The Fallon Forum

Today, we tackle a question posed recently by a listener: How similarly unsavory do the views of a Republican and Democratic candidate running against each other have to be before one refuses to vote for either? Or do you feel that, no matter how minor the differences, one should always vote for the lesser of two evils? We also talk with a guest from South Sudan about the humanitarian crisis continuing in that country and in Sudan itself.

Dr. Charles Goldman and Ed discuss the Keystone pipeline, and how an alternative plan to route the same pipeline through western Canada is on its way to being rejected by the Canadian people and the provincial governments due to environmental concerns. We also discuss with Rabbi David Kaufman and Jumaa Adam the ongoing life-and-death humanitarian struggle in Sudan.

Kim Houlding with Story County Vet Clinics talks about how a Koch Industries-owned ethanol plant west of Des Moines has refused to pick-up its share of the tab, forcing higher water bills on rural residents in the Xenia water district. We also talk about the new nutrition standards in the Des Moines Public Schools. We talk bikes with Dan Frye, and view the trailer from Premium Rush, showing clips of how one should never bike if one wants to be taken seriously . . . and live. And State Rep Dan Kelley joins us to rebut criticism he received on an eastern Iowa talk show regarding his comments about nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

Iowa Democratic Party chair Sue Dvorsky talks with Ed about the impact of Missouri Congressman Todd Akin's comments about abortion, rape and pregnancy, and how the fallout from that might affect the election here in Iowa. We also talk with Blog for Iowa editor Trish Nelson about fairness and balance in reporting.

Bradshaw and I analyze Todd Akin's refreshing honesty - and probable political demise because of it - on his neanderthal views on women, rape and abortion. Will Steve King's defense of Akin hurt his campaign against Christie Vilsack? Also, we discuss the recent protest during Paul Ryan's speech at the Iowa State Fair. And we ponder why Leonard Boswell hasn't jumped all over the Ryan-Romney "Path to Prosperity," which opponent Tom Latham supported.

The battle over heckling Paul Ryan at the Iowa State Fair continued in force this weekend, and we discuss it further today. Also, talent manager Heather Ryan discusses a troubling child custody case involving a mom who could lose her daughter because she let her participate in a beauty pageant. We also talk with Drake professor David Courard-Hauri about climate change and the myth that addressing the problem would be economically ruinous. Finally, Bonnie Brown is a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and she joins us to talk about the upcoming event.

Description: Nathaniel Baer with the Iowa Environmental Council has a more favorable take on Alliant Energy's proposed natural gas-fired power plant in Marshalltown. Also, Tim Kruse with Green Light Renewables discusses his efforts to provide affordable solar technology to individual homeowners and small businesses. Finally, Bery Engebretsen with Primary Health Care joins Ed for further conversation about integrating behavioral healthcare services.

David Goodner with Iowa CCI and Ed tangle over whether or not the recent anti-Paul Ryan protest involving heckling and storming the stage was an effective strategy.

Arnie Arneson talks about Paul Ryan's impact on the presidential election. Comedian/activist Lee Camp shares his thoughts on voter suppression. Ed Woolsey talks about wind, solar and other renewable issues.

Dr. Karin Huffer, author of "Legal Abuse Syndrome," is my in-studio guest today. We discuss the many ways in which people with non-visible disabilities are discriminated against in the judicial system. Dr. Huffer recognizes the strong work that Iowa Senator Tom Harkin has done for people with disabilities.