To the Point

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Big Change in Store at the Department of Justice Jan 15, 2009

Show notes

Barack Obama’s nominee for Attorney General told a Senate Committee today that “water-boarding” is torture. But Eric Holder also admitted mistakes during his service in Bill Clinton’s Department of Justice. We’ll hear some of today’s questions and answers and talk to supporters and skeptics about one of the incoming president’s most important cabinet choices. On Reporter's Notebook, Steve Jobs and the future of Apple.

The Bush Administration and Possible War Crimes Jan 14, 2009

Show notes

Should Bush Administration officials be investigated for war crimes? Barack Obama has been lukewarm toward that idea, but today an Administration insider is saying there was "torture" at Guantánamo Bay. Should somebody be called to account? Where should the buck stop? Also, Egypt struggles to mediate the Gaza conflict, and the future of "don't ask, don't tell" in America's military.

Hillary Clinton's Confirmation Hearing Jan 13, 2009

Show notes

Finally freed from the politics of holding a New York Senate seat and running for president, how will Hillary Clinton's foreign policy views change now that she's on the verge of Senate confirmation as Secretary of State? Also, Barack Obama goes to Capitol Hill to sell his stimulus plan, and the Detroit Auto Show. It's one gloomy party. Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts.

Can Barack Obama Follow the Money? Jan 12, 2009

Show notes

The first half of last year's $700 billion financial bailout was so badly handled that Congress is reluctant to hand out the second half. If Barack Obama can't make the case that he can do better, he may suffer his first defeat before he's even in office. Also, alleged Ponzi-schemer Bernard Madoff free despite violating his bail, and the US and Mexico: immigration and drug cartels.

Barack Obama, the Middle East and Iran Jan 09, 2009

Show notes

As the fighting continues in Gaza, Barack Obama is choosing a team to deal with the Middle East, including Iran. Today he repeated his campaign pledge to rely on diplomacy. Also, unemployment jumps over the moon, and what's next for Rod Blagojevich, who's been impeached for abusing his powers as Governor of Illinois.

A Political Salesman Lays It on the Line Jan 08, 2009

Show notes

Barack Obama began a tough selling job today with an urgent warning about years of recession if Congress fails to enact a massive stimulus program. We look at the state of the economy and how different it might look, even after recovery. Also, the UN suspends food aid to Gaza, citing danger to its staff. On Reporter's Notebook, does the Internal Revenue Service have a heart after all?

Israel, Gaza and the Prospects for Peace Jan 07, 2009

Show notes

Responding to mounting international pressure, Israel today opened a three-hour "humanitarian window" in Gaza. After that, the fighting resumed. We hear from Gaza itself, update efforts to achieve a ceasefire and talk with American Jews with conflicting opinions. Also, President-elect Obama says the stimulus must not bust the budget, and Russia, Ukraine and natural gas for the European Union during a bitter cold-snap.

Can Barack Obama Save a Failing Economy? Jan 06, 2009

Show notes

Barack Obama wants government spending and tax cuts big enough and soon enough to revitalize the economy. We hear debate about what might happen if he gets his stimulus plan -- or if he doesn't. Also, Roland Burris and the US Senate. On Reporter's Notebook, is it time for an outsider to run the CIA?

There Is No Let-up in the Fighting in Gaza Jan 05, 2009

Show notes

Israel's invasion of Gaza continues and so does Hamas rocket fire. We hear from both sides today and update the fighting and the diplomacy. Also, as Barack Obama arrives on Capitol Hill, it's still not clear just who will be in the Senate.

Is Internet Reading Speeding Us Up by Dumbing Us Down? Jan 01, 2009

Show notes

More and more kids spend long hours on the Internet. At the same time, reading scores are declining. Is there a connection? Does the brain work differently with a book than with a computer? What’s the impact on reading proficiency? Should schools recognize that young people are on the Internet and teach them how to use it well? Also, will Barack Obama be a special challenge for stand-up comedians? (This edition of To the Point will be pre-empted by holiday programming, but will be archived online.)

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