To the Point

Latest Episodes:

Is Voter-Vault the Key to a Midterm Election Win? Oct 26, 2006

Show notes

The polls look good for Democrats, but do Republicans have a not-so-secret weapon? We look at Republican and Democratic strategies for getting out the vote, including the Republican "voter vault," a huge database of personal information on individual voters. Also, President Bush signs the Secure Fences Act and the last Ford Taurus is set to roll off the assembly line. Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts.

Iraq, Illegal Immigration and the November Midterm Elections Oct 25, 2006

Show notes

With no compromise on Capitol Hill, illegal immigration remains a divisive issue in next month's elections, in border states and beyond. Do voters want the President's guest worker program, 700 miles of fencing or both? Where do minority voters stand?

The Democrats and the United States Senate Oct 24, 2006

Show notes

With news from Iraq going from bad to worse, Democrats are now being given a chance to take back the Senate. Political handicappers are focused on Missouri, Tennessee and Virginia. Democrats have to win at least two. But it won’t be easy. We'll get reports from all three states and from New Jersey, where an incumbent Democrat just might lose. Plus, timelines in Iraq and cheatin' in baseball.

Civil Rights and National Security Oct 23, 2006

Show notes

There's a new law on the treatment of terrorist suspects, but the battle may just be beginning. Will the courts agree to military tribunals? What are the President's new powers? Have civil rights been sacrificed to national security? Plus, milestones and benchmarks in the Bush Iraq war strategy, and expanding the Panama Canal.

Should the US Put Weapons in Outer Space? Oct 20, 2006

Show notes

For the first time in 10 years, the Bush Administration has revised America's policy for outer space. Should the heavens be ruled by international treaty, or should the US seize the moment to pre-empt an inevitable arms race in space? Plus, increasing violence in Iraq, and human remains have been found at Ground Zero five years later. What does New York City plan to do now?

Is It Time to Change Course in Iraq after All? Oct 19, 2006

Show notes

Despite joint efforts by US and Iraqi forces, violence in Baghdad is on the increase, and there’s growing impatience with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. We get the latest from Baghdad and a talk with Iraq’s Ambassador to the UN. What about a phased withdrawal or asking Iran and Syria to help restore order? Plus, GOP approval ratings fall to dangerous levels, and feeding North Korea--in the midst of sanctions.

Evangelicals and the Realities of Political Partisanship Oct 18, 2006

Show notes

A former Bush White House aide for faith-based initiatives says conservative Christians are being used for political reasons. Also, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice vows that the US will protect Japan, and Tony Blair calls veils a sign of separation from mainstream British society.

Risk Assessment, Climate Change and Insurance Rates Oct 17, 2006

Show notes

Travelers and Fireman's Fund are among the insurance companies joining the fight against global warming. The result could be a difference in what you pay for premiums, what you drive and where you live. Can the world's biggest industry help reduce greenhouse gases, or is global warming just a good excuse to raise premiums while reducing risk? Also, North Korea calls UN sanctions a "declaration of war," and the FDA's about to approve milk and meat from cloned animals--but they may already be out of the barn.

Are the Democrats This Year's October Surprise? Oct 16, 2006

Show notes

Even conservative pundits are saying the Republicans have lost the House and may lose the Senate. So why are President Bush and Carl Rove optimistic about next months elections? Is it self-confidence or self-delusion? What about money, organization and the partisan gerrymandering of district boundaries? Plus, an update on yesterday's massive earthquake near Hawaii, and on this UN World Food Day, a conversation about where people are hungriest--and why.

National Policy, the Presidency and State Governors Oct 13, 2006

Show notes

Virginias former Governor Mark Warner has shaken up the Democratic race for President--by withdrawing. That demonstrates the importance of governorships in the race for the White House. We find out why governors matter even if they're not running nationwide and look at some of this year's most interesting contests. Also, the head of the British Army causes an uproar over Iraq, and how micro-lending produced a Nobel Peace Prize for Bangladesh.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected