KCRW's Left, Right & Center

Democrats in Control in DC

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:10:41 EDT

With the seating of Al Franken in the Senate and the Democrats' now-60 seat majority, we take an opportunity to sort through the differences between Democratic factions as the Obama revolution gets underway. Can they rule? Can they overcome their divisions to create an agenda for change, including healthcare and education reform? (Tony Blankley and Arianna Huffington are away.)

The State of the Economy

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EDT

Some really deep talk on the economic crisis. We examine the state of the American economy. How did we get here? Who's to blame, how to cure, can it be fixed? A civil discussion about a serious topic with an entertaining bent.

Thoughts on the Economic Crisis

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EDT

Some really deep reflection on the economic crisis. How did we get here? Who's to blame, how to cure, can it be fixed? A civil discussion about a serious topic with an entertaining bent.

Sanford; Energy Bill; Healthcare; Michael Jackson, RIP

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EDT

Mark Sanford's fall from grace and a first-time-ever LRC conversation about SEX. Also, the Waxman-Markey Climate/Energy bill is up for a vote today, and healthcare public option hits a snag. Finally, a brief reminder that that King of Pop no longer moonwalks on this earth.

Iran on the Brink; Financial Regs; Healthcare Snag

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EDT

Massive post-election protests in Iran are being met with threats of an iron fist if they continue. What should Obama do? Treasury Secretary Geithner unveiled new regulatory proposals to oversee the financial industry. Will they better protect consumers or are they too watered down by special interests to create real reform? And the CBO announced the costs for healthcare proposals â before the actual bill has been proposed.

Iran; Big Bank Payback, Reregulation; Healthcare

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:05:53 EDT

There's a big turnout for the presidential election in Iran. Can a former PM have persuaded the youth vote he's really a reformer? Will the poor out-vote the middle class? Also, banks are eager to pay back their TARP money. Are they just trying to postpone inevitable reform and re-regulation? Plus, will a public-plan healthcare option become a reality, or will partisan compromises strip any plan of any real change for the uninsured?

Obama's Mid-East Speech; Unemployment and GM, Now What?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EDT

We look at the aspirational nature of President Obama's Cairo speech, then a serious take on the still-tanking economy. Lots of steak, not just sizzle.

Sotomayor; North Korea Nukes; GM's Broke; Healthcare

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:30:00 EDT

Is Sonia Sotomayor a judicial activist? A racist? Is empathy a good or bad thing in a judge? Also, North Korea's nuclear activity is an unwelcome challenge. Only China has the kind of influence to get them to scale back, and they've chose not to pull those strings. Then, what's in GM's future? Will the free market or government influence the kinds of cars they should be producing? Finally, can Obama succeed in reforming healthcare?

Obama v. Cheney on Detainees; California in Chaos

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:30:00 EDT

Obama and Cheney present dueling speeches, but is being against torture a left-right issue? Also, as the economy continues to slide, California suffers a severe budget crisis. (Arianna Huffington is away.)

Pelosi; Obama on Gitmo; Financial Reforms; Healthcare

podmaster@kcrw.org (Arianna Huffington) — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:30:00 EDT

Pelosi twists and turns on what she knew when about the CIAâs methods. Also, Obamaâs reversal on military tribunals for detainees, the Treasury pressures Wall Street on financial reforms, and healthcare reform may be afoot.