With a religious test prohibited by the Constitution, should any candidate have to defend his or her religion. Also, the President's plan to assist sub-prime mortgage holders, and two Gypsy clans go to court over who controls fortune telling in Southern California. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website What's Next for the US and Iran. President Bush says it's up to Iran to avoid international sanctions, but the latest Intelligence Estimate will make his case harder to make with western Europe, Russia and China.-- We look at the prospects and hear more about how and why the Administration released a report that contradicted its own policies. Also, habeus corpus gets its day in court--again, and medical researchers think they have explained why the flu always comes in the winter.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website A New Assessment of the Threat from Iran The CIA says Iran is not trying to build nuclear weapons any more, but President Bush says it's still a real threat to the rest of the world. We look at how the latest National Intelligence Estimate looks to America's friends and potential enemies. Also, with the first voting less than a month away, five Republican candidates have a shot at primary victories.Today, at its special air time of 1pm. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Status of Women in Islamic Countries and the US Saudi Arabian judges will review the case of a rape victim sentenced to 200 lashes. Is misogyny part of Islamic law. In the US, a woman can run for President, but not without misogynistic attacks on the Internet and on the campaign trail. Attitudes toward women and how they're shaped by religion and culture. Also, Iran and the latest National Intelligence Estimate. Plus, Putin wins; Chavez loses.-- We'll look at elections in Russia and Venezuela.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will Voters Give Hugo Ch--vez All the Power He Wants. The King of Spain has asked Hugo Chavez to ---shut up.--- But the President of Venezuela is making his voice heard at home and around the world. On Sunday, voters may give him new powers and the chance to be re-elected for the rest of his life.-- Some former supporters call it dictatorship in the making. On Reporter's Notebook, America---s hurricane season goes out with a whimper. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Russian Democracy and Power Politics Vladimir Putin has restored authoritarian rule, but growth and stability have made him wildly popular with most Russians. This weekend's parliamentary elections are expected to increase Putin's strength, even as his presidency will soon come to an end. Will he hold on to political power. Are America's frayed relations with Russia in for further deterioration. Also, citizen Musharraf is sworn in as Pakistan's president, and fireworks from last night's Republican debate in Florida. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website What's All This Talk about a Recession After the dot.com bubble burst, America's economy took a tumble, but the results of the sub-prime mortgage crisis could be a full-on recession. Also, Pakistani President Musharraf gives in to domestic and harsh sentences for women in Sudan and Saudi Arabia. Are they true reflections of Islamic law. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Annapolis the Beginning of the Beginning. For the first time since the Clinton Administration, Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to resume negotiations. We hear about a framework for peace and the prospects for success or failure. Also, the high cost of hospice, when patients live longer than expected. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Battle for Iowa: The Hawkeye State at Ground Zero for '08 The acceleration of the presidential primary schedule was supposed to make the traditional early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire less important. But things haven---t quite worked out that way. Also, the Middle East peace conference, which begins tomorrow in Annapolis, Maryland, and Senate Republican Whip Tent Lott calls it quits. Marc Cooper guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Chinese Imports and Product Safety Toys, tires, foods and toothpaste have raised questions about the safety of imports from China. Is China trying to clean up its act. What about the demand for cheap products from US companies--and from consumers. We hear a program that's as relevant today, as the holiday season gets underway, as it was when it was first broadcast back in July. Also, will immigration enforcement mean a shortage of Christmas trees. (This archived edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Biofuels: The Benefits and the Bad News The UN has given mixed reviews to biofuels that produce energy from agricultural products. They may be counter-productive for the environment. America's corn farmers are reaping a financial harvest from ethanol. Is it really cleaner and cheaper. What does it mean for the price of food.-- Also, the upcoming Middle East peace summit in Annapolis, and is thin really healthier than fat. (This archived edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Can President Bush Bring Peace to a Scarred Holy Land. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is leading a final push for Mid-East peace next week in Annapolis. There are already harsh critics, but she has invited 49 participants and President Bush will personally try and create momentum for his proposed two-state solution. Also, GOP conservative Huckabee rises in the presidential polls, and at the start of the holiday movie season, few films promise as much debate as an odd look at Bob Dylan. Jim Sterngold guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is America's Thirst for Expensive Oil Fueling Dictators. After a decade in which oil-producing countries struggled with weak markets, booming prices have suddenly rearranged global politics. All but forgotten during the 1990's, OPEC now is influencing decisions from Washington to Beijing. Also, producing stem cells without destroying human embryos, and Southeast Asia's booming trading powers try to unite. Will concerns about Myanmar's military dictators leave them divided. Jim Sterngold guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is the US Losing Influence over the Crisis in Pakistan. Since 9/11 the Bush Administration has supported the government of General Pervez Musharraf. Washington has provided more than $10 billion in aid in return for Pakistan's support in the fight against the Taliban and al Qaeda. Now that Musharraf has declared emergency rule. Also, the Bush Administration's Middle East peace initiative, and the FBI is questioning hundreds of criminal convictions. Jim Sterngold guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Healthcare Reform and the Presidential Campaign Healthcare is on the top of the list for potential voters of both parties in the presidential campaign, but Republicans and Democrats sound as if they're in different worlds. When the election's over, will they be able to come together or will partisanship prevent the compromise required by two-party rule.-- Also, the Iraq War funding bill stalls in Senate partisanship, and auto-makers say they're "going green."-- Do they really mean it. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Iraq, the 'Surge' and US Withdrawal The US military says violence has been reduced in Iraq to the lowest point in two years, but top officers complain that Iraq's government is missing the opportunity for political reconciliation. Also, federal investigators slip bomb-making components past airport security guards, and local cities are making life easier for illegal immigrants. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Repairing Injustice in the War on Drugs Congress has relaxed overly harsh and discriminatory penalties for crack, as opposed to powder cocaine. But federal prisons are still full of blacks and whites serving different sentences for the same crimes. Also, a transit strike in France, and some big decisions for Michael Mukasey, the new Attorney General. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Rudolph Giuliani: The Image and the Reality Polls show that Republicans don't care as much about social issues this year as they did in the last two presidential campaigns. Is that why Rudy Giuliani is still in the lead. We hear who's advising the former Mayor of New York and what that tells tell prospective voters about what he might do in the White House.-- Also, President Bush picks another fight with Democrats, and in Iraq, Ahmad Chalabi rides again. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Military Service and Civilian Patriotism The all-volunteer military has created a gulf between US civilians and those who choose to serve. We ask veterans of different ages what it was like to come home--- and how they want to be treated.-- For most Americans, is this holiday mainly a chance to go shopping.-- Also, a massive oil spill in the Black Sea, and mass murderers who worked for Saddam Hussein are scheduled for execution. Why is the US holding things up. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Pakistan and the Global Economy Police-state tactics smothered political protest today in Pakistan, but a nuclear power is dangerously unstable. We hear what happened and what continued trouble could mean for the world economy, where the falling dollar and sub-prime mortgages are a threat to America's clout. Also, the spreading oil spill in San Francisco Bay. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Colonial History, Cultural Misunderstanding, and Foreign Adoption The adoption of foreign children reflects the most basic of human needs and emotions.-- It---s also a growing international business---subject to abuse and corruption.-- We hear about personal and cultural conflicts and national pride.-- Also, Congress overrides a Presidential veto, and bad news for Wall Street and the economy. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Democrats, Republicans and Taxes Republicans and Democrats agree that it's time to reform the tax code, but "reform" almost always means that, when somebody's taxes go down, somebody else's go up. Also, former Pakistani Prime Minister Bhutto defies emergency rule, and on Capitol Hill and the Bush White House France is back.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Next Attorney General and Waterboarding Michael Mukasey's on his way to the full Senate for likely confirmation as Attorney General of the United States, but the issue of waterboarding could still cause him problems. Also, a suicide bombing in Afghanistan, and drug lords in South America are building submarines. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Pakistan's State of Emergency; Writers' Strike Pakistani police are cracking down on political opposition under President Musharraf 's state of emergency, creating a delicate problem for US diplomacy. Also, television and film writers are on strike in New York and Los Angeles. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Death Penalty in America: Is It Time for a Change. Executions are on hold in America until the US Supreme Court decides whether lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment.-- Is it time for the states to review the death penalty process from arrest to conviction.-- Also, devastating floods in Mexico's state of Tabasco and Venezuela's exceptional program for training children in music. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website New Drums of War in the Middle East With 100,000 Turkish troops massed on the border with Iraqi Kurdistan, the US is trying to avoid an explosive new conflict. Also, Chrysler cuts thousand of jobs, and waterboarding and Senate confirmation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Presidential Politics: Eight Weeks from the Starting Line Last night's Democratic presidential debate was the liveliest yet. Also, verdicts in the 2004 Madrid subway bombing, and the Federal Reserve on interest rates. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Should America Use 'Soft Power' in the Middle East. With the US bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan, even tough-minded conservatives are talking about a new emphasis on "soft power." We talk about what that means and how it could serve America's interests in an increasingly dangerous world. Also, immunity for Blackwater security guards, and the US Supreme Court, the First Amendment and child pornography on the Internet. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Sub-Prime Loans and the Economy The subprime mortgage crisis may force 2 million people out of their homes and a small army of Wall Street executives out of their jobs. Will there be a recession.-- Would government intervention make things better or worse. Also, the US turns another province over to Iraqi control, and Christina Fernandez de Kirchner succeed her husband as President of Argentina. What that could mean for other women in politics. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 'Cheap' Imports from China: Who Pays the Real Cost. Recalls of toys and other products have American consumers worried about imports from China. What about the workers who make them. Also, Iran responds to new US economic sanctions, and a UN report on the environment and human survival. