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Global Warming and National Security Nov 05, 2009

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Nobody doubts that dealing with global warming will be expensive, so supporters of climate change legislation are raising questions of national security. Is that a diversionary tactic or will climate change increase terrorism, force mass migration and destabilize entire regions? Also, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas threatens to retire. On Reporter's Notebook, we ask the man who ran Barak Obama's "perfect" campaign what happened on Tuesday.

Local Elections and National Politics Nov 04, 2009

Show notes

Republicans took governorships from Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey. A Democrat took a congressional seat from Republicans in upstate New York. Maine voters said "no" to same-sex marriage. What messages—if any--do so-called "off-year elections" carry about national politics? Also, an Italian judge convicts 23 Americans in a renditions case, and Warren Buffett and America’s railroads.

Settlements, War Crimes and Middle East Peace Nov 03, 2009

Show notes

In the Middle East, Hillary Clinton has walked into the familiar buzz-saw of Arab-Israeli politics, and Congress is about to condemn the UN's "Goldstone Report." What's happening to President Obama's "new start" with the Muslim world? Also, Afghan President Hamid Karzai takes office, and healthcare reform and "spiritual healing."

A 'Credible' Afghanistan?; The Cost of Renewable Energy Nov 02, 2009

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How clean are the "clean" fuels being subsidized by the Obama Administration? Also, Afghanistan and President Obama’s decision on whether to send more American troops.

Science, Religion and Public Policy Oct 30, 2009

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The Roman Catholic Church is conducting a campaign to show that the Bible is compatible with Darwin's theory of evolution. But polls show almost half the American people don't buy it. If belief in God means doubting science, what are the consequences for public policy? Also, the US brokers a deal to restore the deposed President in Honduras, and Capitol Hill ethics investigations are accidentally revealed.

The 'Public Option' Stays Alive for Another Day Oct 29, 2009

Show notes

Rumors that the "public option" was dead "were greatly exaggerated," according to one senior Democrat. Now, both the House and the Senate will debate healthcare reform bills including a government-run insurance plan. We hear about that, about cost control and other issues today. Also, the economy's improving, but still dependent on economic stimulus, and President Obama bears witness to the return of casualties from Afghanistan.

Swine Flu: Mixed Messages and Public Anxiety Oct 28, 2009

Show notes

Mixed messages about swine flu and the availability of H1N1 vaccine have led to confusion and unexpected public anxiety. We hear from parents, doctors and medical researchers today. Also, reports that the CIA is paying Hamid Karzai's brother. On Reporter's Notebook, will California be the first state to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana?

In China, the Recession Is Over — or Is It? Oct 27, 2009

Show notes

China will soon pass Japan as the world's second largest economy, but it's not easy to cope with such rapid expansion. How long can the growth continue? Can the US and China afford to be adversaries or will global problems force an uneasy partnership? Also, the deadliest month since the war began in Afghanistan in 2001, and healthcare reform, the public option and politics in the State of Nevada.

Is It Time Wall Street Was Paid for Performance? Oct 26, 2009

Show notes

Pay cuts for corporate executives and new rules for banks are designed to protect against another recession. Are the right people being punished? Is government intervention too little, too late? Also, tensions are high after a deadly day in Baghdad, and Walt Disney is compensating parents whose kids did not become geniuses from watching Baby Einstein.

The Negative Impact of Positive Thinking Oct 23, 2009

Show notes

The key to achieving the American dream is often said to be Positive Thinking, but Barbara Ehrenreich’s new book argues that “Positive Thinking has Undermined America.” Was the current financial collapse the result of self-delusion from the top to the bottom? Also, NATO supports a new strategy for Afghanistan, and the passenger jet that overshot its destination by more 100 miles.

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