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Behavioral Science and Political Change Apr 09, 2009

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Scientists of human behavior helped Barack Obama get to the White House. Now they're helping him "nudge" Americans to make "better" choices. We hear the pros and cons of a new form of leadership. Also, stocks continue rebound on good news about banks, and a proposal for small investors to get in on bank bailouts. What are the benefits and the risks?

Barack Obama and Fidel Castro's Cuba Apr 08, 2009

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In Latin America and in Washington there's pressure for changing the policy of isolating Fidel Castro's Cuba. As President Obama prepares for the Summit of the Americas, how far is he willing to go? Will he insist that Cuba change its repressive ways? Also, a hijacked crew retakes its ship from Somali pirates. On Reporter's Notebook, are Nevada politicians embarrassed to tax legal prostitution?

The Wars of the Future and the Wars of the Past Apr 07, 2009

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Defense Secretary Gates says cutting the F-22 jet fighter was "not even a close call,” but the project provides jobs in no less than 44 of the 50 states. We hear about upcoming battles over a defense budget that reorients the Pentagon from conventional warfare to counterinsurgency. Also, President Obama greeted warmly in Iraq, and Vermont becomes the fourth state to recognize same-sex marriage.

Barack Hussein Obama and the Muslim World Apr 06, 2009

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In Turkey today, President Obama is making good on his promise to reach out to the Muslim world. We hear about Turkey's importance as a strategic ally and a bridge to the rest of Islam and discuss the growth of independent, conservative religious thinking among young Muslim people around the world. Also, the hunt for survivors after today's earthquake in Italy, and President Obama makes it a goal of the US to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Michelle Obama and the Power of America's First Lady Apr 03, 2009

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A former American President once said, "I'm the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris." Michele Obama is currently dazzling France having already dazzled London. We talk about America's newest first lady — Princeton graduate, Harvard lawyer, community organizer, fashion plate and role model. Does she have an agenda? Also, the unavoidably bad unemployment numbers, and same-sex marriage comes to the Midwest.

The G-20 and the World's Economic Order Apr 02, 2009

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Despite predictions that their nations would be divided, the G-20 leaders said today they will take unified action against the global recession. On Reporter's Notebook, does the US need a cyberspace security czar?

What's Next for International Capitalism? Apr 01, 2009

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President Obama and Britain's Prime Minister Brown today renewed "the special relationship." But will they get the cooperation they want from the rest of the world? We get a preview of the G-20 summit and the likelihood of resolving the global financial crisis. Also, Obama and Medvedev discuss reduction of nuclear warheads, and Alaska's former Republican Senator Ted Stevens gets a reprieve.

Is the US Becoming a Banana Republic? Mar 31, 2009

Show notes

As the US economy continues to struggle, it turns out that what was good for Wall Street wasn't good for the country after all. We talk with a former chief economist for the International Monetary Fund who says America's "financial oligarchs” stand in the way of economic recovery. Also, Chicago's Sun-Times files for Chapter 11, and America's President goes overseas…with a staff of 500.

For GM and Chrysler: an Ultimatum Mar 30, 2009

Show notes

President Obama says Chrysler and GM have made "good faith efforts" to restructure their companies — but not good enough. They'll get 60 and 30 days respectively to do better or else face bankruptcy. Also, a Spanish court opens a case against former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Tough-on-Crime Policies Overwhelm Shrinking State Budgets Mar 27, 2009

Show notes

State prison budgets have quadrupled in the last 20 years, out-pacing every state government spending category except healthcare. Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell considers the price of being tough on crime and what changes states are making to run corrections systems that they can afford. Also, President Obama unveils his strategy for Afghanistan. On Reporter's Notebook, who is taking advantage of rock-bottom home prices?

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