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bungled White House Battle against Terrorist Financing. The US government spent 15 years tracking a Middle Eastern charity, the Holy Land Foundation, on suspicions it was financing terrorists. President Bush froze its assets after September 11 and prosecutors filed criminal charges. The case fell apart this week. Also, the President tours a scorched southern California, and Facebook becomes a money machine. Jim Sterngold guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is America Drying Up. California is tinder dry. The Southeast is facing a critical shortage of water. Winter is coming late to the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic. Iis it just a spell of weird weather or long-term climate change. Will industry, agriculture and residential development have to adapt to stave off disaster. Also, a trickle of good news on the fires raging across southern California, and it's the Red Sox and the Rockies in this year's World Series.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The World Awash in American Weapons There's a boom in both legal and illegal weapons sales worldwide.-- The US is both the leading exporter and the leading target on the black market.-- Also, a federal state of emergency as 17 fires rage out of control in southern California, and tensions flare on the Turkey-Iraq border. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is It Time to Reform Education Reform. President Bush wants Congress to renew No Child Left Behind, but after five years there's little consensus on education reform. Also, an update on the wildfires burning throughout southern California. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Pakistan's Leadership Crisis and Nuclear Weapons Last night's deadly bombing has dramatized political instability in Pakistan, a crucial American ally despite a record of nuclear proliferation.-- Did the US allow Pakistan to become a nuclear power and engage in illegal weapons trade. What can be done now. Also, bright lights will go out in California's big cities on Saturday night. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Mukasey the Right Man for the Job. After a smooth day yesterday, former Judge Michael Mukasey got into trouble today on the issue of waterboarding. Is it torture. Is it Constitutional. Will it get in the way of Mukasey's confirmation as Attorney General. Also, the House fails to override the President's veto of SCHIP, and Benazir Bhutto returns to Pakistan. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website China, President Bush and the Dalai Lama George Bush today publicly recognized the Dalai Lama despite China's official outrage. During 50 years of repression, the religious leader has preached non-violence to the Tibetan people. Also, Turkey approves military action against separatist Kurds in Iraq, and Senators get reassuring words from the President's nominee to replace Alberto Gonzales. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Middle East Peace and a Divided Administration Condoleezza Rice says a Palestinian state is at hand, but organizing a peace conference for next month is problematic. We hear about differences between Israel and its neighbors, and within the Bush Administration. Also, Russian President Putin has strong words for the US, and an insider trading case reveals new information about wiretapping in the interests of national defense. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The CIA: Who Watches the Watchdogs. The CIA's Inspector General has criticized overseas prisons, interrogations and intelligence failures. Now the CIA is investigating the Inspector General.-- have career agents been treated unfairly.-- Is it a conflict of interest to investigate the investigator.-- Also, a possible victory over al Qaeda in Iraq, and Greece gets serious about the return of the Elgin Marbles. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website War and Peace, and the Importance of Language One and a half million Armenians were slaughtered almost 100 years ago. Yesterday, a committee of Congress labeled it "genocide." Also, Al Gore and the Nobel Peace Prize. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Farm Labor, Immigration and Food Security American farmers insist that immigration enforcement has dried up the supply of farm labor. Some are resorting to prison inmates and others are moving to Mexico. Also, Turkey recalls its ambassador over the Armenian genocide bill, plus Vice President Cheney and the expansion of executive power. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website China, the Olympic Games and Environmental Pollution Next summer's Olympic Games have focused attention on China's economic expansion and the environmental pollution that's going along with it. Also, UAW picket lines go up at Chrysler, and an unlikely apology from Los Angeles' Chief of Police. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Hillary Clinton and the Price of Inevitability Hillary Rodham Clinton is now the acknowledged front-runner on the Democratic side.-- We hear how that creates its own set of problems.-- Why are Republicans rubbing their hands. Also, Turkey considers going after separist Kurds in Iraq, and the US Supreme Court turns down a case of "extraordinary rendition." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Diplomacy or Interference in Pakistan. For its fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, the United States needs help from a stable Pakistan. With America---s urging Pakistan---s President, General Pervez Musharaff, has cut a deal with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Sounds good for Musharaff and Bhutto, but some Pakistanis also see victories for both military rule and high-level corruption. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is America Growing Itself to Destruction. America---s continuing drive for material well-being has made it the world---s colossus, but it may also contain the seeds of destruction.-- Will unlimited economic growth be the undoing---not just of America, but the rest of the world. On Reporter's Notebook, anthropologists at war. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Do America's Big Three Automakers Have a Future. Toyota outsold Ford again last month.-- The Big Three are not all American any more. Will a new contract give new life to General Motors, maybe to Ford and Chrysler as well. Will clean diesel make American cars more competitive. What about hybrids and global warming. Also, peace for Korea and death in Afghanistan. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will Giuliani Divide the Republican Party. Rudy Giuliani's continued strength in the polls has Christian conservatives talking about a third party, but that might put Hillary Clinton back in the White House. Major anxiety for a major element of the Republican Party. Is the religious right losing its clout. What about those cell phone calls from Giuliani's wife. Also, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and a Presidential veto---rare, but without any fanfare.-- What's next for SCHIP. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Private Security Guards and the War in Iraq On Capitol Hill today, Blackwater USA got a grilling about its private security guards.-- Are they highly-paid mercenaries out of control or skilled professionals taking on risky assignments so Marines and soldiers can focus on combat. Also, a historic meeting in North Korea, and the latest on Israel---s midnight raid in Syria. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The White House Confronts Congress over Domestic Spending Some of the Senate's most powerful conservatives want President Bush to approve expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, but he says he'll veto it anyway.-- We look at the pros and cons and compare the cost to funding war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, good news from Iraq, and the first day of the US Supreme Court's new session. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website What Can the US Do about Burma. The bloody repression of peaceful protest in Myanmar---or Burma---has outraged the rest of the world and put China in a diplomatic squeeze.-- What can be done to stop the violence.-- Should the US intervene or keep its head down. Also, attorneys for key detainees at Guant--namo, and the latest on Blackwater USA in Iraq. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Last Months of the Bush Administration and Global Warming President Bush has come late to the conclusion that industrial activity causes climate change, but today he begins his own conference on Global Warming. Is he trying to bolster or circumvent the UN. Does he still have time to make a difference. Also, Los Angeles celebrities charged with murder but not convicted. What does big money have to do with it. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Name Calling, Politics and the War in Iraq MoveOn.org called Army General David Patraeus "General BetrayUs." Rush Limbaugh called Nebraska's decorated Vietnam veteran Chuck Hagel, "Senator BetrayUs." We talk about name calling, presidential politics and the war in Iraq. Also, a new UAW-GM contract, and the world learns of a crackdown on peaceful protesters in isolated Burma with help from the Internet. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website World Peace, Human Rights and the United Nations Presidents Bush and Ahmadinejad at the same place at the same time. We look at the United Nations 62nd General Assembly session. On Reporter's Notebook, is the US ready for a comeback of nuclear power.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Human Behavior and the Rest of the Natural World The latest Red List shows that mammals, amphibians, birds and plants are disappearing faster than ever because of human activities. Also, thousands of GM workers walk off their jobs, and the President of Iran and free speech in America. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Iran's Nuclear Development and the Prospects for War A meeting today in Washington will set the state for efforts to get tougher UN sanctions against Iran's enrichment of nuclear fuel. Also an Iraq update, and a public rebuke to Osama bin Laden from one of his teachers. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Managing the Economy; Civil Rights in Louisiana The Federal Reserve's interest rate cut produced a sigh of relief this week in the markets.-- What does it mean for homeowners and prospective buyers. Is it a bailout for speculators and unwise investors. Also, Bush accuses Democrats of politics on the child health bill, and an update today---s massive demonstration in rural Louisiana.Radio host Michael Baisden (L) and Rev. Al Sharpton (C) march towards Jena High school during a civil rights march on September 20, 2007 in Jena, Louisiana. P ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Are America's Private Security Contractors Out of Control. A deadly shooting incident involving Blackwater USA has the US and Iraq at odds over security for American diplomats. Why is the State Department so dependent on private contractors. Are they out of control. Also, foreign aid and peacemaking efforts in the Middle East, and if you live in Orem, Utah, you'd better water your lawn.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Health Insurance on Capitol Hill and the Presidential Campaign Trail As the presidential candidates debate the future of healthcare reform, President Bush and the Congress are at odds over a current program that's about to expire. the Iraqi government wants to crack down on America's private security forces, and US AID versus the Taliban in the toughest place in Afghanistan. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The CIA at 60; AG Mukasey. President Bush has nominated a successor to Alberto Gonzales. We hear about Michael Mukasey. Also, the CIA at 60. Can the intelligence agency speak truth to power at the same time it runs covert actions on behalf of the White House. We look at the record and what it means for the future. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bush's New Way Forward or More of the Same. President Bush says success in Iraq will allow some troops to come home. Critics---including some Republicans---call it "staying the course" all over again. Also, San Francisco's become the first American city to tackle healthcare reform.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Shades of the Cold War...and Doctor Strangelove America's entire Air Combat Command will stand down tomorrow. Investigators want to know why a B-52 was loaded and flown with nuclear missiles for the first time in 40 years. That story and Russia's aggressive new posture. Plus, the President's prime-time speech, and a new American ally killed in Iraq's Anbar Province. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website More Charges of Politics at the Bush Justice Department Alabama's former Governor sits in a federal prison, while Washington Democrats raise questions about political prosecutions. We hear the latest bitter dispute about politics and the Bush Department of Justice. Also, Russian President Putin makes drops two political bombshells and,-- on Reporter's Notebook, brain exercises that may help fight Alzheimer's disease.---- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website 9/11, Iraq and the Global War on Terror All over the country, Americans are mourning those who died in the attacks of September 11, 2001. We-- hear from a top counter-terrorism official on subsequent progress in the "Global War on Terror." Also, Petraeus and Crocker take their messages to the Senate. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website General Petraeus Reports to Washington on the 'Surge' General David Patraeus' long-awaited testimony finally gets off to a very slow start, but the partisan wrangling had already begun. Today, he and Ambassador Ryan Crocker are-- facing a joint committee of Congress; tomorrow they'll talk to the Senate.-- We update their testimony and hear the reaction from across the political spectrum.-- On Reporter's Notebook, Pakistan's former Prime Minister returns from exile only to be deported again.---- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website McMansions: The Latest Battle Front against Global Warming Few members of Congress have done more to protect the auto industry from tough pollution controls than John Dingell of Michigan. But now, the Democratic has changed course, embracing the need to slash emissions and suggesting increased taxes on "McMansions" to do the job. Also, does the latest economic news, and a revealing biography of George W. Bush.-- Jim Sterngold guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Fred Thompson Makes It Official While eight republican candidates were trudging through yet another debate in New Hampshire last night Fred Thompson upstaged them -- from Los Angeles. He went on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and finally announced he was running for the White House. Also, more grim news on Iraq, and investors question whether Apple has stumbled with its new iPhone. Jim Sterngold guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Has Time Run Out on President Bush's Surge in Iraq. President Bush is receiving reports and advice, as Congress holds hearings and military leaders, government agencies and outside experts analyze the troubled war in Iraq. Many politicians are demanding a phased withdrawal. Has time run out on the President's surge. Also, German police break up a terrorist plot, and our perhaps too-high expectations from professional athletes. Jim Sterngold guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Can Washington Contain the Mortgage Meltdown. One of the bright spots in the national economy had been the tremendous gains in home prices and construction. President Bush has declared that his ownership society policies have worked. Now, with foreclosure rates soaring and even wealthy investors losing billions of dollars, Washington considers what it can do to rescue families losing their homes. Also, President Bush assess progress in Iraq and cooperation in North Korea.-- Jim Sterngold guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website No Child Left Behind: Is It Passing or Failing. No Child Left Behind---the President's education reform---gets mixed reviews; some members of Congress are hoping to make some changes. On this archived edition of To the Point, we take another look at the pros and cons---before Congress comes back to debate what needs to be done. Also, Congress returns to Washington, and organized labor's opposition to one form of immigration enforcement.****This program will not air live on KCRW as it will be preempted by Labor Day music programming.-- It ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Turkey, the West and the Muslim Middle East Turkey's new leaders promise their government will still be secular, despite the Islamic orientation of their ruling party. We hear about Turkey's relationship with Iran and Iraq, and the anti-Americanism in public opinion. Will Turkey still be a ---bridge--- between the west and the Muslim world. Also, an update on Iran's nuclear program. And, is Pakistan facing-- "moment of truth." Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Have Junior Officers Lost Confidence in Their Commanders. Junior officers with more experience on the ground are now blaming the generals for what's gone wrong in Iraq.-- Was America's Army trained for the wrong war. Is there a "trust gap" between officers of Generation X and their superiors. President Bush and the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and Leona Helmsly's $12 million dog. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Promises and Realities Two Years after Katrina Two years after Katrina, President Bush and his would-be successors are showing up in New Orleans. Anniversary promises may be falling on deaf ears. Also, private practices and public policy in Turkey, and the US Senator and the men's room sting. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Resigns from the Bush Cabinet President Bush has accepted the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, one of his oldest political friends from Texas.-- We hear about law and politics. On Reporter's Notebook, the city of Athens and the site of the first Olympic Games have been threatened by deadly forest fires.-- Some are still out of control. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Leveling Mountains for Cheaper Coal Coal miners are taking the tops off mountains and dumping the rubble in streams and valleys---forever changing the Appalachian Mountains. Should government regulations require environmental protection. Also, disagreement among military leaders on the Iraq buildup, and Kid Nation and child labor laws. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Language, Culture - and God - in Public Education New public schools will be teaching Arabic and Hebrew language--and culture. Can they do it without advocating religion. The latest debate about the separation of church and state. Also, the latest intelligence on Maliki's prospects, and wiretaps of Americans to breakup terrorist networks. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The US, Mexico and the War on Drugs President Bush and Congress may be willing to spend a billion American dollars to help Mexico's President Calderon control drug traffic, official corruption and brutal violence.-- Will US aid come with strings attached. Will it work. Is it time to re-think prohibition as the basis of the "war on drugs." Also, President Bush invokes Vietnam to support America's stand in Iraq, and a UFO hoax and true believers. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Homegrown Terrorism and 'Bunches of Guys' In the drive to prevent so-called "homegrown terrorism," law enforcement is now focusing on "BOG's "or "bunches of guys." Also, pressure is growing to unseat the Prime Minister of Iraq, and an Iranian-American scholar has been released from prison in Tehran. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Coal Mine Safety and America's Energy Future After the deaths of three rescuers, it's unlikely that six trapped coal miners will be found alive. The controversies over Utah's Crandall Canyon coal mine, the Bush Administration's approach to mine safety and the future of coal---which now provides half of America's electrical energy.-- Also, Dean, the first major storm of the season, and a symbol for both sides of the immigration debate is deported.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Chinese Imports and Product Safety Toys, tires, foods and toothpaste have raised questions about the safety of imports from China. Is China trying to clean up its act. What about the demand for cheap products from US companies--and from consumers. Also, stock markets responds to Federal Reserve action on the sub-prime lending crisis. On Reporter's Notebook, do coal mines have to be so dangerous. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Death Penalty and Alberto Gonzales Juries are handing out death sentences faster than states can conduct executions.-- Congress has given the US Attorney General new powers to speed up the process. Is Attorney General Alberto Gonzales the right man for the job. Also, the tumbling stock markets, and the verdict on Jose Padilla. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Illegal Immigration and the Politics of Punishment The Bush Administration is cracking down on illegal immigrant workers, at the same time warning of "unhappy consequences for the economy." We debate what those "consequences" are likely to be. Also, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty of two felony charges today, and a possible new US challenge to Iran. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Global Warming and the Rush to the Arctic Global climate change is melting the ice above the Arctic Circle, creating a rush to control new shipping lanes and untold riches beneath the sea. Will the Russian flag beneath the North Pole be a "Sputnik moment" for the United States. Also, another recall on toys from China, and America's "bumbling" use of bad guys in the war on terror. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website A Crucial Vacancy at the Bush White House Karl Rove, the President's top political strategist, will leave the White House at the end of this month. Also, the Red Cross report describing CIA treatment of detainees in the war on terror, with techniques learned from countries known to use torture. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website America's Changing Image in the Middle East Support KCRW's Summer SignUp: (http://www.kcrw.com) Middle Easterners are used to seeing the US as the invincible Superpower, but events in Iraq are changing America's image. Also, stock prices continue to drop, and gay rights and Democratic presidential candidates. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is America Ready for the Next Disaster. Support KCRW's Summer SignUp: (http://www.kcrw.com) State and federal coordination is crucial to prepare for disasters, but state leaders say the Bush Administration's latest national plan is "not a plan--- and it's not national." Also, President Bush on infrastructure repair, and next year's presidential voting--which will start this year. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Terrorism, Opium and International Politics Support KCRW's Summer SignUp: (http://www.kcrw.com) Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has backed out tomorrow's summit with President Hamid Karzai of Afganistan. Will Karzai have to go it alone against terrorists funded by the opium trade. Also, next year's Olympic Games, and Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron's home-run record. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website President Bush, the Democrats and the Fear of Terror Support KCRW's Summer SignUp: (http://www.kcrw.com) Alleged violations of privacy in the war on terror helped the Democrats win last November, but last week, both houses of Congress expanded the President's power of electronic surveillance. Plus, the instability of Iraq's Shiite-dominated government, a new challenge to America's voting systems. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Iraq's Government on the Verge of Collapse Defense Secretary Robert Gates has been publicly disappointed at Iraq's failure to achieve political reconciliation. Today, five more ministers quit, leaving no Sunnis in Prime Minister al-Maliki's cabinet. Also, President Bush meets with Afghanistan's President, Hamid Karzai, and the financial consequences of the Iraq war on American national security. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Obama Gets Tough on Pakistan Barak Obama's threat to attack al Qaeda in Pakistan has made that country an issue in the presidential campaign. Is it time to get tough with President Pervez Musharraf. Plus, an update on the Minneapolis bridge collapse, and liberal bloggers and the DailyKos convention. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Ethics Reform; Minnesota Bridge Collapse Last night's bridge collapse on a major commuter artery for Minneapolis could be a wakeup call for America's infrastructure. Also, with one of its senior members under investigation, will the Senate agree to ethics reforms passed by the House. Is Washington really trying to clean up its act. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Politics of Health Insurance for Children Democrats and some Republicans want to expand health insurance for children, paid for by increasing the tax on tobacco. President Bush has threatened a veto. Also, Donald Rumsfeld deflects the controversy over the death of Pat Tillman, and Saudi Arabia says it may open an embassy in Iraq. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Arms for Diplomacy in the Middle East The Bush Administration is negotiating a state-of-the-art arms sale to Saudi Arabia at the same time the Saudis are accused of destabilizing Iraq and condoning terror. Also, a health update on Chief Justice John Roberts, and Rupert Murdoch gets Dow Jones and the Wall Street Journal. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Gordon Brown Visits Camp David Britain's new Prime Minister met with President Bush today at Camp David. What's the latest on the "special relationship." How different is Brown from Tony Blair when it comes to Iraq and the "war on terror." Plus, the South Korean hostages, and a breakthrough in the battle against Multiple Sclerosis. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Farm Bill and the Quality of the Food We Eat After promising to reform the subsidies that critics call corporate welfare, the House passed a new Farm Bill today. Also, the market's downward slide and NASA responds to a report that it allowed astronauts to fly drunk.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Political Warfare between the White House and Congress Senate Democrats today called for a special counsel to investigate whether Attorney General Alberto Gonzales lied under oath. Also today, a Democratic committee subpoenaed Karl Rove to talk about his role in firing US Attorneys. On Reporter's Notebook, with the leader fired for lying to his team, is it all over for the Tour de France.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website How Safe Is America's Food Supply. Recent health scares have involved food imported from Mexico, India and China, but the latest recall involves meat products from Georgia. Wherever it comes from, how safe is the food supply. Also, a House committee will subpoena two presidential aides. Later, is the European Union paying ransom to Libya. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will YouTube Change the Substance of Presidential Politics. Democratic presidential candidates last night faced questions posed by ordinary citizens on amateur video. CNN promoted it as the beginning of real change in the style and substance of American politics. Also, round two of US-Iran talks on Iraq, and Commissioner David Stern on charges that a referee bet on professional basketball. