To the Point

By KCRWNews

To the Point episodes

January 20, 2009 America’s 44th Peaceful Transition of Power
After taking the oath of office on Abraham Lincoln’s bible, President Barack Hussein Obama called it “a moment that will define a generation.” On our program, we’ll discuss the Inaugural Address in the context of history and contemporary politics. And we’ll talk about what comes next.
52 min
January 19, 2009 The Dreams and the Realities of Black Americans
Barack Obama won 95% of the black vote in November’s election, but African Americans are anything but unanimous on what his election will mean. On Reporter's Notebook later on, a surprise Obama advisor and confidant: John McCain.
52 min
January 16, 2009 A Controversial Presidency Comes to an End
George W. Bush enjoyed 90% approval ratings after September 11th. There was widespread initial support for his war in Iraq. But he leaves office less popular than any outgoing president since Richard Nixon, and since the November elections he has tried to shape his own legacy. On Reporter's Notebook later on, jet airliners and migrating birds.
52 min
January 15, 2009 Big Change in Store at the Department of Justice
Barack Obama’s nominee for Attorney General told a Senate Committee today that “water-boarding” is torture. But Eric Holder also admitted mistakes during his service in Bill Clinton’s Department of Justice. We’ll hear some of today’s questions and answers and talk to supporters and skeptics about one of the incoming president’s most important cabinet choices. On Reporter's Notebook, Steve Jobs and the future of Apple.
52 min
January 14, 2009 The Bush Administration and Possible War Crimes
Should Bush Administration officials be investigated for war crimes? Barack Obama has been lukewarm toward that idea, but today an Administration insider is saying there was "torture" at Guantánamo Bay. Should somebody be called to account? Where should the buck stop? Also, Egypt struggles to mediate the Gaza conflict, and the future of "don't ask, don't tell" in America's military.
52 min
January 13, 2009 Hillary Clinton's Confirmation Hearing
Finally freed from the politics of holding a New York Senate seat
and running for president, how will Hillary Clinton's foreign policy
views change now that she's on the verge of Senate confirmation as
Secretary of State? Also, Barack Obama goes to Capitol Hill to sell his
stimulus plan, and the Detroit Auto Show. It's one gloomy party. Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts.
52 min
January 12, 2009 Can Barack Obama Follow the Money?
The first half of last year's $700 billion financial bailout was so badly handled that Congress is reluctant to hand out the second half. If Barack Obama can't make the case that he can do better, he may suffer his first defeat before he's even in office. Also, alleged Ponzi-schemer Bernard Madoff free despite violating his bail, and the US and Mexico: immigration and drug cartels.
52 min
January 09, 2009 Barack Obama, the Middle East and Iran
As the fighting continues in Gaza, Barack Obama is choosing a team to deal with the Middle East, including Iran. Today he repeated his campaign pledge to rely on diplomacy. Also, unemployment jumps over the moon, and what's next for Rod Blagojevich, who's been impeached for abusing his powers as Governor of Illinois.
52 min
January 08, 2009 A Political Salesman Lays It on the Line
Barack Obama began a tough selling job today with an urgent warning about years of recession if Congress fails to enact a massive stimulus program. We look at the state of the economy and how different it might look, even after recovery. Also, the UN suspends food aid to Gaza, citing danger to its staff. On Reporter's Notebook, does the Internal Revenue Service have a heart after all?
52 min
January 07, 2009 Israel, Gaza and the Prospects for Peace
Responding to mounting international pressure, Israel today opened a three-hour "humanitarian window" in Gaza. After that, the fighting resumed. We hear from Gaza itself, update efforts to achieve a ceasefire and talk with American Jews with conflicting opinions. Also, President-elect Obama says the stimulus must not bust the budget, and Russia, Ukraine and natural gas for the European Union during a bitter cold-snap.
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…