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The State of the Union: 'We Don't Quit...I Don't Quit' Jan 27, 2010

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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? Jan 27, 2010

Show notes

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 Jan 26, 2010

Show notes

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 Jan 25, 2010

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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 Jan 22, 2010

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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 Jan 21, 2010

Show notes

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 Jan 20, 2010

Show notes

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? Jan 19, 2010

Show notes

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?

What's Happening in Massachusetts? Jan 18, 2010

Show notes

President Obama has made a desperate effort to save one Democratic vote in the Senate, which could mean life or death for healthcare reform and the rest of his agenda. We hear about tomorrow's special election to replace Ted Kennedy, the late Senator from Massachusetts. Also, Haiti’s vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters and the vicissitudes of foreign aid

Haiti: a Victim of Natural Disaster...and Much More Jan 15, 2010

Show notes

When Haiti was struck by a massive earthquake, its fragile government was unprepared to respond. How did it get that way? Had there been real progress in recent months? What does the future hold for people who’ve shown extraordinary resilience despite corruption, neglect and continued natural disasters? Also, how to distinguish effective charities from scams.

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