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The History and Possible Future of Urban Violence in America America's last massive civil disturbance took place in Los Angeles in 1992, but urban decay continues in many cities.-- Also, the global battle against AIDS, and Turkey's voters support a party with Islamic leanings. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Water and Human Conflict around the World Many wells are going to be drilled to determine if an ancient lake under Darfur in western Sudan is still full of water. Would plentiful water end four years of bloody violence. Will water shortages lead to other conflicts around the world. Also, Pakistan's Supreme Court deals a blow to President Musharraf, and contempt of Congress and executive privilege. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Sizing Up the Race for the Presidency With the presidential primaries just six months away, Clinton continues to lead Obama and Edwards, but Republicans aren't even close to picking a favorite. Also, Fed Chair Ben Bernanke on sub-prime mortgage rates, and Russia escalates the diplomatic confrontation with Britain. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Political Theater and the War in Iraq Senate Democrats have failed again to get a vote on forcing the President to bring the troops home from Iraq. We hear about the all-night debate and about the issue itself. Also, US forces capture of the senior Iraqi leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, and an NFL all-staris accused in a case of unusual brutality. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Latest Intelligence in America's War on Terror The Bush White House has declassified part of the latest intelligence in the war on terror. On Reporter's Notebook, the zone where fish cannot survive is greater than ever at the mouth of the Mississippi. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website President Bush's Latest Strategy for Middle East Peace After the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority met today, President Bush called for a regional conference on Middle East peace. Also, Kirkuk's deadliest insurgent attack since the-- beginning of the Iraq war, and the nation's largest Roman Catholic archdiocese comes up with $660 million to compensate sex abuse by priests. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Wi-Fi: Camping and the Call of the Internet More and more Americans are taking their computers when they head to the wilderness to supposedly get away from it all. With Wi-Fi access increasingly available at campgrounds, some folks just can't resist the call of the Internet. Also, progress on the nuclear stand-off between the US and North Korea, and David Beckham prepares to score with LA soccer fans. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Surgeon General and the Role of Science in National Policy From global warming to stem-cell research and sex education, opponents charge that the Bush Administration has twisted science to suit its political agenda. The battle over President Bush's nominee for Surgeon General has raised the issue again. Also, President Bush on US progress in Iraq, and exposing a major hole in the government's security system. Jim Sterngold guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Pakistan and the Taliban The bloody showdown at the Red Mosque in Islamabad is evidence that Islamic extremists are increasing their power in Pakistan. The Bush Administration continues to support President Pervez Musharraf, but is he a credible ally in the war on terror.-- Also, a "gut feeling" about an imminent terror attack on the US, and politics and public health in the Bush Administration. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The War in Iraq: Strategy and Politics American and Iraqi casualties are mounting, Republicans are defecting, and Democrats are challenging the President's war powers once again. Will a phased withdrawal come sooner than planned, as the Iraq Study Group recommended a year ago. Have officials in Baghdad lost the chance to influence debate in Washington. Also, Pakistani troops raid the Red Mosque in Islamabad, and baseball's All-Star game. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Will Live Earth Be Good for the Planet. Live Earth was seen and heard around the world for 24 hours this weekend with nine concerts on seven continents. Will it advance Al Gore's "Green Revolution" or allow a massive audience to feel better without the changes that could make a difference. Also, the White House's "agonizing reappraisal" of Iraq strategy, and Boeing's new Dreamliner. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Today's Internet Killing Our Culture. Are Wikipedia, Google and an infinite number of web blogs, liberating our culture or killing it. Also, the Bush Administration's big surveillance victory in court, and are Grey whales headed for extinction once again. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is America Ready for On-Camera Surveillance. Within hours of Britain's failed car-bomb attacks, closed circuit TV's had provided thousands of hours of videotaped evidence. Also, the western US faces severe weather, and Hamas and a hostage release in Gaza. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Women's Rights and the Constitution A constitutional amendment giving equal rights to women was almost ratified 25 years ago.-- Is it time for a revival. Also, tightened security over the holiday weekend, and after four years of war in Iraq, the President still has not called for national sacrifice. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is 'Scooter' Libby in Line for a Pardon. President Bush has commuted the prison sentence of Lewis "Scooter" Libby and he's not ruling out a full pardon. Also, another medical worker is arrested in the London car bombings, and the meeting in Kennebunkport, a win-win in Russia for Vladimir Putin. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Attempted Terror in Britain, Opportunity in Iran. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff says he's seen no recent intelligence about a specific plot against the US.-- Also, hawks and doves within the Bush Administration are at odds over the opportunities being created by civil unrest in Iran. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website How Did Don Imus Go Down in Flames. Radio shock-jock Don Imus had a record of brutal, vulgar attacks on ethnic groups and women, but celebrity politicians and news figures were regulars on his program. Why was the slur on the Rutgers basketball team the last straw. What does the episode illustrate about America's popular culture. Also, a promotion for his girlfriend spells trouble for World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and, on Reporter's Notebook, Kurt Vonnegut, the Free Speech Movement, and today's bitter disputes about lan ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website As Feds Play Politics, Local Solutions to Immigration Emerge As the White House and Congress grapple over immigration reform, local towns and cities dramatize the nation's divisions.-- There's "zero tolerance" in one place and a welcome mat in another.-- Is illegal immigration both a burden and a blessing. Also, a suicide bomber strikes inside Baghdad's Green Zone and, on Reporter's Notebook, Don Imus and words that offend, depending on who's using them. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Can President Bush Be the Next 'Come-back Kid.' With 21 months left to go in his second term, George Bush looks more and more like a lame duck president.-- We hear some harsh criticisms from life-long Republicans and hear whether the awesome powers of the White House can provide for a comeback.-- On Reporter's Notebook, we talk with the Italian journalist who exposed forged documents used to bolster the war on Iraq. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Assessing 'Benchmark' Progress in Iraq, Two Months into Surge Assessing 'Benchmark' Progress in Iraq, Two Months into Surge Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Gonzales and the Justice Department Back in the Hot Seat Alberto Gonzales' former top aide says the Attorney General was "not accurate" when he testified before Congress.-- He also said the White House was deeply involved in firing eight US attorneys. We hear more on Kyle Sampson's testimony and politics in the administration of justice.-- Also, the Senate hands the President a deadline for getting out of Iraq and, on Reporter's Notebook, Iran suspends release of the woman among 15 British captives. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Escalation in Iran Iran continues to hold British marines and sailors as the US and Iranian navies hold maneuvers in the Persian Gulf. As the crisis escalates, what are the prospects for resolution or escalation.-- What's the history of Anglo-American relations with an oil-rich Middle Eastern country.-- Also, David Hicks, the so-called Australian Taliban, is sentenced to seven years imprisonment and, on Reporter's Notebook, French presidential candidates go on the Internet for a 'Second Life.'-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The ERA Returns as the Women's Equality Amendment The Equal Rights Amendment for women is back under a new name: the Women's Equality Amendment.-- But some natural supporters are more fatigued than excited. Would changing the Constitution have unintended consequences.-- We hear about better salaries, benefits and work-place environments along with the right to same-sex marriage and the possible loss of existing protections. Also, the Supreme Court has bad news for President Bush and good news for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bush Threatens to Veto Iraq Spending Bill; Viacom Sues YouTube Congress may be away for spring recess, but conflict with President Bush is on the rise.-- Troop-withdrawal deadlines from Capitol Hill meet veto threats from the White House.-- It---s a showdown over funding troops in Iraq. Also today, Viacom sues YouTube for a billion dollars.-- Can innovation be protected as the law tries to catch up with technological change. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website British Marines and Sailors Are on Their Way Home Iran today abruptly announced the release of 14 men and one woman captured in disputed waters a week and a half ago.---- Britain did not concede they trespassed on Iranian waters.-- Tony Blair said the release was accomplished without confrontation--or negotiation.-- Was there a deal or did Iran provide a surprise "gift" to the British people, as its president claimed. Was the US involved in a swap for Iranians held in Iraq.-- Also, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi conducts international diplomac ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Crisis Is Over: Who Won and Who Lost. The marines and sailors are back home in England as the rest of the world measures the winners and losers. The crisis is personified by Tony Blair and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.-- We'll hear how perceptions differ from the Middle East to the Western world.-- Also, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's "clarification" on yesterday's peace offering and, on Reporter's Notebook, between both parties, the presidential campaigns may top a billion dollars by November of next year.-- Beyond the money, wha ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Agribusiness Becoming Kinder to Animals. Celebrity chief Wolfgang Puck agrees with Burger King: animals deserve more humane treatment before they're carved up for America's dinner plates. Friday, on To the Point, during a week of Easter and Passover dinners, is the fast-food nation rethinking its eating habits. Is the highly mechanized food industry going organic. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Diplomacy and Promises of Democracy in the Middle East At the Arab Summit, Saudi Arabia has taken the lead from Egypt in the effort to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians.-- Meantime, two participants at the meeting--Egypt's President Mubarak and Musharraf of Pakistan--are accused of reneging on promises of democracy. Is the US supporting repressive leaders to pursue its own interests.-- How great is the threat of extremist takeover in either Egypt or Pakistan.-- Also, a captured sailor tells Iranian TV that her British boat was tres ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website A Surprise Guilty Plea at Guantanamo Bay There's been a guilty plea in the first case under new rules for military commissions at Guant--namo Bay.-- Was it a kangaroo court or a fair hearing that will help legitimize US treatment of suspects in the war on terror.-- What about the future of Guant--namo Bay.-- Also, the US Navy has begun its largest demonstration of force in the Gulf since the Iraq invasion and, on Reporter's Notebook, an aide to Virginia's Democratic Senator Jim Webb charged with bringing a loaded gun into a Senate ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website New Controversy over the So-called Israeli Lobby New US diplomacy in the Middle East has raised some hope of getting Israel and the Palestinians in the same room at the same time. What's the role of the so-called"Israel Lobby"in Washington. Is it too conservative for many American Jews. Is it so powerful that it has stifled debate on US policy in the Middle East. Also, Protestant leader Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams of Sinn F--in agree to power-sharing negotiations and, on Reporter's Notebook, a new study on day-care options for the childre ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website All Eyes on Congress as House Votes on War Funding Bill The final vote gave the bill exactly what it needed for passage: 218 ayes to 212 nos.