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Both Parties Look to November May 21, 2008

Show notes

Obama won big in Oregon. In Kentucky, Clinton won a lot bigger. But Obama's still the likely Democratic nominee. We look forward to the November election. Are the states as evenly divided as they were in 2000 and 2004? Which Red or Blue states look Purple—and why? What about race and gender? Is the vice-presidential nominee likely to matter? Also, as oil set records, lawmakers try to look tough, and rumblings of peace—and pragmatism-- in the Middle East.

Drugs, Corruption and Violence South of the Border May 20, 2008

Show notes

Eleven hundred people have died in Mexican President Calderon's crackdown on drug cartels, and the violence has spread to Mexico City. Is Mexico becoming like Colombia on a grander scale? Should the US provide military assistance or help build institutions that strengthen the rule of law? What is this country doing about the demand for drugs that makes illegal traffic a major international industry? Also, Senator Edward Kennedy is diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

Can Same-Sex Marriage Last in California? May 19, 2008

Show notes

California's state supreme court says gays and lesbians have the right to marry, a decision that could have an impact in other states and on the presidential campaign. Also, Myanmar accepts assistance from select nations, and Democrats come together while McCain deals with a "perception problem."

The President's Middle East Trip and the Presidential Campaign May 16, 2008

Show notes

President Bush has moved on from Israel to Saudi Arabia amid rumors that he's considering attacks against military encampments inside Iran. Also, Barack Obama fires back over the President's 'appeasement' remark, and a conversation with a man who does talk with Hamas.

Immigration Enforcement and Human Rights May 15, 2008

Show notes

US immigration enforcement has created a network of secret prisons where detainees are deprived of legal rights and adequate medical care. That's according to a lengthy series in the Washington Post. Also, the California Supreme Court rules on gay marriage, and President Bush denounces "appeasers." Did he mean Barack Obama?

Is Yesterday's Landslide Winner Out of the Race? May 14, 2008

Show notes

Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama by 41 points in West Virginia, but he still looks like he's cruising. Can Clinton go on with a debt of $20 million? Will Obama be a weak candidate against John McCain? Also, President Bush is back in Israel, and cracks in hydroelectric dams threaten another disaster in China.

Disasters in Myanmar: Natural and Man-made May 13, 2008

Show notes

The Myanmar government's continued refusal to facilitate aid to its own people has raised a challenging question: would an invasion for "humanitarian purposes" make things better or worse? Also, the devastating earthquake in China, and Mexico's deadly struggle against organized crime.

Politics in Pakistan and International Terror May 12, 2008

Show notes

President Pervez Musharraf has not captured or killed Osama bin Laden. Maybe Pakistan's new coalition will. Political changes make terrorist leaders increasingly vulnerable, as the US reviews its billions of dollars in aid. Also, twenty-two people are killed in weekend tornadoes, and corporate American embraces Second Life.

Foreign Policy and the Presidential Campaign May 09, 2008

Show notes

This year's presidential campaign will be, in part, a debate on America's role in a changing world. We hear the world-views of advisors to McCain and Obama, then debate specific differences on Iraq, terrorism and relations with other nations from Iran to China, Russia and the European Union. Also, Hezbollah takes control of Beirut, and Myanmar's humanitarian crisis. Should other countries intervene?

Israel Turns 60, for Better or Worse May 08, 2008

Show notes

Israel turns 60 today, celebrating the past but looking forward to an uncertain future. With a growing population of Arabs, can Israel be democratic and remain Jewish at the same time? Also, Hezbollah and renewed violence in Lebanon, and a former commander of the war in Iraq says he was set up for failure.

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