To the Point

Latest Episodes:

Has Goldman Sachs Gone Back to the Good Old Days? Jul 16, 2009

Show notes

With the rest of America still mired in the recession, Goldman Sachs has paid back $10 billion in bailout money and announced record profits. Is it a reason for public relief or public outrage? Also, Judge Sonia Sotomayor's questions come to an end, and Hillary Clinton's back on stage but still out of the spotlight.

Jihad: from Somalia to Minnesota Jul 15, 2009

Show notes

Charges against two Somali-Americans have revealed an investigation stretching from Minnesota to Somalia. It raises questions about the reach of militant Islam and the reach of al Qaeda. Also, a Senate Committee approves the healthcare reform bill, and the split in the Anglican church widens on the issue of ordaining gay and lesbian bishops.

Is China Really a Melting Pot? Jul 14, 2009

Show notes

First the Tibetans, now the Uighurs, are challenging China's central authority. Can 56 very different cultural and linguistic groups continue to get along? Also, questioning begins in confirmation hearings of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. On Reporter's Notebook, the F-22 warplane: Pentagon spending and jobs.

The US Supreme Court and Partisan Politics Jul 13, 2009

Show notes

Judge Sonia Sotomayor is likely to be the next member of the US Supreme Court. But Senators of both parties are using her confirmation hearings as a political platform. We hear about the first day of what could be a week of setting agendas. Also, Goldman Sachs' big profits, and the confrontation continues between congressional Democrats and the CIA.

Barack Obama and Tough Love for Africa Jul 10, 2009

Show notes

Ghana is all dressed up for President Obama's first official visit to sub-Saharan Africa. Is the rest of the continent ready for tough love? Does international aid lead to dependence? Can it be structured to help countries help themselves? Also, GM emerges from bankruptcy, and rhesus monkeys and the fountain of youth.

With Unemployment at 9.5 Percent, Is the Stimulus Working? Jul 09, 2009

Show notes

The President's $800 billion stimulus package hasn't been fully rolled out yet, but the US economy is already almost 7 million jobs in the hole since the recession began. Who's able to find work and who's not? Is more stimulus money needed? How much worse is it going to be before it gets better? Also, another protest crushed in Tehran, and China's continuing problems with ethnic unrest.

At the G8 Summit: World Leaders Meet Low Expectations Jul 08, 2009

Show notes

At the G8 Summit in Italy, President Obama's being looked to for leadership on world finance and global warming. Is progress likely or is the G8 an anachronistic waste of time? Also, a cyberattack on US government websites, and Mexican voters have dealt a severe blow to President Felipe Caldéron.

Protests Continue in Iran, Could Civil War Be Next? Jul 07, 2009

Show notes

More than three weeks after Iran's disputed presidential election, the regime continues to crack down on dissenters, while pointing fingers at the West. Are Iran's rulers losing their hold on power? Should Obama step up criticism of the regime? Is civil war on the horizon? Also, the Michael Jackson memorial in Los Angeles, and trouble for Africa's first woman president as Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls for Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to be banned from office. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Measuring US-Russian Progress at Mending Fences Jul 06, 2009

Show notes

President Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, announced today that they've made important steps in restoring relations between the two countries. They've already agreed to a cut in nuclear warheads, but can they find common ground on human rights and the missile defense field? What influence does former Russian President Vladimir Putin have on the negotiations? Also, the crisis continues in Honduras, and one of the Vietnam War's most controversial figures has died. A look at the life and legacy of Robert McNamara. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Hollywood, Smart Power and Public Diplomacy Jul 03, 2009

Show notes

As they celebrate the Fourth of July, Americans don't see their country in the same way it's seen by the rest of the world. We talk about what's called "smart power" and the entertainment industry as an instrument of public diplomacy.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected