To the Point

It's another record year for campaign spending, with special interests unleashed as never before. How does money influence what happens on Capitol Hill? Also, President Obama's Gulf restoration plan is released, and a likely shake-up at the Obama White House.

President Obama has achieved a lot, but even White House advisors concede that he’s losing the Middle Class vote.  We hear about the stimulus, health care, Bush-era tax cuts and the November elections.  Also, Israel ends another construction freeze on the West Bank, and Hugo Chavez takes a hit from the voters of Venezuela. 

The first provisions of healthcare reform took effect yesterday, with House Republicans still bent on getting rid of the whole thing one way or the other. We look at the details and the rhetoric. Also, Washington gets tough on China over Yuan's value, and Colbert on Capitol Hill.

President Obama made his second major speech to the UN General Assembly today. We hear different opinions about what he said about US engagement with the rest of the world and what he left out. Also, Republicans unveil their "Pledge to America," and breast cancer and mammograms.

The awful details of deadly drug wars often are not reported by the Mexican media, because editors and reporters fear for their lives. We get a progress report on President Calderon's military offensive and what it could mean north of the border. Also, insurers drop child-only policies as Obama touts health reform, and the DREAM Act, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and military spending. 

Afghan officials are still counting the votes from this weekend's parliamentary elections, marked by violence, a low turnout and widespread fraud.  What are the possible consequences for US policy with troop strength rising to nearly 100,000 troops. Also, the LA District Attorney brings charges against eight officials in the blue-collar city of Bell, and Britain's new government cracks down on bank bonuses.

Poverty in America increased last year to 44 million people. One longtime advocate calls it a "national emergency." Will Washington treat it that way? How many poor people vote? Also, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's in New York, and new help for buried miners in Chile.

After fighting hard for finance reform, how serious is the Obama Administration about consumer protection? Why will Elizabeth Warren be a White House advisor instead of heading the new agency that will make rules for mortgages, credit cards and other consumer lending? Also, police in London arrest five in alleged terror plot against the pope, and competing rallies to "Restore Sanity" and "Keep Fear Alive."

Tea-Party candidates, many backed by Sarah Palin, have toppled Party-establishment favorites in Republican primaries this year. But veteran operatives have an ace in the hole: big money.  Also, America's highest poverty level in a half century, and the American reporter who recently interviewed long-time Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

There are 2.5 million miles of natural gas pipelines in the United States, enough to circle the Earth one hundred times. Last week's deadly explosion near San Francisco raises a troubling question: are Americans living with unacceptable risk? Also, the US steps up drone attacks in Pakistan, and the Pope visits Great Britain.