To the Point

Latest Episodes:

Healthcare: Policy and Partisan Politics Feb 25, 2010

Show notes

With Barack Obama presiding, Democrats and Republicans hashed out the details of healthcare reform for several hours across the street from the White House. We look at the possible impact of today's televised "summit." Also, the Afghan flag is raised over Marjah, and a gruesome incident at Sea World in Florida raises new demands to release whales from captivity.

Toyota: On the Capitol Hill Hot Seat Feb 24, 2010

Show notes

Before hearing from the CEO of Toyota today, members of Congress grilled the Secretary of Transportation about why regulators were so slow to act on sudden acceleration. We hear about auto safety, Toyota's future and the economy of Japan. Also, health insurers justify rate hikes, and a struggling Rhode Island high school fires all of its teachers.

Are the Democrats Going to Fall Out of Power? Feb 23, 2010

Show notes

Unemployment, bank bailouts and government gridlock have created a nightmare scenario for the party in power. Some Washington pundits are suggesting the Democrats might lose control of either the House or the Senate. We get an early rundown of this year’s elections. Also, hearings on Toyota begin in the House, and President Hamid Karzai makes a political move that alienates his western supporters.

President Obama Finally Comes Up with a Plan Feb 22, 2010

Show notes

For the first time in the lengthy debate on healthcare reform, President Obama has come up with his own plan. Would it increase coverage and cut costs? Can it break the partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill? Also, another rough week ahead for Toyota, and US computer analysts close in on the hackers of Google.

The Academics of Textbooks Get Political Feb 19, 2010

Show notes

Back in 1925, the Scopes trial raised the question of what should and should not be taught in school — specifically, evolution versus creationism. Eighty-five years later, that debate is still going strong. In Texas, questions are being raised about if and how the political and religious beliefs of elected officials should influence classroom content, from science to history. Also, more help for struggling homeowners, and making amends to African American farmers. Chery Glaser guest hosts.

Revving Up the Debate over Nuclear Energy Feb 18, 2010

Show notes

President Obama has made it clear that nuclear power must play a role in America's drive for a clean energy future. By backing nuclear power, the President seen as trying to win GOP support for his bigger environmental and climate goals. But did he give away something for nothing? What’s he getting in return? But should the government pay to make that happen? Also, the President's meeting with the Dalai Lama, and the Winter Olympics get hip. Chery Glaser guest hosts.

Obama Takes the Healthcare Debate Public Feb 17, 2010

Show notes

Is it just bravado or is President Obama really as confident as he seems about next week's bipartisan White House summit on healthcare reform? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell talks about what advantages Republican leaders will have in the unprecedented televised negotiating session. Will it be the President's final meeting on healthcare reform or the beginning of a new bipartisan strategy to pass a bill? Also, Toyota considers another recall, and the judge who changed the face of Little League Baseball.

Trying to Root Out the Taliban Feb 16, 2010

Show notes

The US launched a major new offensive in Afghanistan this weekend. But just four days in, questions are already cropping up about the challenges troops face and their odds of long-term success. The mission depends heavily on cooperation from both Afghan forces and the Afghan government. Guest host Chery Glaser learns whether they're up to the job. Also, revving up the debate over nuclear energy, and a bombshell in the world of figure skating.

Has President Obama Failed to Match the Potential of Candidate Obama? Feb 15, 2010

Show notes

One of the most popular sports in Washington these days appears to be the blame game. With the loss of the Democrats' filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and healthcare reform struggling in the final lap, questions are cropping up about who's to blame. Guest host Chery Glaser speaks with some critics of Barack Obama's inner circle who say that the Obama White House is more focused on campaigning than governing. Also, NATO and Afghan forces go on the offensive in Helmand Province, and struggling to fill the jury pool.

Going for the Gold: Winter Olympics Kick Off Tonight Feb 12, 2010

Show notes

Tonight is the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Despite the rain, the games will go on. Who's set to bring home the gold? What's up with super-skier Lindsay Vonn, who suffered a recent injury, and what about snowboarder Shaun White? Which athletes have the opportunity to redeem themselves after poor showings in the last games? Guest host Sara Terry ponders whether in Women's Luge, it could be the year for an American. Also, China protests the Dalai Lama's White House visit, and the history of the free world, according to Texas.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected