To the Point

Bipartisanship didn't work on Capitol Hill, but the massive stimulus bill passed anyway.  Now the President is back on the road.  Also, a US military leader says Obama's plans to withdraw from Iraq is optimistic, and the State of California runs out of money. We look at the politics and economic recovery.

President Obama wants more troops in Afghanistan, but the US presence is increasingly unpopular. So is the country's corrupt and ineffective government. We hear about the challenges of shifting America's focus on terror from Iraq to South Asia. Also, the Obama Administration awaits the Big Three's auto-industry restructuring plans and, on her first trip in a new job, Hillary Clinton arrives in Japan. 

Contaminated peanuts have been linked to deaths and illness, and have landed owners of a peanut-processing plant in front of a House subcommittee. Since 2002, there've been more than half a dozen bacteria-related food contaminations. Guest host Sara Terry explores the vulnerability of the nation's food supply. How rigorous are the standards for protecting it? Also, Judd Gregg pulls out, eroding President Obama's efforts of bipartisanship, and trashed in space. When satellites collide, who cleans up?

A $789 billion stimulus package is likely to pass the House and the Senate. We look at what's in the bill and what's not. Did Republicans force enough compromises to tarnish a victory for President Obama?  Also, Richard Holbrooke arrives in Kabul as security in the capital worsens, and today's celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday.

President Obama wants big money to forestall foreclosures. Is that a sound public investment? Why is homeownership equated with the American Dream? What's wrong with renting? Also, eight Wall Street CEO's get a grilling on Capitol Hill, and artificial arms controlled by the brain.

George W. Bush spent $350 billion to rescue financial institutions. Barack Obama wants $1.5 trillion. We hear how Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner describes the program and the promise of accountability and transparency. Also, the President takes his stimulus pitch to Florida and, just like Bush, Obama invokes state secrets in a case of extraordinary rendition. 

President Obama wants to revive the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, but Israel's new government may not go along. That's if predictions about tomorrow's elections turn out to be true. Also, President Obama goes on the road to sell his stimulus plan. Why are Republicans just saying “no?”

Barack Obama transformed political campaigns by creating a grassroots network of 13 million people. Can they be mobilized to help accomplish Obama's agenda? The effort begins this weekend, and we get a preview of what could be a sea change in the way that America is governed. Also, the Senate works on the stimulus bill as the economy sheds jobs, and with unemployment on the rise, states are cutting welfare.

After the stimulus bill, the President's next economic challenge will be another massive bailout. We talk about how much federal control should come with increased federal ownership of America's major financial institutions.  Also, hot and heavy politicking over the stimulus bill, and faith-based initiatives — Obama style.

Two of President Obama's top appointees withdrew yesterday because they failed to pay federal taxes.  Is "changing the culture" of Washington easier said than done?  Will the political distraction interfere with efforts at policy change? Also, tighter restrictions on executive compensation for companies getting federal bailouts, and an about-face on global warming from the new Secretary of Energy.