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Government Spending and the Failing Economy Feb 12, 2009

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A $789 billion stimulus package is likely to pass the House and the Senate. We look at what's in the bill and what's not. Did Republicans force enough compromises to tarnish a victory for President Obama? Also, Richard Holbrooke arrives in Kabul as security in the capital worsens, and today's celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday.

Homeownership and the American Dream Feb 11, 2009

Show notes

President Obama wants big money to forestall foreclosures. Is that a sound public investment? Why is homeownership equated with the American Dream? What's wrong with renting? Also, eight Wall Street CEO's get a grilling on Capitol Hill, and artificial arms controlled by the brain.

Can Obama's Bailout Succeed Where Bush's Failed? Feb 10, 2009

Show notes

George W. Bush spent $350 billion to rescue financial institutions. Barack Obama wants $1.5 trillion. We hear how Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner describes the program and the promise of accountability and transparency. Also, the President takes his stimulus pitch to Florida and, just like Bush, Obama invokes state secrets in a case of extraordinary rendition.

War and Peace - and the Israeli Election Feb 09, 2009

Show notes

President Obama wants to revive the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, but Israel's new government may not go along. That's if predictions about tomorrow's elections turn out to be true. Also, President Obama goes on the road to sell his stimulus plan. Why are Republicans just saying “no?”

Can President Obama Organize America? Feb 06, 2009

Show notes

Barack Obama transformed political campaigns by creating a grassroots network of 13 million people. Can they be mobilized to help accomplish Obama's agenda? The effort begins this weekend, and we get a preview of what could be a sea change in the way that America is governed. Also, the Senate works on the stimulus bill as the economy sheds jobs, and with unemployment on the rise, states are cutting welfare.

Barack Obama: Shareholder-in-Chief Feb 05, 2009

Show notes

After the stimulus bill, the President's next economic challenge will be another massive bailout. We talk about how much federal control should come with increased federal ownership of America's major financial institutions. Also, hot and heavy politicking over the stimulus bill, and faith-based initiatives — Obama style.

Ethics and Accountability at the Obama White House Feb 04, 2009

Show notes

Two of President Obama's top appointees withdrew yesterday because they failed to pay federal taxes. Is "changing the culture" of Washington easier said than done? Will the political distraction interfere with efforts at policy change? Also, tighter restrictions on executive compensation for companies getting federal bailouts, and an about-face on global warming from the new Secretary of Energy.

Healthcare Reform without Tom Daschle Feb 03, 2009

Show notes

Can the US afford to reform a failing system of health care in the midst of an economic crisis? Can it afford not to? We hear what's in the stimulus bill and how it could shape debate on questions of life-and-death. Also, former Senator Tom Daschle withdraws his nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary, and the case for private jet planes for busy corporate executives.

Stimulating the Economy, Now and in the Future Feb 02, 2009

Show notes

Bill Clinton declared the Era of Big Government "over." Well, it's back, with a stimulus package big enough to start re-shaping the economy. We look at the possible impacts now and in the long term. What will it mean for free trade and the global economy? Also, a bumpy road ahead for Obama cabinet picks, and the Iraqi elections and US troop withdrawals.

Does Bipartisanship Really Matter? Jan 30, 2009

Show notes

Barack Obama won big, but he's been spending his first few days in the White House reaching out to Republicans. So far, they haven't reached back. Whatever ends up in the stimulus package, the economy's likely to get worse. Also, the US economy shrank last year, though not as fast as expected. On Reporter's Notebook, private jets and executive bonuses, what can the public do?

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