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Does Obama Have a Strategy for Victory in Afghanistan? Mar 26, 2009

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President Obama wants to dial down in Iraq and up the ante in Afghanistan. His plan to send 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan is meeting increasing resistance from his liberal supporters at home and skepticism from some allies. Is there a better strategy? What alternatives has the President considered? Does history prove that Afghanistan cannot be tamed? Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts. Also, the administration calls for expanded oversight power of financial system, and the spread of new Hoovervilles as the recession deepens.

Obama Administration's Delicate Balance with Mexico Mar 25, 2009

Show notes

President Obama got no questions about Iraq or Afghanistan in last night’s press conference, but was asked if the raging violence of drug cartels in Mexico is “a national security threat.” Guest host Lawrence O’Donnell explores the new tensions in US relations with Mexico and what the Obama Administration hopes to achieve with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s meeting today with Mexican President Felipe Calderón. Also, Obama meets with Senate Democrats on the budget, and Hillary: The Movie confuses the Supreme Court.

American Populism: 21st Century Style Mar 24, 2009

Show notes

Some AIG executives have given their bonuses back, but the fires of populist anger have already been lit. Can Republicans credibly lead the charge against Wall Street? Will leftists turn on the Democrat in the White House? Can public outrage be harnessed to help fix the economy? Also, Geithner and Bernanke face hostile questioning on Capitol Hill, and American cops are giving up codes for plain English.

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Bailout Backlash Mar 23, 2009

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The bailout of America's financial system began last fall, but the Bush Administration is history. Now the Obama Administration is faced with growing outrage over the use of public money to rescue failed private companies. Also, the cheapest car in the world goes on sale in India.

The Great Recession and the Erosion of Trust Mar 20, 2009

Show notes

With the onslaught of the Great Recession, public confidence has all but evaporated in money managers, investment advisors and financial institutions, public and private. We ask a variety of observers, who can you trust now? Also, President Obama reaches out to Iran, and General Scott Gration will be Obama's special envoy to Darfur.

Healthcare and Information Technology Mar 19, 2009

Show notes

The Obama recovery plan contains $19 billion to help American doctors computerize their records. Will Information Technology reduce the costs of healthcare and the incidence of medical error or make things worse? Also, the Fed may be saving credit markets, but who'll save the Fed? On Reporter's Notebook, America's veterans on the sixth anniversary of the war in Iraq.

AIG: Political Outrage and Financial Stability Mar 18, 2009

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On Capitol Hill today, it was all about AIG. We hear about millions in executive bonuses, billions in bad debt and proposals for new regulatory authority. Also, Senate Democrats declare their independence.

The Auto Industry: In Survival Mode Mar 17, 2009

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GM and Chrysler may be on the verge of bankruptcy, but auto sales are declining so fast the entire industry is in trouble. We assess the prospects for its survival and what the future might look like. Also, Capitol Hill outraged at AIG, and democracy and instability in Pakistan.

The Credit Card Economy Comes Home to Roost Mar 16, 2009

Show notes

Two thirds of the US economy depends on consumer spending, and credit cards account for a big proportion of that. But with more and more people struggling to pay their bills, credit card companies are now making it harder. Is anyone looking out for consumers? Is there a need for reform? Also, AIG audaciously issues $165 million in bonus payments, and endangered languages.

Barack Obama: Doing Too Much or Too Little? Mar 13, 2009

Show notes

President Obama says he has no choice between getting the economy moving now while simultaneously rebuilding it over the long term. So he’s being criticized for doing too much and for not doing enough. We update the first eight weeks. Also, signs of life in the economic darkness, and Cramer versus Stewart on cable TV.

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