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House Approves Subpoenas in Firing of US Attorneys Mar 21, 2007

Show notes

The White House and Congress are moving closer to a constitutional confrontation. What’s the evidence of political interference in the Justice Department? Is the issue likely to end up in court? On Reporter's Notebook, Al Gore challenges Congress to act on global warming.

Is There Too Much Government Secrecy or Not Enough? Mar 20, 2007

Show notes

A survey shows that increasing numbers of Americans think the federal government has become cloaked in secrecy. Last week, the House passed four so-called "sunshine" laws, two of which President Bush has threatened to veto. Does secrecy destroy confidence in represented government? In times of war, is it best to err "on the side of caution?" Plus, the Senate votes to rescind the president's unilateral power to replace federal prosecutors and, on Reporter's Notebook, the UN and Iraq's humanitarian crisis.

America and Islam, Four Years Later Mar 19, 2007

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Four years into the war in Iraq, American attitudes toward Islam have taken a negative turn. How well does a mostly Christian nation understand its 6 million Muslim neighbors? Will Islam be an issue in the presidential campaign? Meantime, demonstrators continue to protest the war and, on Reporter's Notebook, when soldiers are killed, their families lose more than a loved one. We hear how they’re learning to cope.

The Sub-Prime Mortgage Meltdown Mar 15, 2007

Show notes

When the high-tech stock bubble burst, shareholders lost money. As the sub-prime mortgage market declines, people are losing their homes. We hear how it works, what can go wrong, and what it means for the rest of the economy. Also, Khalid Sheik Mohammed's confession continues.

Democrats, Fox News and the Internet Mar 14, 2007

Show notes

Nevada Democrats canceled a presidential debate on the Fox News Channel after Internet activists called Fox "a mouthpiece for the Republican Party." Should the Democrats boycott conservative Fox altogether? What does this episode say about the growing impact of the Internet on American politics? Also, President Bush is dogged by domestic issues as he winds up his trip to Latin America and, on Reporter's Notebook, Spain's plan to build a tunnel to Morocco.

NOTE: For those who were listening to today's program about the Nevada Democratic Party and Fox News, guest Doug Schoen was identified as a Democratic strategist, which he is. Doug Schoen is also a paid commentator for Fox News, which we did not know until after our broadcast was over.

Tough Talk at the Summit Meeting in Mexico Mar 13, 2007

Show notes

On the last stop of his Latin American tour, President Bush heard some tough talk today from Mexico's President Felipe Calderón. Immigration and illegal drugs are high on the agenda. What can a lame-duck US leader do for a counter-part who's just getting started? Also, the flap over fired US attorneys continues with reports of White House involvement. Democrats want Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to step down.

Mixed Messages on the War in Iraq Mar 12, 2007

Show notes

President Bush has asked Congress for still more troops to increase the buildup in Iraq. At the same time, there's a report that the Pentagon is planning a gradual withdrawal in case the troop increase doesn't work. We also get diplomatic reaction to the weekend meeting that included both the US and Iran. Plus, Guantanamo hearings continue in Washington—under total secrecy and, on Reporter's Notebook, Halliburton, the largest US contractor in Iraq, is moving its headquarters from Houston to Dubai. We'll hear about accusations of corporate greed.

The Democratic Presidential Primaries Mar 09, 2007

Show notes

With 10 months left until the first Democratic voter goes to the poll, has it all come down to just three out of eight presidential candidates? Why are Clinton, Obama and Edwards getting all the attention? What are the prospects for one of them suddenly falling behind or for a dark horse to burst from the pack? Plus, FBI Director Robert Mueller admits to misusing its powers under the Patriot Act and, on Reporter's Notebook, ethics for robots.

Bush Heads South of the Border, Rhetoric Turns Left Mar 08, 2007

Show notes

President Bush is visiting Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico this week, carrying with him a complicated economic and trade agenda. But after keeping Latin American issues on the backburner for six years, can he effectively compete with rising radical leaders like Hugo Chávez? Plus, House Democrats unveil their plan for a withdrawal from Iraq. On Reporter's Notebook, will President Bush grant Lewis Libby a pardon? Marc Cooper guest hosts.

The Administration of Justice and Partisan Politics Mar 07, 2007

Show notes

The firing of eight US Attorneys has raised questions about the Bush Justice Department and partisan politics. Did a Congressional hearing reveal why they were let go? Are routine personnel matters being "overblown?" Plus, another Russian journalist has died mysteriously and, on Reporter's Notebook, in France, ordinary citizens can now be jailed for doing what journalists do all the time.

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