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Was Hillary Clinton's Win in Pennsylvania Big Enough? Apr 23, 2008

Show notes

Hillary Clinton won big in Pennsylvania, but was it big enough to change the momentum of the campaign? Even after her decisive ten-point victory last night over Barack Obama, why are most political analysts still giving her no more than 10% chance of winning the Democratic presidential nomination? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell talks about when and how the super-delegates will have to intervene to pick a winner. Also, General David Petraeus is named head of Central Command, and how NAFTA has once again become a political football.

Global Warming and the Presidential Campaign Apr 22, 2008

Show notes

In 38 years since Earth Day was first established, global warming has been identified as the biggest risk to the planet. All three candidates for president say the US must lead the way in dealing with climate change. What do they propose? Also, the Supreme Court hears a challenge to the McCain-Feingold Act, and the President of the United States on a prime-time game show.

Obama, Clinton and Foreign Policy in the Middle East Apr 21, 2008

Show notes

Barack Obama's been criticized as weak in support of Israel and not tough enough on Iran. Hillary Clinton's talked about "massive retaliation" if Israel is attacked and an "umbrella of deterrence" all over the Middle East. We explore their differences and similarities on a crucial arena of foreign policy. Also, tomorrow's Pennsylvania primary. On Reporter's Notebook, is Wyoming a sacrificial lamb in the oil and gas rush?

Guns: Public Safety and the Second Amendment Apr 18, 2008

Show notes

Since last year's massacre at Virginia Tech, 30 more deadly shootings have inspired gun control movements in 38 states. But there's a big push in the other direction, too. Law enforcement is the focus in cities, but gun rights and hunting interests often prevail in state capitols. We tune in to the ongoing debate. Also, Pope Benedict addresses the UN today on human rights, and Jimmy Carter meets with the head of Hamas in Damascus.

Another Debate between Obama and Clinton Apr 17, 2008

Show notes

Last night's debate covered familiar ground on character issues. Policy questions weren't raised until 50 minutes into the program. Did the so-called "gotcha" questions reveal anything new? Did the debate change the momentum for Tuesday's Pennsylvania election? On Reporter's Notebook, did polygamy lead to child abuse at the Yearning for Zion Ranch in West Texas?

Pope Benedict XVI Visits America Apr 16, 2008

Show notes

Pope Benedict XVI addressed a crowd of thousands today on the White House lawn as he began his six-day pilgrimage to the United States. We hear about the papal visit and the state of America's biggest religious institution, about Catholics becoming Pentecostal Protestants and the continuing scandal over pedophile priests. Also, the US Supreme Court upholds lethal injection, and a surprising feature of the al Qaeda terrorist network: bureaucracy.

Free Trade and the Presidential Campaign Apr 15, 2008

Show notes

Democrats in Pennsylvania, Indiana and North Carolina will be voting next week. Obama and Clinton have been exchanging barbs about "bitter" voters, religion and guns. In tomorrow's final debate, one issue that might come up is free trade, including the deal with Colombia. Also, deadly bombings destroy weeks of calm in Iraq, and what the candidates are saying about taxes.

Turbulent Times for America's Airlines Apr 14, 2008

Show notes

After whistle-blowers told Congress the Federal Aviation Administration allowed Southwest Airlines to by-pass inspections, thousands of flights have been grounded. Is it really about safety, or is the FAA trying to reassert itself? Has the Bush Administration gone overboard with deregulation? Can the airline industry as we know it survive the skyrocketing price of fuel? Also, former President Jimmy Carter will meet with Hamas leaders in Syria. On Reporter's Notebook, will an atom smasher in Switzerland swallow the Earth?

Is the US Leading the Way to a Global Recession? Apr 11, 2008

Show notes

The globalized economy means that America's financial problems could spread to the rest of the world. The International Monetary Fund says there's a one-in-four chance of a global recession, as finance ministers meet in Washington to decide what to do. How closely linked are the world's economies? Will there be winners as well as losers? Should Americans be worried? Also, an update on the situation in Zimbabwe, and pirates, hostages and big money for ransom.

The President, the War in Iraq and American Soldiers Apr 10, 2008

Show notes

President Bush today gave General David Petraeus the pause in troop reductions he asked for. When the surge ends in July, American forces will remain 140,000 strong. Also, how does President Bush measure up to his White House mentor, Ronald Reagan?

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