To the Point

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More Charges of Politics at the Bush Justice Department Sep 12, 2007

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Alabama's former Governor sits in a federal prison, while Washington Democrats raise questions about political prosecutions. We hear the latest bitter dispute about politics and the Bush Department of Justice. Also, Russian President Putin makes drops two political bombshells and, on Reporter's Notebook, brain exercises that may help fight Alzheimer's disease.

9/11, Iraq and the Global War on Terror Sep 11, 2007

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All over the country, Americans are mourning those who died in the attacks of September 11, 2001. We hear from a top counter-terrorism official on subsequent progress in the "Global War on Terror." Also, Petraeus and Crocker take their messages to the Senate.

General Petraeus Reports to Washington on the 'Surge' Sep 10, 2007

Show notes

General David Patraeus' long-awaited testimony finally gets off to a very slow start, but the partisan wrangling had already begun. Today, he and Ambassador Ryan Crocker are facing a joint committee of Congress; tomorrow they'll talk to the Senate. We update their testimony and hear the reaction from across the political spectrum. On Reporter's Notebook, Pakistan's former Prime Minister returns from exile only to be deported again.

McMansions: The Latest Battle Front against Global Warming Sep 07, 2007

Show notes

Few members of Congress have done more to protect the auto industry from tough pollution controls than John Dingell of Michigan. But now, the Democratic has changed course, embracing the need to slash emissions and suggesting increased taxes on "McMansions" to do the job. Also, does the latest economic news, and a revealing biography of George W. Bush. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

Fred Thompson Makes It Official Sep 06, 2007

Show notes

While eight Republican candidates were trudging through yet another debate in New Hampshire last night Fred Thompson upstaged them -- from Los Angeles. He went on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and finally announced he was running for the White House. Also, more grim news on Iraq, and investors question whether Apple has stumbled with its new iPhone. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

Has Time Run Out on President Bush's Surge in Iraq? Sep 05, 2007

Show notes

President Bush is receiving reports and advice, as Congress holds hearings and military leaders, government agencies and outside experts analyze the troubled war in Iraq. Many politicians are demanding a phased withdrawal. Has time run out on the President's surge? Also, German police break up a terrorist plot, and our perhaps too-high expectations from professional athletes. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

Can Washington Contain the Mortgage Meltdown? Sep 04, 2007

Show notes

One of the bright spots in the national economy had been the tremendous gains in home prices and construction. President Bush has declared that his ownership society policies have worked. Now, with foreclosure rates soaring and even wealthy investors losing billions of dollars, Washington considers what it can do to rescue families losing their homes. Also, President Bush assess progress in Iraq and cooperation in North Korea. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

No Child Left Behind: Is It Passing or Failing? Sep 03, 2007

Show notes

No Child Left Behind—the President's education reform—gets mixed reviews; some members of Congress are hoping to make some changes. On this archived edition of To the Point, we take another look at the pros and cons—before Congress comes back to debate what needs to be done. Also, Congress returns to Washington, and organized labor's opposition to one form of immigration enforcement.

****This program will not air live on KCRW as it will be preempted by Labor Day music programming. It will be available archived online.

The New Gilded Age of the Super-Rich and Sub-Rich Aug 31, 2007

Show notes

Republican commentator Peggy Noonan says America's new billionaires are so rich they look down on "tatty old Windsor Castle." How did they accumulate so much money? Will concentrated wealth "trickle down" to the middle class--or destroy it? Also, the President's sub-prime bailout plan, more White House defections and increasing the birth rate in Russia.

Turkey, the West and the Muslim Middle East Aug 30, 2007

Show notes

Turkey's new leaders promise their government will still be secular, despite the Islamic orientation of their ruling party. We hear about Turkey's relationship with Iran and Iraq, and the anti-Americanism in public opinion. Will Turkey still be a “bridge” between the west and the Muslim world? Also, an update on Iran's nuclear program. And, is Pakistan facing "moment of truth?"

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