-- Fourteen Democrats voted against it, one voted"present."-- Two Republicans went along.-- As Capitol Hill and the White House grapple over pulling troops out of Iraq, one former general says the debate doesn--t matter.-- Withdrawal is inevitable, because the Army is running out of deployable troops.-- Major General Robert Scales is now is now President of the defense consulting firm Colgen Corporation. He ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Changing Face of Presidential Politics Conservatives are suspicious of John McCain and evangelicals have problems with Mitt Romney's Mormon religion. Rudi Giuliani leads Republican polls. Has the base of the party softened on social issues, or is that a temporary phenomenon. Plus, Democrat John Edwards says he'll continue his presidential campaign despite his wife's continuing battle with cancer and, on Reporter's Notebook, we talk with New Mexico's Democratic Governor Bill Richardson about his race for presidency. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website House Approves Subpoenas in Firing of US Attorneys The White House and Congress are moving closer to a constitutional confrontation. What---s the evidence of political interference in the Justice Department.-- Is the issue likely to end up in court. On Reporter's Notebook, Al Gore challenges Congress to act on global warming. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website America and Islam, Four Years Later Four years into the war in Iraq, American attitudes towardIslam have taken a negative turn. How well does a mostly Christian nationunderstand its 6 million Muslim neighbors.--Will Islam be an issue in the presidential campaign.-- Meantime, demonstrators continue to protestthe war and, on Reporter's Notebook, when soldiers are killed, their familieslose more than a loved one. We hear how they---re learning to cope.---- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is There Too Much Government Secrecy or Not Enough. A survey shows that increasing numbers of Americans think the federal government has become cloaked in secrecy. Last week, the House passed four so-called"sunshine"laws, two of which President Bush has threatened to veto. Does secrecy destroy confidence in represented government. In times of war, is it best to err"on the side of caution."-- Plus, the Senate votes to rescind the president's unilateral power to replace federal prosecutors and, on Reporter's Notebook, the UN and Iraq's humanit ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Americans and the Bitterly Controversial War in Iraq The Iraq war is bitterly controversial, but only 5 percent of Americans know somebody who's been wounded or killed. Whose war is it.-- Is much of society disconnected from the sacrifices that are being made.------ Also, Valerie Plame testifies on Capitol Hill today on being outted by her own government and, on Reporter's Notebook, CPR without mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Sub-Prime Mortgage Meltdown When the high-tech stock bubble burst, shareholders lost money.-- As the sub-prime mortgage market declines, people are losing their homes. We hear how it works, what can go wrong, and what it means for the rest of the economy.-- Also, Khalid Sheik Mohammed's confession continues. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Tough Talk at the Summit Meeting in Mexico On the last stop of his Latin American tour, President Bush heard some tough talk today from Mexico's President Felipe Calder--n. Immigration and illegal drugs are high on the agenda.-- What can a lame-duck US leader do for a counter-part who's just getting started.-- Also, the flap over fired US attorneys continues with reports of White House involvement.-- Democrats want Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to step down. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mixed Messages on the War in Iraq President Bush has asked Congress for still more troops to increase the buildup in Iraq.-- At the same time, there's a report that the Pentagon is planning a gradual withdrawal in case the troop increase doesn't work. We also get diplomatic reaction to the weekend meeting that included both the US and Iran.---- Plus, Guantanamo hearings continue in Washington---under total secrecy and, on Reporter's Notebook, Halliburton, the largest US contractor in Iraq, is moving its headquarters from Ho ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Democratic Presidential Primaries With 10 months left until the first Democratic voter goes to the poll, has it all come down to just three out of eight presidential candidates.-- Why are Clinton, Obama and Edwards getting all the attention. What are the prospects for one of them suddenly falling behind or for a dark horse to burst from the pack.-- Plus, FBI Director Robert Mueller admits to misusing its powers under the Patriot Act and, on Reporter's Notebook, ethics for robots. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bush Heads South of the Border, Rhetoric Turns Left President Bush is visiting Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico this week, carrying with him a complicated economic and trade agenda. But after keeping Latin American issues on the backburner for six years, can he effectively compete with rising radical leaders like Hugo Ch--vez.-- Plus, House Democrats unveil their plan for a withdrawal from Iraq. On Reporter's Notebook, will President Bush grant Lewis Libby a pardon.-- Marc Cooper guest hosts. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Administration of Justice and Partisan Politics The firing of eight US Attorneys has raised questions about the Bush Justice Department and partisan politics. Did a Congressional hearing reveal why they were let go. Are routine personnel matters being"overblown."-- Plus, another Russian journalist has died mysteriously and, on Reporter's Notebook, in France, ordinary citizens can now be jailed for doing what journalists do all the time. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Libby Verdict; Shabby Treatment of Wounded Soldiers Lewis"Scooter"Libby's conviction is just the latest bad news for the Bush Administration.-- Plus, the running scandal over treatment of combat veterans by the Veterans'Administration.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website North Korea and Nuclear Weapons The US and North Korea are talking today in New York amid new questions about US intelligence on North Korea's development of nuclear weapons. The US is updating its nuclear warheads. What's the message to other countries. Plus, Congress begins investigation into the sorry state of the Department of Veterans'Affairs and, on Reporter's Notebook, a gourmet dinner party featuring cloned beef. Would you accept an invitation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The US and Britain, Guns or Butter. The US and Britain are first in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and last among developed nations in taking care of their children. Is there a connection.-- We talk about imperialism, the welfare state, history and contemporary realities. Plus, House Democrat Howard Berman on his plan to bring the troops home from Iraq and, on Reporter's Notebook, genetic research shows that the ancestors of presidential candidates owned slaves. The candidates are John McCain, John Edwards--and Barack Obama ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The US and Britain, Guns or Butter. The US and Britain are first in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and last among developed nations in taking care of their children. Is there a connection.-- We talk about imperialism, the welfare state, history and contemporary realities. Plus, House Democrat Howard Berman on his plan to bring the troops home from Iraq and, on Reporter's Notebook, genetic research shows that the ancestors of presidential candidates owned slaves. The candidates are John McCain, John Edwards--and Barack Obama ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Stock-Market Sell-Off; To Be or Not to Be...Gay Wall Street is cutting its losses after another steep sell-off. There are mixed messages about the state of the economy.-- What does China's stock market have to do with it.-- Also, Pastor Ted Haggard has renewed a long-running controversy with implications for religion and politics.-- Is homosexuality a treatable condition.-- Is it nurture or nature. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Stock-Market Sell-Off; To Be or Not to Be...Gay Wall Street is cutting its losses after another steep sell-off. There are mixed messages about the state of the economy.-- What does China's stock market have to do with it.-- Also, Pastor Ted Haggard has renewed a long-running controversy with implications for religion and politics.-- Is homosexuality a treatable condition.-- Is it nurture or nature. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is the HPV Vaccine Right for Middle School Girls. To protect against a cancer-causing, sexually-transmitted virus, the Governor of Texas has ordered mandatory vaccination of young girls. We look at a moral and medical controversy that could spread to at least 20 other states.-- Plus, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke gives a thumbs-up to the economy and, on Reporter's Notebook, the US will sit down with Iran and Syria in regional talks about Iraq.-- Could that lead to diplomacy on other issues. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is the HPV Vaccine Right for Middle School Girls. To protect against a cancer-causing, sexually-transmitted virus, the Governor of Texas has ordered mandatory vaccination of young girls. We look at a moral and medical controversy that could spread to at least 20 other states.-- Plus, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke gives a thumbs-up to the economy and, on Reporter's Notebook, the US will sit down with Iran and Syria in regional talks about Iraq.-- Could that lead to diplomacy on other issues. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Criminals, Cops and Assault Weapons Local cops claim they're increasingly out-gunned by criminals with high-caliber automatic weapons.-- So they're beefing up their own armaments. The federal Assault Weapons ban expired three years ago. Has that produced an arms race in American cities. Was the ban really all that effective. Plus, Democrats plan to increase pressure on President Bush over his plan for increased troops in Iraq and, on Reporter's Notebook, the mainstream media are taking heat forover-covering Anna Nicole Smith. ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Industrial Chemicals and Homeland Security The attacks of September 11 aroused fears that chemical storage sites could be terrorist targets, but new federal rules are being called"flawed"and potentially"harmful."How vulnerable are industrial sites. How great is the risk to the public. Does government or industry know best what needs to be done.-- Plus, Iran defies the IAEA and, on Reporter's Notebook, from the tabloids to the battleground, Britain's Prince Harry will be shipping off to Iraq. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Industrial Chemicals and Homeland Security The attacks of September 11 aroused fears that chemical storage sites could be terrorist targets, but new federal rules are being called"flawed"and potentially"harmful."How vulnerable are industrial sites. How great is the risk to the public. Does government or industry know best what needs to be done.-- Plus, Iran defies the IAEA and, on Reporter's Notebook, from the tabloids to the battleground, Britain's Prince Harry will be shipping off to Iraq. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Al Qaeda, Iraq and the War on Terror The Bush Administration is changing its tune on Al Qaeda.-- Last year, it was"on the run."-- Now, it's back in business.-- What's happening in Northwest Pakistan.-- What does it mean for the future of the war on terror.-- Plus, Prime Minister Tony Blair will pull move than 2000 British troops out of Iraq.-- On Reporter's Notebook, does video gaming make for better surgeons.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Al Qaeda, Iraq and the War on Terror The Bush Administration is changing its tune on Al Qaeda.-- Last year, it was"on the run."-- Now, it's back in business.-- What's happening in Northwest Pakistan.-- What does it mean for the future of the war on terror.-- Plus, Prime Minister Tony Blair will pull move than 2000 British troops out of Iraq.-- On Reporter's Notebook, does video gaming make for better surgeons.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mardi Gras and the Future of New Orleans Today's Mardi Gras will provide a new measure of New Orleans'recovery 18 months after Katrina.-- Are the tourists returning despite increased crime.-- Why do permanent residents have such a hard time deciding whether to stay or go.-- Also, Mike McConnell is sworn in as Director of National Intelligence and, on Reporter's Notebook, are the Libby trial and the nuclear deal with North Korea signs that Vice President Dick Cheney may be losing influence. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Mardi Gras and the Future of New Orleans Today's Mardi Gras will provide a new measure of New Orleans'recovery 18 months after Katrina.-- Are the tourists returning despite increased crime.-- Why do permanent residents have such a hard time deciding whether to stay or go.-- Also, Mike McConnell is sworn in as Director of National Intelligence and, on Reporter's Notebook, are the Libby trial and the nuclear deal with North Korea signs that Vice President Dick Cheney may be losing influence. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Rice Leaves Israel with Little Progress from Peace Talks The Palestinians have formed a unity government, but the US won't recognize it, so Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice may not accomplish much on her visit to the Middle East. On To the Point, what was her role in the deal with North Korea. Is she at odds with the neo-cons, including Vice President Cheney's office. