To the Point

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales faces more questions about partisan politics in the administration of justice.  Also, Democrats respond to record-high gas prices and, on Reporter's Notebook, the possible discovery of Herod's tomb.

With 200 criminal convicts exonerated by DNA testing, a look at new efforts to guarantee justice for all.  Also, France's new president, and destruction in Kansas.

Party activists and potential contributors were watching last night as ten candidates for the Republican presidential nomination faced off in California. We talk with several Republicans about them and the rest of the field.   On Reporter's Notebook, the French presidential election this coming Sunday. 

Condoleezza Rice met with her Syrian counterpart today in a diplomatic breakthrough. Also, Democrats focus on Iraq benchmarks and, on Reporter's Notebook, the myths and history of America's first British Colony.

A toxic nerve agent is being trucked from Indiana to Port Arthur, Texas as the US destroys its arsenal of chemical weapons. The Army says it's perfectly safe, but other states have rejected such shipments, and Port Arthur is divided. We find out why.  Also, the Israeli Foreign Minister calls for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to resign and, on Reporter's Notebook, an accused madam has created a furor in Washington, DC.  If she releases the names of her clients, should the media print them or not?

A highly regarded Army lieutenant colonel has exposed a split between younger officers and the military's top brass.  Are "mild-mannered team players" repeating the mistakes of Vietnam in Iraq?  Is there "a crisis in American generals?"  Should Congress intervene?  Also, recent raids and deportations decrease strength of today's immigration demonstrations and, on Reporter's Notebook, Sinclair Lewis warned 70 years ago that the US could become an authoritarian state.  A new book says the risk is still with us.

Former CIA Director George Tenet's new book went on sale this morning, but Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was already leading the backlash yesterday.  Also, five British men sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of conspiring to set off massive explosions and, on Reporter's Notebook, the pet food that killed cats and dogs has spread to America's human food supply.  Federal regulators say not to worry.  

South Carolina's a red state, but the eight Democratic candidates for president got together there last night to debate on Iraq, healthcare and other issues.  We get assessments from across the spectrum of party opinion.  Also, Saudi Arabia arrests nearly 200 alleged Islamic militants, and CIA Director George Tenet's new book.

The Senate and Congress have sent President Bush the Iraq spending bill that he's promised to veto.  We hear about the debate, the "surge," timetables for troop withdrawal, and the importance of public opinion.  Also, the UN criticizes Maliki government over Iraq's increasing violence and, on Reporter's Notebook, a committee of Congress has subpoenaed Condoleezza Rice to testify about the justification for war.  She's not inclined to comply.

Fourteen billion dollars in fruits, vegetables,