To the Point

Latest Episodes:

What's Really Happened in the War on Terror? Jul 16, 2008

Show notes

A new book called The Dark Side compiles evidence that "enhanced interrogation" has made America more vulnerable, rather than safer. Is it torture? Did those who ordered it commit war crimes? Was it counter-productive to the war on terror? Also, rising inflation, and confidence in the economy.

McCain and Obama on Iraq and Afghanistan Jul 15, 2008

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McCain and Obama today went head to head on Iraq and Afghanistan. We hear about the "surge" and a timetable for troop withdrawals. Is the Iraq war a distraction from terrorist threats in another part of the world? Also, Bush and Bernanke on the economy, and the growth in medication for pet mental illness.

Bolstering Confidence in America's Finances Jul 14, 2008

Show notes

Last week Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae lost almost half their stock value—a real blow to the two companies that hold almost half all US mortgages. Bankers, federal officials and members of Congress spent a busy weekend on a bailout that could mean billions in taxpayer money. Also, the President got what he wanted from the Democrats who run Congress including Barack Obama, who promised a filibuster but then voted "yes."

Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson and Political Expectations Jul 11, 2008

Show notes

Barack Obama is the first African American to secure the nomination of a major political party. Black leaders and public intellectuals--who never thought that would happen—are struggling over how to respond. Also, the Secretary of the Treasury seeks to assuage new mortgage fears, and the president of Sudan may face criminal charges at the International Criminal Court.

The World's Biggest Challenge: Feeding Humanity Jul 10, 2008

Show notes

Some 800 million people around the world are already hungry and millions more face starvation due to the rising price of food. Also, a possible government bailout for two mortgage lenders, and war powers conflicts between the White House and Congress.

Saber Rattling from Tehran, Tel Aviv, Moscow and Washington Jul 09, 2008

Show notes

Iran today test-fired nine ballistic missiles, including one which it says has the capacity to strike an Israeli city. Also, the candidates and the economy.

Newspapers in Big Trouble, Should Americans Care? Jul 08, 2008

Show notes

The Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times are facing serious financial trouble, and local newspapers are cutting back all over the country. Also, the Fed's new rules to crack down on shady lending practices, and 500 tons of uranium have been shipped from Iraq to Canada.

Troop Withdrawal and Campaign Promises Jul 07, 2008

Show notes

Reports of decreasing violence in Iraq are having repercussions on the presidential campaign. Obama says he'll revise his troop-withdrawal strategy to meet existing conditions. Is that a flip-flop? Does less violence mean that McCain is right to insist that troops stay until "victory" has been achieved? Also, today's suicide bombing outside the Indian embassy in Kabul, and the US may be keeping potential winners out of the Beijing Olympics.

The Beijing Olympics: Promises and Realities Jul 04, 2008

Show notes

Athletes from all over the world are preparing for next month's Beijing Olympic Games. But, as always, it isn't just about sports. Has China made good on its promises of clean air and open media access? Will production spectacles have to compete with protests over suppression of human rights? Also, a tour extension for Marines in Afghanistan, and patriotism and the presidential campaign.

NOTE: This edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday programming. It will be archived and available online.

The Politics of Healthcare on a Holiday Weekend Jul 03, 2008

Show notes

Doctors and insurance companies will be exchanging angry TV spots this holiday weekend. At stake are 10% cuts in Medicare payments that could affect 52 million Americans. Also, Ingrid Betancourt is freed in a daring rescue in Colombia, and celebrating the Fourth…historically.

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