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website After the Non-Binding Iraq Resolution, What's Next. In the House of Representatives, the debate is over at last.-- The resolution opposing the President's increase of troops in Iraq is expected to pass later today. Since the President plans to ignore it, what happens next.-- We'll look at the options and the prospects for action that's"binding."---- Also, Italy will try 26 US citizens, most of them CIA, in a case of"extraordinary rendition"and, on Reporter's Notebook, why is the Bush Justice Department firing prosecutors. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Iraq, Iran and America's Credibility President Bush denies any intention to invade Iran, but foreign allies and adversaries--and many Republicans--are skeptical.-- The administration is haunted by what some call the"Iraq syndrome."What will it take to restore America's credibility.---- Plus, Hamas'resignation as the ruling party in the Palestinian Territories and, on Reporter's Notebook, why are Hungary and the Czech Republic better for children than the United States. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Iraq, Iran and America's Credibility President Bush denies any intention to invade Iran, but foreign allies and adversaries--and many Republicans--are skeptical.-- The administration is haunted by what some call the"Iraq syndrome."What will it take to restore America's credibility.---- Plus, Hamas'resignation as the ruling party in the Palestinian Territories and, on Reporter's Notebook, why are Hungary and the Czech Republic better for children than the United States. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is Warfare Being Contracted Out by the Pentagon. Democrats in Congress are taking a long look at private contractors, the second largest force in Iraq. Does outsourcing help soldiers do their jobs and save money.-- Does it allow for warfare without accountability.-- Plus, President Bush reminds the Congress that its nonbinding Iraq resolution should not curtail further funding for the war.-- On Reporter's Notebook, if you think Antony and Cleopatra looked like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, think again. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website An Iraq Debate Has Finally Begun on Capitol Hill Congress has taken up where the Senate left off and has begun debate on the President's increase of troops in Iraq. By proposing only a non-binding resolution, the Democrats are getting heat from both the Left and the Right. How many Republicans will go along.-- Does Congress have the power to cut off the money.-- Plus, North Korea agrees to a phased shutdown of its nuclear program in exchange for aid and oil. On Reporter's Notebook, sea lions and dolphins may go on patrol against terrorist ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is the New Russia Looking More Like the Old. Vladimir Putin berated the US this weekend in terms that echoed the Cold War. Is the New Russia looking more like the old.-- We look at Kremlin takeovers of energy and the-- media.-- What about the imprisonment and mysterious killings of business rivals and political critics.---- Plus, Iran denies US charges that it armed Shiite groups in Iraq with armor-piercing weaponry.-- On Reporter's Notebook, the Dixie Chicks and the politics of pop music. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is the New Russia Looking More Like the Old. Vladimir Putin berated the US this weekend in terms that echoed the Cold War. Is the New Russia looking more like the old.-- We look at Kremlin takeovers of energy and the-- media.-- What about the imprisonment and mysterious killings of business rivals and political critics.---- Plus, Iran denies US charges that it armed Shiite groups in Iraq with armor-piercing weaponry.-- On Reporter's Notebook, the Dixie Chicks and the politics of pop music. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Prosecution Rests Its Case in the Libby Trial Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has made his case--or has he. Scooter Libby's defense will begin next week after three weeks of prosecution testimony. What have we learned from the trial. What's next. Is the Libby case about how the White House went to war or much ado about a crime that never happened.-- The Pentagon's Inspector General questions the propriety of a Defense Department intelligence report. On Reporter's Notebook, the diamond trade tries to clean up its act.-- Lawarence O'Donnel ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Prosecution Rests Its Case in the Libby Trial Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has made his case--or has he. Scooter Libby's defense will begin next week after three weeks of prosecution testimony. What have we learned from the trial. What's next. Is the Libby case about how the White House went to war or much ado about a crime that never happened.-- The Pentagon's Inspector General questions the propriety of a Defense Department intelligence report. On Reporter's Notebook, the diamond trade tries to clean up its act.-- Lawarence O'Donnel ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is China Becoming the Next Colonial Power in Africa. Why did the Pentagon choose to announce a new focus on Africa while Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a 12-day tour of the continent. Does China's increasing economic attention there a threat to US interests in the region. Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell looks at the Chinese approach to investment in Africa, human rights and economic development, as well as Pentagon concerns about China's growing influence there.-- Also, Iraq's Deputy Health Minister arrested for supporting Shiite militias, a ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is China Becoming the Next Colonial Power in Africa. Why did the Pentagon choose to announce a new focus on Africa while Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a 12-day tour of the continent. Does China's increasing economic attention there a threat to US interests in the region. Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell looks at the Chinese approach to investment in Africa, human rights and economic development, as well as Pentagon concerns about China's growing influence there.-- Also, Iraq's Deputy Health Minister arrested for supporting Shiite militias, a ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website DNA, Illegal Immigration and Violence against Women An act of Congress is going to make DNA sampling as common as fingerprinting for anybody arrested by federal agents. Illegal immigrants were the original targets, but even US citizens not charged with crimes might have to give up their genetic codes.-- We hear about an almost unnoticed amendment to the Violence against Women Act.-- Also, a new security operation begins in Baghdad, and on Reporter's Notebook, there's new momentum on healthcare reform. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website DNA, Illegal Immigration and Violence against Women An act of Congress is going to make DNA sampling as common as fingerprinting for anybody arrested by federal agents. Illegal immigrants were the original targets, but even US citizens not charged with crimes might have to give up their genetic codes.-- We hear about an almost unnoticed amendment to the Violence against Women Act.-- Also, a new security operation begins in Baghdad, and on Reporter's Notebook, there's new momentum on healthcare reform. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Defense Budget and the War in Iraq The Iraq war has intensified this year's debate on increasing the Pentagon's budget, which the President calls necessary for the war on terror. Is the military spending more and getting less for the money. What are the trade-offs. What's the impact on the economy. Meantime, Democrats are beginning their public investigation into the conduct of the war and occupation. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Front-Loading the Primaries In bids for more influence in next year's presidential elections, big states and little states are moving their primaries forward. New Hampshire's may be held in December of this year. The nominations could be decided exactly a week from today. Would that put an end to what's left of real political discourse.-- Would it finally reduce all presidential politics to TV commercials. Plus, President Bush presents his budget for 2008 and, on Reporter's Notebook, murders, assaults, imprisonments a ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Arabs, the Jews and American History Support for Israel and the urge to transform the Muslim Middle East go back to the Pilgrims and the Founding Fathers. We hear how current American policies and actions have been shaped by the past, and what history suggests about future US involvement in a troubled region.-- Plus, the latest intelligence report on Iraq and, on Reporter's Notebook, the UN's toughest warning yet about global warming and rewards offered for poking holes in the report.-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Confidential Sources, Political Payback and the Public's Right to Know Influential reporters are revealing protected sources at the Lewis"Scooter"Libby trial. Is the free press at risk in the courtroom.-- We hear about anonymous sources, political payback and the public's right to know.-- Plus, General Casey goes before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his nomination to become Army Chief-of-Staff.-- On Reporter's Notebook, Italy's former Prime Minister issues a public apology to his wife. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Can Congress Stop the Iraq Troop Surge. When it comes to the Iraq war, President Bush says he is the only"decider."But even Republicans disagree.-- Can the Congress tell the President what to do.-- Can either party agree on what that should be.-- Plus, a recent audit shows there's little to show for the billions spent on Iraq reconstruction.-- On Reporter's Notebook, arrest warrants have been issued for US agents accused by Germany of"extraordinary rendition."-- Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is It'War by Other Means'against Iran. President Bush denies any intention of invading Iran, but he's been warning about its activities in Iraq and its growing influence in the Middle East. After years of enmity, what's the state of relations between Iran and Iraq. With America's military build-up in the Persian Gulf, could the proxy war with Iran turn into the real thing. Plus, the commander of US forces in the Middle East says it's time to redefine goals in Iraq.-- On Reporter's Notebook, regulators say nuclear power plants do ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Katrina and the Role of Government In New Orleans, the removal of bodies is under way, and officials say the city has finally been secured. But Americans have been jolted by government failure to prevent and cope with disaster, and for the first time since September 11 they're telling pollsters that domestic issues are more important than the war against terror. After 25 years of demanding government cutbacks, even conservative commentators are predicting a"progressive resurgence." Has Katrina accomplished what the ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Flawed Planning, Katrina Resources Directed Elsewhere Military vehicles have moved in to control the violence in New Orleans as the Army Corps of Engineers feverishly works to shore up the city's main levee. While meals and other supplies are coming into Mississippi towns, yet many are still without basic staples, even water and necessary medicine. Five days after Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, flights have begun taking people out of New Orleans; busloads of people are heading west to Houston's Astrodome, which may be their home for sever ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Katrina: America's Worst Disaster and the American Red Cross Charitable donations in the aftermath of Katrina are unprecedented in US history--more than a billion dollars, with three-quarters going to the American Red Cross. But is the Red Cross providing immediate relief for hurricane victims as mandated by Congress? Small-town officials say the organization was nowhere to be found. Was it overwhelmed by the magnitude of the disaster? Did local laws and priorities get in the way? Will the Red Cross reimburse local churches and other charities th ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Googled! Will the Internet Come Back to Haunt You? The Internet is often called"virtual" reality, as if it had nothing to do with the real world. But because it stores vast amounts of information about almost everyone, the Internet can have tangible impact on everyday life. The CEO of Internet search engine Google didn't like it when personal information about him was published by a reporter who spent 30 minutes on Google. Yahoo, Microsoft MSN and other search engines know whom you talk to, what you talk about and what you're thi ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website It's Down to the Wire for Iraq's New Constitution Iraq is currently governed by a temporary constitution, which stipulates that if a new constitution is not agreed on by midnight tonight, the interim government will go out of existence and new elections will have to be held. But Sunni Arabs who ruled under Saddam Hussein fear that Kurds and Shiites are making a deal to monopolize Iraq's oil. If they're not part of the action, the Sunnis could fuel an increasingly violent insurgency for a long time to come. After last-minute postponements, ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Do American Farm Subsidies Have a Future? Four years ago, in Doha, Qatar, the US and other major world economies vowed to reduce tariffs and subsidies that distort free international trade. Two years later, the talks dissolved in chaos. The last chance for agreement comes in December, and this week US Trade Representative Rob Portman announced that the US will cut subsidies by 60% by 2010, if Japan and Europe cut theirs by 80%. US farmers say their safety net is being given away, developing countries say the US and Europe are playi ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website What Does GM-UAW Deal Mean for American Workers? The US auto industry once led the manufacturing world, providing high wages, adequate health benefits and generous pensions. Now, auto-workers are among those getting squeezed out of what's called"economic recovery." After looking at General Motors'financial situation, United Auto Workers Union leaders have agreed to $15 billion in healthcare reductions. Delphi, the parts maker spun off from GM seven years ago, wants to impose a two-thirds pay cut to help the company out of bankrup ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Press, Karl Rove and a Stolen Election The Grand Jury is still out on whether Karl Rove committed perjury, obstructed justice or exposed a CIA agent. But Washington reporters are taking heat for protecting confidential White House sources when the real story should be the identity of a leaker. The media also are being questioned for playing down a Democratic report that Republican dirty tricks helped President Bush win Ohio last year. Are reporters trading their independence for high-level access? Is Rove the master of media man ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Harvest of Shame in America's Breadbasket? Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is perpetually at odds with the Democrats who control California's state legislature, but they've come to agreement on one thing. After four farm workers died from exposure last month, there was bipartisan support for emergency regulations to require protection from blistering heat. The incidents also cast new attention on the living and working conditions of the men and women who put the food on America's tables, 40 years after Cesar Chavez made ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Bush Administration's Woes and Its Image Abroad During the first term of his presidency, riding a post-September 11 crest of domestic popularity and with his party in control of both houses of Congress, President Bush set the US on a unilateral path in international relations. Today, on a wide range of foreign policy issues, and with his administration weakened by scandals and the post-war failures in Iraq the President -- and America's position in the world --- is different. His opponents at home and abroad may take joy in his chastenin ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Have Crimes Been Committed Inside the Bush White House? Lewis"Scooter" Libby has resigned after his indictment for perjury, making false statements and obstruction of justice. Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald says the chief of staff to Dick Cheney"endangered national security" by revealing the identity of CIA agent Valerie Plame. The Vice President, who accepted the resignation with"deep regret," reminded that Libby is presumed innocent until a contrary finding is made by a jury." Karl Rove, top political aide ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Political Thunderbolt: Hamas Wins Palestinian Elections After decades in power, the late Yasser Arafat's Fatah party has been ousted by Palestinian voters. Hamas, dedicated to the destruction of Israel, will now form a new government. Hamas won 76 of 132 seats in parliament; Fatah, the losing party of President Mahmoud Abbas, won just 43. At the White House today, President Bush called it"healthy" evidence of democracy in the Middle East, but said the US will not deal with an armed political group that advocates violence. Is Hamas pr ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Avian Flu, Katrina and Disaster Preparedness Outbreaks of avian flu in Asia have caused widespread concern, but the virus is not yet able to pass from one human being to another. If it mutates, there could be a pandemic, and health officials say the world is"woefully unprepared." This week, after the anemic response to Katrina, official Washington is paying attention. A high-level briefing on bird flu was followed a day later by a $3.9 billion addition to the Pentagon spending bill and a meeting today with drug companies to di ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Iraq and the Prospect of All-Out Civil War After last week saw the worst sectarian violence since the US invasion, talks on forming a unity government in Iraq broke down. Now, a daytime curfew in Iraq has been lifted and the streets of Baghdad and other cities are quiet by current standards, although powerful tensions remain. Iraqi security forces are on high alert, but have been infiltrated by Shiite militias. Sunnis want militias of their own. Are political leaders--or religious clerics--really in charge? Will conflicts that da ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Dubai, Port Security and Ethnic Stereotyping Dubai Ports World won't take over terminals at six American ports until the Bush Administration has tried a selling job on the Congress. The State of New Jersey and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are going to court to stop it and Congress may pass legislation as soon as next week. Still, President Bush insists he'll veto any new law and that that treating Dubai as less trustworthy than other countries sends a"signal to the Middle East" that would be"disastrous.&q ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Dubai Ports Deal: Politics and National Security Democrats have dreamed about a chance to outflank President Bush on national security. Now, his own administration may have handed opponents an issue. At his cabinet meeting today, President Bush again defended allowing an Arab company to control terminals at ports in New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia. He called Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates,"a valuable partner" in the war on terror. But Republican leaders in Congress, right-wing talk r ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Dubai Ports Deal: Politics and National Security Democrats have dreamed about a chance to outflank President Bush on national security. Now, his own administration may have handed opponents an issue. At his cabinet meeting today, President Bush again defended allowing an Arab company to control terminals at ports in New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia. He called Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, "a valuable partner" in the war on terror. But Republican leaders in Congress, right-wing talk ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bird Flu, the Next World Pandemic? Bird flu is turning up all over the world--in birds. So far, the only humans affected are those in immediate contact with birds, but the virus is deadly. Of 170 humans that have been sickened by bird flu, 92 have died. But the spread of the virus in birds--from Asia to Africa and to Europe--has led to fears that it could mutate so it could pass from human to human, which could lead to an outbreak worldwide. Researchers simply don't know if bird flu will do that or just disappear. What t ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bird Flu, the Next World Pandemic? Bird flu is turning up all over the world--in birds. So far, the only humans affected are those in immediate contact with birds, but the virus is deadly. Of 170 humans that have been sickened by bird flu, 92 have died. But the spread of the virus in birds--from Asia to Africa and to Europe--has led to fears that it could mutate so it could pass from human to human, which could lead to an outbreak worldwide. Researchers simply don't know if bird flu will do that or just disappear. What t ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Has Guant--namo BayOutlived Its Usefulness? The treatment of prisoners at Guant--namo Bay"was clearly abusive" and"contrary to everything we were ever taught about American values." That comes not from a human rights group but the recently retired General Counsel for the United States Navy. President Bush has said repeatedly that the US does not"torture" so-called"enemy combatants" in the war on terror, but Alberto Mora, a Bush appointee, says there's no moral or practical distinction between Pentago ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Greenland's Glaciers Melting Fast Another alarm about Global Warming came with last week's report that glaciers in Greenland are melting faster than ever. Skeptics already are raising questions, adding that air and water pollution are much more immediate threats than rising sea levels. Some scientists claim that Earth is reaching a"tipping point," beyond which no conceivable effort will make a difference. Others say human beings will adapt to whatever happens. In the meantime, why not launch a satellite that cou ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Has Guant--namo Bay Outlived Its Usefulness? The treatment of prisoners at Guant--namo Bay"was clearly abusive" and"contrary to everything we were ever taught about American values." That comes not from a human rights group but the recently retired General Counsel for the United States Navy. President Bush has said repeatedly that the US does not"torture" so-called"enemy combatants" in the war on terror, but Alberto Mora, a Bush appointee, says there's no moral or practical distinction between Pentago ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Greenland's Glaciers Melting Fast Greenland's glaciers are melting into the oceans three times faster than they were ten years ago. Is global warming reaching a tipping point? Monday, on To the Point, can human efforts slow the rate of climate change... before it's too late? Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Does Vice President Dick Cheney Have Too Much Power? Five days after last weekend's shooting accident in Texas, President Bush said Vice President Cheney's handling of it was"just fine" with him. But during the interim, it appeared there was growing tension between their staffs. Today, Cheney spoke out about it again during a speech in Wyoming. Outside the White House, even Republicans are asking if Cheney's unprecedented power and independence is damaging to the President. Has Cheney become a sort of"co-president" whose penc ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Does Vice President Dick Cheney Have Too Much Power? Five days after last weekend's shooting accident in Texas, President Bush said Vice President Cheney's handling of it was "just fine" with him. But during the interim, it appeared there was growing tension between their staffs. Today, Cheney spoke out about it again during a speech in Wyoming. Outside the White House, even Republicans are asking if Cheney's unprecedented power and independence is damaging to the President. Has Cheney become a sort of "co-president" whose pe ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Starving Out Hamas On Saturday, the newly elected Palestinian parliament will be sworn in, with Hamas in the majority for the first time. Hamas will not renounce violence or recognize the right of Israel to exist. So Israel plans to freeze $50 million a month in taxes and customs duties, money the Palestinian Authority needs to pay 140,000 employees, who support a third of the population. The US and Europe regard Hamas as a terrorist organization, which means a large portion of their aid to the Palestinians w ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Federal Response to Katrina Called'National Disgrace' Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff got a grilling today from Senators of both parties. Why did disaster workers run around"like Keystone cops" in response to Hurricane Katrina? At the same time, a committee of House Republicans called the federal response"a national disgrace." Even the Bush White House is said to be preparing a scathing report on the federal response to Katrina. There's a lot of tough talk on Capitol Hill, but will multiple, ongoing investigatio ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Starving Out Hamas On Saturday, the newly elected Palestinian parliament will be sworn in, with Hamas in the majority for the first time. Hamas will not renounce violence or recognize the right of Israel to exist. So Israel plans to freeze $50 million a month in taxes and customs duties, money the Palestinian Authority needs to pay 140,000 employees, who support a third of the population. The US and Europe regard Hamas as a terrorist organization, which means a large portion of their aid to the Palestinians w ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Unhappy Returns for American Veterans Medical advances and better armor mean that troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are surviving wounds that killed soldiers in previous wars, but many who have not been disabled physically are coming home with other problems. The Army's Surgeon General says 30% of veterans have mental health problems three or four months after coming home. Reservists and National Guard members often don't get their jobs back, and unemployment for the youngest veterans is triple the national average. Senators of ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Federal Response to Katrina Called'National Disgrace' Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff got a grilling today from Senators of both parties. Why did disaster workers run around"like Keystone cops" in response to Hurricane Katrina? At the same time, a committee of House Republicans called the federal response"a national disgrace." Even the Bush White House is said to be preparing a scathing report on the federal response to Katrina. There's a lot of tough talk on Capitol Hill, but will multiple, ongoing investigatio ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Internet: Public Trust or Center for Private Profit? Telephone companies and cable operators, which invest billions in the electronic hardware that brings the Internet to consumers, want to change the way customers pay for that access. Instead of the current flat fees, they want different users to pay different amounts, according to how much they go on line and how fast they get service. Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and eBay are among the Internet providers who claim that means corporate censorship of the marketplace of ideas. Consumer groups to ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The Internet: Public Trust or Center for Private Profit? Telephone companies and cable operators, which invest billions in the electronic hardware that brings the Internet to consumers, want to change the way customers pay for that access. Instead of the current flat fees, they want different users to pay different amounts, according to how much they go on line and how fast they get service. Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and eBay are among the Internet providers who claim that means corporate censorship of the marketplace of ideas. Consumer groups to ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Unhappy Returns for American Veterans Medical advances and better armor mean that troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are surviving wounds that killed soldiers in previous wars, but many who have not been disabled physically are coming home with other problems. The Army's Surgeon General says 30% of veterans have mental health problems three or four months after coming home. Reservists and National Guard members often don't get their jobs back, and unemployment for the youngest veterans is triple the national average. Senators of ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website President Bush's American Competitiveness Initiative After the Soviet Union fired the first satellite into orbit, a crash program led the US to revolutionize science and technology. Now, among high school seniors in the world's top countries, the US ranks 16th in science and 19th in math. China, India--even South Korea and Singapore--are putting the US to shame, turning out highly skilled, innovative PhDs in science and engineering, pushing unfettered inquiry where the US once was unrivaled. President Bush says his Competitiveness Initiative ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website President Bush's American Competitiveness Initiative After the Soviet Union fired the first satellite into orbit, a crash program led the US to revolutionize science and technology. Now, among high school seniors in the world's top countries, the US ranks 16th in science and 19th in math. China, India--even South Korea and Singapore--are putting the US to shame, turning out highly skilled, innovative PhDs in science and engineering, pushing unfettered inquiry where the US once was unrivaled. President Bush says his Competitiveness Initiative ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Are America's Top Executives Paid Too Much Money? With business leaders on trial and in prison, there's growing concern about executive compensation. American CEO's get more than 300 times the pay of an average worker. Golden parachutes, stock options and free use of company jets are hidden away in proxy statements or not reported at all. Some pay packages encourage decisions that are good for top executives but bad for their companies. We talk to business reporters, legal experts, contract negotiators and union strategists about CEO dema ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Are America's Top Executives Paid Too Much Money? With business leaders on trial and in prison, there's growing concern about executive compensation. American CEO's get more than 300 times the pay of an average worker. Golden parachutes, stock options and free use of company jets are hidden away in proxy statements or not reported at all. Some pay packages encourage decisions that are good for top executives but bad for their companies. We talk to business reporters, legal experts, contract negotiators and union strategists about CEO dema ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bush's 2007 Budget: Guns and Butter in an Election Year The hundreds of billions of dollars involved in President Bush's latest budget are beyond the comprehension of most American taxpayers and most of the beneficiaries of federal programs. It proposes to cut domestic programs and increase defense spending, with still more money later on for Iraq and Afghanistan. The White House plan would also make tax cuts permanent and increase the deficit. Is defense spending driven by real security needs, the requirements of big corporations that live on f ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Domestic Spying: The Law and the Politics After Senators of both parties spent yesterday grilling the US Attorney General, even some Republicans say that President Bush is making an illegal power grab by claiming authority to wiretap Americans communicating with suspected terrorists overseas without a court order. Among them is Republican Committee Chair Arlen Spector, who said he was"not persuaded" by Alberto Gonzales. Democrats are treading carefully so as not to seem weak when it comes to the threat of terrorism on Ameri ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Bush's 2007 Budget: Guns and Butter in an Election Year The hundreds of billions of dollars involved in President Bush's latest budget are beyond the comprehension of most American taxpayers and most of the beneficiaries of federal programs. It proposes to cut domestic programs and increase defense spending, with still more money later on for Iraq and Afghanistan. The White House plan would also make tax cuts permanent and increase the deficit. Is defense spending driven by real security needs, the requirements of big corporations that live on f ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Furor over Cartoons Mocking Prophet Mohammed Last September, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten challenged cartoonists to draw the Prophet Mohammed, claiming it wanted to test whether the artists would censor themselves due to fear of violence from radical Islamic immigrants. Islamic clerics then circulated the drawings in Muslim countries, reportedly adding cartoons that were much more offensive than the originals. In Europe itself, re-publication in the name of press freedom has sparked Islamic protests that, in turn, have provoke ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Domestic Spying: The Law and the Politics After Senators of both parties spent yesterday grilling the US Attorney General, even some Republicans say that President Bush is making an illegal power grab by claiming authority to wiretap Americans communicating with suspected terrorists overseas without a court order. Among them is Republican Committee Chair Arlen Spector, who said he was "not persuaded" by Alberto Gonzales. Democrats are treading carefully so as not to seem weak when it comes to the threat of terrorism on Amer ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Addicted to Oil: National Security and the Environment In his State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called for cutting dependence on Middle East oil by 75% in the next 20 years. The former oil man said that America's"addiction" to oil can be broken by new technology, including clean coal, nuclear power and cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol. While even critics call that a positive rhetorical change, they complain that President's budget is cutting back on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and ask whether he ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Furor over Cartoons Mocking Prophet Mohammed Last September, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten challenged cartoonists to draw the Prophet Mohammed, claiming it wanted to test whether the artists would censor themselves due to fear of violence from radical Islamic immigrants. Islamic clerics then circulated the drawings in Muslim countries, reportedly adding cartoons that were much more offensive than the originals. In Europe itself, re-publication in the name of press freedom has sparked Islamic protests that, in turn, have provoke ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Addicted to Oil: National Security and the Environment In his State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called for cutting dependence on Middle East oil by 75% in the next 20 years. The former oil man said that America's "addiction" to oil can be broken by new technology, including clean coal, nuclear power and cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol. While even critics call that a positive rhetorical change, they complain that President's budget is cutting back on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and ask whether h ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is the US'Winning'the War in Iraq? President Bush said Tuesday night, there's"a clear plan for victory" in Iraq and that"we are winning." He said,"The road of victory is the road that will take our troops home," but he did not say just what he meant by"winning." Today's Washington Post editorializes that his"actions... do not match the rhetoric," and that if the troops come home too soon they"will have lost." We get different views of what"winning" might look like and ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The State of the Union in an Election Year White House speechwriters reportedly worked on 30 drafts before completing last night's State of the Union address. President Bush spoke in the aftermath of the bungled response to Katrina, the failure to reform Social Security and the mess in Iraq. By comparison to his past State of the Union addresses, this one contained modest proposals. His statement that"America is addicted to oil" got a lot of the headlines, but there was little detail about getting off the petroleum economy ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Is the US 'Winning' the War in Iraq? President Bush said Tuesday night, there's "a clear plan for victory" in Iraq and that "we are winning." He said, "The road of victory is the road that will take our troops home," but he did not say just what he meant by "winning." Today's Washington Post editorializes that his "actions... do not match the rhetoric," and that if the troops come home too soon they "will have lost." We get different views of what "winning" might look li ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website The State of the Union in an Election Year White House speechwriters reportedly worked on 30 drafts before completing last night's State of the Union address. President Bush spoke in the aftermath of the bungled response to Katrina, the failure to reform Social Security and the mess in Iraq. By comparison to his past State of the Union addresses, this one contained modest proposals. His statement that "America is addicted to oil" got a lot of the headlines, but there was little detail about getting off the petroleum econom ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website What's Up with the Democrats? Judge Samuel Alito was confirmed today to the US Supreme Court, and tonight President Bush gets the bully pulpit for his State of the Union address. For Democrats, the President's many weaknesses provide a moment of opportunity, but the Alito nomination showed how divided they are. Some call today's failed filibuster a good idea. Others say it'll hurt Democrats in Red states. Angry liberals are asking why a conservative Virginian was picked to respond to President Bush. We hear about the ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website President Bush and the State of America's Healthcare Since President and Hillary Clinton's ill-fated proposals in 1993, the cost of healthcare has doubled and more people than ever have no health insurance at all. In tomorrow's State of the Union Address, President Bush is expected to propose a plan derived from his ideas about ---an ownership society,--- like last year's Social Security reform. As always, the devil is in the details. Health Savings Accounts would shift the costs of medical care from corporate employers to patients themselv ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website What's Up with the Democrats? Judge Samuel Alito was confirmed today to the US Supreme Court, and tonight President Bush gets the bully pulpit for his State of the Union address. For Democrats, the President's many weaknesses provide a moment of opportunity, but the Alito nomination showed how divided they are. Some call today's failed filibuster a good idea. Others say it'll hurt Democrats in Red states. Angry liberals are asking why a conservative Virginian was picked to respond to President Bush. We hear about the ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Six-Party Talks Resume In the year since disarmament talks were suspended, North Korea claims that it's been constructing more nuclear weapons. As China, Japan, South Korea and Russia all prepare to resume six-nation discussions tomorrow in Beijing, the US has publicly acknowledged bi-lateral consultations with North Korea. While that's what Pyongyang has long demanded, the US official in charge says they were"just trying to get acquainted." If the talks fail, how dangerous might North Korea become? We ...