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Front-Loading the Primaries Feb 05, 2007

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In bids for more influence in next year's presidential elections, big states and little states are moving their primaries forward. New Hampshire's may be held in December of this year. The nominations could be decided exactly a week from today. Would that put an end to what's left of real political discourse? Would it finally reduce all presidential politics to TV commercials? Plus, President Bush presents his budget for 2008 and, on Reporter's Notebook, murders, assaults, imprisonments and legal harassment of journalists all over the world.

The Arabs, the Jews and American History Feb 02, 2007

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Support for Israel and the urge to transform the Muslim Middle East go back to the Pilgrims and the Founding Fathers. We hear how current American policies and actions have been shaped by the past, and what history suggests about future US involvement in a troubled region. Plus, the latest intelligence report on Iraq and, on Reporter's Notebook, the UN's toughest warning yet about global warming and rewards offered for poking holes in the report.

Confidential Sources, Political Payback and the Public's Right to Know Feb 01, 2007

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Influential reporters are revealing protected sources at the Lewis "Scooter" Libby trial. Is the free press at risk in the courtroom? We hear about anonymous sources, political payback and the public's right to know. Plus, General Casey goes before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his nomination to become Army Chief-of-Staff. On Reporter's Notebook, Italy's former Prime Minister issues a public apology to his wife.

Can Congress Stop the Iraq Troop Surge? Jan 31, 2007

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When it comes to the Iraq war, President Bush says he is the only "decider." But even Republicans disagree. Can the Congress tell the President what to do? Can either party agree on what that should be? Plus, a recent audit shows there's little to show for the billions spent on Iraq reconstruction. On Reporter's Notebook, arrest warrants have been issued for US agents accused by Germany of "extraordinary rendition."

Is It 'War by Other Means' against Iran? Jan 30, 2007

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President Bush denies any intention of invading Iran, but he's been warning about its activities in Iraq and its growing influence in the Middle East. After years of enmity, what's the state of relations between Iran and Iraq? With America's military build-up in the Persian Gulf, could the proxy war with Iran turn into the real thing? Plus, the commander of US forces in the Middle East says it's time to redefine goals in Iraq. On Reporter's Notebook, regulators say nuclear power plants don't need additional protection against 9/11-type attacks from the air.

The 'Scooter' Libby Trial Jan 29, 2007

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President Bush's former press secretary testified in court today against Vice President Cheney's former top aide. What did Ari Fleischer say about what "Scooter" Libby knew and when he knew it? What's being revealed about a notoriously secretive White House? Also, a foiled plot against Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Sistani, and Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has been put to death.

Increased Troops, Iranian Agents and Iraqi Refugees Jan 26, 2007

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Despite objections from Congress, President Bush said again today he's "the decision maker" who will not modify his plans for Iraq. He also confirmed his order to capture or kill Iranian agents thought to be threatening American troops in Iraq. Those stories, and the growing number of refugees from Iraqi violence and sectarian cleansing. Between 40,000 and 50,000 a month are leaving the country. Why have just 466 been allowed into the United States? How does that compare to Vietnam? On Reporter's Notebook, while President Bush orders a kill-order against Iranian operatives in Iraq, Russian President Vladimir Putin is in India, angling for lucrative nuclear contracts.

Energy Independence and Ethanol Jan 25, 2007

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The President's call for energy independence through alternative fuels is popular in the farm states, on Wall Street and with the American people. What are the down sides? We hear about the food supply, greenhouse gases and government subsidies, as well as whether conservation is really the best way to cut back on gasoline. Also, Ford Motor Company continues to hemorrhage, suffering its worst year ever. On Reporter's Notebook, secretly linking millions of computers for crime on the Internet.

State of the Union: New Beginning or Beginning of the End? Jan 24, 2007

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With Congress now dominated by Democrats, last night's State of the Union speech was an opportunity to re-assert presidential authority. Will proposals on health insurance, immigration and energy get a real hearing or will the war in Iraq drown out everything else? Plus, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee says no to the president, and on Reporter's Notebook, was Louis "Scooter" Libby a scapegoat for Karl Rove?

A Big Moment for a Troubled White House Jan 23, 2007

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President Bush will address the State of the Union tonight increasingly isolated from his own party in Congress. We hear the latest on the troop buildup from the new general in charge and reaction on Capitol Hill. Also, an update from Lebanon on violent protests an calls for a general strike in Beirut. On Reporter's Notebook, with Republicans driven away by the war, can the State of the Union address find support from Democrats on a domestic agenda?

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