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Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on the Political Hot Seat Apr 19, 2007

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Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has been roasted by Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill. Can Gonzales maintain the credibility required to run the Department of Justice? We hear about today's Senate committee hearing and talk with one of the fired US attorneys. Also, Defense Secretary Robert Gates makes a surprise trip to Baghdad to meet with Iraqi leaders and, on Reporter's Notebook, the US Supreme Court's turnabout on abortion. What does it mean for a woman's right to choose?

The Standoff over the Iraq Spending Bill Apr 18, 2007

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How will House Democrats resolve their differences with Senate Democrats on an Iraq spending bill? How do they avoid the President’s promised veto for any bill that has a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq? We talk about the stand-off in Washington and what it means on the ground in Iraq. On Reporter's Notebook, the computer that ate your tax return. Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts.

The Aftermath of Unspeakable Tragedy Apr 17, 2007

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President Bush is in Blacksburg, Virginia for a convocation on the Virginia Tech campus, where 32 people were shot to death yesterday and their killer committed suicide. We hear about the gunman and what might have been indications that he would turn to violence, and talk about gun control. On Reporter's Notebook, on this tax day, Republicans and Democrats advocate tax reform. What are the prospects?

Can US Attorney General Gonzales Hold On to His Job? Apr 16, 2007

Show notes

Senators of both parties are less than impressed by what Attorney General Alberto Gonzales plans to tell their committee tomorrow. As influential conservatives call for Gonzales to step down, we'll hear about Karl Rove, missing e-mails and the role of politics in the administration of justice. Also, radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered six cabinet ministers to quit the Iraqi government and, on Reporter's Notebook, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt want to develop nuclear power. Is it for energy or to counter Iran?

How Did Don Imus Go Down in Flames? Apr 13, 2007

Show notes

Radio shock-jock Don Imus had a record of brutal, vulgar attacks on ethnic groups and women, but celebrity politicians and news figures were regulars on his program. Why was the slur on the Rutgers basketball team the last straw? What does the episode illustrate about America's popular culture? Also, a promotion for his girlfriend spells trouble for World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and, on Reporter's Notebook, Kurt Vonnegut, the Free Speech Movement, and today's bitter disputes about language.

As Feds Play Politics, Local Solutions to Immigration Emerge Apr 12, 2007

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As the White House and Congress grapple over immigration reform, local towns and cities dramatize the nation's divisions. There's "zero tolerance" in one place and a welcome mat in another. Is illegal immigration both a burden and a blessing? Also, a suicide bomber strikes inside Baghdad's Green Zone and, on Reporter's Notebook, Don Imus and words that offend, depending on who's using them.

Assessing 'Benchmark' Progress in Iraq, Two Months into Surge Apr 11, 2007

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Despite other differences, President Bush and his critics agree that t Iraqi violence will end only when there is national reconciliation. Is the Iraqi government meeting benchmarks designed to give Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds a stake in peace and stability? Should the US threaten to cut off support until more progress is made? Also, the President wants to create a new 'war czar' position, but nobody seems to want the job and, on Reporter's Notebook, all charges are about to be dropped. What's next for the Duke lacrosse players publicly accused of sexual assault?

Can President Bush Be the Next 'Come-back Kid?' Apr 10, 2007

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With 21 months left to go in his second term, George Bush looks more and more like a lame duck president. We hear some harsh criticisms from life-long Republicans and hear whether the awesome powers of the White House can provide for a comeback. On Reporter's Notebook, we talk with the Italian journalist who exposed forged documents used to bolster the war on Iraq.

Climate Change: Adapting to the Inevitable Apr 09, 2007

Show notes

Climate change due to global warming is inevitable. In fact, it's happening now. What are the potential consequences for people in the United States and around the world? What can be done to prepare? Also, tens of thousands of Iraqis protest on this, the fourth anniversary of the fall of Baghdad and, on Reporter's Notebook, from Arizona's border with Mexico to new battles on Capitol Hill, President Bush re-visits immigration reform.

Is Agribusiness Becoming Kinder to Animals? Apr 06, 2007

Show notes

Celebrity chief Wolfgang Puck agrees with Burger King: animals deserve more humane treatment before they're carved up for America's dinner plates. During a week of Easter and Passover dinners, is the fast-food nation rethinking its eating habits? Is the highly mechanized food industry going organic? Also, freed British marines and sailors say they were tools of Iranian propaganda and, on Reporter's Notebook, what happens when you call 911?

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