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Iraq Troop Surge Ends, but Afghan Victory Uncertain Sep 10, 2008

Show notes

With less violence in Iraq, President Bush is pulling out some Marines but leaving in place almost 140,000 troops. The Secretary of Defense says we are at the endgame in Iraq, but the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs says we might not be winning in Afghanistan. Also, Lehman Brothers reports record losses, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has disappeared from public view. Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts.

The Route to Victory in the Electoral College Sep 09, 2008

Show notes

The Obama-Biden ticket got a bounce in the polls after the Democratic convention and the McCain-Palin ticket got a bigger bounce after the Republican convention. What are the polls telling us about the route to victory in the Electoral College? Also, President Bush will keep troop levels steady in Iraq through remainder of his term, and the sidelining of New England's Superman, Patriot's quarterback Tom Brady. Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts.

The Federal Bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Sep 08, 2008

Show notes

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the federal takeover of Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac was necessary because their failure would "affect the ability of Americans to get home loans and other consumer credit and business finance, and a failure would be harmful to economic growth and job creation." Was the Paulson plan necessary? Will it work? At what cost? Also, Can Sarah Palin transfer her huge popularity rating from Alaska to the lower 48?

After the Conventions Are a Wrap, What's Next for the Campaigns? Sep 05, 2008

Show notes

John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin have used the convention spotlight to paint the GOP as the party most in sync with mainstream America. Can the party that's held the White House for eight years claim the mantle of change? Also, the jobless rate hits a new five-year high, and 12% to 15% of voters have yet to make up their minds. Which way will the Independents swing after these conventions? Judy Muller guest hosts.

Sarah Palin: A Pit Bull with Lipstick Sep 04, 2008

Show notes

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin got a three-minute ovation last night even before she began talking. As she described herself and John McCain as mavericks willing to challenge their own party, Republican delegates continued to cheer, and relished her biting sarcasm in attacks on Barack Obama.

Sarah Palin: Preparing for Prime Time Sep 03, 2008

Show notes

The Governor of Alaska has been under wraps and under intense preparation for tonight's address to the convention and the rest of the world. A former aide to President Bush says she'll either be "a wild success or a spectacular failure." We hear more of her path to the vice presidential nomination and about last night's speech by the Democrats' former nominee, Joe Lieberman. What are the themes of John McCain's convention? What about the economy? What about George W. Bush, who got eight minutes of the delegates' time?

Can the Republicans Finally Get Down to Business? Sep 02, 2008

Show notes

The Republicans spent yesterday raising money for victims of Hurricane Gustav. Today, it's back to the business of nominating John McCain and his controversial ticket-mate, Sara Palin. We hear about her today, the transition of leadership from Bush to McCain and hear about protests outside the convention. Also, Ron Paul just won't go away.

The GOP and Hurricane Gustav Sep 01, 2008

Show notes

From the River Centre in St. Paul, Minnesota, opening day is a shadow of what the Republicans planned for their National Convention. The McCain campaign is waiting to see what Hurricane Gustav does to the Gulf Coast and if preparations were adequate. We get an update on Gustav and on anti-war protestirs, who have not altered their plans.

Banner image: A television displays a weather map of Hurricane Gustav on day one of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Dem's Exit Stage Left; GOP Prepares for Its Close-Up Aug 29, 2008

Show notes

Barack Obama and the Democrats had the advantage of going first. Now the Republicans are getting ready to show their stuff in St. Paul. Did Obama's historic address in Denver's Mile High Stadium meet the mile-high expectations? How will McCain will respond now that he has center stage and a running mate? Also, Tropical Storm Gustav has the potential to be a Category 3 hurricane. Will New Orleans be ready? Judy Muller guest hosts.

The Convention Is Over as the Campaign Begins Aug 28, 2008

Show notes

The Democrats have made history by nominating Barack Obama, the first African American to run for president as the candidate of a major political party. As he prepares for his acceptance speech before a crowd of 75,000 people, we look back at this week's convention and the campaign to come. Also, a preview of tonight's spectacle and times past.

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