To the Point

As a somewhat battered and bruised healthcare reform bill makes its way to what appears to be certain passage in the Senate, critics from both parties are complaining about the bill. What deals did the Democrats make to keep it alive? What battles lie ahead when the House and Senate meet to create the final piece of legislation? Also, airlines will pay for making travelers wait, and cybersecurity at the White House and a possible hacking at Citibank. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Call them the "missing" stories of 2009, important events that didn’t really register in the mainstream media. From new global alliances to simmering conflicts, guest host Sara Terry looks at some of the stories that could well be shaping the year ahead. Also, the Senate healthcare bill could be passed by Christmas, and a cleric, a funeral and renewed protests in Iran.

After some tough talk from President Obama, frenzied negotiations are under way to save the climate change talks from total failure. We get a progress report from Copenhagen and hear what might happen next. Also, climate change and the prospect of mass migration.

On Tuesday, President Obama was "cautiously optimistic" about his Christmas Eve deadline for healthcare reform from the Senate. Since then, a "kill the bill" movement’s been gaining force among Democrats. We get a progress report.  Also, the US expresses readiness to join $100 billion climate aid fund, and Islamic militants intercept spy videos from Predator drones.

Predator drones have become the US weapon of choice in the war againts the Taliban in Afghanistan. Now the Obama Administration will explore expanding their use in Pakistan. Guest host Conan Nolan considers the advancing use of such drones, overseas and here at home. Also, Iran tests and upgraded, faster missile, and stunning images of our universe from the Herschel Telescope

The Obama Administration is warning of  "home-based terrorism," attacks by American citizens on American soil. How vulnerable are American Muslims to radical propaganda? Is the threat being overstated for political purposes? Also, Illinois will take some Guantánamo detainees, and Copenhagen is waiting… for Barack Obama. 

Not just two but three kinds of countries are negotiating in Copenhagen. There are the rich, the poor and the in-between, like China, India and Brazil — countries that are becoming major polluters as they fight poverty with increased industrialization. We look at economics, politics and what's called "environmental justice." Also, President Obama meets with "fat cat" bankers, and America's fourth largest city has elected its first lesbian Mayor. In Houston, who cares?

When party crashers get into the White House and an airport-screening manual goes on-line, are Americans and their leaders not so safe after all? If the President is perceived to be weak on security, what's the political fallout? Also, Europe will assist poor countries hit by climate change, and American evangelicals and gay-bashing in Africa.

President Obama is now a Nobel laureate, acknowledging that he's a war president while accepting the prestigious prize for peace.  We hear excerpts of his remarks and get a variety of reactions. Also, developing nations balk at carbon cuts in Copenhagen, and five US citizens from Northern Virginia arrested in Pakistan and charged with planning jihad.

On his way to Europe to pick up his Nobel Prize, President Obama addresses some controversial issues. He commended Senate Democrats for their agreement on one of the most controversial aspects of healthcare reform. Yesterday, he announced that he wants to use unspent TARP bailout money to help create jobs.