To the Point

Today's visit by the Obamas to the Bush White House is a symbolic moment.  Much hard work is yet to be done, and early appointments already are controversial. We talk with a man who's been involved in every presidential transition since Eisenhower to Kennedy, and hear about the first order of business, the economy. Also, China's massive economic stimulus package, and economic rescue programs are costing trillions in public money.  Where is it going?

"Community organizing" sounds like old news until you hear how Barack Obama combined it with Internet technology that hardly existed four years ago. We hear about a quantum leap in political campaigning. Also, the unemployment rate reaches a 14-year high, and Obama's victory and politics in Iraq.

Barack Obama's election is being celebrated in much of the world, which is hoping for radical change after one of history's most unpopular administrations. We look Obama's transition into the presidency, and at expectations that might be fulfilled and those that might not.  Also, will Alaska return a convicted felon to the US Senate?

This year's race for the White House has been an epic story that may continue for a long time to come. Have voters charted a new direction? What are the prospects for the next administration?

Record numbers of voters are turning out for today's election, which is

Early voters are standing in lines all over the country as election officials brace for a massive turnout on election day.  Claims of fraud, intimidation and intentional disenfranchisement already are being raised.  We hear from the hot spots and look at the possible consequences.  Also, Obama's strong lead in the polls, and and America's uninformed voters.

American business says it tries to contribute equally to Democrats and Republicans, but this year it's going all out for the GOP.  Big Labor goes for Democrats, and a battle is raging over union organizing, regulation and influence on Capitol Hill.  Also, the Bush Administration's final drive to deregulate, and Cuba, Florida politics and the presidential campaign.

The traditionally Republican Heartland has become a battleground

Barack Obama's fundraising is boggling the minds of political pros in both parties. He's on track to raise more money all by himself than the record of $700 million combined set by Bush and Kerry four years ago. We debate public financing today, update the early voting, and talk to a skeptic about the integrity of voting systems around the country. Also, oil prices heading back up, and Planet Earth and the "ecological credit crunch."

As the Dow wiggles ever downward, unemployment in the United States is headed toward 7% or 8%.  In Michigan it's already 9%.  We look at the prospects for Washington to bail out another industry and for another stimulus package to get the economy moving.  Also, can a felony convict be re-elected to the US Senate?