To the Point

More than three weeks after Iran's disputed presidential election, the regime continues to crack down on dissenters, while pointing fingers at the West. Are Iran's rulers losing their hold on power? Should Obama step up criticism of the regime? Is civil war on the horizon? Also, the Michael Jackson memorial in Los Angeles, and trouble for Africa's first woman president as Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls for Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to be banned from office. Sara Terry guest hosts.

President Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, announced today that they've made important steps in restoring relations between the two countries. They've already agreed to a cut in nuclear warheads, but can they find common ground on human rights and the missile defense field? What influence does former Russian President Vladimir Putin have on the negotiations? Also, the crisis continues in Honduras, and one of the Vietnam War's most controversial figures has died. A look at the life and legacy of Robert McNamara. Sara Terry guest hosts.

As they celebrate the Fourth of July, Americans don't see their country in the same way it's seen by the rest of the world. We talk about what's called "smart power" and the entertainment industry as an instrument of public diplomacy.

The transition from Bush to Obama has not eliminated the threat of terrorists who want to attack the country. Is Obama being forced to adopt some of the same counter-measures he criticized in last year's campaign? We hear about indefinite detention, rendition and what some refer to as "torture lite." Also, a new American military offensive in Afghanistan, and what Saddam Hussein told the FBI. 

Six states failed to pass spending plans last night in time for the new fiscal year, which started today. The biggest state in the union plans to pay its bills with IOU's. Others barely made the deadline by cutting services and raising taxes and fees. Are bloated expenditures being brought under control or are states balancing budgets on the backs of the poor? Also, Al Franken's win gives Senate Democrats a super-majority. On Reporter's Notebook later on, should the painkillers Vicodin and Percocet be banned?

Gays and lesbians who supported Barack Obama are demanding action from the Obama White House.  We hear how the President has addressed their growing impatience and what it could mean for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Defense of Marriage Act and other federal policies. Also, US troops pull out of Iraqi cities, and the ousted President of Honduras vows to go home.

By a one-vote majority, the US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of white firefighters who claimed they were victims of reverse discrimination. Will the decision clarify the rules on race and employment or lead to future confusion?  What will it mean for the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor? Also, Bernard Madoff is sentenced to 150 years in federal prison, and Latin America's first military coup in 16 years.

The new wave of bombings continued today in Iraq. With US troops

The debate over healthcare reform is coming down to the wire at the White House, in Congress and in the media. We look at the pros and cons of the so-called "public option" and at the influence of ideology and money. Also, the Supreme Court rules strip search of student is unreasonable. On Reporter's Notebook, the missing governor, the mistress and the GOP.  

It's reported today that -- before Iran's disputed election — the Obama Administration sent a letter to the Supreme Leader proposing “cooperation in regional and bilateral relations.” Today, we talk about the President's pattern of seeing “common ground” with his adversaries. Also, more bloodshed on the streets of Tehran, and the Governor of South Carolina is no longer missing.