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Historic Changes in New York; Boeing Takes off the Gloves Mar 12, 2008

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Boeing is challenging the Air Force over a $40 billion contract to a team led by European manufacturers. How many jobs will go overseas? Is it a threat to national security? What was the role of John McCain and lobbyists in his campaign? Also, ethics crusader Eliot Spitzer is driven from office by long-time association with expensive prostitutes, and one of the Pentagon's top commanders resigns.

In New York, a Sex Scandal, and Sanctions against Iran Mar 11, 2008

Show notes

Since yesterday's brief public apology, New York Governor Elliot Spitzer has been holed up in his 5th Avenue apartment. Will he resign or face impeachment? Then, will UN sanctions persuade Iran to slow down its nuclear program? Is Iran more interested in Iraq? Has Iran's long-running confrontation with the US turned into a new Cold War?

NAFTA, the Canadian Government and the Democratic Campaign Mar 10, 2008

Show notes

Obama and Clinton are focused on tomorrow's vote in Mississippi, but the hangover from last week's NAFTA flap in Ohio is not over yet. We hear about the role of the Canadian government. Does renegotiating NAFA make sense? Also, pharmaceuticals in America's water supply, and the latest update on the oldest story of all: the age of the universe.

Obama Has Oprah, but Clinton Has 'Saturday Night Live' Mar 07, 2008

Show notes

After losing 11 straight primaries and caucuses, Hillary Clinton defeated Barack Obama in Ohio and Texas. What was the role of popular culture? We hear what happened on Saturday Night Live. Also, Israelis are mourning eight students killed in a suicide bombing in Jerusalem, and the US and Russia may stage a tug of war over arms dealer Viktor Bout.

The Cost of War in Iraq and Afghanistan Mar 06, 2008

Show notes

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may cost America $3 trillion, a far cry from the $50 billion estimated when combat began. How did the expenses get so high? How long will it take to pay them off? Will the benefits be worth the money? Also, Florida and Michigan lobby to seat Democratic delegates, and saber rattling and diplomacy in South America.

After Ohio and Texas: What's Changed and What's the Same? Mar 05, 2008

Show notes

Hillary Clinton has bounced back again with a big win in Ohio and a squeaker in Texas, enough to make sure that she and Barack Obama will be campaigning for weeks to come. We analyze the results and look to the future. Also, Mike Huckabee calls it quits, and another fake memoir.

Peace Prospects in the Middle East, and in the Democratic Party Mar 04, 2008

Show notes

Ohio and Texas might settle the Democratic nomination today -- and then they might not. Can Secretary Rice get the Annapolis peace process back on track? Will the contest between Obama and Clinton come to an end or continue for weeks to come?

Remember Immigration? Mar 03, 2008

Show notes

For different reasons, McCain, Obama and Clinton are not talking about illegal immigration, but the next President of the United States won't have any choice. The global economy has 200 million people on the move. Who gains and who loses? Now that borders are opening to money and goods, what about people? Also, Israel pulls out of northern Gaza, and crucial contests in Ohio and Texas.

The Housing Crisis Is Eating America's Economy Feb 29, 2008

Show notes

Housing foreclosures are still on the rise, often because of cheap mortgages that are now worth more than the properties they were based on. Greedy banks are partly to blame, but so are home-buyers looking for increased values--guaranteed. Also, after eight days Turkey pulls out of Iraq, and the legacy of a murder victim in the Brazilian jungle.

In Russia, Democracy or One-Man Rule? Feb 28, 2008

Show notes

Russia will have a new president after Sunday's election, but Vladimir Putin will still be in charge. We hear about Russia's trade-off between freedom and stability, and the differing interests of Wall Street and Washington. Also, President Bush doesn't think the country's headed for a recession, and continuing drought has inflamed a border dispute between Georgia and Tennessee.

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