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What's Happening to Gun Control? Mar 11, 2010

Show notes

Starbucks — where California liberals sip lattes — has become a staging ground for carrying unconcealed weapons. What does that say about the future of gun control? Also, permanent cuts for oil refiners, and election-year promises to change the rules in Washington.

Is the Obama Administration Tough on Terror...or Not? Mar 10, 2010

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Should terrorist suspects be tried in civilian courts or military tribunals? Should Justice Department lawyers be judged for the clients they represented in the past? Those questions are roiling political Washington today. We hear why. Also, Did Israel intentionally try to insult the US? On Reporter’s Notebook, the Chief Justice of the United States strikes back at the President.

Obama 'All Fired Up' Again, but Is It Too Little, Too Late? Mar 09, 2010

Show notes

President Obama is back on the campaign trail, asking crowds to tell fellow Democrats to vote for healthcare reform. Can he rally his own party in the Senate and Congress? Will Republicans seize an advantage, either way? Also, Also, Vice President Biden pushes for renewal of peace talks. On Reporter's Notebook, are unemployment benefits becoming a new entitlement?

The Iraqi People Have Voted Again: What's Next? Mar 08, 2010

Show notes

Bombings and mortar attacks may have hardened the resolve of Iraqis to take part in yesterday's voting. But the results won't put an end to widespread corruption, and — when US combat troops pull out in August -- there's no guarantee of stability. We look at the prospects. Also, Obama pushes for public support on healthcare, and The Hurt Locker. It was a big night for what Hollywood calls "a small film."

A Real Case of Murder Unfolds Like a Hollywood Thriller Mar 05, 2010

Show notes

An official of the Palestinian group Hamas was murdered in Dubai. Dubai police call the killing a targeted assassination by agents of Israel. We look at the latest developments, and the worldwide controversy. Also, the Obama Administration considers a switch to military tribunals, and a preview of Sunday's broadcast of the Academy Awards.

Whatever Happened to Finance Reform? Mar 04, 2010

Show notes

The taxpayer bailout of banks that were "too big to fail" was followed up with the promise of finance reform to prevent another Great Recession. Now Republicans in the Senate are threatening to kill a sweeping measure passed by the Congress. Would it go too far? Do Democrats have the strength — or the will — to revive it? Also, a national protest against education budget cuts, and a Senate bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

In South Asia: War and Diplomacy Mar 03, 2010

Show notes

Here appears to be good news for the US in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but such conclusions are always open to different interpretations. We hear about conflicting interests in those countries, in India and within the Taliban and what they might portend for the US. Also, President Obama's newest pitch for healthcare reform, and in Texas, just as it is in the rest of the country, the best politics is being anti-Washington.

Should Whales and Dolphins Be in Aquatic Parks or the Open Ocean? Mar 02, 2010

Show notes

When he killed his trainer at SeaWorld, was the Orca called Tilikum an enraged, wild animal out of control or just curious about her ponytail? We hear different answers to that and other questions about Orcas, dolphins and commercial whaling. Also, the Supreme Court takes up a gun control, and the Postmaster General tells Congress what it will take to save the US mail service.

Greece: A Country that's Too Big to Fail Mar 01, 2010

Show notes

Greece is on the brink of financial ruin, and proposed austerity measures have sparked strikes and street demonstrations. How did Wall Street banks help create the crisis? Will hedge funds reap profits by making things worse? Also, this weekend's magnitude-8.8 earthquake in Chile. On Reporter's Notebook, will Democrats pass healthcare reform at the cost of losing seats in Congress?

Unemployment: How Long Can This Go On? Feb 26, 2010

Show notes

With Fed Chief Ben Bernanke warning about the dangers of long-term unemployment, 13 Senate Republicans joined Democrats to support a jobs bill worth $35 billion. How does it look to small business and unemployed people themselves? Should the government spend even more to create jobs or get out of the way of the private sector? Also, New York's troubled politics, and from Canada to Russia, the Winter Olympics and the environment.

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