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A Hard Sell on Capitol Hill; Pakistan's Problems Sep 24, 2008

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The Bush White House today warns of economic "calamity" if Congress won't bail out Wall Street, but Ben Bernanke and Henry Paulson are facing a skeptical Congress. Also, an unmanned American drone has crashed in Pakistan, where anger rages over this weekend's terrorist bombing and the Army is battling militants. On Reporter's Notebook, North Korea says it's about to resume its nuclear weapons program.

With 700 Billion Dollars at Stake, What's the Rush? Sep 23, 2008

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President Bush says the whole world is watching to see if Congress will buy his massive bailout of the financial system. Also, President Bush and Governor Palin at the United Nations.

In the Presidential Election, Will All the Votes Be Counted? Sep 22, 2008

Show notes

Americans are likely to see another presidential election so close that very few votes will make the difference. Meantime, new machines, new rules and a massive number of newly registered voters could lead to trouble in many states, and both parties are warning about dirty tricks. Also, an update on Congressional action in the financial bailout, and why Wall Street will never look the same.

Private Risk and Public Money Sep 19, 2008

Show notes

President Bush wants to put up hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars to save the financial system. He says failing to act would be riskier still. We look the possible consequences of a massive bailout in an election year. Also, New York Times columnist Tom Friedman talks about a grander vision for government spending .

The Financial Crisis and Presidential Politics Sep 18, 2008

Show notes

The financial crisis is being called the worst since the Great Depression, but the leaders of the Senate and Congress said today they'll adjourn for the election without taking action. We ask what the presidential candidates propose to do if and when they take office next year. Also, the US apologizes for civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

What Does It Take to Be 'Too Big to Fail?' Sep 17, 2008

Show notes

The Treasury Department and Federal Reserve drew the line at bailing out Lehman Brothers, but the world's biggest insurance company was another matter. We hear why AIG will be backed up with $85 billion in taxpayer money. Also, in just two months, the skyrocketing price of oil has gone into a nosedive.

It's 'the Economy, Stupid'...All Over Again Sep 16, 2008

Show notes

After yesterday's big sell-off, Wall Street was waiting for today's market reports. Could America's biggest insurer survive a ratings cut? Would the Federal Reserve lower interest rates? We get an update on today's developments, what they could mean for ordinary Americans and what changes McCain and Obama might have in mind. Also, the chair of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff is in Pakistan to talk about an inflammatory border dispute.

Financial Disaster and Political Opportunity Sep 15, 2008

Show notes

Lehman Brothers is bankrupt; Merrill Lynch will be bought by the Bank of America. With stocks plunging, Wall Street is watching to see what will happen next. Bush, Obama, McCain, Biden and Palin are all talking about limiting damage and preventing another financial catastrophe. Also, an update the disaster on the Gulf Coast.

Does McCain's POW Experience Translate into Presidential Qualities? Sep 12, 2008

Show notes

The one untouchable topic in this year's presidential campaign is whether John McCain's naval record and his years as a POW in Vietnam are relevant to his qualifications as president. Did that suffering give him the moral courage required to stand up to presidential challenges or did the experience leave scars that could come back to haunt him? Also, Palin meets the press, Obama fights back, and Hurricane Ike has Galveston on the go. Judy Muller guest hosts.

Seven Years after 9/11, How Safe Are We? Sep 11, 2008

Show notes

After a seven-year war on terror and the creation of the Homeland Security Department, guest host Lawrence O'Donnell looks at the somber ceremony that observed the 2001 tragedy and considers whether we're safer now than we were before September 11? Also, the surprising life and heroic death of Reverend Michael Judge, a story of 9/11.

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