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The Cop, the Professor and the President of the United States Jul 30, 2009

Show notes

The President says the arrests of a black Harvard professor by a white Cambridge policeman provided a "teachable moment" on race relations. We hear contrasting views of the "beer summit" at the Obama White House. Also, a military colonel says it's time to leave Iraq, and the latest on efforts to close Guantanamo Bay.

Federal Money, Teachers' Unions and Education Reform Jul 29, 2009

Show notes

The Obama Administration's inviting the states to "Race to the Top" by competing for $4.3 billion in stimulus money. Is that enough to get teachers unions to change their minds on charter schools, merit pay or standardized tests to evaluate teacher performance? Also, a House deal on healthcare, and Microsoft and Yahoo join forces to challenge Google.

Will the Mexican Wolf Survive the Obama Administration? Jul 28, 2009

Show notes

Mexican gray wolves are almost extinct, and efforts to reintroduce them have run into trouble. They're acting like wolves. Can the Obama Administration find common ground between cattle ranchers and environmentalists as it tackles the management of federal lands? Also, the Senate Judiciary Committee votes for Sonia Sotomayor, and the promising future of bar codes.

Barack Obama, Israel and American Jews Jul 27, 2009

Show notes

The Obama Administration has revved up efforts at Middle East Peace, but relations are strained with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We get a progress report.

Asia Trip Puts Hillary Clinton Back on the World Stage Jul 24, 2009

Show notes

Hillary Clinton covered a lot of diplomatic ground this week on her trip to India and Thailand. The Secretary of State also generated sparks with her comments on Iran and North Korea. Guest host Sara Terry discusses Clinton's accomplishments, her agenda for developing relations in Asia, and whether the high-profile trip means that Clinton's taking a more active role in Washington? Also, President Obama announces a competition for federal education dollars, and Nobel Peace Prize-winner Aung San Suu Kyi goes on trial in Myanmar.

Healthcare Reform, the Economy and the Obama Agenda Jul 23, 2009

Show notes

President Obama is going all out for healthcare reform. Some say it's crucial to the rest of his agenda. How did he do at last night's news conference? Have new media changed the nature of a familiar debate. Also, massive corruption in New Jersey, and America's first black president talks about race relations and the police.

Does Healthcare Reform Face an Endless Summer? Jul 22, 2009

Show notes

President Obama is pulling out all the stops to get healthcare reform, including a news conference tonight in prime time. What challenges will he still face when he continues his campaign tomorrow? Also, gun-control advocates win a close Senate vote, and DNA testing and Major League Baseball.

Afghanistan: Casualties and Objectives Jul 21, 2009

Show notes

The deadliest month in eight years for US troops raises questions about how long the American people will support the war in Afghanistan. Has President Obama been clear about his objectives or how he wants "progress" to be measured? Also, the Senate cuts off spending for F-22's, and the death in Switzerland of a famous British conductor ignites a debate on assisted suicide in Europe.

Space Travel: The Past and the Future Jul 20, 2009

Show notes

Forty years ago today, Buzz Aldrin became the second man to walk on the Moon. Was that the outer limit of human capacity? Should we let robots take it from there or should we humans try to reach Mars? We talk with Buzz Aldrin and others. Also, tensions rise in Afghanistan, and I.F. Stone, who blogged before there was an Internet.

Senate Confirmation: What's the Point? Jul 17, 2009

Show notes

Judge Sonia Sotomayor appears likely to be confirmed as the first Hispanic on the US Supreme Court. Republican Senators say they won't try to stop her. What did they learn from three days of pointed questions? What did they tell American voters about their own aims and objectives? Also, new bombings target foreigners in Jakarta, and in Iran, a senior cleric fires up political protesters at Friday prayers.

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