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National Security and American Values Feb 26, 2009

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Suspected terrorists have been held for years in US military prisons with no charges and no trials, creating a conflict between constitutional rights and national security. As soon as next month, Barack Obama will face tough choices about presidential power. We hear about a US Supreme Court case which could have dramatic and long-lasting consequences. Also, Obama’s $3.6 trillion budget blueprint, and Mexican drug cartels — all over the US.

Public Speaking and Public Policy Feb 25, 2009

Show notes

After weeks of grim predictions of hard times to come, President Obama tried to lift the mood of the nation in last night's address to a joint session of Congress. Also, a decision on Iraqi troop withdrawal may be forthcoming this week. On Reporter's Notebook, will the District of Columbia get a vote in Congress?

'Nationalizing' America's Banks: Rumors and Realities Feb 24, 2009

Show notes

The Obama Administration says the banking system will remain private. But at the same time, it's taking steps that could lead to government ownership. Would that be "nationalization" under another name? What's in store for the taxpayers? Also, the President prepares to address Congress, and methane gas released by melting ice in the Arctic creates a feedback loop for global warming.

Getting to Know You: The Obama Administration and China Feb 23, 2009

Show notes

Human rights and currency manipulation were on the back burner for Hillary Clinton’s visit to China. The Secretary of State emphasized economics and global warming. Also, President Obama discusses the stimulus package with the governors, and Hollywood and Bollywood at last night’s Oscars.

Does News Have a Future? Feb 20, 2009

Show notes

As of last year, more people were getting their news for free on the Internet than were paying for newspapers and magazines. We hear proposals for preserving journalism as we've come to know it and for creating new ways of serving consumers of information. Also, President Obama warns mayors against misusing stimulus-package funds, and Hollywood and the Oscars.

Barack Obama Crosses the Border Feb 19, 2009

Show notes

Barack Obama leaves the country for the first time as President. We hear about free trade, troops in Afghanistan and environmental protection from the US and Canadian points of view. Also, California’s budget madness sort of comes to a close, and universal healthcare – Canadian style.

President Obama and the Home Mortgage Crisis Feb 18, 2009

Show notes

President Obama wants to stop foreclosures and slow the slide in home prices. Is that a good idea? Will $75 billion be enough to meet his objectives? Also, the nightmare in Detroit continues. On Reporter's Notebook, did Illinois' US Senator Roland Burris lie under oath?

Barack Obama, Back on the Road Feb 17, 2009

Show notes

Bipartisanship didn't work on Capitol Hill, but the massive stimulus bill passed anyway. Now the President is back on the road. Also, a US military leader says Obama's plans to withdraw from Iraq is optimistic, and the State of California runs out of money. We look at the politics and economic recovery.

More Troops for Afghanistan, but What's the Mission Feb 16, 2009

Show notes

President Obama wants more troops in Afghanistan, but the US presence is increasingly unpopular. So is the country's corrupt and ineffective government. We hear about the challenges of shifting America's focus on terror from Iraq to South Asia. Also, the Obama Administration awaits the Big Three's auto-industry restructuring plans and, on her first trip in a new job, Hillary Clinton arrives in Japan.

This Time It's Peanuts: Food Scares and Food Production Feb 13, 2009

Show notes

Contaminated peanuts have been linked to deaths and illness, and have landed owners of a peanut-processing plant in front of a House subcommittee. Since 2002, there've been more than half a dozen bacteria-related food contaminations. Guest host Sara Terry explores the vulnerability of the nation's food supply. How rigorous are the standards for protecting it? Also, Judd Gregg pulls out, eroding President Obama's efforts of bipartisanship, and trashed in space. When satellites collide, who cleans up?

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