To the Point

The federal budget is more than a spending plan.  It's also a statement about priorities in an election year. We hear about President Obama's latest proposals and the likely debates about unemployment, the deficit and the role of government in an election year.  Also, changing military policy on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' and China says the Obama Administration is trying to "undermine" relations.

NATO's latest strategy in Afghanistan is to forget trying for a military victory and to concentrate on "reintegration" and "reconciliation."  We talk with the deputy to General Stanley McCrystal and others about what that means and how it might be accomplished. Also, President Obama's new budget, and his plans for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

The Obama campaign motivated some 13 million volunteers, but many now feel abandoned by the Obama White House. Has he failed to build a movement to push his agenda or has Washington changed him more than he has changed Washington?  Also, the President's Q&A with the GOP, and Tony Blair in a public defense of Britain's role in the war on Saddam Hussein.

During last night's State of the Union Address, President Obama admitted mistakes while defending his first year in office. What does he want for the future, and what is he likely to get? We sample opinions. Also, President Karzai's new priority, reaching out to the Taliban, and Toyota's struggle to stay on top. 

US combat troops are scheduled to leave Iraq starting in August, presuming that violence is down and that a stable government has been established by fair elections. This week's renewed bombings in Baghdad suggest that the scenario might not be so rosy. Also, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner is grilled by a House committee on the AIG bailout, and you know the iMac and the iPhone. Get ready for the iPad.

One year ago, Democrats were talking about a new political era. Now, President Obama faces a nation of angry voters. We set the scene for his first address on the State of the Nation. Also, a second day of bombs in Baghdad. On Reporter's Notebook, will France ban the veil for Muslim women in public places?

Has the US Supreme Court scored a victory for free speech or increased the influence of money in politics?  We hear about last week's 5-to-4 decision on the rights of corporations. Also, executions, bombs and political turmoil in Baghdad, and Haitian refugees and US immigration policy.

James Cameron's Avatar is more than a 3-D blockbuster. The New York Times says it has "burrowed into the cultural consciousness" from the US to China. It's even accused of causing a heart attack in Taiwan. We hear from critics and fans. Also, a possible power shift at the Treasury  Department and Federal Reserve, and the Winter Olympics are scheduled to open three weeks from today.  Where’s the snow?

Google's claim of cyber attacks in China has turned into an international incident with Hillary Clinton calling today for "consequences" and "condemnation."  Is China's government trying to steal Google's secrets?  Is it threatened by the growth of organized activism on the Internet? Also, the Supreme Court weighs in on free speech and campaign limits. On Reporter's Notebook, President Obama proposes cutting Wall Street down to size. 

After Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts, Senate Democrats can't stop Republican filibusters any more.  What does that mean for health care reform?  And what's the message for both parties for elections later this year? Also, is zero tolerance for terrorism an impossible goal?