To the Point

By KCRWNews

To the Point episodes

February 03, 2009 Healthcare Reform without Tom Daschle
Can the US afford to reform a failing system of health care in the midst of an economic crisis? Can it afford not to? We hear what's in the stimulus bill and how it could shape debate on questions of life-and-death. Also, former Senator Tom Daschle withdraws his nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary, and the case for private jet planes for busy corporate executives.
52 min
February 02, 2009 Stimulating the Economy, Now and in the Future
Bill Clinton declared the Era of Big Government "over." Well, it's
back, with a stimulus package big enough to start re-shaping the
economy. We look at the possible impacts now and in the long term.
What will it mean for free trade and the global economy? Also, a bumpy road ahead for Obama cabinet picks, and the
Iraqi elections and US troop withdrawals.
52 min
January 30, 2009 Does Bipartisanship Really Matter?
Barack Obama won big, but he's been spending his first few days in the White House reaching out to Republicans. So far, they haven't reached back. Whatever ends up in the stimulus package, the economy's likely to get worse. Also, the US economy shrank last year, though not as fast as expected. On Reporter's Notebook, private jets and executive bonuses, what can the public do?
52 min
January 29, 2009 Is the Fight against Global Warming a Losing Battle?
Scientists now say climate change can’t be reversed for 1000 years, even if greenhouse gases are cut to pre-industrial levels. What does that mean for green technology? Should the consumer economy be reduced instead of expanded? Also, Governor Blagojevich on his impeachment trial, and the Postal Service is threatening to drop a day of deliveries. Is it crying wolf?
52 min
January 28, 2009 Job Cuts Are Taking Their Toll
Some 2.5 million Americans lost their jobs in 2008, and this year three million more are likely to be laid off. We look at the impact of unemployment across the country. What will it take to get the next job in a restructured economy? Also, President Obama's envoy is in Jerusalem as fighting flares, a Super Bowl ad is more than just a commercial.
52 min
January 27, 2009 Economic Stimulus and the Promise of Bipartisanship
Barack Obama said he'd restore the economy in a bipartisan way, but debate over his stimulus package sounds all too familiar. Also, President Obama and George Mitchell reach out to Arabs. On Reporter's Notebook, the first bill likely to be signed into law by President Obama.
52 min
January 26, 2009 Why Are US Troops in Afghanistan?
Barack Obama promised to get US troops out of Iraq and send more to Afghanistan. Vice President Biden says more casualties should be expected. We hear about deteriorating conditions and the risks of escalation. Also, President Obama directs the EPA to review fuel standards, and financial troubles for America’s premier newspaper, the New York Times.
52 min
January 23, 2009 America’s Capitol City and Urban Problems Nationwide
Washington, DC is a divided city. High officials, government workers and diplomats live and work in prosperous neighborhoods. The majority black population lives somewhere else. Barack Obama says he wants to bring the two together. Also today, two diplomatic envoys for troubled parts of the world. What’s in store for the Middle East and South Asia?
52 min
January 22, 2009 Will the Banking Crisis End with Nationalization?
Nobody wants the US government to take over the banking industry, but more and more people are saying it might happen. Three hundred billion dollars given to banks by the Bush Administration is hardly small change, but bank losses may add up to two trillion anyway. On Reporter's Notebook, opening up the records.
52 min
January 21, 2009 The Inaugural Address Heard Around the World
Tens of millions of people watched Barack Obama take office. News coverage, commentary and public opinion are as diverse as the audience. Today we’ll hear what’s being said in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. On Reporter's Notebook, fast action on Guantanamo Bay and growing problems with Mexico.
52 min

About To the Point

From the publisher's feed

A monthly reality-check on the issues Americans care about most. Host Warren Olney draws on his decades of experience to explore the people and issues shaping – and disrupting - our world. How did…