To the Point

Latest Episodes:

Healthcare Reform and Questions of Faith Aug 13, 2009

Show notes

As the Congressional recess continues, debate over healthcare reform is becoming more polarized and extreme. President Obama’s approval ratings are taking a hit. Both sides contend it all boils down to morality. Are they open to reason or is it a matter of faith? Also, good news bad news on the economy, and global warming and hurricanes in the North Atlantic.

Big Banks, Big Bonuses and Big Government Aug 12, 2009

Show notes

A federal judge has accused two Wall Street firms of "lying to their shareholders" about executive compensation. At the same time, big banks that got taxpayer bailouts are resuming the practice of guaranteeing multi-million-dollar bonuses that don't depend on performance. Are new regulations needed? Also, documents show that Karl Rove played a key role in the firing of US Attorneys. On Reporter’s Notebook, how much do the Taliban and al Qaeda depend on the drug trade?

Shedding Light on the Dark Side Aug 11, 2009

Show notes

Attorney General Eric Holder is reportedly close to appointing a special prosecutor to investigate charges that terror suspects were tortured during the Bush Administration. What would be the consequences for the CIA, the Department of Justice, the White House and the Obama agenda? Also, more house arrest for Aung San Suu Kyi, and the President fights back on healthcare.

Note: During KCRW’s Summer Sign-up, we are airing the complete rebroadcast of today’s To the Point in place of Which Way, LA?.

Afghanistan Takes Another Shot at Democracy Aug 10, 2009

Show notes

In more than a fourth of Afghanistan, voters might be risking their lives by participating in next week's national election. But the Obama Administration is hoping the outcome will lead to better governance. Also, drugs, trade and flu at the Three Amigos Summit, and Westchester County will create low-cost housing in New York City's wealthy, white suburbs.

Who's Opposed to Healthcare Reform? Aug 07, 2009

Show notes

With Congress, and now the Senate, at home for the August recess, what's the status of healthcare reform? Why is it being proposed in the first place? Why are angry protesters gathered around the country, before President Obama has even signed on to a final proposal? Also, the July jobs report may signal a new direction, and international politics and yesterday's outage at Twitter.

Dangerous Assignments, Risky Travel and Government to the Rescue Aug 06, 2009

Show notes

Two American journalists have been released by North Korea. Three other Americans are in custody in Iran. What are the rights and obligations of tourists, reporters and the governments on both sides of closed borders? Will a new generation of travelers and journalists provoke more international incidents? Also, the President checks in on Senate healthcare bill, and ”snail mail” is in trouble again.

Politics, Prisoners and Nuclear Technology, from Iran to North Korea Aug 05, 2009

Show notes

Iran's President Ahmadinejad has been sworn in for a second term. We look at the political, economic and diplomatic obstacles he'll face in the next four years. Also, a high-profile assignment has Bill Clinton back on the world stage. What are the implications for Kim Jong Il, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton?

Cash for Clunkers: Does Haste Make Waste? Aug 04, 2009

Show notes

Cash for Clunkers has run through almost a billion federal dollars in just ten days. With the Senate poised to come up with another two billion, are taxpayers funding a consumer frenzy that would have happened anyway? Also, Bill Clinton Meets Kim Jong Il in North Korea, and there's more trouble for the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most expensive and most ambitious machine for studying Physics

Will Broken State Budgets Mean Prison Reform? Aug 03, 2009

Show notes

Forget about being labeled as "soft on crime," states all over the country are cutting back on prisons. A 20-year crackdown has led to a $100 billion financial shortfall. Are there cheaper alternatives that still protect public safety? Will the crisis lead to reform? Also, Iran’s Supreme Leader endorses Ahmadinejad, and the remains of a American combat casualty have been identified--18 years later.

Presidential Leadership and Conflict Resolution Jul 31, 2009

Show notes

President Obama brought the policeman and the professor together for some "conflict resolution" last night. What did the "beer summit" accomplish? Is a similar strategy working with Congress? Will it help to achieve the goals of foreign policy? Also, the recession is worse that originally reported, and Congress finds more cash for clunkers.

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