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Can the Obama White House Win Back the 'Professional Left?' Aug 12, 2010

Show notes

The Obama White House has been stunned by critics from the left wing of its own party. Has the President failed to live up to his own promises? Will liberals stay home in November? Also, after a government bailout, GM reports big profits, and stressed-out fliers and flight attendants.

The 'Mosque at Ground Zero' and Religious Freedom Aug 11, 2010

Show notes

Opposition to Islamic mosques is not confined to New York City and elsewhere it’s focused not on September 11 but on the Muslim religion. Are there parallels in American history? What are the consequences for the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom? Also, Obama catches a "primary" break in Colorado while Palin’s "Mama Grizzly" concedes in Georgia. On Reporter's Notebook, remember N1H1 flu? It’s now officially not a pandemic.

Same-Sex Marriage, Gender and the Prop 8 Ruling Aug 10, 2010

Show notes

If women are equal under the law, then bans on same-sex marriage are state-approved discrimination. We look at that and other arguments used by a federal judge to throw out Proposition 8 in California and set off arguments we’ll be hearing for a long time. Also, the House votes on money to the states. On Reporter's Notebook, are girls reaching puberty earlier than they used to?

Nuclear Non-Proliferation and America's Deal with Vietnam Aug 09, 2010

Show notes

In a war that ended just 35 years ago, the US lost 58,000 soldiers in Vietnam. Now the Obama Administration is negotiating a deal that could give Vietnam the opportunity to enrich uranium, which includes the potential to make atom bombs. Vietnam says it only wants develop nuclear energy, but nonproliferation advocates say it’s a dangerous precedent and a threat to China. Also, the Fed will hold a pivotal meeting on the economy, and Christian humanitarians massacred in Afghanistan are called "irreplaceable."

America's National Parks: Preparing for the Second Century Aug 06, 2010

Show notes

There are now 58 national parks, and America’s so-called “Greatest Idea” is almost 100 years old. But a lot of America’s favorite natural retreats are in danger. Is there the political will to save them? Also, BP may drill again in the spill reservoir, the US and the bombing of Hiroshima.

Prop 8 and Prop C: States Rights and Political Consequences Aug 05, 2010

Show notes

A federal judge has overturned California's ban on same-sex marriage. Another federal judge threw out part of Arizona's tough immigration law. And voters in Missouri this week said no to a federal requirement to buy health insurance. We talk about law, politics and states' rights, and the evolution of public opinion on same-sex marriage. Also, the US charges 14 linked to a Somali terror group.

Big Money, Secrecy and Control of the Congress Aug 04, 2010

Show notes

This year's November elections may be dominated by a combination of money and secrecy. Will the Democrats be able to hang on to control of the Congress? Also, BP calls its "static kill" a success, and Wyclef-Jean says the time has come for him to save the people of Haiti.

America Leaves Iraq: Is the Mission Accomplished at Last? Aug 03, 2010

Show notes

President Obama says he's keeping his campaign promise to end the war in Iraq and that all combat operations will be over at the end of this month. We look at America's ongoing role and the state of the country seven years after the downfall of Saddam Hussein. Also, monsoon flooding in Pakistan, and the proposed mosque two blocks from New York's Ground Zero.

The Gulf Oil Spill and the Long-Term Recovery Aug 02, 2010

Show notes

BP may finally "kill" the oil well this week, but there’s dispute about its strategy for long-term cleanup. Has the Gulf been a dumping ground for American industry? How are Gulf residents coping with two major disasters in five years? Also, President Obama on his promise to end the war in Iraq, and BlackBerry smart phones and the clash of cultures.

Is 'Race to the Top' Producing Education Reform? Jul 30, 2010

Show notes

"Race to the Top" gets less than 1% of education spending, but President Obama calls it "the most ambitious program in decades." We talk to the head of the Race to the Top Fund and others about teacher accountability, charter schools and equity for minority children. Also, BP to scale back Gulf clean-up efforts, and speculation amidst the secrecy surrounding Chelsea Clinton's wedding.

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