KCRW's To the Point

Terror on Trial: Politics as Usual

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:45:00 EST

In a mid-term election year, is political rhetoric obscuring the real issues in the debate of trying the alleged Christmas Day bomber? Republicans have attacked the Obama Administration's decision to prosecute Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab in civilian court, and administration officials are fighting back. Sara Terry guest hosts. Also, Iran raises international alarm with its uranium enrichment plans, and thanks to the Saints, New Orleans will "let the good times roll."

Britain Loves PMQ's, Is It Time for a US Version?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:00:26 EST

Britain?s Prime Minister must take public questions from opponents in Parliament once a week. After President Obama wowed Washington with his Q&A with Republicans, a bipartisan group asked him to do the same thing here, but the White House said no. Can Congress demand a ?President?s Questions?? Guest host Matt Miller asks whether direct dialogue would reduce the political polarization in the US. Is there an audience for nuance? Also, a slow recovery despite decreasing unemployment, and it's not just ads for products at this year's Super Bowl.

Can Tea Parties Brew Real Political Change?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:40:24 EST

Tea partiers are opposed to federal spending, healthcare reform, Wall Street banks and dinners featuring steak and lobster. They don't like Democrats or even Republicans. What are they for? Can they organize to make a political difference in this election year? We look for some answers as the Tea Party convention opens in Nashville. Also, now it's the Prius' brakes, and despite the recession, healthcare spending is jumping up faster than ever ? approaching 20% of the entire economy.

For Toyota, How Bad Will It Get?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:13:22 EST

With sales of Toyota vehicles already on the decline, new safety questions are being raised today. We look at the latest claims, how Toyota has responded over the years and what it will take to restore a tarnished corporate image. Also, Senate Democrats and Obama do a Q&A, and in Iran, an anniversary, a space program and the prospect of international sanctions.

The Battle over the Budget in an Election Year

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:46:01 EST

The federal budget is more than a spending plan. It's also a statement about priorities in an election year. We hear about President Obama's latest proposals and the likely debates about unemployment, the deficit and the role of government in an election year. Also, changing military policy on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' and China says the Obama Administration is trying to "undermine" relations.

What's the Outlook for Peace in Afghanistan?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:45:00 EST

NATO's latest strategy in Afghanistan is to forget trying for a military victory and to concentrate on "reintegration" and "reconciliation." We talk with the deputy to General Stanley McCrystal and others about what that means and how it might be accomplished. Also, President Obama's new budget, and his plans for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

The War Is On; Where's the Army?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:38:12 EST

The Obama campaign motivated some 13 million volunteers, but many now feel abandoned by the Obama White House. Has he failed to build a movement to push his agenda or has Washington changed him more than he has changed Washington? Also, the President's Q&A with the GOP, and Tony Blair in a public defense of Britain's role in the war on Saddam Hussein.

The State of the Union: 'We Don't Quit...I Don't Quit'

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:52:12 EST

During last night's State of the Union Address, President Obama admitted mistakes while defending his first year in office. What does he want for the future, and what is he likely to get? We sample opinions. Also, President Karzai's new priority, reaching out to the Taliban, and Toyota's struggle to stay on top.

Does Democracy in Iraq Have a Future?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:16:00 EST

US combat troops are scheduled to leave Iraq starting in August, presuming that violence is down and that a stable government has been established by fair elections. This week's renewed bombings in Baghdad suggest that the scenario might not be so rosy. Also, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner is grilled by a House committee on the AIG bailout, and you know the iMac and the iPhone. Get ready for the iPad.

After a Full Year in Office, Obama Speaks to the People

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:49:19 EST

One year ago, Democrats were talking about a new political era. Now, President Obama faces a nation of angry voters. We set the scene for his first address on the State of the Nation. Also, a second day of bombs in Baghdad. On Reporter's Notebook, will France ban the veil for Muslim women in public places?

The US Supreme Court and Partisan Politics

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST

Has the US Supreme Court scored a victory for free speech or increased the influence of money in politics? We hear about last week's 5-to-4 decision on the rights of corporations. Also, executions, bombs and political turmoil in Baghdad, and Haitian refugees and US immigration policy.

Avatar: Science Fiction Channels the Culture Wars

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST

James Cameron's Avatar is more than a 3-D blockbuster. The New York Times says it has "burrowed into the cultural consciousness" from the US to China. It's even accused of causing a heart attack in Taiwan. We hear from critics and fans. Also, a possible power shift at the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve, and the Winter Olympics are scheduled to open three weeks from today. Where?s the snow?

Google in China and Cyber-espionage

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:03:49 EST

Google's claim of cyber attacks in China has turned into an international incident with Hillary Clinton calling today for "consequences" and "condemnation." Is China's government trying to steal Google's secrets? Is it threatened by the growth of organized activism on the Internet? Also, the Supreme Court weighs in on free speech and campaign limits. On Reporter's Notebook, President Obama proposes cutting Wall Street down to size.

Massachusetts Changes the Game

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:46:30 EST

After Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts, Senate Democrats can't stop Republican filibusters any more. What does that mean for health care reform? And what's the message for both parties for elections later this year? Also, is zero tolerance for terrorism an impossible goal?

America's Commitment to Haiti: How Much for How Long?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST

As the US launches a massive rescue effort in Haiti, right-wing critics are saying that resources and money are wasted in a country that's already too dependent on the rest of the world. President Obama has promised to help "to the very end." We ask what that could mean. Also, were official "suicides" at Guantanamo Bay really deaths caused by torture?